Tsubakian / Kyoto / Vacation STAY 65291

A cozy, homey place, and I’d recommend it for families 👍

A lovely place with a lovely owner!

Akira and his assistant Julie made us feel very welcome as soon as we arrived, with breakfast bread, refreshments, and drinks. The house was spotless and had everything we needed, from towels and toiletries to cooking utensils, while still feeling like a real home full of character and personal touches. We all slept beautifully. The house can comfortably fit eight people across four rooms, and sleeping on futons over tatami felt wonderfully grounding, unlike a hotel bed. The kids especially loved feeding the goldfish each morning, and the Japanese bath was just what our tired feet and legs needed after a day out seeing Kyoto. For a group, it was a much more intimate and memorable stay than a row of hotel rooms. We’d go back in a heartbeat.

Tsubaki Ann Kyoto was the highlight of our Japan trip, and the warm welcome from Akira-San and Masayo-San made the stay special for us and our kids. The house itself was beautiful, with a homely feel and the traditional Japanese style we’d pictured. Knowing it was over 100 years old made staying there feel awe-inspiring, like being inside a piece of Japanese history. We first heard from Akira-San six months before our trip, after booking. He thanked us and sent a really helpful guide to nearby activities and restaurants, plus directions from the shinkansen station. Before check-in, he helped store our bags so we could explore Kyoto hands-free. While they were still cleaning, we met other team members, including Masayo-San, who played with our children and gave us a quick look around the house. They also gave us city information and discount tokens for local attractions. At check-in there was a gift basket with bread and wine for us, and chocolates for the kids. During the stay, Akira-San and Masayo-San kept in touch with local tips and suggestions. When we checked out, they came to say goodbye and spend a last moment with the kids. They let them try on a decorative Samurai helmet and take photos together. I’d absolutely recommend a stay here if you get the chance. It added a safe, beautiful, and authentic experience to our time in Japan’s Ancient Capital. Thanks for everything, we’ll be back. Steve, Ashley, Ellaria & Auden.