Kyoto Machiya Zeniyacho — Hotel in Kyoto

My wife and I stayed and the Ai suite during our time in Kyoto on our recent vacation to Japan. She booked this location based on the pictures and listed amenities on the website (the outdoor bath was a huge selling point).

The machiya is conveniently located near Gojo station in a quiet residential neighbourhood. When we arrived, my wife followed the check-in instructions and received the code to enter. We loved the interior. It felt lived-in, but well maintained. The living room/kitchen area, although small by North-American standards, was quaint, well laid out and well-decorated. The thing we loved most about the place was the bathroom area, which felt luxurious and grand with the indoor bath, stand-up shower and spacious sink area. The outdoor bath was obviously amazing.

Not long after we arrived, our host Sarah arrived to finish the check-in process. We found out quickly that she had spent time in Canada near where we live and we bonded over that. She was so polite, accommodating and sweet. It really elevated our experience!

Our time in Kyoto was very enjoyable and memorable, due in large part to this machiya that we were able to "come home to" every night. Although the price is higher than a hotel, what we got out of it was worth it and we both agreed that we would consider staying at a Kyoto Machiya property again in the future.

Thank you Sarah and the entire Kyoto Machiya team for such an...

Check in process was simple and smooth. Hosts received us warmly and gave us all necessary information. We are a family of 6, and the sleeping arrangement worked out. The breakfast and dinner sets were enjoyable to experience. It was very traditional and if I can do it again, I would just choose a breakfast to experience it since it can become redundant in style and choice options. |Location was close enough to kyoto station (15 mins walk?)|There was a temple nearby that was fantastic. Quiet, not crowded, temple vibes without the huge crowds. |There is a laundromat 24/7 around 10 mins walk. |Lots of cafes and small restaurants nearby with convenience stores short walk. |Best food was a tsukeman ramen joint nearby. Long lines. ||The only issue of slight discomfort would probably be a seasonal reason. The AC on the upper floor did not cool down the living room area enough. Especially daytime in the middle of July. The close 5-10 mins walks also became an intense battle with heat. ||Overall it was a great stay. Clean and comfortable. With hosts that were attentive and prompt in their response. The private baths were a highlight and everything had a traditional ambiance mixed with modern comfort like a dyson air wrap. ||Would...

Check in process was simple and smooth. Hosts received us warmly and gave us all necessary information. We are a family of 6, and the sleeping arrangement worked out. The breakfast and dinner sets were enjoyable to experience. It was very traditional and if I can do it again, I would just choose a breakfast to experience it since it can become redundant in style and choice options. |Location was close enough to kyoto station (15 mins walk?)|There was a temple nearby that was fantastic. Quiet, not crowded, temple vibes without the huge crowds. |There is a laundromat 24/7 around 10 mins walk. |Lots of cafes and small restaurants nearby with convenience stores short walk. |Best food was a tsukeman ramen joint nearby. Long lines. ||The only issue of slight discomfort would probably be a seasonal reason. The AC on the upper floor did not cool down the living room area enough. Especially daytime in the middle of July. The close 5-10 mins walks also became an intense battle with heat. ||Overall it was a great stay. Clean and comfortable. With hosts that were attentive and prompt in their response. The private baths were a highlight and everything had a traditional ambiance mixed with modern comfort like a dyson air wrap. ||Would...