Shounsai

The bicycles were a highlight, and we had so much fun exploring Kyoto that way. Mayumi and the property management team were super helpful, sending all the information we needed before check-in, and getting to the house was straightforward. It felt like stepping back in time, with beautiful traditional Japanese architecture and a quaint, authentic atmosphere. We liked being near Sanjo Market, with its cute shops and local vendors selling unusual souvenirs and snacks. The Crème brûlée donut shop round the counter was so good, a real game-changer. The nearest train stations were a manageable 10-15 minute walk, but the local bus was usually quick and convenient. It's off the beaten path, so there weren't many other tourists around, which made it feel very local. For four of us, the space felt tight and we kept bumping into each other, so be prepared for a compact layout if you're used to more room. The stairs to the upper floor are narrow and steep, and carrying luggage up wasn't practical. We left our bags downstairs, which took up even more space. Keep that in mind for groups larger than four. The dryer took ages, so we went to a nearby coin laundry instead and got quicker results. Also, two of us wanted separate places to sleep, so we took an extra futon from the staff wardrobe and set it up in the dining area. We didn't know that would be a problem, but the accommodation treated it as an extra guest and charged us more.