Guesthouse Kioto

The location suited us perfectly. It didn’t feel very touristy, and we could walk to lots of great restaurants, temples, the national garden, and even the castle. The hosts renovated the place themselves, and you can see the care they put into it. Our room opened onto a little garden, where having tea in the morning was lovely. We slept on futons, which worked great: folding them up each morning gave us space to organize our things, stretch, and sit more comfortably. The shared bathroom and shower were very clean and never felt inconvenient, even with a few other rooms using them. We also loved the hosts and the fantastic Japanese breakfasts, with small variations on different days. If I make it back to Kyoto, I’ll definitely stay here again.

Getting in and checking out were both quick and easy. They also offered things like bike rentals, though I didn’t use them, so I can’t comment on everything they offer. The rooms had a neat vibe, and the restrooms and shower were private and clean, with good quality fixtures, even though they’re a little out of the way. It’s a handy spot for local food and within walking distance of the Golden Temple. Easy bus routes also go to places like Gion and all the way down to the south end of the city.

The owners were welcoming and had helpful ideas for things to do and places to eat. The rooms and communal areas were lovely, and there was a great hot shower. Fantastic guesthouse. I’d definitely recommend staying here and will look to book again if we’re in Kyoto.

I was alone in the room that night, and I honestly felt scared for my safety. Around 11 pm, two guests, a woman and possibly a man, who seemed to be together, came into the four-person women’s dorm without asking. They stood there looking around and quietly talking for about a minute. It was creepy and really disturbing. My bed was mostly covered by my blanket, but I could still see through a small opening. At first I wondered if they were moving in, but they didn’t do anything else. The dorm door had no lock. I made some noise, and they realized someone was inside, then said, “Oh, sorry, the door was unlocked!” How can someone just walk into a room they didn’t book? It was the middle of the night, and I’m glad I was still awake. I’ve never had anything like this happen before.