Matsuishi Shijo Karasuma Hostel

The host replied quickly through Airbnb chat, and I’d book this place again. It’s a great spot for two, with restaurants and a convenience store nearby and two train stations within walking distance. Getting in is easy: the self-check-in instructions are clear, and the process feels like a little puzzle game. There’s a shared washing machine on the ground floor that’s easy to use, with everything explained. I definitely recommend it.

We had a great four-night stay, and the room was just right for two people. It’s less than 10 minutes from a subway station, with a local grocery store literally around the corner. The smooth, straightforward check-in was a bonus. There’s optional room service for an extra fee, which we didn’t need. Towels and shower supplies are in the lobby, along with water, though most of the time the water had already been taken. Having a shared washing machine and a microwave meant we didn’t need to go out to a breakfast restaurant.

The host was very understanding when I checked out 10 minutes late, thank you again! They’re also super responsive in Airbnb chat, and I’m sure I’d book here again if I’m ever in Kyoto. The self-check-in was fun, like a mini puzzle game, and the room has guides for using the electronics, a nice little touch. The place is in a good spot, walkable from two train stations, with lots of restaurants, a couple of Family Marts and a supermarket nearby. Highly recommend.

We slept really well here: the bed was comfortable and the blanket was good. The place was clean, with a heated bidet toilet, and the toilet is separate from the bathing area. There’s a little couch for eating, sensor lights by the entrance and toilet, and an elevator to every floor plus stairs. The window didn’t offer much of a view, and I’m not sure if it opens. We walked all over from here. FamilyMart is about two minutes away, and Shijo Station, Nishiki Market, Maruyama Park, Gion Street, Kamo River, and the shopping streets were all within walking distance. We were there in December, when the autumn colors were great, and the streets felt lovely. It was quiet and felt safe, even at night, with the streets lit up. The room was maybe one and a half times the size of a typical bedroom, so not huge, but fine for two. There’s room by the entrance to open luggage and hang coats, with six velvet hangers. The free washing machine is on the ground floor and shared with, I think, about seven other units. Detergent is provided, and we had no trouble using it. A cycle takes 40 minutes. You can hang laundry in the bathroom, which has a ceiling heater and drying function. We used hangers and the laundry basket; most things dried in two or three hours, except really thick jeans. Handy if you don’t want to pack much. They provided two bottles of mineral water, tissues, toilet rolls, shampoo, soap, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, a hair dryer, and a scale. We had no trouble communicating with the host. I’d stay here again for sure.