Sabino House Kyoto

That morning I wandered around Shimabara Daimon Gate and the preserved old streets before heading to work. My wife had spotted this place on Instagram and suggested it, so I gave it a try instead of my usual business hotel. For one person it was almost too roomy. The big first-floor table gave me plenty of space for work papers, and the kitchen had the dishes and utensils to make simple meals. I only stayed a night, so I picked up a late snack and breakfast at a convenience store and warmed them up. The fridge and microwave came in handy.

Umekoji Park is an easy walk from the inn, so we took our dog there every day. We were three adults and a dog, staying just after the New Year holidays, and the visit was really comfortable. The peak-season price was a little steep. In the middle of winter, though, the single comforter on the bed left things a bit cold. An extra one would have made sleeping more comfortable.

Looking up from the second-floor bedroom, you can see Shimabara's Daimon Gate. This is a Kyoto townhouse that's been renovated, and it still has that townhouse feel, with high ceilings and thick exposed beams upstairs. Downstairs, past the entrance, there's a modern bar-style kitchen and counter. Even the bathroom is compact, but it looked really cool.