Rent a house in Kyoto

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Sankoku Bashira - Kyoto
© Japan Experience

Discover our apartments and houses for rent in Kyoto

Our vacation houses for rent in Japan's ancient capital are located in some of the city's most beautiful areas, particularly in the centuries-old Gion district, a historic and cultural center famous for its architecture, cobblestone streets, temples and traditional entertainment.

Our Kyoto accommodations are the ideal place for a few nights to a few weeks, fully immersed in the Japanese way of life. From small traditional Japanese houses to larger residences accommodating up to 8 people, all our vacation rental homes offer the comfort, privacy and flexibility essential for a successful vacation.

Unlike a hotel stay, you'll enjoy a private space with a kitchen and living room, where you can relax after exploring Kyoto and the surrounding area. Our accommodations also offer all the facilities and conveniences you need: a washing machine, fully-equipped kitchen to prepare meals, "Japanese-style" rooms with futon and tatami mats or Western-style rooms depending on your choice of accommodation, and sometimes even a pretty Japanese garden. On arrival, one of our house angels will even welcome you in your home to show you around your accommodation, give you all the best addresses in the area and offer assistance throughout your stay.

The Gion district, Kyoto's historic center

Kyoto's Gion district is an emblematic location that embodies the essence of Japanese tradition. Famous for its geishas, cobbled streets and peaceful atmosphere, Gion is the place to immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture.

Its traditional architecture, made up of numerous machiya (traditional wooden shops), is much appreciated by travellers. There's a wide variety of entertainment and cultural activities on offer, including tea ceremonies, kimono and yukata-wearing strolls through the streets of Kyoto, and traditional theatrical performances.

Our homes are ideally located for easy access on foot to nearby attractions and points of interest, as well as to the Keihan train station (for Osaka).

Higashiyama district

To the east of Gion, Higashiyama lies at the foot of Kyoto's eastern hills. This district is renowned for its well-preserved urban landscape, offering one of the most authentic images of old Japan. Higashiyama's winding cobblestone streets, including the famous Sannenzaka and Ninnenzaka, lead visitors through a maze of traditional stores, teahouses and ancient temples.

The jewel in Higashiyama's crown is undoubtedly the Kiyomizu-dera, a Buddhist temple listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched on a hill, it offers a spectacular panoramic view of Kyoto. The temple's wooden terrace, built without a single nail, is an architectural masterpiece that is sure to impress visitors.

Other remarkable temples dotted around the district include Kodai-ji, known for its Zen gardens and tea pavilions. The five-storey pagoda of Hokan-ji temple, visible from many points in the district, has become one of Higashiyama's symbols.

Map of our houses in Kyoto

Frequently Asked Questions :

When traveling to Japan, a visit to the former imperial capital is a must. An emblematic city renowned for its cultural and historical richness, it is home to magnificent temples, traditional gardens and preserved neighborhoods, offering visitors a total immersion in an ancient Japan. With its timeless beauty, Kyoto is an ideal destination for discovering the essence of Japanese tradition.

The best districts to stay in on vacation in Kyoto are : Gion, Arashiyama and the Eastern district (Gingakuji and Philosophy Road)

The Gion district: Gion is the best place to stay in Kyoto. It's the city's cultural center. Ideally located, with its typical architecture and old-world Japanese atmosphere, it's the ideal place to stay and discover or rediscover Kyoto.
Arashiyama: Located to the west of Kyoto, Arashiyama is renowned for its magnificent natural scenery. Stroll through the bamboo forest, visit the Tenryu-ji temple, admire the traditional Japanese gardens and stroll along the Hozu River. Arashiyama is also famous for its iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and its famous monkey garden. Renting in Arashiyama will take you away from the center of Kyoto, but closer to its nature.
Gingakuji and Philosophy Road: Kyoto's major attraction, this is the eastern district of Kyoto. Ideally situated for walking to Gion, it's a quiet area to get away from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto.

Kyoto's neighborhoods are relatively quiet at night. You'll have no trouble sleeping, even in the city's most popular districts.

Our homes are located mainly in the Gion district, but also near the Ginkakuji and the Philosophy Trail, Kyoto center, Kyoto station and Demachiyanagi.

Gion district: The Gion district is the center of cultural Kyoto. Here you can visit the Heian jingu shrine (or Shinnyodo, Nanzen-ji...), art museums (Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, National Museum of Modern Art, Fuji Yurinkan Museum...). Most of the other historic districts are within walking distance, making it easy to get around, as is the Keihan line train station to Osaka (accessible with the Kansai Free Pass).
The East district: Home to the Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and the Philosophy Way (Tetsugaku no michi), this district in eastern Kyoto is renowned for its concentration of temples, traditional gardens and picturesque alleyways. It's a quiet, authentic district. It's close to Gion, making it easy to get there on foot.

Our accommodations in Kyoto are mainly houses. To make the most of the Kyoto experience, we offer a wide choice of traditional houses, completely renovated and furnished in the Japanese style, including many machiya (traditional Kyoto houses listed as World Monuments Found).

All our homes have their own special features, which you can explore by looking at the details of each unit. Some have been renovated by architects and designers specializing in Japanese architecture. They combine modern comforts with the charm of traditional homes: cob walls, shoji and fusuma (sliding doors made of rice paper or wood), exposed beams and rooms equipped with tatami mats, bamboo and subdued lighting give our homes a real cachet.

Our homes feature comfortable Japanese-style rooms with tatami and futons, and Western-style rooms with single or double beds. You'll also enjoy a comfortable living room and plenty of space to relax, such as an indoor Japanese garden or pretty balcony. The kitchen is fully equipped for cooking. The bathroom is generally a wet room, as is customary in Japan. All our accommodations have a bathtub for a relaxing soak after a day's sightseeing. A washing machine is also available. However, room laundry service is not included in the price. It costs 1,800 yen (approx. 12 euros) per person, to be paid directly to your Travel Angel if you wish to take advantage of it. You can also choose to bring your own sheets.

All our houses are equipped with a wifi internet connection.

The rental price is for the entire accommodation per night. For insurance reasons in Japan, we kindly ask you not to exceed the maximum number of occupants indicated on our data sheet. The rental price includes all apartment facilities and the personalized service of the "Travel Angel", who will welcome and assist you throughout your stay in our homes. Please note that laundry service is not included, but is available for an additional charge of 1,800 yen (approx. 12 euros) per person. This amount can be paid directly to your Travel Angel on arrival. If you prefer, you can also bring your own sheets. In addition, all our houses are equipped with an Internet connection included in the rental price.

For further details, please contact us at contact@japan-experience.com or +33 01 42 61 83.

In Japan, Airbnb accommodation is strictly regulated by law, particularly in historic cities such as Kyoto. We therefore recommend that travelers check the legality of the apartment they wish to rent. Our vacation homes are not under the Airbnb regime and will allow you to stay there with peace of mind. What's more, renting a house will give you the unique experience of Japanese-style living in a typical house that will take you far away from the hotel room.

Likewise, a Japan Experience Travel Angel will accompany you throughout your stay in our accommodation. He'll help you settle in, show you around the area and be on hand to deal with any queries or problems you may have during your stay.