Campton Higashiyama Roku

We stayed as a couple with our three young kids. The house is within walking distance of Gion, but it was peaceful and spacious enough for us to relax. It still has the character of a traditional townhouse, while the interior felt clean and came with plenty of amenities. Having a washing machine and cooking equipment was especially helpful with children. The kids seemed to find the townhouse just as soothing as we did and were very comfortable there. Thanks for such a lovely time!

This old inn is in the Rokuhara area, near Kyoto's Kawaramachi and Gion districts. It’s a traditional Kyoto townhouse completed in 1914 (Taisho 3), and the renovation has been done with a lot of care. There are two roomy bedrooms upstairs, and downstairs a spacious Japanese-style living room. Beyond that, we found a lovely courtyard full of greenery, a peaceful spot to sit. The kitchen has all the cooking utensils we needed, so we picked up ingredients at Nishiki Market and made our own meals. That evening we had delicious oden (Japanese hot pot). The round Shigaraki ware bathtub was another lovely touch, perfect for unwinding. There’s plenty of room for families or groups.

I got to stay during the opening sale. The townhouse was much cleaner and more stylish than I’d pictured when I heard it was for short-term rental, and it felt spacious, with open areas inside and out. Honestly, a more luxurious name than “short-term rental” would suit it better. The garden looked fantastic from both the alcove and the bathroom, and the Shigaraki ware bath was a real treat, so relaxing. The location was excellent, too. I could walk to sightseeing spots and restaurants, and being on foot gave me a more real feel for Kyoto’s scale, streets, wind and temperature. Trying to imagine daily life in the geisha district was a thrilling experience.

My first stay in a renovated tenement house hotel was a treat. The hospitality was different from what you get in city hotels. With the current situation making it hard to go out, it was just right for a relaxing family stay and a bit of an unusual experience. It was so spacious! Roku-san was surprised to find the bathtub was ceramic. We could do simple cooking and have a drink away from home, which you just don’t get in a regular city hotel. It’d be great for friends or family, too.