Located in Higashiyama Ward within a short walk of Kawaramachi Street, this vacation home is within a mile (2 km) of other popular sights such as Kiyomizu Temple. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a dining area, and a refrigerator.
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Gojo Samurai Machiya, Gojo Samurai Machiya
FULLY LICENSED Gojo Machiya is a traditional Japanese townhouse built before 1897 (last known record). It has been fully renovated and features luxurious modern facilities. Thanks to its convenient location, it is the ideal place to stay for a visit to Kyoto and to experience the traditional lifestyle of the people of Kyoto in full modern comfort. Redesigned by the famous Japanese architect Mr. Yoshihiko Mamiya, special attention was paid to the atmosphere of the place for the enjoyment of our guests. Our concept is “Old Traditional Machiya with Modern Luxury Comfort”. Yes, traditional Machiya are actually very cold in winter and quite hot during the summer. We paid particular attention to the insulation of the walls and the ceiling, have installed floor heating around the ground floor, a radiator in the Western-style bedroom and the laundry room, and a heater/dryer in the bathroom. Of course, all the rooms have air conditioning. Also, to provide a pleasant bright environment around the ground floor (traditional Machiya are often quite dark), we created a light pit above the staircase and restored the original “Hibukuro”. The whole place has been decorated with various old traditional Japanese art-crafts. The fully renovated townhouse features one traditional tatami mat bedroom (sleeping on a futon) and one Western-style bedroom with two single beds, two toilets (one per floor), sliding wooden doors (some are old original ones), “Shôji and Fusuma” paper doors, modern cypress bathroom, and a traditional "tsubo niwa" (courtyard garden). In the living/dining area, we have a wood dining table with 6 chairs. During the cold winter, you will appreciate the heat coming from the floor both in the living/dining area and the Japanese living space. The house is also equipped with a fully automatic All-In-One Washer/Dryer. The fully equipped modern kitchen will please anyone who wants to cook at home. A large selection of cooking utensils, one induction cooktop, microwave oven/oven, all kinds of appliances such as rice cooker, toaster, blender, electric kettle, regular coffee machine, and dishes, plates, glasses for six. The setting is particularly convenient for people who stay for a longer period and those who also eat at home. And of course, you'll find all the basics such as salt, pepper, oil, sauce, soja, etc. The place is very conveniently located for easy access to all sightseeing sites around Kyoto, and with over 70 m2, it is adequate for a larger group (planned and spacious enough for 6 people).
And of course, our guests have unlimited access to superfast (optical fiber) internet access via Wi-Fi throughout the house as well as unlimited Netflix, Youtube, etc. on the flat-screen TV. If this Machiya is not available for your preferred dates, be sure to check out our other places -- go to our profile to find them! As our guests, you'll have all the Gojo Machiya for yourselves and have access to everything it has to offer, traditional lifestyle with modern comfort (with the exception of a closet reserved for housekeeping). We offer 24/7 concierge services (within reason), luggage storage and we're always available for any help necessary for information, preparation, restaurant reservation, suggestions, advice, etc. Our staff is always available by email or phone and we even provide our guests with a local cellphone. We love Kyoto and like to share our interests with our guests. We also have a dedicated website (mykyotomachiya) full of information and pictures to enable our guests to fully explore and enjoy this wonderful city. The house is very conveniently located in Higashiyama, in a quiet residential area near a number of interesting places.
