Koto Inn Northern Higashiyama

One of the finest vacation rentals in Kyoto, Koto Inn is a lovingly restored Japanese machiya with all the comforts that Western travelers have come to expect.

This North Higashiyama house is a classically beautiful, authentic, 140 year old Kyo-Machiya town-house in the perfect location for anyone visiting the Ancient Capital, Kyoto. This recently and lovingly restored traditional Machiya Town House is located on a quiet, pedestrian only, cobblestone lane just 20 meters off the Sakura tree lined Shirakawa canal in the historic Higashiyama area. Nestled between the Museum District and Gion, it is a truly classic, old style Japanese neighborhood of old wooden houses, family run restaurants and shops, temples, shrines and historic sites. It retains its traditional flavor and is blessed with proximity to the green hills and peaceful waterways which grace the northern Higashiyama area. Women in Kimono and Monks from nearby temples chanting for alms are still common sights in the narrow lanes of North Higashiyama. This special area still retains a ‘village’ feel though only a ten minute walk from downtown and on the edge of the historic district of Gion.

A five minute stroll up the canal will bring you to the Museum district, Okazaki park and Heian Shrine. In front of Heian Shrine are monthly antique markets, fairs and musical and cultural events. A quiet and lovely ten minute walk down the canal finds you in the center of Gion, the historic entertainment quarter where Geisha and Maiko pass in the evenings. The hiking trails of the eastern mountains begin and end just minutes from your door and a full array of fine dining and drinking establishments are within easy walking distance. The Higashiyama subway station is just four minutes away and conveniently and quickly connects you to further sights as well as Kyoto train station and Kansai Airport. Many of Kyoto’s most famous temples, shrines and historic sites are also nearby. There is also a convenience store and several supermarkets, including one of Kyoto’s oldest ‘shopping streets’ a short walk from the house. For those interested in learning more about Japanese food, there are a few half day courses in Japanese cooking in Kyoto and the house’s kitchen is fully equipped with what you need to practice what you’ve learned.

The restoration of Koto Inn was completed in February of 2010 by traditional craftsmen and temple carpenters. The house retains its original traditional beauty while being discreetly fitted with insulation and modern western amenities in the kitchen and toilet and the automated Japanese bath is a joy after a day of sightseeing. Guests sleep on double thickness futons and all linens and towels are provided. The house is furnished with period antiques and textiles and a lovely Japanese garden in the back of the house. There is no vehicle traffic on the lane outside Koto so the house is very quiet. All this combined with its beauty and location make it the ideal house for your stay in Kyoto. Start and finish your days of sightseeing within the quiet, refined charm of this classic period Japanese home. A stay in this lovely, traditional house will add greatly to your appreciation of this amazing city and its culture.

For those who want the convenience of having their own house to stay in while exploring the old capital, Koto Inn is the ideal choice. It’s a beautifully decorated and recently restored Japanese house with all the mod cons you’d need, like laundry facilities and a good hot bath/shower unit (as well as air conditioning). Located down a quiet lane only a stone’s throw from Higashiyama subway station and the Okazaki-koen Park Museum district, Koto Inn has a lot to recommend it.

Here’s Koto Inn’s entrance:

Here’s the foyer (genkan):

This is nearby Shirakawa Canal during cherry blossom season:

English address:
373 Horiike-cho, Higashiyama-ku

Japanese address:
東山区堀池町373

Price:
Price: from $215 per night, up to four people

Internet: wifi access

Non-smoking rooms: fully non-smoking

Nearest Transport:
2min walk from Higashiyama Station, Tozai subway line

Email: koto.inn@gmail.com

Website:Official Website (English)

Near To Here:
Koto Inn is located in Kyoto’s Northern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Northern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

More Kyoto Machiya

See our hand-picked list of other Kyoto Machiya to consider, all personally inspected.

Where Is This Place Located?

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Keywords: Kyoto Vacation Rental House, Guest House, Traditional Japanese House, Machiya, Japanese Merchant house, Japanese town house. Kyoto Machiya for rent, Kyoto traditional house for rent. Kyoto rental houses.