Guesthouse Koiya

I spent three days and two nights in Kyoto, and staying at Koiya Guesthouse made it unforgettable. The old Japanese house brought back the anime I watched growing up, and I felt like I’d stepped into one. The staff were thoughtful and very kind, always making an effort to make me feel at home. It was a warm mix of culture and nostalgia, and I’ll definitely return to Koiya on my next trip to Kyoto. I’ll carry the memory with me long after leaving. 💛

I loved staying at Guesthouse Koiya and hope I can return. It has antique furniture, a lovely garden, and a welcoming staff. The place is clean, with cleaning every day, and the reception girls speak English and are very kind. There are two pairs of mosquito repellents, one at reception and one in the living room, which you’ll need in the garden. You can rent a yukata and one of their three bicycles, too. I rode around the area and went to Fukuoka Onsen after finding it in the guesthouse information book in the room. Its outdoor bath had hot water coming down like a waterfall, a unique experience, and I was happy to see such a beautiful onsen. Come here to get a feel for Japanese culture and customs. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🤍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

There’s a free breakfast station in the kitchen each morning, and the shared living room has a beautiful garden view. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and it’s a nice place to talk with other guests and make friends. The staff are friendly, too. Just know it’s a traditional Japanese house that’s been adapted as a guesthouse, so you sleep on the floor in Japanese style, share two shower rooms, and don’t have a private toilet or shower in your room. You don’t have to get naked in front of strangers to use the showers. The walls are thin, so you can hear cars and other guests moving around. If you want a luxury, super-comfortable hotel room, this won’t be for you. It’s also a 20-30 minute bus or train ride from Kyoto Station, but I think the experience is worth it. The front desk closes at 9pm, so let them know beforehand if you’ll arrive later.

We liked using the main garden, where we could chat with other visitors, even though some rooms have private gardens of their own. The room had tatami floors and futons, while the bathrooms, kitchen, dining space, and garden were shared. It’s a large traditional residence by Japanese standards that’s been turned into a guesthouse, so it offers a more authentic Kyoto experience. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and the western-style continental breakfast was handy with kids. Be aware that extra guests beyond the room’s capacity cost more. Our kids were noisy, and while the staff were gracious, I think some other guests were annoyed. This stay made our visit more memorable.