Guesthouse Hyakumanben Cross

Everything was very clean, and the staff were respectful, helpful, and hardworking. I really enjoyed staying here.

After midnight, you can’t get into the hotel, so keep that in mind. Otherwise, it was so quiet and pleasant, and the cleanest hotel I’ve ever seen. The blankets were incredibly soft, warm, and comfortable. I wish I had the same ones at home.

The place is in a charming neighborhood, about a six-minute walk from Demachiyanagi station. From there, you can catch the early joggers and walkers along the scenic Kamo river. There are several restaurants, McDonald's, and convenience stores nearby. It’s a simple place that suits anyone looking to meet other travelers. My first time sharing a bunk room with four others. There’s a shower, no tub, and all the facilities are shiny and new.

I stayed in a private tatami room with a futon, a small balcony, and a view over the rooftops toward the mountain the guesthouse is named for. There’s a kitchen, library, and cafe, and the house is clean, quiet, and well equipped. A major bus stop is two blocks away by the Kyoto University campus, while two train lines are a ten-minute walk down the street. The local shopping area has good restaurants and bars, a couple of supermarkets, a 7-11, and a big drugstore. The staff treat you like a guest in their home and expect you to return the courtesy. They even give you a little cheat sheet of useful phrases to help you fit in politely.