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Serendipity in Kyoto, home near the Imperial Palace

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Serendipity@Kyoto
Serendipity@Kyoto
Serendipity@Kyoto
Serendipity@Kyoto
Serendipity@Kyoto

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Garage parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Dryer

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

5 Twin Beds

Bedroom 2

5 Twin Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Serendipity in Kyoto, home near the Imperial Palace

124 years old charming Japanese traditional wooden town house (machiya), fully renovated to a holiday rental house.

This house is located in the very center of Kyoto city. Walking distance to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo castle of world heritage, Gaisha area etc. To access all main beautiful places like Golden Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, Gion etc., takes only about 15 minutes.

There are lots of famous restaurants, cafes and bars around the house, and even you can experience Japanese traditional public bath (sento) near our house.

Our house is in a quaint back street of the city and this is the best place for you to explore the real Japanese lifestyle.

How about going to the cafe where Kyoto people gather in the morning or public bath at night in our neighborhood where you can have a chat and become friends with local people.

The surrounded area of our house is not crowded by tourists, is also a advantage for you to enjoy the calm daily life of local people.

Inside the house has been designed with the image of a Japanese tea‐ceremony room (chashitsu), to provide our guests the simple but cozy Japanese cultural atmosphere at home.

This house is a two story building with living room, kitchen, bath, toilet etc. in the first floor and two bed rooms in the second floor. we are Newly renovated and the house is very clean and new.

We have futons (beds) up to 5 guests. We of cause welcome you all and very much recommend for families with children. Since we are in the middle of a typical very friendly and strongly connected local community, you could enjoy the hospitality of Kyoto citizens.

We wish you to spend relaxed during your stay and we are very glad if you feel this place as your own home in Kyoto.

We wish your stay in Kyoto will be a one with lots of lovely serendipity. From that meaning we named this house "Serendipity @ Kyoto"

Our house "Serendipity Kyoto" is a licensed accommodation where you can stay with more trust, more safety and more security.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Check out before 11:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

No pets allowed

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Basically there are no strict roles, we just wish you to have a good time, to be relaxed, and enjoy Kyoto, Japan.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 902114
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

About the neighborhood

Kyoto

Located in Central Kyoto, a neighborhood in Kyoto, this vacation home is near a water park. Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijō Castle are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Lake Biwa. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden and Funaoka Thermal Bath are also worth visiting.
View more Vacation Homes in KyotoOpens in a new window
Map
京都市, 京都府

What's nearby

  • Seimei-Jinja Shrine - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Nishijin Textile Center - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Doshisha University - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Kyoto Imperial Palace - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Kawaramachi Street - 7 min drive - 3.3 km

Getting around

  • Kitano-Hakubaicho Station - 3 min drive
  • Imadegawa Station - 13 min walk
  • Itami Airport (ITM) - 67 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪くら寿司 西陣店 - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Ben Gong’s Tea 本宮的茶 - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪ル・プチメック 今出川 - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪ビカシューマハル 今出川店 - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪河村食堂 - ‬6 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Serendipity in Kyoto, home near the Imperial Palace pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Serendipity in Kyoto, home near the Imperial Palace?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Serendipity in Kyoto, home near the Imperial Palace?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Serendipity in Kyoto, home near the Imperial Palace located?

Located in Central Kyoto, this vacation home is within a 15-minute walk of Seimei-Jinja Shrine and Kyoto Imperial Palace. Kawaramachi Street and Nishiki Market are also within 3 mi (5 km). Imadegawa Station is 13 minutes by foot and Kuramaguchi Station is 21 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenna T.

Great place to stay!

We really enjoyed our stay at Serendipity! Chie was very warm and welcoming-an amazing host! Her directions and assistance on how to get there and around the city we’re very helpful. Thank you for your hospitality!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 27, 2020
Thank you for your lovely review. it is our pleasure to hear you all enjoyed at Kyoto as well as, Serendipy@Kyoto. We would love to welcome you again. We wish you all the best and good luck. warmest regards. Chie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

angie t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Kyoto splendor

Experience Kyoto local style. The host was wonderful & the home was clean & comfortable in the heart of Kyoto.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 22, 2023
Thank you for your lovely and kind review.Thank you for staying with us at Serendipity@Kyoto. We very much looking forward to seeing you again. Wish you all the best and good luck from Kyoto. Warmest regards Chie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maureen U.

Perfect Getaway!