Miyagawacho Geisha district is a mere five min away Hanami Koji: Gion Kobu Geisha district: 15 min Kenninji Zen temple: 15 min Toyokuni Jinja shrine: with markets held on 8, 18, 28th of every month: 5 min Sanjusangendo Temple: famous for its amazing 1001 statues of Kannon: 7 min Kiyomizu Dera Temple: one of the most famous temples in Kyoto: 20 min Kyoto National Museum: great source of culture: 7 min Kamo River - a great running course by the river: 3 min Honmachi Koen, a nice little park great for kids, is a mere 1 minute from the house. We are located just behind the Gojo Post Office, less than 20 min away on foot from Kyoto station and the JR lines. Kyomizu-Gojo station (Keihan line) is a few minutes away. Gojo subway station is 18 minutes away. In addition, several Kyoto Bus stops are a mere few minutes away from the house. And there are always taxis available around. We have decorated the house with old traditional Japanese art crafts such as old authentic Samurai armor, traditional wedding Kimono, Japanese dolls, Noh mask, protective Gods against fire (Hotei-san), etc., for a more refined atmosphere. You'll experience the traditional way of living of the people of Kyoto and enjoy a unique cultural experience, with all the modern comfort you can wish for.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and 2 bathrooms, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms and a dining area. The bathroom offers hair dryers and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include a washer/dryer, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.
This is a single building rental of a Kyomachiya that has been in existence since the Meiji Era (1868-1912). The window overlooks the Kamo River and the town of Gion, making it a prime location to enjoy the typical Kyoto scenery.
This is a single building rental of a Kyomachiya that has been in existence since the Meiji Era (1868-1912). The window overlooks the Kamo River and the town of Gion, making it a prime location to enjoy the typical Kyoto scenery.
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Property does not allow children
Recycling
Unit size: 786 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
This property doesn't allow children
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Checking in and out are easy with express services.
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
As required by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, all international visitors must submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ). Also, it's required that lodging proprietors photocopy the passports of all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file.
Property is also known as
Kyoto Gojo Samurai Machiya House
Gojo Samurai Machiya House
Gojo Samurai Machiya
Private vacation home Kyoto Gojo Samurai Machiya Kyoto
Kyoto Kyoto Gojo Samurai Machiya Private vacation home
Private vacation home Kyoto Gojo Samurai Machiya
Kyoto Gojo Samurai Machiya Kyoto
Kyoto Gojo Samurai Machiya Kyoto
Kyoto Gojo Samurai Machiya Private vacation home
545188
Kyoto Gojo Samurai Machiya Private vacation home Kyoto
Frequently asked questions
What can I see within easy reach of this vacation home?
This vacation home is situated in Higashiyama Ward within a short 8-minute walk of Kawaramachi Street and also 17 minutes on foot from Pontocho Alley. You'll also find Shijo Street and Yasaka Shrine within a short drive.
Is parking available on site at this vacation home?
No, there isn't parking available at the vacation home.
Is this vacation home next to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.
What amenities will couples enjoy at Gojo Samurai Machiya, Gojo Samurai Machiya?
Amenities at this vacation home that appeal to couples include a kitchen in each accommodation with kitchens in some.
Does Gojo Samurai Machiya, Gojo Samurai Machiya have a hot tub?
No, this vacation home doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this vacation home offer breakfast?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?
No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home have connecting rooms?
No, there aren't connecting rooms at this vacation home.
What is the closest airport to this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is Itami Airport (ITM), which is about 23.3 mi away.
Are there rooms with balconies at Gojo Samurai Machiya, Gojo Samurai Machiya?
No, there aren't any accommodations with balconies at Gojo Samurai Machiya, Gojo Samurai Machiya.
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 34 out of 37 reviews
10 - Excellent
34
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 37 reviews
8 - Good
3
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 37 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 37 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 37 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Li M.
Nov 9, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We had a GREAT stay! Gojo Samurai Machiya was clean,very quiet, nicely set up, close to both Keihan Main Line Railway and taxis. I especially loved being just three blocks from the Kamo River, wonderful to walk along any time of day. Akiko and Patrick's referrals (esp. from his book 100 Kyoto Sights) were spot-on. Akiko was amazingly quick to respond to questions and the office was very helpful in setting up restaurant reservations.
Li M.
Stayed 18 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Katharine M.
Oct 9, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
A wonderful home. So clean. So comfortable. So well positioned. Absolutely perfect base to explore Kyoto. Hosts were responsive and welcoming. Overall would not hesitate to recommend this (and we will!)
Katharine M.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Dominic P.
Sep 18, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
A very charming home in a nice local neighborhood. Very convenient to the subway and walkable to Gion district and other points of interest. I highly recommend this stay if you’re going to Kyoto!
