Kyoto Vacation Rentals
- Kyoto
- 29 Aug, 2025
If you’d like your “own” house or apartment while in Kyoto, there are plenty of good vacation rentals to choose from. These include machiya, which are traditional Kyoto houses updated with modern features. Here are our top picks, all personally inspected and ranked.
[Amber House machiya rental exterior — image © Amber House]
Old Kyoto
Old Kyoto is a company that specializes in restoring traditional Kyoto houses and turning them into sumptuous and atmospheric vacation rentals. With superb design sense, efficient staff and competitive rates, we consider these the best vacation rentals in all of Kyoto. Their properties include Amber House, Indigo House, Gion House and The Old Modern. These are all highly recommended.
[Amber House interior]
Other Great Places to Stay in Kyoto
Another way to try the Japanese way of living would be a night in one of Kyoto’s beautiful ryokan (traditional Japanese inns). See Kyoto Ryokan for all the details and our top picks.
If you’d like a more modern place to stay, consider one of Kyoto’s many excellent hotels. See Kyoto Hotels for all the details and our top picks.
Kyoto Hotel Guide
- Where To Stay In Kyoto
- The Best Places To Stay In Kyoto
- Best Kyoto Hotels For Sightseeing
- Kyoto Hotels Overview
- Best Luxury Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Mid Range Hotel in Kyoto
- Best Budget Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Kyoto Hotels For Families
- Best Boutique Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Value Hotels in Kyoto
- Kyoto Hotel Bargains
- Kyoto Ryokan
- Kyoto Vacation Rentals
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For a quick overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide.
- Check if a visa is required for Japan
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
- Buy Japan Rail Tickets and Shinkansen Tickets Online.
- For tips on where to stay, see Where To Stay In Kyoto.
- See my Packing List For Japan.
- Purchase an eSim or SIM card for Japan.
- Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.
- Consider a Japan Rail Pass - see if it’s worth for you.
- Consider a travel insurance.