This home was perfectly stocked and beautifully maintained! The owner was an absolute delight to work with and clearly takes tremendous pride in his home. We ha a wonderful weekend in Sag Harbor and the location of this home is very convenient for exploring!
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 27, 2020
Thank you Maureen for your lovely review. It is our pleasure you enjoyed our place. We very much looking forward to seeing you again as Kyoto. Wish you all the best and good luck. Thank you.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashok M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very Hospitable stay in comfortable home

We very much enjoyed our stay, The house was very welcoming, clean, and comfortable for our family of 4, Our host was very welcoming and helped us with our stay in Kyoto. The location is in a residential neighborhood, so you need transportation to get to a lot of the sites, but it was easy with Uber
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Lisa R.

Amazing!

Chie was a gracious host. She made sure we were comfortable and had everything we required. Her house is clean, quiet, and comfortable. I hope to be back with my entire family one day.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 27, 2020
Thank you Lisa for your lovely reverie. I was our pleasure to welcome you to "Serendipity@Kyoto". Hope to see you very much again at Kyoto. Thank you again and wish you all the best. Chie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

letitia c.

Serene and wonderful

We loved this traditional Japanese home. Chie was an outstanding host. Very helpful and attentive. Easy to reach. The house itself was extremely comfortable and had everything we needed. Plus an easy bus ride to major sites. Thank you Chie!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 27, 2020
Thank you very much for your lovely comment. We are very much looking forward to welcoming you when you come back to Kyoto. Wish you all the best with warmest regards from Kyoto. chie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pete M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazingly Authentic Japanese Experience in Kyoto!

I spent 4 Nights in Kyoto @ Serendipity with 2 of my college age kids. I had been to Japan many times for work in the past staying at large 5 star hotel chains in Tokyo. However, I wanted my kids first visit to be one where they truly experienced the spirit, history, and culture of the real "Japan." Our time at Serendipity, in Kyoto, was essential to that objective. Clean, safe, very authentic, and in a great location... Serendipity was perfect! Chie, the owner, was profoundly kind, and a great communicator. I highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 2, 2023
Dear Pete, Thank you for your lovely review. We were touched to hear that this area holds fond memories for Pete, having lived here when he was younger, and that he came back again, this time to spend time with his children. Again, Pete's words about how sad he is to leave Kyoto, are still fresh in my mind. We are very honored that you chose our home away from home, "Serendipity@Kyoto", for your stay. Pete and his family have been memorable guests that we will never forget. We sincerely look forward to seeing you again. We wish Pete and your family all the best from Kyoto, Japan. Once again, thank you so much for staying with us at "Serendipity@Kyoto" and we hope you will come back! Chie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mitzy F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

True Serenity

This property was such a gem! It’s in a pretty, quaint neighborhood. The bus stops and the subway stations are close by. No more than 10-15min light walk. Chie, was so hospitable. She made sure to give us recommendations for bike shops that were near by. She also provided us with a portable wi-fi , which came in handy when trying to figure out bus routes. The rooms were beautiful, and the beds were very comfortable. This home was perfect. We will definitely come again. Recommend this to anyone who wants to get away for a bit from city life.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 27, 2020
Hi Mitzy and Yurac Thank you for the lovely review. Thank you for the lovely picture too you kept for us in “serendipity@kyoto”. Please come again to Kyoto, next time with the kids and family. Looking forward to seeing you. Thank you again and wishing you all the best and good luck. Chie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tina W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

real Japanese House with amazing owner

First of all Chie is an amazing host, so especially if you are new to traveling Japan, she is a great resource. Easily reachable via whatsapp she also answers general questions as to e.g. find a great tea shop and orders a taxi for your return. About the house, it is very clean and cute. Just be aware that it is a Japanese house, so everything is smaller and the futons are a bit firm (but so are most western beds in hotels as well). The 2 rooms upstairs are very cozy and have A/C, a lifesaver! The sliding door between them has a big gap, so you can hear everything in the other room. Probably good for supervising kids. Traditional bathroom, which I would call "wet cell" with nice size bathtub and amazing water pressure at the shower. Plenty of towels available. As for the location we found it very good. We could reach everything easily by bus. To our surprise most things even without changing buses. Loved it because no need to go underground and they are also very punctual. Close by there is a cute French cafe and also a laundry. I can very much recommend this property.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 25, 2023
Thank you very much Tina for your very warm review. We are also very pleased to hear that you and your family enjoyed many things in Kyoto, such as the Japanese cooking class and the sake experience tour. We are very happy that you enjoyed your stay at 「Serendipity at Kyoto」. The area where 「Serendipity at Kyoto」 is located is a popular place for even Kyoto residents to live, quiet, easy to get to everywhere and enjoy Kyoto in a relaxed atmosphere. We wish you and your family good health and success and look forward to seeing you again. Thank you very much again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jean B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay at Serendipity Kyoto

