Koiya Guesthouse — Hotel in Kyoto

Guesthouse Koiya is a truly special place. Above all, it is beautiful. The traditional Japanese interior looks so good. Especially the garden is something you could admire all day. The house is well organized, too. Everything has a place and everything is in its place. The house is restored to the same state every day. There is a certain way the breakfast is being served. It is always the same material in the same place. The rooms are equipped with only the necessary items and yet all your needs are cared for. There is something about this house that you need to know. If you are looking for a five star hotel with all comfort, then you are in the wrong place. The walls are very thin and you can hear every noise and every motion the others make. You quickly learn that they can hear you all the same and you inconvenience people if you don't behave the right way. Through your courtesy to others, the house teaches you serenity. Because of everyone's effort, it is actually exceptionally quiet. I have felt entirely at peace here like not in a long long time. The modernized bathroom area has a good shower, good toilets, everything you need. The bathroom is shared, so you are to leave it in a state you would like to find it in yourself, even though I am sure it gets cleaned every day. The bedding is made of mats laid out on the tatami floor. You get a pillow and a thick blanket. I loved my bed and slept really well at night and at daytime all the same. There are bikes waiting outside to complete the picture. The bikes are perfect for getting around Kyoto for free. The receptionist lady was super friendly, too. I entirely love this place and hope to return...

This was a gorgeous and homely little guesthouse. We arrived after a long 5 and half hour trip on the train and were greeted very warmly. We were given a quick tour of the place. It has two bathrooms and two showers. It has a common area that overlooks out into the garden. The kitchen is small but has all the things you'll need. Breakfast is provided and usually set out by 8.30am. It's small and quaint. You'll find three rooms downstairs: a twin room, a single room and a triple room. I believe there are also rooms upstairs. We had a twin room which opened out into the garden. It did get a little cold at night but the blankets and heaters are enough to keep you snug. The whole place was kept nice and cosy. We found buses to be the best mode of transport in Kyoto, particularly to the shrines. The guesthouse is located close to two buses in a quiet neighbourhood. The 9 takes you to and from Kyoto station, whilst the 12 will take you to and from Gion. You can also purhase a one or two day bus pass from the front desk for 600 and 1700 yen, respectively. Overall, we would reccommend staying here. It's a lovely little place with lovely staff who are always super helpful!...

Great experience!

If you’re looking for a luxury super comfortable hotel room, this is not a place for you. It is modified from a traditional Japanese house, which means you sleep on the floor (Japanese style), there is no private toilet nor shower in your room, (there is 2 shower rooms that everyone shares. If your question is “do I have to get naked in front of strangers” no, you don’t), and the walls are pretty thin, you can hear cars passing by or other guests walking in their room.

BUT if you are looking for a warm homey, friendly atmosphere, friendly staffs, beautiful garden-view living room that all guests share together, a chance to interact with other guests and make new friends, this IS the place to go.

The downside is it’s a bit far from Kyoto Station (20-30 mins bus/train ride), but I think it’s worth it.

There’s also a free breakfast station setup in the kitchen every morning.

The counter is open only until 9pm. So if you plan to check in later than that, make sure you let them...