Gion - Kinpyo

Location: 335, Miyoshi-cho, Furumonzen, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0081, Kyoto, JP

Star Rating: 4 Stars

Property Type: Private vacation home

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Instructions: There is no front desk at this property. This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions. The host will greet guests on arrival. For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Breakfast is available by reservation only and must be requested at least 2 days in advance.

Amenities & Facilities

• Free WiFi
• Garden
• Luggage storage
• Designated smoking area
• Wheelchair accessible
• Breakfast available (surcharge)
• Library
• Housekeeping on request
• Genkan (entryway)
• Change of towels (on request)
• Change of bed sheets (on request)
• Upper floors accessible by stairs only

Rooms Available

• Machiya Townhouse (with hinoki bath)

  5 Twin Futons

  538 sq feet

  
  

  Layout - 2 bedrooms, tokonoma (alcove), and fusuma (room partition)

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Food & Drink - Kitchenette with refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, and cookware/dishware

  Sleep - A down duvet and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower/tub combination, a toilet with electronic bidet, and free toiletries

  Practical - Safe and iron/ironing board (on request)

  Comfort - Fresh bed sheets (on request), fresh towels (on request), and climate-controlled air conditioning

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 5 (5 Adults)

  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Hair dryer
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Private bathroom
  • Heating
  • Electric kettle
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Toilet paper
  • Bottle of water
  • Shampoo
  • Tatami (traditional Japanese flooring)
  • Free WiFi
  • Down comforter
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Toilet with electronic bidet
  • Free tea bags/instant coffee
  • Soap
  • Tokonoma (alcove)
  • Fusuma (room partition)
  • Paper towels
  • Freezer
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste available
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
  • Change of towels (on request)
  • Change of bed sheets (on request)

