Shiki Homes | KUMEI 空明 — Hotel in Kyoto

My friends and I had a wonderful time staying at Kumei during our time in Kyoto.

The house is a modern refurb of an authentic machiya home. You can see that the owners took special care to preserve and use the original wood in the remodel, which made it feel that much more special. I have stayed in Kyoto many times, and this was the first time I felt like I was experiencing the real Kyoto as opposed to the crowded tourist areas. You must walk to a main road to get a taxi if you can’t order one using Japanese. Make sure you bring some staples such as drinks and snacks. A conbini is close, but not close enough I would want to walk there hungry or thirsty.

Even though a lot of the original feel of a matchiya has been retained, the house is completely updated. Walking into the first floor, you open up to a living/dining area with two lounge chairs and a dining table with 4 chairs. Along the wall is a well appointed kitchenette complete with microwave/oven, small refrigerator, stove, and all needed utensils and glasses. On the first floor is also a toilet and washroom area complete with washer and dryer. We enjoyed having the large counter space in the restroom for all our different makeup bags and other such items.

The tatami room downstairs has two big, comfy bean bag chairs and 4 other floor chairs for sitting and watching local tv or Netflix. We enjoyed wine and snacks in the area. It was nice that the dining/kitchen area are connected to the tatami so we could all visit and sit comfortably.

Upstairs are two bedrooms and a toilet. It was so great having the second toilet upstairs. I would have hated having to wake up and run downstairs. One bedroom has two double beds and a small vanity area. The other room is outfitted with two fluffy futons and has a convenient counter/vanity area for dressing. A little night stand would have been a good addition in the futon room upstairs to set phones and other items. Two futons are available to use in the downstairs tatami room as well.

The location was right next to the river and within walking distance to several bars and restaurants. It is a nice area to take a stroll and see what you can find. Just about 100 meters or so is a great little sento bath with friendly service and several types of baths and a sauna.

I hope to make it back soon to what I consider my little own Kyoto home and...

I had a great time staying with friends as a group of 6 at KUMEI. The place is a beautifully renovated machiya townhouse that has everything you need for a perfect getaway to Kyoto. It is very stylish, clean and comfortable.

The location of the townhouse is perfect because it is in a quiet neighborhood with a lot of local charm, but just seconds away from the popular Kamo River. It is a lovely place to take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful Kyoto atmosphere and scenery. The rental is within walking distance of public transportation. The two closest train stations, Kiyomizu-Gojō and Shichijō, are less than 10 minutes by foot, making it very easy to get around the city. There are also several coffee shops and restaurants that you can walk to if you want to stay close to the rental.

The townhouse has one room with 2 beds and two rooms with the option to put out futons for sleeping. 6 people can sleep very comfortably in this rental. There is also enough space and seating to relax and socialize on the first floor. The group I stayed with spent a lot of time together in the rental and it never felt cramped or crowded. There is a toilet on each floor and 1 shower/bathing room. It could take a little planning to schedule everyone a time to bathe if you are a group of 6, but it is well worth it for the lovely spa-like experience of soaking in the tub while gazing out the window onto the Japanese style garden at the back of the house.

Staying at KUMEI exceeded my expectations. I wouldn’t hesitate staying here again on a...

We had an absolutely relaxing stay! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that set the tone for our New Years trip.

The bedrooms were impressively spacious, allowing us to unpack and truly feel at home. Each room was beautifully decorated, combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort. The quiet surroundings contributed to a peaceful ambiance, making it easy to relax after a day of exploring the bustling city. The weather was very cold but the heating inside worked perfectly and kept us cozy.

What I loved most was the sense of privacy and intimacy we felt inside the space. It was the perfect retreat, allowing us to unwind and recharge. The amenities were top-notch, with everything we needed at our fingertips. The kitchen was fully equipped, and the living area was cozy and inviting, making it ideal for relaxing evenings.

One of the highlights of our stay was the separate room featuring a stunning zen garden. It was a tranquil oasis where we could meditate and enjoy the beauty of nature without leaving the property. The meticulous cleanliness of the entire space made our stay even more enjoyable, as we felt comfortable and cared for throughout our time there.

Overall, this home was a delightful blend of spaciousness, tranquility, and thoughtful amenities. If you're looking for a serene and intimate experience in Kyoto,...