Kyoto Guesthouse: 9 Stunning Old Kyoto Townhouses Turned Into Accommodation

1. OKI’s INN 沖のまちやど

OKI’s inn is a guest house which was renovated from the building from the Taisho era. Since it was renovated recently, it is still fresh and modern and its location gives good access to Nanzenji, Tetsugakunomichi, Gion, and Kiyomizu by walk.  The whole ridge can be lent by a group of 10 people. Price for two people is 7000/7500 yen, Use of dormitory costs 2,300 yen per person.

542-2 Furukawa-cho Higashiyama-ku Kyoto-city (Google Map)

http://www.okimachi.com/

2. Kyoto Shirakawa 京都しらかわ (*Closed)

Kyoto Shirakawa speaks it’s name for itself - it is located closest to Shirakawa within Higashiyama Sanjyo area which contains many guest houses in Machiya (town house) style. It opened in October 2010, which was done up from the town house built in the beginning of the Showa era. The area itself is close to Heianjingu, Chiyoin and Gion, and what's better, guests can enjoy the luxury in contrary to its affordable price. It also offers the tea ceremony experience in the tea house. Price starts from 4,500 yen.

3. Sanjyoyado 三条宿

Sanjyoyado is a guest house located right in the middle of Kyoto, south side of Nijyojyo. Although it has been renovated from a Meiji era-townhouse, it still keeps a dirt floor called Tooriniwa (通り庭）which gives the instant feel of old days. Tooriniwa is a doma which sits right in the middle of a townhouse with a narrow front. Not only does it make it much easier to move people/loads in and out, but also it serves for better ventilation and lightning. Price starts from 3,500 yen per person(when used by 4 people per room)

453 Masuya-cho Nishiiru Aneyakoji St. Horikawa Nakagyo-ku Kyoto-city  (Google Map)

http://www.sanjojuku.com/

4. Rakuza 楽座 (*Closed)

Rakuza is a guest house located in Gion Kyoto. This was once an Ochaya, a specific restaurant offering Geiko entertainment. It still has a former Ochaya-style dance hall, and the salon where guests can enjoy the Tsuboniwa and make some exchange with our guests.  For being in Gion area, it is perfect for a nice stroll, and the place offers reasonably priced dormitory.  Price: use of dormitory is 3,000 yen per person. Private room ranges from 3,000 yen to 4,500 yen. 

5. Guest house Jiyu-jin 時遊人

There are lots of guest houses in Machiya (townhouse) style in Kyoto, however this one is more like a business hotel. Guest rooms project comforting space by its use of Washi and trees and there is also a dormitory familiar to guest houses. As the merit for being a modern building, guests will find insulation, room keys, and air conditioners.  Price for the use of dormitory 3,100 yen per person, Private room in western style: 3,100-4,300 yen per person, Japanese style room: 11,500 per room.

524 Izumi-cho Higashidoin dori Gojo sagaru Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-city  (Google Map)

http://www.0757085177.com/

6. Kingyoya 金魚屋

Kingyoya is a guest house which was renovated from the traditional town house in Kyoto Nishijin. Nishijin is known for its famous textile Nishijin-ori. It is located near Kinkakuji and Ninwaji and its features include breakfast being served by adding just 700 yen in a dining room with the view of the garden. Price of the dormitory is particularly reasonable, which is 2,700 yen.  Without breakfast it's 2,700 yen for the use of the dormitory and 3,780-4,320 yen for the private room.

243 Kankicho Kanki cho Kamigyo-ku Kyoto-city  (Google Map)

http://kingyoya-kyoto.com/

7. KIOTO 木音

There are many guest houses in the Nishijin area which offer morning breakfast, and Kioto is no exception. The big kotatsu in the shared room unites guests from all around the world. There are nearby places such as Kitanotenmangu which enshrines the god of academics; Hiranojinjyo, which is known for cherry blossoms; and Kinkakuji.  Price for dormitory use is 2,700 yen, private western room: 3,800 yen, and private Japanese room: 3000 yen or 4000 yen per person.

100 Mizomae-cho Kamigyo-ku Kyoto-city Japan (Google Map)

http://kioto-kyoto.com/

8. Ikkuu 一空 (*Closed)

Ikkuu is a guest house which was once used to be a Ochaya and nestled in the entertainment quarter in Kyoto, Gion. (Ochaya is an eating place for inviting Geiko) It is in accessible place to Kiyomizudera and Yasakajinjya by walk. Ikku means there is only one sky and it was named after the wish for being a place which transcends nationalities and religions.  Maximum capacity is 8 people for guests to relax in the chilled environment. Price for gender mixed dormitory: 2,500 yen per person, private room for two: 7,500 yen or 8,000 yen, or use of the whole dormitory for 25,000 yen.

9. Hostel Haruya Kyoto 宿はる家

The owner of the hostel runs the business to resurge Machiya (town house), and has opened 4 branches of Hostel Haruya within Kyoto City. Currently they are located in the Higashiyama area (called Kyoto), and the one close by the Kyoto City (called Aqua). Either of them are very tasteful and authentic town houses which are left in the original state without much arrangements, especially a tatami-floored space called Kyoma Sanjyo in all Hotel Haruya are preserved, knowing they are in the smallest and the narrowest in Kyoto scale.  Price for the private room for up to 4 people: 5500-9000 yen per room, female only dormitory: 1,500 yen to 3000 yen.

Kyoto: 542-4 Furukawa-chō, Higashiyama-ku Kyoto-city (Google Map)

Aqua: 1-12 Waki-cho Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-city (Google Map)

http://www.yado-haruya.com/

Top image: Booking.com

Also check:

16 Guest Houses Suitable for Long Stay in Kyoto