Cochi-en

The owner has everything ready, and the rooms are clean and really spacious. It’s a short ride to Kyoto’s main tourist spots. I’d definitely recommend it.

We liked the cozy feel of the fairly new Cochi-en, especially sleeping on futons in the tatami room. The location is handy too, near The Royal garden, Kinkakuji temple, and Ryoanji temple.

The second-floor room is huge. We had three checked suitcases open and the kids still had plenty of room to run around. The whole place was very clean, and the area is quiet and well located, about a four-minute walk from Imadegawa Station. Supermarkets and lots of convenience stores are nearby. There are thoughtful extras alongside the usual amenities in the owner’s photos: a heated bathtub, a small heater by the sink, electric blankets and heating in the first-floor tatami room, plenty of clotheslines and racks, a washing machine with laundry balls, lots of power outlets, and even children’s toys, which I only noticed on our last day. The kitchen has a full set of utensils, though it’s missing a grater. A couple of things could be better. The steps up at the first-floor tatami room and bathroom are rather high, as is the step distance on the way to the second floor, which makes getting in and out a bit inconvenient for elderly guests. One of the six chairs in the second-floor bar area has a serious dip and was uncomfortable. Since there were six of us, someone had to sit on it. The owner’s hairdryer looks large, but its airflow is quite weak.

Stayed March 16, 2019. It’s a great spot for the whole family, and the rooms feel new and up to date. Izakayas and karaoke are within walking distance. Seeing the place has me thinking about renovating my own home this way.