Guesthouse Tonbo

The beds and sheets were clean, though the house itself felt a little old. The location was very convenient for trains, and right across from the ride, which was nice. It was a pleasant hostel and I'd stay again.

I came across this place by chance, and it really surprised me!

I was there May 9-12, 2024. The guesthouse sits north of Demachiyanagi Station, a little way back from the entrance facing Kawabata Street. It's in an old wooden house with a retro feel. The first floor has the bathroom, toilet, kitchen, and lobby, while the second floor is set up for guests. There are globes and other vintage decorations throughout, and the steep stairs add to the old-fashioned atmosphere. Despite the building's age, it was very clean. You can see the Eizan Electric Railway tracks just outside a first-floor window. Passing trains make the building shake a little, so light sleepers might wake early. The washer and dryer are available, and having a unit bath is convenient.

There's a nostalgic space here where people can cook their own meals and get to know one another. Everyone seemed friendly. Beside the house, the train tracks are so close that the building gently sways when two cars pass. Looking out at them through the big windows on a rainy or snowy day feels surreal. The guesthouse itself has a mysterious charm. Depending on the room, stepping inside feels like going back to the Showa era, or even the Taisho era. It's hard to believe a place like this still exists. For a distinctive Kyoto trip, I think it's just right.