House

Gion Kyuraku - Traditional Luxury in Machiya in Gion/Kiyomizu Area! - Free WiFi

Gion Kyuraku - Traditional Luxury in Machiya in Gion/Kiyomizu Area! - Free WiFi

Photo gallery for Gion Kyuraku - Traditional Luxury in Machiya in Gion/Kiyomizu Area! - Free WiFi

Living room
Garden at Gion Kyuraku designed by a reputable garden designer in Kyoto.
Welcoming Entrance Way to Gion-Kyuraku
Unclassified image, 4 of 26, button
Front Entrance

Overview of Gion Kyuraku - Traditional Luxury in Machiya in Gion/Kiyomizu Area! - Free WiFi

10 out of 10 Exceptional
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 670 sq m

Popular amenities

  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space

Explore the area

Kyoto, Kyoto (prefecture)
  • Popular LocationKiyomizu Temple10 min walk
  • Popular LocationKawaramachi Street10 min walk
  • Popular LocationNishiki Market17 min walk
  • AirportKobe (UKB)90 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Downstairs 3rd Bedroom

2 Single Futons

Upstairs 2nd Bedroom

1 Double Futon

Upstairs Main Bedroom

3 Double Futons

1 bathroom, 2 half bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Shampoo

Toilet 1 (downstairs)

Toilet

Toilet 2 (downstairs)

Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Gion Kyuraku - Traditional Luxury in Machiya in Gion/Kiyomizu Area! - Free WiFi

Gion Kyuraku was originally Tea Master's House which was fully renovated and turned into a vacation rental.

To upgrade our garden, we feel so fortunate to have met Mr. Sano, the landscape architect, to design our garden at Gion-Kyuraku. Mr. Sano was selected as one of the top 100 gardeners for the book called “Contemporary Japanese Gardens 100 Gardens by 100 Japanese Landscape Architects”, and the photo book was published in December 2014. We would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Sano for selecting our garden for the book.

Gion Kyuraku, nearly a century old Kyo-Machiya, that was once a tea-masters residence, located in the historical district of Kyoto, Gion/Kiyomizu. It has been restored to its original splendor, in conjunction with modern amenities, contemporary comforts, consideration of the environment, along with state-of-the-art entertainment, and communication infrastructure.

The three ‘L’s’ in rental property are “Location, Location, Location”.

Firstly, Gion Kyuraku is in the heart of Gion, where Maiko-sans, and Geiko-sans (Geisha in English) can be seen nightly.

Secondly, historical temples, shrines, and world heritage sites are within a few minutes walking distance, Kenninji Temple (2 minute walk), Kyomizu Temple (10 minute walk), Hokan-ji Temple known as Yasaka Pagoda (5 minute walk), Rokuhara Mitsuji Temple (1 minute walk), and countless other historical sites.

Thirdly, one of the most historical streets in Japan Hanamikoji Dori is only a 3 minute walk from Gion Kyuraku. Additionally, there are a number of grocery stores, one is only a minute away, the other is a 24HR supermarket, bakeries, and countless restaurants are in the neighborhood, from family run diners, pubs to Michelin rated restaurants, and famous Ryoriya (Kyoto cuisine restaurants) are our neighbors.

A Kyo-Machiya is required to have certain elements: it must be located in one of the historical districts of Kyoto, features, such as a Tsuboniwa (Japanese Garden), Tsuchikabe (earth and straw walls), Koshi Kabe (wooden lattice), and Inuyarai (low bamboo fence).

Gion Kyuraku has all of these traditional elements, combined with distinctive feature of this period, which include, Ajiro. ceiling (weaved wooden ceiling), Hari ceiling (structural wooden beams exposed), Shirakabe (white walls), antique light fixtures form the Taisho/ Showa period that have been masterfully restored, and ceramic pieces from the Shigaraki district of Japan. One, fascinating structural feature of Gion Kyuraku is one of the main wooden support beans measures 4”x15”x16 feet; this one solid Japanese cedar beam spans the entire front of the Kyo-machiya. This is a must see, we have left it exposed.

Along with these period elements, Gion Kyuraku has been completely modernized with the assistance of many traditional trades people which comprise of Kyo-daiku, (traditional carpenters), plasterers, Japanese Gardener, designers, and countless other traditional craftsmen. The result is a Kyo-Machiya that is functional for the sophisticated world traveler, the family that wants to experience a traditional machiya stay, and the traveler that does not want the usual hotel type accommodations. We invite you to experience the uniqueness of a Kyo-machiya, along with the comforts of modern living at Gion Kyuraku.



A Kyo-Machiya is required to have certain elements: it must be located in one of the historical districts of Kyoto, features, such as a Tsuboniwa (Japanese Garden), Tsuchikabe (earth and straw walls), Koshi Kabe (wooden lattice), and Inuyarai (low bamboo fence).

Gion Kyuraku has all of these traditional elements, combined with distinctive feature of this period, which include, Ajiro ceiling (weaved wooden ceiling), Hari ceiling (structural wooden beams exposed), Shirakabe (white walls), antique light fixtures form the Taisho/ Showa period that have been masterfully restored, and ceramic pieces from the Shigaraki district of Japan.

