Kyoto Nanzenjimichi MACHIYADO

The townhouse has been nicely renovated while keeping its old Japanese character, and the little garden adds to the charm. We were three and could relax comfortably; the tatami room felt calming. I think it’s best for groups of up to four, so there’s room to enjoy the space. I stayed with a friend last year and am coming back this year. When I stayed the previous fall, they handled a change to our guest count well and sent polite, helpful messages on arrival day. Since nobody had stayed the night before, they finished preparing early and let us check in ahead of time, though that probably depends on the inn’s schedule. Everything, including the bathrooms, was thoroughly cleaned, which mattered a lot to me because hygiene is my biggest concern at hotels. I hope they keep it up. The bath has a tub that also serves as the washing area, but it was spacious enough that I didn’t find it inconvenient, and I could stretch out and soak comfortably. In winter, though, you have to wait while it fills, so it might feel cold.