MACHIYADO 京都南禅寺道

Spotless, well finished, beautiful

The home is absolutely beautiful.

I arrived earlier than check in, and met the people who clean the Machiya on arrival. They helped clear up the confusion in regards to booking in, as well as the owner/caretaker via email. The Machiya itself has everything you need - it has a small stove top, a small bar fridge, and a washing machine that was very much appreciated from not having time to wash clothes after travelling so much in two weeks. The Futons provided were sound, and comfortable enough to sleep in without issue. The bathroom is smaller than it appears on the photos, but it is accurately portrayed. There are cracks in the stone bath, but I'm not sure if this is a bad thing or not. The air conditioning on both levels is welcome in the Japanese summer. The size of the Machiya is good for a family of 4, or even 5. Anything bigger might be a bit cramped, but I was travelling alone so none of that was an issue for me. The Machiya is pretty good value with not only what it has, but how close it is to Higashiyama train station (5 min walk), there's 2 Lawsons convenience stores very close by, A 7-11 a little further away, the main shopping/entertainment precinct is a 20 minute walk if you don't feel like catching a train, as well as some of the local attractions. If I ever came back, I would definitely consider staying here again.

The stairs are a bit small, and the gradient is quite steep - they were designed with Japanese in mind, not larger westerners. You have to be a bit careful going up and down them. The rack provided for drying clothes is a bit small. Laundry loads had to be smaller in order to have enough space to dry everything properly.

The Japanese style of the property, the garden, the bath, the TV

There was no full length mirror. I was a little uncomfortable sitting on the floor to watch TV, but I understand that is the Japanese way. My daughter was bothered by the sunlight coming in the bedroom window in the morning.

Amazing house - exceptionally clean and well kept. The atmosphere was lovely and we had access to everything we needed.

The only downside was the steep stairs, but if you take your time up and down you’ll be fine!

Big house with all amenities in great location

The house was really cold and the heater did not heat the kitchen (but that’s the japanese way of life so it is ok, we managed with sweaters) + you have to walk in the garden to go to the bathroom but that’s also part of the charm of the machiya

Great part of Kyoto in a quiet street