Guest Reviews

• Michael (2/5): - Not what I expected. AC everywhere was great though and the location is very good.
• Kevin (10/5): - It was an amazing experience
• Brad (10/5): - This stay was absolutely wonderful, and the host was extremely attentive and understanding. The entire house is very well kept, and everything is in great condition. The bedroom and linens were very comfortable, and the large window in the room let's you wake up to a nice natural light (or block it out entirely if that's your thing). We arrived a bit later than expected, and that wasn't an issue. We were given a full tour of the house and amenities along with instructions on how everything worked.
• Christina (10/5): - The setting was amazing and perfect for casual photos with our kimono rental. The host was friendly and helpful.
• Kevin (10/5): - It’s the cutest little house, with nice living room and comfortable bedroom!
• Kevin (10/5): - Had a pleasant stay here, location is great. Host was very nice and helpful
• Juli (10/5): - Beautiful property, great communication and close by to major areas. Will definitely visit again!
• Simon (10/5): - Beatiful property. Great restaurants nearby. Walkable to local attractions. Quiet. Lovely bath.
• Mahyar (10/5): - This place was amazing! Highly recommend and would come back for sure. Worth every penny paid. The host was accommodating and very kind and helpful.
• Christian (10/5): - Great location, warm feel, friendly host. It has it all.
• Narinchai (10/5): - great stay
• Jennifer (10/5): - This is a very special place - we absolutely loved staying here and felt very honored to be able to so! It is an excellent location, close to everything we needed including two train stations, restaurants and shops, laundromat, two convenience stores, and lovely walks. We especially enjoyed walking along the river canal in the evening. The place itself is historic and wonderfully appointed with antiques, as well as very spacious, the most spacious place we stayed in throughout our long trip through Japan. Our host was very kind and we lacked for nothing. I don't recommend it for those with mobility issues, as the stairs to the second floor where the bedroom and toilet are located are steep and narrow. Otherwise, if you would like to experience a little of 'old' Kyoto and have an apartment to yourself, this is it!
• Sarah (10/5): - The property offered a unique opportunity to stay in a historic building with a unique story. Lots of interesting antique stores in the vicinity and good access to transportation nodes.
• Sarah (10/5): - We loved the building. Unique and traditional but had wonderful modern upgrades that fit the style beautifully.
• Yifen (10/5): - This place is elegant and charming. The host welcomed us warmly. It has a small library and my kids were thrilled at its comic book collection.
• Ka Yan (10/5): Amazing stay - Loved it. The place used to be a sake brewery and the place smells like sake. The sake bath was also very nice. The place was very clean and special.
• CHRISTOPHER (10/5): - We had an amazing time! This is a great location near Gion with easy access to the neighborhood and all of the sights. On top of this, the property is spacious and comfortable and the hosts are extremely welcoming and helpful.
• Militsa (10/5): Great place in the middle of Gion - Great authentic Kyoto home! We truly enjoyed our stay; location next to many restaurants was super convenient, sleeping at futons, taking a wooden hinoki bath and enjoying Japanese breakfast was a great experience.
• Michael (10/5): - One of the best experiences of our whole trip to Japan!
• Kimberly Lanae (10/5): - This is an excellent property at a great value! The owner was very welcoming. The house is beautiful and in a great location.
• Nicholas (10/5): Best honeymoon ever! - Our hostess was incredibly sweet and helpful. The house was more than enough space and in a perfect location. It was a godsend after staying in a tiny room in Tokyo! We would absolutely stay there again. 10/10.
• TW (10/5): - Excellent quiet location. Breakfast option was great. Perfect for our family of 4
• Nicole M. (10/5): Wonderful stay - We loved the house!! It was such a fun experience staying here and we appreciated all the thoughtfulness and flexibility of our phenomenal hosts. My one piece of feedback is I would've liked to have received check-in information a couple of days before our trip. I had to reach out to figure out what we were supposed to do once we arrived in Kyoto. But we got in contact with them and everything afterwards was perfect. Thanks so much for having us!
• Elle (10/5): - Amazing experience in this wonderful old building full of history
• Iris (10/5): Wonderful old house! - It was an impressive traditional Japanese town house, the owner kept it very well. Bathroom facilities are modern. It is spacious, 2 stories, decorated with various owner’s collections and fresh flowers in every room. We had a wonderful time during our stay.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - A beautiful machiya in the Gion district. What's not to love?
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Beautiful house, excellent location. Very spacious.
• Lazar (10/5): - One word: excellent! A part of Japanese heaven! No doubt to choice this place...
• Roy (10/5): Unique Japanese Townhouse - Wonderful and unique property. Really enjoyed our stay.
• Siu Har (8/5): - Nice host and convenient!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - This is a very traditional Japanese house (200 years house) and I am impressed by how the owner maintained its origins.
• Jeffrey (10/5): Amazing and authentic Kyoto experience - This is a very authentic machiya experience: tatami floors, futons rolled out on the floor, a deep soaking wooden tub, a historic building (it used to be a sake brewery). The machiya is in outstanding shape--cleanliness, modern amenities (wifi, AC, Japanese bidet). (Note that part of the authenticity means no western beds, a steep traditional staircase up to the second floor, and the primary seating is also on tatami mats, so for those with mobility disabilities, it might not be the best choice.) It is located in Gion, about 5 minutes to the Shijo Dori shopping street, and steps away from some of Kyoto's best restaurants. A convenience store is also less than 100m away. Maps and brochures about Kyoto are also available and free to take. The staff (who appear to be a mother and daughter team, and who live nearby) speak good English and are extremely friendly and also eager to help. They provide daily cleaning and trash removal, which is nice. They also leave lovely little treats for guests each evening. Breakfast is optional ($), but we didn't do it this trip, so all I can say is that it is available. We've stayed in Kyoto machiyas four times now, in a different machiya each time, and we've been delighted with all of them. But this one stands out for its exquisite historical beauty and modern conveniences, helpful on-site staff, and excellent location.