My two adult sons and I stayed at Chie’s wonderful guest house this past week. Chie met us upon arrival and explained the house and provided bus maps and recommendations for eating and other attractions. The bus stop is a short walk away and we were able to easily navigate Kyoto and most of the historical sites on the bus. At Chie’s recommendation we purchased all day passes, which was a great idea. The house was clean and authentic and had everything that we needed to make us comfortable. Chie kept in contact throughout our stay to answer questions and to make sure that we had everything that we needed. Chie called a cab for us when we left, and saw us off, Thank you for your hospitality and for sharing your beautiful home with us Chie!
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 27, 2020
Thank you for your lovely review. it is our pleasure you all enjoyed at Kyoto as well as, Serendipy@Kyoto. We would love to welcome you again. we wish you all the best and good luck. warmest regards. Chie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jonathon W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic location

Great location. Wonderful host. Everything we needed
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 27, 2020
Thank you for your lovely review. it is our pleasure to hear you all enjoyed at Kyoto as well as, Serendipy@Kyoto. We would love to welcome you again. We wish you all the best and good luck. warmest regards. Chie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judith P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home-Style Comfort in a Quiet Neighborhood

Serendipity is special. Not only does the house have historic significance as a machiya (wooden townhouse that served as a merchant house), but it offered the comforts we count on at home -- a small but well-equipped kitchen; a luxurious bathroom with tub and shower, fancy bidet; air conditioning. The location is ideas. Down a narrow road in a quiet residential neighborhood, the house was convenient to a bus stop, convenience stores (Lawsons), and the Nishi-jin weavers district and Nishiki Textile Center (weaving demonstrations, kimona fashion shows). From start to finish, the owner (Chie) made it easy for us with prompt e-mail responses and a switch from e-mail to What's App communication (to avoid international fees). Chie also provided maps, useful tips, and carry-with instructions in Japanese for us to hand the taxi drivers to help the locate the house. And, finally, Chie was attentive to our flight schedule, available to exchange messages from the airport, and right there to meet us at the agreed time. Meeting her for the first time was a great pleasure. She met our taxi and walked us to the door. From the start she made us feel welcome in her home.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 27, 2020
Thank you for your lovely review. it is our pleasure to hear you all enjoyed at Kyoto as well as, Serendipy@Kyoto. We would love to welcome you again. We wish you all the best and good luck. warmest regards. Chie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen S.

Perfect place for us

For our stay in Kyoto, my husband, adult daughter and I wanted a Japanese home experience, not a hotel. This was it! The home is located in a neighborhood, not a touristy area. We loved the small pedestrian street it was located on. During the day, it was a pretty busy walkway/bikeway, but quiet at night. The host, Chie, was right there to greet us upon arrival, was available to us throughout the stay and even escorted us to a taxi when we left. One particularly warm day, I got a text from her reminding us to stay hydrated in the heat, and to give us some info on a local parade we would not have otherwise known about. She cared about her guests. She really was a great host. The home had everything we needed and wanted. There are narrow stairs to consider for those with mobility issues. It is a real 149 year old house, so there are some low clearances if you are over 6 ft tall. These are charms we appreciated, but should be considered. There is AC! The kitchen is small, but perfect for morning coffee, tea and toast. A small fridge, plates, cups, and utensils available. This is a nice property for families. You pass through a bedroom to get to the second bedroom. Kyoto Station is about a 13 minute taxi ride away. There is a bus stop close by, but we never used it. One block away, there is a laundry, a Lawson's convenience store and a bakery. Overall, we had a great stay and can not thank Chie enough for her hospitality.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 27, 2020
Dear Karen 、thank you for your lovely review. It is our honor you stayed at “Serendipity@Kyoto”, and it is our pleasure you enjoyed Kyoto. We are sorry you couldn’t see the festival this time. But please come again there are lots of traditional festivals and parades in this city. We are looking forward to seeing you again. We wish your family all the best and good luck. Chie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alberto Henrique

Excelent stay

Excellent stay. Chie is very friendly and very helpful. Great location in the center of Kyoto. Typical Japanese house with everything you need to spend a few pleasant days ...
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 27, 2020
Thank you for your lovely and kind review.Thank you for staying with us at Serendipity@Kyoto. We very much looking forward to seeing you again. Wish you all the best and good luck from Kyoto. Warmest regards Chie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristianne K.

Pleasant location, kind host

Well-situated near public transportation in Kyoto. Cute bi-level apartment. Stairs to second level are steep so not suitable for persons with disabilities. Host very warm and friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 27, 2020
Thank you for your lovely and kind review. When you come to stay at serendipity@Kyoto, I hope to do arrange your beds on the ground floor. We very much looking forward to seeing you again. Wish you all the best and good luck from Kyoto. Chie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joshua G.

