Gion Koyu an Machiya House

Very typical, clean. Highly recommended

Windows were difficult to close, and even when closed they were not perfectly isolated so I would expect the Machiya to get quite cold at winter.

House was extremely beautiful, when I first saw it I didn't think it could be possibly where we would be staying because of how nice it looked. I think it's worth it to try out how a "traditional" house would feel like. I thought the futons were pretty comfortable and rooms had decent amount of space. The pillows might be deal breakers for some people because they are traditional buckwheat pillows and there is only one per futon. Service was very good! I requested extras towels not expecting that they would give me enough towels to not have to reuse any. Location was pretty close to the main street and many attractions.

The house along with its Sakura tree in the garden was a little bit too beautiful that people kept being noisy and taking pictures. I would not recommend staying here in the colder months because the house was very cold without the heater running despite it being the latter half of March. (All I can say is thank god for heated toilets here in Japan.)

The space.

House insulation, as expected from traditional japanese house

It is absolutely stunning in everyway. An incredibly beautiful machiya and we have stayed in Kyotos finest Ryoken. A totally authentic machiya experience. Cedar hot tubs x 2 amazing (though water only warm). Futon and sobukawa pillows incredible, best sleeps of the trip in family room (even with street noise). Perfect location to all the hot spots. Bus stop short stroll. Very cold but toasty and cozy under the table with heater on. Bedrooms toasty warm at night. Great little kitchen with all you need (but and washer/dryer could be squeezed in next to fridge). Would stay again.

Instructions for things like heaters etc very poor, instructions online didnt match the room appliances, had to work it all out ourselves. Coffee, tea etc wasnt replenished after day 2 cleaning, even when asked. Road noise at times, but to be expected in old machiya in busy Gion, part of the experience. Hot water very cold so couldnt fully enjoy beatiful cedar baths. Quite cold in winter, but to be expected in machiya, but plenty of heating. Under table heater is great but no instructions about it. No laundry facilities, but room for them.

Perfect location in central Gion. The road is a little bit busy during the day but mostly quiet at night. Very nice accomodation, although there is not really much lounge room in the 2 bedroom configuration.

We were unable to fill up the bathtub, despite following the instructions.

Staying here was one of the highlights of our trip to Japan. We checked in at their main office and got our door code, and then took a taxi to the house. The location is amazing - walking distance to so many things and just steps away from a shrine. The house has tatami mat rooms, futons, sliding shoji - it felt like stepping back in time in the best way possible. We also loved the hinoki soaking tub. The house felt perfect for 2 people. This is a must do experience if you're in Kyoto.

The only thing I could see being an issue for some is that because it's a very old home, it's not the most soundproof. We could hear folks outside on the street from the living room and the bedroom. It didn't really bother us though, it comes with the territory.

The traditional style of the house

There is not much soundproofing from street noises because of the traditional materials used for the windows