One, fascinating structural feature of Gion Kyuraku is one of the main wooden support beans measures 4”x15”x16 feet; this one solid Japanese cedar beam spans the entire front of the Kyo-machiya. This is a must see, we have left it exposed.

Along with these period elements, Gion Kyuraku has been completely modernized with the assistance of many traditional trades people which comprise of Kyo-daiku, (traditional carpenters), plasterers, Japanese Gardener, designers, and countless other traditional craftsmen.

The result is a Kyo-Machiya that is functional for the sophisticated world traveler, the family that wants to experience a traditional machiya stay, and the traveler that does not want the usual hotel type accommodations. We invite you to experience the uniqueness of a Kyo-machiya, along with the comforts of modern living at Gion Kyuraku.

Property manager

Rieko/Thomas

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 20
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
Not suitable for children under the age of 6

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please make a payment in cash for Kyoto Accommodation Tax (200 yen per night per guest) upon your arrival.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector

We should mention

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ); additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file
A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Kyoto

This holiday home is located in Gion, a neighbourhood in Kyoto. Kawaramachi Street and Nishiki Market are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Biwa. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium or Kyoto Racecourse. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like cycling.

What's nearby

  • Kiyomizu Temple - 10 min walk
  • Yasaka Shrine - 10 min walk
  • Kawaramachi Street - 10 min walk
  • Pontocho Alley - 12 min walk
  • Nishiki Market - 17 min walk

Getting around

  • Kiyomizu-gojo Station - 10 min walk
  • Sanjo Keihan Station - 18 min walk
  • Osaka (ITM-Itami) - 65 min drive

Restaurants

  • 油そば ねこまた - 3 min walk
  • 京やきにく 弘八坂邸 - 3 min walk
  • 両足院 - 5 min walk
  • サガン - 1 min walk
  • ぎょうざ家鐘園亭 - 3 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Gion Kyuraku - Traditional Luxury in Machiya in Gion/Kiyomizu Area! - Free WiFi pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Gion Kyuraku - Traditional Luxury in Machiya in Gion/Kiyomizu Area! - Free WiFi?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Gion Kyuraku - Traditional Luxury in Machiya in Gion/Kiyomizu Area! - Free WiFi?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Gion Kyuraku - Traditional Luxury in Machiya in Gion/Kiyomizu Area! - Free WiFi located?

Located in Gion, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Kenninji Temple and Kiyomizu Temple. Kawaramachi Street and Nishiki Market are also within 1 mile (2 km). Kiyomizu-gojo Station is 10 minutes by foot and Gion-shijo Station is 12 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 36 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 36 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 36 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Peta S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Gion
From the planning stages to the final farewell Rieko has been so helpful. Finding the house was made easy with the detailed instructions both english & japanese. The house was within easy walking distance to transport,local food stores and very big array of eateries. It was very clean, every thing we needed was there. It was a lovely quiet neighbourhood and the residents where friendly. We highly reconmend Gion Kyuraku Peta, Phil and Vanessa from Hobart,Tasmania, Australia
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Samantha Z.

Beautiful Machiya!
We have stayed at Gion Kyuraku on two different occasions. It never disappoints. The location, very near Kiyomizudera, provides easy access to major sites in Kyoto. The set up of the machiya is comforable and provides great Japanese charm. And Thomas and Rieko are amazing hosts. We will stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

C A.

Traditional living with modern conveniences!
The machiya is really well located and well appointed. We enjoyed the nearby shops and cafes, as well as the Gion atmosphere and temples/attractions. Inside, the house had good WiFi, heaters and washer/dryer. The bedrooms have tatami mats and futons with cozy comforters. The bathroom has lots of hot water and good shower pressure...and it was great to have each loo in a separate room. The house worked well for 2 adults and 1 kid, who had a futon laid out in the office downstairs. We slept upstairs in the larger main room. There is another room upstairs, separated by a sliding door. The house is SUPER clean and uncluttered, although there are pieces of art etc around but everything is simple and intentionally placed. The hosts are super responsive both before we arrived and during our 4 night stay. We recommend this home!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Carol K.

Excellent machiya experience
Lovely restored machiya with modern amenities in an excellent location and a very helpful host.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Catherine M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely machiya for a comfortable, traditional stay.
We went as a group of six. Two parents and four twenty somethings. They took over the futons upstairs and we were downstairs. It was a fabulous trip for all of us to visit Kyoto and stay in such a traditional setting. It added a lot to our trip to not be in a hotel. Very nice neighborhood to see the sights and walk around.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

About the host

Hosted by Rieko/Thomas

Host profile image
I am from Toronto, Canada. 20 years ago I moved to Kyoto, Japan with my family. Having Japanese heritage but growing up very Canadian! I wanted to find out more about my Japanese culture and also expose our kids to it. Currently, I am teaching English to a diverse group of Japanese students. This allows me to see Japan though their eyes and also teach them about Canada and its culture. When I do get some free time, I like to walk along the Kamo River with my wife and kids. We as a family enjoy traveling around Japan and North America to teach our kids about other cultures. Kyoto is a wonder place to live, visit and raise kids. We would like many travelers to experience “Kyoto-Living”.
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

More Holiday Rentals ideas