Family Spring Break

We loved the home, Chie was very accommodating. She met us upon arrival and showed us maps of all the places to see in Kyoto. The house was very clean and gave you that Japanese experience. The mats were very comfortable to sleep on and the house was very spacious. Thank you Chie for hosting us and making our trip to Kyoto memorable. We highly recommend this place.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 27, 2020
Thank you Joshua, for staying at "Serendipity@Kyoto". Thank you for your lovely review too. We are very glad to hear you enjoyed Kyoto. We are looking forward to seeing in Kyoto again. We wish you all the best and good luck! Thank you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve S.

OutstandingAnd hospitable

The accommodations are great. Very comfortable. Very Japanese. The house is conveniently located to transportation and is on a very quiet and atmospheric lane. Chie is very welcoming and attentive. Would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 27, 2020
Thank you Steve for your lovely review. It is our pleasure and honor you enjoyed “serendipity”. Please come again to enjoy Taiyaki ( fish shaped cake)! Looking forward to seeing you again. Wish you all the best and good luck!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte L.

Great stay for family of 3 with toddler.

We had a great time, the guest house is a 2 minutes walk from buses to key locations and a 15min walk from the underground. Chie is a very attentive and helpful host. It was perfect for our 18 month old son who slept with us in the room. It was cold in Kyoto when we were there but there are lots of heaters in the house so that wasn't a problem when we were at home or at night. The neighborhood is very pretty and the residents super friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 27, 2020
Thank you for your lovely review. it is our pleasure to hear you all enjoyed at Kyoto as well as, Serendipy@Kyoto. We would love to welcome you again. We wish you all the best and good luck. warmest regards. Chie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew D.

Beautiful home near downtown!

Chie was an amazing host! I was traveling through Japan with a few friends and we were looking for a place to stay while we were in Kyoto for 2 days. Check in was incredibly easy and the home was very clean and as advertised. We will definitely stay here again the next time we are in Kyoto!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 27, 2020
Thank you for your lovely review. it is our pleasure to hear you all enjoyed at Kyoto as well as, Serendipy@Kyoto. We would love to welcome you again. We wish you all the best and good luck. warmest regards. Chie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

RONALD B.

Very clean, peaceful, beautiful japanese home.

A wonderful stay in Kyoto ! Our hostess Chie was very gracious and kind. Soo much history and culture to learn in such a great city ! Can't wait to return . !
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 27, 2020
Thank you for your lovely review. it is our pleasure to hear you all enjoyed at Kyoto as well as, Serendipy@Kyoto. We would love to welcome you again. We wish you all the best and good luck. warmest regards. Chie
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lizzie K.

Charming, personal and perfectly Japanese!

This was a PERFECT Kyoto stay for our family (two adults and two small children stayed for a week with an extra adult joining us for a few nights). Chie was a wonderful host and checked in with us to make sure our stay was going well. The neighborhood is quiet and within walking distance of the Imperial Gardens. The home is also a short walk of several bus lines, including two that end at the train station. There are a variety of restaurants nearby and Chie gave us a list and helpful map to some of her favorites. Finally, the interior was exceptionally clean and organized. The tatami mat rooms let my children experience an authentic Japanese house. And, the kitchen allowed me to prepare Western-style breakfasts for my picky eater. I highly recommend staying at Serendipity at Kyoto!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 27, 2020
Thank you for your lovely review. it is our pleasure to hear you all enjoyed at Kyoto as well as, Serendipy@Kyoto. We would love to welcome you again. We wish you all the best and good luck. warmest regards. Chie

About the host

Hosted by Chie

Host profile image

Hi, Thank you very much for visiting our page.

I am Chie. I love and live in Kyoto, and at present raising 2 small kids in this town with my husband, who is a professor of sociology.

Our family love traveling. We are visiting abroad at least once or twice a year.

We listed one our my house on "VRBO" to welcome who visit this beautiful city, Kyoto.

Our home locates in the heart of Kyoto, and recommended those who wish to explore real Japan and real Kyoto.

Our house is a traditional charming Japanese one, in a quaint back street of the city and the best place for you to experience the real Japanese lifestyle and daily life of Kyoto people.

Walking distance to the Kyoto imperial palace, Nijo castle of world heritage, Gaisha area etc. To access all main beautiful places like Golden Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, Gion etc, takes only about 15 minutes by public transport service or taxi.

You can easily find out basically every thing you wish to around our house. Believe me there are lots of very famous restaurants, cafes and bars around, even you can experience Japanese traditional public bath near our house.

We named this cozy home "serendipity@Kyoto" with the best wishes towards our guests, you to experience lots of wonderful serendipity during the stay in Kyoto.

Since "Serendipity@Kyoto" is a licensed accommodation, you can stay with more trust, more safety and more security.

Thank you for reading my page and looking forward very much to seeing you.

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