House in Kyoto
5 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Top-tier experienceA high end property in this area
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About this house rental
★ IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THE LAYOUT ★
• Private 1st Floor Unit: "Shimoza-an" occupies the entire GROUND level (1st floor) of a 100-year-old traditional Kyo-Machiya townhouse.
• 100% Private: You have your own completely private entrance and facilities. No spaces or amenities are shared with the 2nd floor "Kamiza-an"（VRBO#514588).
• Traveling with a Large Group? You can rent the WHOLE HOUSE (both 1st and 2nd floors together) for exclusive use! Please check our listing for "Whole house Kamanza-tei" (VRBO #1275915).
• Convenient Access: Being on the ground floor, it is perfect for guests with luggage as there are no stairs to climb!
★Unwind in our traditional Machiya, complete with a peaceful courtyard garden★
Welcome!
We are the "Miyabi team," a group of local Japanese staff. We are passionate about supporting your journey and ensuring you have a wonderful stay in Kyoto. Please feel free to ask us for local tips, restaurant recommendations, or anything else you might need!
Our Hospitality Services
・In-person check-in support
・Sharing information on local events
・Restaurant reservation assistance
・Arranging tickets for Geisha shows, Miyako Odori, etc.
・Assistance with travel planning before your arrival
・Support for visiting doctors
・Providing advance information regarding typhoons and natural disasters
・Complimentary baby items (high chair, baby plates, potty, and baby bath) ※Please contact us in advance.
・Forwarding forgotten items
About Shimoza-An
This authentic 100-year-old Kyoto Machiya was renovated under the supervision of New York-based architect Geoffrey P. Moussas. He transformed this historic townhouse into a special place that blends traditional Japanese charm with modern comfort.
The sleeping arrangements include a traditional Tatami room (with up to 3 Japanese futons) and a bedroom with 2 single beds. The property also features a Western-style living room with a table and chairs, a modern kitchen, antique furniture, a bathtub and shower, a high-tech toilet, air conditioning, and floor heating.
Location (Just a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Subway Station!)
We are perfectly located on the quiet Kamanza street, just a few meters from Sanjo street—one of the oldest and most important streets in Kyoto’s history. You will find yourself surrounded by craft shops, museums, art galleries, local temples, shrines, cafes, and restaurants.
Across Horikawa street, you can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of the Sanjo shopping arcade, where you can experience true local culture. Shimoza-An is the perfect place in the heart of cultural, traditional, and innovative Kyoto!
Important House Rules & Details
【 Check-in Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM 】
☆In-Person Check-in (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): As a rule, we meet you at the house. Please let us know your arrival time in advance so our staff can be there to welcome you.
・Self-Check-in (Only after 8:00 PM): Applies for late arrivals. If you expect to arrive after 8:00 PM, please inform us as soon as possible to receive instructions.
・Luggage Drop-off: Available after 11:30 AM before check-in (Please request in advance).
【 Kyoto City Accommodation Tax 】
Notice: Accommodation tax has been updated for stays after March 1, 2026.
Important: Kyoto City accommodation tax is NOT included in the VRBO rental cost and must be paid separately in CASH upon check-in.
The tax amount is calculated per person, per night based on the room rate:
• Room rate under 6,000 JPY ： 200 JPY per person/night
• Room rate between 6,000 JPY and 19,999 JPY ：400 JPY per person/night
• Room rate of 20,000 JPY or more ：1,000 JPY per person/night
(Example: 3 guests staying for 3 nights at a rate of 15,000 JPY/night per person ： 400 JPY × 3 people × 3 nights = 3,600 JPY)
Other Important Notes
・A minimum stay of 2 nights is required.
・Please ensure the number of guests is accurate. Additional fees apply for unauthorized guests, and unregistered individuals are not permitted to stay overnight.
・Due to the traditional architecture of the townhouse, the walls are thin, and footsteps or voices from the 2nd floor may be audible. We kindly ask for your cooperation in keeping noise to a minimum early in the morning and after 10 PM.
