Guesthouse Shiorian is a renovated Kyomachiya (traditional Kyoto-style house) built in the early Showa period (around 1926). The exterior retains the appearance of a charming townhouse, while the interior is cozy and relaxing.

Kyoto City Subway Gojo Station and City Bus stop Karasuma Gojo station are a 1-minute walk away, while Kyoto Station and Shijo are respectively 10 and 15 minutes away on foot, making this Kyoto guest house also convenient for shopping and dining around.

A common area similar to those found in share-houses

The facilities include one bath for men and two shower rooms for men and women. But the main selling point of Guesthouse Shiorian is its coziness.

Striving to give their guests the feel of a real home-like space, the staff and customers are close to each other, and guests can easily meet and create new friendships. Many guests spend their time as though they are in a share house, hanging out with other people.

Accommodations start at 2,000 yen per person for a private room and 1,200 yen per person for a dormitory (tax not included).

Coronavirus countermeasures
Disinfection; sterilization; installation of disinfectant solution; in-store ventilation; staff wearing masks, hand-washing, disinfection; gargling; and temperature measurement.

Renovated old Kyoto townhouse. In addition to Japanese-style rooms with a traditional atmosphere, there are also Western-style rooms.

This Kyoto guest house was opened with the idea of connecting people traveling from all over the world. The renovated old townhouse has a modern Japanese atmosphere that creates a relaxing space.

There are unisex dormitories for 4 people and 3 private rooms, with 2 shared washrooms, 2 toilets, and 2 shower rooms. You will be 5 minutes walking from JR Kyoto City Subway Nijo Station, close to the World Heritage Site Nijo Castle. There are also many cafes, convenience stores, restaurants, shopping streets, and public baths, for you to experience Kyoto to the fullest.

The finest tea and homemade sandwiches are very popular!

One of the most popular activities in the guesthouse is the free drinking of the fine imported Sri Lanka's tea Bogawantalawa. Many guests can't get enough of it, and it goes very well with the homemade breakfast sandwiches. Another popular feature is the cheerful and attentive service of the owner and staff, who can entertain conversation also in English.

Accommodations start from 2,000 yen per person for the private room for two people and 980 yen per person for the dormitory (tax not included).

Coronavirus countermeasures
Disinfection; sterilization; installation of disinfectant solution; disinfection after customer leaves; in-store ventilation; installation of partition plates; staff wearing masks, hand-washing, disinfection, gargling, temperature measurement; denied access to customers in poor physical condition; requesting customers to wear masks; temperature measurement; limited access to room service

Guest House Nanohana is a clean, women-only guest house located by Obanzai Nanohana. You can also enjoy the famous traditional Obanzai dishes.

Located in the central city area, convenient for sightseeing in Kyoto, you can walk to Nishiki market and Gion-Shijo, as well to many shopping streets like Shijo, Sanjo, Teramachi, Shinkyogoku and more. Commute will not be an issue since everything is within walking distance.

Several private rooms are equipped with air conditioning and TV, including Japanese-style rooms and Western-style rooms that can accommodate up to four people.

Kyoto traditional Obanzai & Accommodation discount service is also available

Obanzai Nanohana is the front of the old-standing building Unagi no Nedoko, unique to Kyoto. Guests of Guest House Nanohana can get a discount ticket for lunch and dinner in the restaurant.

Accommodations go from 3,480 yen per person for the private room (Japanese room for one person), and 2,800 yen per person for the dormitory. If you stay for 6 consecutive nights or more, you can use baths, towels, and face towels for free.

Coronavirus countermeasures
Disinfection; sterilization; installation of disinfectant solution; disinfection after customer leaves; in-store ventilation; installation of partition plates; staff wearing masks, hand-washing, disinfection, gargling, temperature measurement; denied access to customers in poor physical condition; requesting customers to wear masks; temperature measurement; limited access to room service

Guest House Warakuan was founded in 2006, when there were almost no Kyoto guest houses that operated Kyomachiya.

The interiors, renovated from their original 100 years old structures, have been maintained faithful to the original. The common space with an opening on the inner garden transports you to a place where time has stopped.

All guest rooms are Japanese-style, and they include women-only dormitories, men-only dormitories, Japanese-style rooms for 1-3 guests, and deluxe rooms that can accommodate up to 4 people. The guest house is located close to Heian Jingu, in Kyoto's central area, so it gives easy access to a lot of sightseeing spots.

Feel the 100-year old atmosphere from the beautiful inner garden and the plant arrangements

From the comfort of the free salon, you can gaze out at the Japanese-style garden where birds often come and sing, relaxing with a beer or coffee. Here you'll see a nostalgic painting of an eggplant at the counter, a retro tiled washroom and more.

Accommodation charges start from 6,000 yen for a private room and 2,500 yen for a dormitory triple room (both tax excluded).

Coronavirus countermeasures
Disinfection; sterilization; installation of disinfectant solution; disinfection after customer leaves; in-store ventilation; installation of partition plates; staff wearing masks, hand-washing, disinfection, gargling, temperature measurement; denied access to customers in poor physical condition; requesting customers to wear masks; temperature measurement

Guest House Itoya is a 70-year old Kyomachiya. The wooden house is used as a Kyoto guest house with little changes.

In addition to various types of Japanese-style rooms, where you can enjoy what a real machiya is like, there are also women-only dormitories and mixed dormitories for men and women.

Located in Nishijin, a traditional textile area in the northwestern part of Kyoto, it's well connected to many major sightseeing spots. Just take the bus (1 minute walking away from the guest house) from Imadegawa Jofukuji bus stop. You can also rent a bicycle (500 yen – including tax – per day).

A luxurious time to sample life in a machiya

There is a path that runs from the road to the backdoor, where the opening that lets smoke and heat out is, and a small garden surrounded by a fence. If you close your eyes on that porch, you can feel and smell the soil and rain carried by the wind. Such contact with nature in a city townhouse will surely give you peace of mind.

Also, there is a library called Itoya Bookshelf, in the lobby space, where you can find travel books, architectural designs, and many books in Chinese because the landlady is Taiwanese.

Accommodations start from 3,500 yen for private rooms, and 2,500 yen for dormitories (including tax).

Coronavirus countermeasures
Disinfection; sterilization; installation of disinfectant solution; disinfection after customer leaves; in-store ventilation; staff wearing masks, hand-washing, disinfection, gargling, temperature measurement; limited number of guests; requesting customers to wear masks; temperature measurement

At these Kyoto guest houses, not only can you enjoy rooms perfect for when you're traveling alone, on a ladies' trip, or with family, but you can also have a closer look at traditional Japan. The staff are friendly and will make your trip even better.

Text by: Efeel