Momohana-an Machiya Holiday House

We had a very pleasant stay in this spacious, beautifully restored Machiya in central Kyoto. It's tucked into an alley behind other buildings, so it might be a little hard to find. After a long day exploring the city, we often relaxed in the dining area with coffee provided by the inn.

The layout worked really well for our family trip to Kyoto. There was a western-style bedroom upstairs, and downstairs we used Japanese futons that we laid out and folded away each morning. It was just right for our group of five. The location also made it easy to get to transport, restaurants, and shopping, though some people may prefer staying east of the River.

For our first visit to Japan and Kyoto, this traditional Machiya was a great fit for our family of five. Having toilets both upstairs and downstairs was handy, and we found the place very comfortable. We'd definitely stay here again.

The rooms were spotless and the unit had everything we needed, including free WiFi. But what really stood out was how the two staff members helped during a medical emergency after hours. They called an ambulance, came to the hospital to interpret, stayed with us until we could leave, and made sure the taxi had our address for the ride home. They went far beyond what we expected. If we're back in Kyoto, this will be our first choice for a place to stay.