【Our Other Properties in Kyoto】
If you are traveling with a larger group, please check out our sister listings too!
≪Kiyomizu area≫
・Bairin-an(VRBO#438160)
・Shofu-an (VRBO#438156)
・Momiji-an (VRBO#438158)
・Whole house Kiyomizu Bettei (VRBO#1266495)
≪Nakagyo area≫
・Kamiza-an (VRBO#514588)
・Whole house Kamanza-tei (VRBO#1275915)
・Whole house (VRBO#1275901)
• Private 1st Floor Unit: "Shimoza-an" occupies the entire GROUND level (1st floor) of a 100-year-old traditional Kyo-Machiya townhouse.
• 100% Private: You have your own completely private entrance and facilities. No spaces or amenities are shared with the 2nd floor "Kamiza-an"（VRBO#514588).
• Traveling with a Large Group? You can rent the WHOLE HOUSE (both 1st and 2nd floors together) for exclusive use! Please check our listing for "Whole house Kamanza-tei" (VRBO #1275915).
• Convenient Access: Being on the ground floor, it is perfect for guests with luggage as there are no stairs to climb!
★Unwind in our traditional Machiya, complete with a peaceful courtyard garden★
Welcome!
We are the "Miyabi team," a group of local Japanese staff. We are passionate about supporting your journey and ensuring you have a wonderful stay in Kyoto. Please feel free to ask us for local tips, restaurant recommendations, or anything else you might need!
Our Hospitality Services
・In-person check-in support
・Sharing information on local events
・Restaurant reservation assistance
・Arranging tickets for Geisha shows, Miyako Odori, etc.
・Assistance with travel planning before your arrival
・Support for visiting doctors
・Providing advance information regarding typhoons and natural disasters
・Complimentary baby items (high chair, baby plates, potty, and baby bath) ※Please contact us in advance.
・Forwarding forgotten items
About Shimoza-An
This authentic 100-year-old Kyoto Machiya was renovated under the supervision of New York-based architect Geoffrey P. Moussas. He transformed this historic townhouse into a special place that blends traditional Japanese charm with modern comfort.
The sleeping arrangements include a traditional Tatami room (with up to 3 Japanese futons) and a bedroom with 2 single beds. The property also features a Western-style living room with a table and chairs, a modern kitchen, antique furniture, a bathtub and shower, a high-tech toilet, air conditioning, and floor heating.
Location (Just a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Subway Station!)
We are perfectly located on the quiet Kamanza street, just a few meters from Sanjo street—one of the oldest and most important streets in Kyoto’s history. You will find yourself surrounded by craft shops, museums, art galleries, local temples, shrines, cafes, and restaurants.
Across Horikawa street, you can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of the Sanjo shopping arcade, where you can experience true local culture. Shimoza-An is the perfect place in the heart of cultural, traditional, and innovative Kyoto!
Important House Rules & Details
【 Check-in Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM 】
☆In-Person Check-in (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): As a rule, we meet you at the house. Please let us know your arrival time in advance so our staff can be there to welcome you.
・Self-Check-in (Only after 8:00 PM): Applies for late arrivals. If you expect to arrive after 8:00 PM, please inform us as soon as possible to receive instructions.
・Luggage Drop-off: Available after 11:30 AM before check-in (Please request in advance).
【 Kyoto City Accommodation Tax 】
Notice: Accommodation tax has been updated for stays after March 1, 2026.
Important: Kyoto City accommodation tax is NOT included in the VRBO rental cost and must be paid separately in CASH upon check-in.
The tax amount is calculated per person, per night based on the room rate:
• Room rate under 6,000 JPY ： 200 JPY per person/night
• Room rate between 6,000 JPY and 19,999 JPY ：400 JPY per person/night
• Room rate of 20,000 JPY or more ：1,000 JPY per person/night
(Example: 3 guests staying for 3 nights at a rate of 15,000 JPY/night per person ： 400 JPY × 3 people × 3 nights = 3,600 JPY)
Other Important Notes
・A minimum stay of 2 nights is required.
