Maneki Machiya — Hotel in Kyoto

The best house I have stayed at in Japan! Perfect for vegans and animal lovers!

My partner and I were travelling around Japan from Australia with our little dog so this house was perfect as it was pet-friendly. We had been staying in Airbnb’s for about 6 months at this point and this Airbnb was my absolute favourite!

This apartment even came up on happy cow and as a vegan family, we were very excited to book It for the duration of the time we were in Kyoto. The house was part of the Japan Cat Network organisation, which means the profits goes towards rescuing cats and dogs. So we were happy to put our money towards a good cause. The house is located down the most gorgeous streets decorated with Bonsai trees and cat statues. This house is perfect if you have a pet, there is a little backyard which is completely private and fenced off so even our tiny 2kg dog was safe and happy the whole time! We felt very welcomed into the area and settled in well during our one month stay.

The house itself was very tidy and always smelt very fresh. The rooms had really cute decorative cat-themed items throughout which I absolutely adored. The bed was the most comfortable bed we have ever slept on in! It was so cosy and when you lay down, your body melts into the thick mattress and comfy blankets. The apartment even had blackout curtains in the bedroom which I appreciate a lot since I love to sleep in. We got the best sleep while staying here! There were three heaters in the house, so we stayed quite warm during our winter stay.

The house was equipped with coffee and a huge selection of the tastiest teas I have ever drunk in my life! The kitchen was equipped with everything from a toaster, kettle, coffee machine, stove, fridge and even all the crockery you would ever need to cook a meal.

The bathroom is located outside near the back courtyard area in a traditional style bathhouse. It was very private relaxing. I loved this because you can really immerse yourself into the traditional style of living in Japan and I really felt like I was in a Studio Ghibli film while in the bathhouse! Haha. The bathroom also was equipped with natural vegan soaps and shampoos from iHerb. This was such an inclusive thought to add as now us vegans do not have to worry about how to find cruelty-free hygiene items, which are hard to come by in Japan. It makes sense that an animal rescue organisation would be vegan! We were so excited to see this.

When you have the privilege to go on a holiday, you should try and give back as much as possible. The Airbnb’s in this area are run by the most incredible woman who has single-handedly put a stop to the gassing of thousands of cats and dogs around Japan by establishing a rescue organisation who finds these vulnerable animals a loving home. Susan is an absolute philanthropist who has dedicated her life to saving animals while maintaining herself as an important asset in the vegan community; promoting that all animals deserve to be treated with love and respect.

I would never stay anywhere else in Kyoto. This is the most perfect place to stay if you have a pet or just like animals. There are lots of cats around the neighbourhood and Susan has a lot available to adopt or even play with.

If you are vegan, definitely tell Susan! She recommended many vegan food spots and even went to all the trouble of bringing us a hamper of vegan food for us to try! She is the kindest and selfless woman I have met. If you want to support a no-kill animal rescue organisation, stay in a beautiful traditional Kyoto machiya house or are vegan, definitely book this Airbnb. I’m in absolute awe of how amazing our stay was here. When I’m back in Kyoto I’m never staying...

These are a collection of quaint little old Japanese houses. They are away from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto as they are nestled in a quiet little neighborhood. My parents and I stayed here for a week. It was lovely to have the house to ourselves. It has everything you need, so it was a great mid point in our trip as we had access to cook (instead of dining out) as well as the opportunity to properly wash our laundry. We went during March so it was still a bit chilly out. There is a lack of insulation, but that is typical for Japan, especially in older homes like these. We had the heat on via space heaters and wall unit when we were home and were comfortable. The house has doors separating all the rooms so you can easily close of rooms you don't want to heat. I imagine in spring and fall it would be perfect with the back door to the garden open.The house we were in had the toilet and shower outside BUT I was told that not all the houses are that way. I would 100% stay again (and have). Do note... -comfortably fits 4 (2 in the bedroom 2 in the living room) if you are not spending all your time here -about a 10 min walk from the train do 30-60 mins to the popular tourist spots -bikes available -staff was SUPER nice and helpful (how to get around, use the wifi/tablets, etc) -supermarket and convenience stores nearby -shampoo, dish soap, pots/pans/plates, laundry detergent all included -would not recommended for young kids (I'd...

Whenever I go to Kyoto, I stay here. Ever house in the BnB collection has wifi, washing machine and everything else you would expect in a home. Some of the homes have washer/toilet/shower outside but still private. There are bikes available to use if desired which is great as the grocery store and train station are farther than I'd like when hot or cold out. (This trip the weather was perfect for the walk.) There are cats that are available through the BnB shelter and you can arrange a playtime with them during your stay. The cats I played with are super friendly and just loved to be loved. Downsides: far distance to tourist locations, cold in winter, and hot in summer. Positives: cats, bikes, Aircon/heating, cats, free laundry, shampoo etc provided, quiet neighborhood, friendly and helpful staff, cats, pet friendly (due inquire before bring the fur baby) and your stay benefits the...