Reviews from guests who stayed at this hotel, shared by our hotel supplier. Score based on the latest 39 reviews.
Daria
Switzerland · Solo · September 2026
“Exceptional”
+I had a wonderful stay at machiyado! Everything was exceptionally clean and cozy. Can’t wait to stay here again during my next visit in Kyoto!
Tyler
Australia · Family · May 2026
“Quaint and quiet traditional charm with a convenient location.”
+Location was outstanding. Quiet neighborhood but with plenty of food options and only 15-20 min walk to downtown, Gion, and other major Kyoto sights. House was immaculately clean with traditional charm. Host was fast and helpful when the door locking mechanism malfunctioned and locked us out (arrived within minutes).
−Definitely feels much smaller in person than it appears in the photos. I'm not sure the 9pp occupancy is actually feasible unless there are small children (even with wall-to-wall futons). Would be appropriately cozy with only 5pp.
Thinley
Bhutan · Family · January 2026
“Traditional Japanese house experience in a quiet neighbourhood with good location.”
+Nice old renovated traditional Japanese house with small garden in a quiet neighbourhood among local residences. Good location and walkable from metro station and busses. Convenience stores and restaurants nearby. Short walk to many temples, museums and the zoo. Walkable to Gion and other locations if you enjoy walking.
−Kitchen, dining area is cold in winter even with the single oil filled electric radiator but bedrooms upstairs were warm. I think the stained concrete floor which would be nice in summer is not insulated for winter. Bathroom and toilet is in the garden outhouse- would be ok for summer, but cold for December. Take eye masks if you sleep beyond sunrise as windows don't have blackout curtains. (had a similar experience in another old house last year in central Kyoto).
Anqi
United Kingdom · Couple · December 2025
“A Lovely and Comfortable Stay”
+We had a lovely stay here during our trip. The location is excellent,close to many tourist attractions, yet still a quiet and peaceful place to relax. The home itself is very comfortable and made us feel right at home. Morikawa was incredibly helpful throughout our entire stay and made us feel truly welcome and well taken care of. We would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting the area.
Calvin
Malaysia · Couple · November 2025
“Morikawa-San was very accommodating and was responding really super quick before my stay. She keep me updated on the pro”
+Very well maintained and kept place, out of high people traffic area but close enough to public transportation services. You can even walk to the places of interest as they are within 15-20 minutes walk. First time experiencing staying in a ryokan and wasn’t disappointed. Note thought for taller people above 180cm, you might need to watch your head a little. Overall, a very homely place and we wished we could have more nights here.
−Nothing to be disliked.
Olivia
United States · Couple · October 2025
“Gorgeous and meticulously designed historic machiya for an authentic Kyoto experience”
+Gorgeous and quiet peaceful home, a great location for walking around historic Kyoto but a little out of the bustle. The automatic heating system for the tub was amazing, love the tatami smell and comfortable futons. Yukata were included as well as tea! Beautiful space and lighting. Perfect place to enjoy Kyoto on our honeymoon!
−If you are tall or have loud or energetic kids this might not be the place for you, but as a shorter couple who likes peace we loved it! Bring slippers.
Shah Ibtihaj
United Kingdom · Solo · September 2025
“Traditional Vibes, Modern comfort, feels like home away from home.”
+The location was great, the facilities was amazing, the building inside and outside is beautiful because of its traditional design but with modern amenities and equipment therefore providing the perfect comfort and homely vibe. The locality to a station is very convenient, the passcode being unique to the guest is comforting, and for someone who likes staying in AirBnB's over Hotels because of 'home away from home' feeling, this place is perfect.
−Everything was great, nothing to dislike! only thing I would've appreciated, was maybe a simple affirmation or confirmation on a leaflet telling me if I was or was not allowed to use the abundant amount of beautiful crockery and cutlery. but this is not a complaint nor was it an inconvenience.
Josh
Australia · Solo · September 2025
“Wonderful little Machiya in a peaceful part of Kyoto”
+-This is my second time staying at this Machiya. I received an email at 11:30am on the day of check-in that I was able to enter before the normal 3pm time. That was an unexpected, but very welcome surprise. -The Machiya is in a fantastic location. Higashiyama train station is a 5 min walk away, there's 2 Lawsons convenience stores very close by, and a 7-11 a little further away. There's a number of restaurants in the area as well. Gion is a 10 minute walk away, and the main shopping/entertainment precinct is about a 20 minute walk. There's also a number of shrines and attractions close by. -The Machiya itself is well equipped for spending a large amount of time indoors - it has a small stove top, a bar fridge, and a washing machine in the kitchen. The living room has a large flatscreen TV with free to air channels -The Futons are comfortable -Air conditioning on both levels -The bath is like a mini onsen, and has a view of the small zen garden outside
−-There were specks of dirt/debris being expelled from the jets when filling the bath. It probably just needs a flush. -There is only rack for drying clothes, which is inconvenient if you're doing a large load of laundry. There's no dryer, so another rack or even 2, would be a big plus.
Jayne
Australia · Solo · May 2025
“Second fantastic stay in my favourite part of Kyoto”
+Situated in a fantastic neighbourhood of Kyoto, I enjoyed walking to Nanzenji and other nearby parks early morning before the crowds. The house had everything I needed and will be back!
Pedro
Portugal · Couple · May 2025
“Exceptional”
+Amazing property to stay like a local!