Dominic P.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Casey M.
Jun 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic stay
We loved our stay at this unique location. It is very clean and comfortable. We especially appreciated the modern feel of staying in a traditional Japanese home. Also liked that they gave us coffee and tea to use which was a nice treat.
Casey M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
8/10 Good
Scott f.
Apr 14, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Staff excellent in communication, helpfulness. Location great. Room small, bed great.
Scott f.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Joseph H.
Mar 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent place to stay
Very authentic and charming traditional house. Well located for neighbourhood shops and restaurants. Big recommend!
Joseph H.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Dimas P.
Mar 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Stay
Everything was just perfect! The Machiya was exactly as described. Samurai Steve was awesome! Akiko san made the check in easy and was always responsive. We loved our stay and would do it again in the future.
Dimas P.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kathy S.
Nov 8, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Kyoto Stay
Our family of five adults had a very comfortable stay here. It felt very authentic and the location allowed us easy access to trains and buses. Actually, we often simply walked. I’d like to add that communication with the host was exceptional.
Kathy S.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Brendan M.
Sep 14, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing
My friend and I stayed very briefly, but the management company was very helpful in all facets and the house itself was phenomenal. It wasn’t hard to navigate to some nearby areas. Would recommend.
Brendan M.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Seth G.
Jun 4, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Accommodation
This place was perfect and greatly enhanced our stay in Kyoto. Would definitely rebook in the future
Seth G.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Mary C.
May 14, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great home base in Kyoto!
I would highiy recommend this property for your stay in Kyoto! The check in process was super easy and the property is very well located both near the main station and many sights in Kyoto. I loved the neighborhood and it was a nice quiet break from the busy touristy areas of the city. The house was beautful, very clean, and convenient. If you are looking for a more traditional experience, this place was perfect.
Mary C.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kyoko U., Victoria, bc, canada
Mar 28, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful property
Our family of four felt privileged to stay in Akiko and Patrick’s beautiful Machiya. It is in a very convenient, quiet location. We were very comfortable there although my husband who is well over 6 feet tall had to watch his head.
Kyoko U.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Lorry L.
Mar 12, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great location, great host - 5 stars!
I chose this property based on the description and wanting to stay in a traditional Machiya home. Our stay was in the first week of March, and I was also drawn to this particular unit because of the description of heated floors. The unit was warm and welcoming in the cooler weather. The description and photos are accurate, and the location is excellent. It is in a neighborhood, yet within walking distance to a major street with public transportation access. If you have any hesitation to stay in a rental property in Kyoto vs. a hotel, have no fear with this property/these hosts. They have left detailed descriptions of everything you need, how to work and use everything in the unit (with photos), and even helpful tips on getting around to the major tourist sites. The host also is available via email prior to arrival for questions should any arise. The check in/out process was a breeze. You will not regret your decision to stay here! Enjoy!
Lorry L.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
William M.
Feb 27, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Once in a lifetime chance.
Immerse yourself in the culture of Kyoto. Sure hotels are convenient, staying here I was immersed in daily life of my neighbors. I lived as they did. The machiya was a wonderful lodging experience I will always remember.
William M.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2024
8/10 Good
Tracey R., Kilaben Bay NSW Australia
Feb 12, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely quiet stay
This property is in a lovely quiet residential area. Great to escape from the tourist hub that Kyoto is becoming (unfortunately). It is very close to Sanjusangendo temple, the Kyoto museum and walking distance to Kiyomizu-dera and Familymart convenience stores. I found it easy to walk from the house to Shichiyo station. The property has no doubt hosted many visitors and it is showing its age somewhat but it was comfortable in winter with underfloor heating, reverse cycle air-con and a great bath heater. Overall a nice stay - Thank you
Tracey R.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
John R., Lunenburg, MA, USA
Feb 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Traditional Kyoto
We loved staying in this beautiful, well appointed home in a quiet residential neighborhood. We were close enough to shops but far enough away from the noise and congestion of the city.
John R.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ian M.