• Hon Sum Sam (10/5): - What an amazing GEM in Kyoto, you are actually staying in a living museum but with extraordianry home feel services including sake bath, the house owner is the 10th generation of the family who was a sake brewery before, you still can see some of the equipment back in centuries ago! It's a huge duplex,and the owner provides two bicycles for the residence to use, you can feel free cycling around and explore Kyoto! There is a small kitchen for you to do some cooking as well. Surely will give you an Unforgettable experience in Kyoto.
• John (10/5): Unique property with great traditional appeal - Loved this place! It was an amazing experience living in such a historic space. While we didn't have all of the creature comforts of a 4-star hotel, it was exactly what we wanted for a traditional Japanese living experience. Totally amazing!
• JS (10/5): Pricy but worth every penny - Full of traditional vibe without compromising convenience of a modern life. My two friends and I spent a truly memorable night with endless chats and snacks
• Verified traveler (6/5): - It's a bit dark, wish it could be brighter. Windows were completely shut and boarded.
• Daniel (10/5): A traditional experience - We spent three nights and loved every minute of our stay. The owners were very kind and even spoke a little bit of English. They provided us with maps and brochures of the area and answered questions about local attractions. As a gift they had stocked the refrigerator with bottles of delicious Sake and beer. The lady of the house also provided us with warabi mochi and hand-whisked green tea upon checking in. Contrary to what was stated on the Expedia listing, free WiFi was provided. Highly recommended.
• Fernando (10/5): Amazing place! What a pleasure to stay here! - From the moment we arrived we truly felt at home. The owners were so nice and welcoming. They did everything in their power to make us feel special. They helped with instructions around the area, best places to visit, restaurants etc... They took the time and explained to our 5 and 8 year old the history of their home and all 10 generations that had lived there. The history behind it was truly amazing. The actual house is beautiful! The photos do not do justice. Extremely clean and they really put a lot of attention to detail. You truly get to experience a traditional Japanese home. They do set up the beds on the floor but they are very, very comfortable! I have to words to describe what a beautiful place and experience this was! Highly recommend!
• Amanda (10/5): - The best experience! The owners were so kind and helpful with recommendations, even bringing us fresh cut fruit as a surprise. The townhouse is beautifully kept and it felt like we had the keys to a museum in a way. The location is excellent for exploring Gion and also close to a subway. 5 stars.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Beautiful - A beautiful house from another time, full of history, all for you, with beautiful furniture, all comfort, renovated with care, and excellent location. very much recommended
• DC (10/5): Truly historic - Amazing stay in a traditional townhouse in the Gion. Friendly and helpful owners. Very private stay in a quiet location. Easy to tour the main regions of Kyoto from this stay. Traditional bath made it feel a little like a spa.
• Brenda (10/5): Beautiful place. Photos don't do it justice. - Welcoming hosts. Very helpful with lots of information, maps and lonely planet guides. Organised luggage delivery for us. Beautiful place with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Very spacious. Great location. We walked everywhere. Train station 5 minutes away.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Amazing experience, a must do. The place is gorgeous and well located. We had a Japanese person with us, that helped with the communication but It didn't seemed that that would be a problem anyway.
• Verified traveler (10/5): loved this house. the owners were so gracious . - Had the best time in Kyoto staying here. Most gracious hosts. Townhouse was beautiful and so comfortable. In great location. We loved the feel of having an experience like this. Definitely would recommend.
• Hilary (8/5): Traditional Japanese Experience - This is a traditional Japanese town house-genuinely 200 years old. The owner speaks reasonably English and is quite helpful. I loved it but sleeping on a futon on the floor did not go down so well for my husband. Just one word of warning-we were told that the contents of the fridge were complementary but were then charged for tow small bottles of Saki...this might have simply have been a misunderstanding.
• Russell (10/5): Loved it! - Gion-Kinpyo is a renovated townhouse that we had to ourselves, like a condominium. The accommodation is charming and spacious, and the soaking tub is a great way to relax after a day of sightseeing. Our hosts were friendly and helpful, and while they don't have a full command of English, we had no problem communicating. All in all, it's a great alternative to a ryokan.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Awesome traditional japanese house in kyoto. - Great place. Centrally located in kyoto. Easy walking distance to many temples and restaurants by the river.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Amazing Gem! - Incredible find! It is an amazingly updated but clearly historic structure. Fantastic change of pace after staying a luxury high rise in Tokyo but just as much as fun. Layout is a little funky but we loved it. We went with small children and the only thing to note is the steepness of the staircase (though there is a door that can close off the stairs). Hosts are so lovely-- went out of their way to be extremely available, bent over backwards to make sure they accommodated our needs. Would stay here again in a second!
• Beth (10/5): Excellent restored townhome. - Gorgeous restored townhouse gives the feel of traditional Japan, but with all the comforts you expect. Wonderful deep soaking tub. Comfortable bedding, air conditioning and bidet. The couple that owns and restored it are very helpful and kind and gave the entire Japan experience and Macha tea service.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Unique Machiya Experience - The owners and host of Gion Kinpyo are extremely gracious, kind, and welcoming. We loved our stay, and will definitely come back. Travelers should understand this is a unique, historic Machiya that is not a Ryokan. Also, that this place only accommodates one set of guest(s) at a time. Truly wonderful to complete our Gion experience. They recommended and called ahead, for our dinner reservations, that we would have never found. The owners have limited English, so travelers should be prepared.
• Verified traveler (10/5): You won't find a more beautiful place to stay - It's extraordinary - a historic place to yourself, full of detail and ambience. Be clear, it is not a hotel, more a serviced apartment. No breakfast is a bit inconvenient, but there are many places nearby. Don't expect the Ryokan dining experience that you will get elsewhere. However nothing detracts from the memories this beautiful home will leave.
• Jane (10/5): Quality stay, warmth and hospitality - Welcoming, comfortable and historic! A very special experience to stay in such a building. We were free to explore and enjoy the traditional aspects of the building, and our hosts made every effort for us to be comfortable and well looked after. Thanks very much

Photos