・Please ensure the number of guests is accurate. Additional fees apply for unauthorized guests, and unregistered individuals are not permitted to stay overnight.
・Due to the traditional architecture of the townhouse, the walls are thin, and footsteps or voices from the 2nd floor may be audible. We kindly ask for your cooperation in keeping noise to a minimum early in the morning and after 10 PM.
【Our Other Properties in Kyoto】
If you are traveling with a larger group, please check out our sister listings too!
≪Kiyomizu area≫
・Bairin-an(VRBO#438160)
・Shofu-an (VRBO#438156)
・Momiji-an (VRBO#438158)
・Whole house Kiyomizu Bettei (VRBO#1266495)
≪Nakagyo area≫
・Kamiza-an (VRBO#514588)
・Whole house Kamanza-tei (VRBO#1275915)
・Whole house (VRBO#1275901)
Amenities
Non-smoking
No pets allowed
Family friendly
Map of Kyoto
Ratings and reviews
10 / 10Outstanding·Jun 2026
Location, location, location. We were less then 10 minute walk to the train station and about a 20 minute walk to the major shopping arcades in Kyoto. We found a great little cafe (Astarte Cafe) about a 4 minute walk away and had excellent coffees every morning, but the house had nespresso, provided and we had all the cooking pans and utensils needed to cook a meal. The microwave is also a toaster. There is an upstairs that was rented out but they were relatively quiet at night. This is on a quiet street and perfect after a day of exploring the city. The mattresses were comfortable and the communication was excellent. All our questions were answered. Just be aware it is an old house but well maintained and updated. We had plenty of room. Big plus was the washer and dryer! We did laundry daily and they provided the detergent (thank you!). Will return if ever in Kyoto again.
10 / 10Outstanding·Jun 2026
This was a fantastic house centrally located in Kyoto. Very close to the train station and Nishiki Market area. Very traditional home with both western style beds and tatami mats. Both were very comfortable. The air conditioning worked well to keep us cool. The host was very helpful and communicated well. She met us at the house during check in to show us the house. We highly recommend.
10 / 10Outstanding·Jan 2026
We had an amazing stay. Host communication was amazing and very patient as we didn’t know our arrival time until same day. Rina met us for checkin and gave us an excellent tour after giving us excellent directions from Kyoto Station. We arrived on New Year’s Day which made it challenging for eating at restaurants, but the hosts created a list of restaurants that were open. The house is as pictured. The tub/shower area overlooking the small outdoor courtyard was nice and peaceful. The tub held the water’s heat for a very long time making for an excellent soak. The washer/dryer combo was also very useful as we were in the middle of a 10 day trip. The beds comfortable as well. The location is excellent. Restaurants close by, Family Mart & 7-11 also close by for those little items. We would highly recommend staying and would definitely come back if the opportunity arises.
10 / 10Outstanding·May 2025
As the listing indicates, it's in a great area- close to the subway and short walk to restaurants, Nishiki Market, Gion area for shopping, etc. Home is a wonderful traditional Japanese home that really adds to the experience. (Beware: traditional Japanese home low headroom! I'm 5'9" and my son is 6'2" so we had to lower our heads as we went in/out rooms, but it was all good!!) Shower and bath were fantastic!Host was wonderful. We found 2 beds a little too firm for our liking, but upon letting her know they came by with some additional mattress toppers and all was good.If back in Kyoto I wouldn't hesitate to stay again,
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Top rated by guests
9.8Outstanding
(38 Ratings)
"Location, location, location. We were less then 10 minute walk to the train station and about a 20 minute walk to the major shopping arcades in Kyoto. We found a great little cafe (Astarte Cafe) abou..."
Francis C.Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