Nov 15, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Incredible Home In Great Location!
Akiko was an incredible host for our family vacation. Her home is truly like living in a museum and so beautiful inside. With a bathroom upstairs and full bath downstairs, we had a very comfortable stay. The location is perfect for walking or catching an Uber.
We highly recommend and hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
This is not a place to stay if you smoke. You have to walk 10 min to a designated smoking area.
Monty
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kathy Z., Minnesota, USA
Aug 22, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great location; wonderful property!
Akiko and Patrick were easy & responsive to work with before our arrival-- they use a local Machiya property management service for local check in. Our party of 4 (mom + 3 adult daughters) enjoyed this lovingly restored & beautifully decorated Machiya for 8 nights. It is steps outside to a lovely small bell tower & peaceful cemetery behind the house, and 5-10 min walk to several temples & monuments. Family Mart & 7-11 convenient walk 10-15 min. Happy Rokuhara grocery is a little further walk (or taxi), but has all the necessary groceries, with a homegoods store next door. We enjoyed the kitchen amenities, rice cooker, etc for light meals, & found many restaurants walking distance. Very quiet neighborhood-- able to hail taxis (on Uber app) to the alley/ street abut 100 feet from front door. There are address cards to give the taxi drivers on your trip home so it's easy with the language barrier. The steps to the upper level are quite steep, so if mobility is an issue keep this in mind (there is a second toilet upstairs.) We very much appreciated the washer/ dryer, & loved the Japanese bathtub and shower! This location in central Kyoto is great,15 min by taxi to Kyoto train station (major Shinkansen stop!), & convenient to many famous temples & tourist areas. I think this is a property best enjoyed with older responsible kids or adults, as I think the antiques & decor might be a temptation with very young children. Would definitely stay here again! Thank you!
Kathy Z.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Carlos D.
Jul 19, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Kyoto stay at the Gojo Machiya
We absolutely loved our time in this traditional machiya located within walking proximity to the subway as well as the Nishiki market. This lovely, immaculate home has everything you need, is beautifully and thoughtfully laid out for your ease of use and convenience, and really made our family feel welcome. The bedrooms, beds, and futons were very comfortable. The kitchen has all the necessities and more. It really was a perfect setting. Nothing is difficult and management is always on hand to answer any of your questions. We really felt taken care of, like family. We really fell in love with Kyoto and exploring it was an ease given how well located Gojo Machiya is. This was — hands down — our most favorite place we stayed during our visit to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Atami. Gojo Machiya really is a special place and we definitely plan on spending future vacations here. Thank you Akiko and Patrick! 👏👏
—The Doerr Family
Carlos D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Michelle D., Albuquerque, USA
Jul 10, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect taste of Kyoto
We really enjoyed staying in a more traditional home in Kyoto and this home had everything you might need. Made good use of the coffee machine and the washing machine! The only "hiccup" is that our entire family is quite tall (6'+) so my husband kept bumping his head going through doorways *sigh*. Very comfortable beds and enough space for all 4 of us. Management was very responsive when we had questions (hot water had gotten turned off, they fixed remarkably fast). Great quiet neighborhood - nice to be close to Kyoto Station. Thank you for sharing your home with us!
Michelle D.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Sonny C., Brisbane, Australia
Jul 2, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Good times
Great location, well considered house.
Sonny C.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
8/10 Good
Kathleen K.
Jun 11, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Japan May 2023
Remarkable - accommodations were immaculate, in a perfect location to explore Japan. Easy access to all public transportation and if you like to cook, Lawson (Japanese Grocery Store) is walking distance and kitchen is well equipped for cooking.
Kathleen K.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Lisa F.
Jun 7, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Graduation Trip
Great place and neighborhood. The property is very nice and clean and just like the pictures. It's very conveniece. Walking distance to a lot of places, includes Nishiki market.
Lisa F.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
colin a.
Jun 6, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Rice and shrine!
Fun. Very Japanese which is why we picked it. A nice peaceful place to come home to. Easy day trips to Nara and Osaka both well worth it.