รินน์ ชิโจ ทากาเซงาวะ

This was top 2 of all the hotels I've ever stayed at! I don't want to give away the secret, though. If you book this, make sure you allow enough time to hang out at the house - you will want to! And ... take a bath! Fill the tub, turn the lights off, open the window and watch the river go by. 10 out of 10!

This is the home. We have always wanted to experience Japanese style of city living, and this is it. A small, very functional, newly renovated town house in the heart of Kyoto, so close to the shopping and transportation yet very quite and beautiful. The bathroom has a window which can be open complete to breath the fresh air when one has a soak. We cooked every night with the food from the nearby market and department store. We truly felt we had a home in Kyoto. One thing to be aware, the bedroom is on the second floor and the toilet is one the first floor. And the stair is nice but can be steep for some people. Cause we stayed in winter, the cold draft can prevent the room from heating equally. The staffs were so nice, they dropped off our luggage when we checked in, and they are very kind in answering to our questions and needs.

We loved staying at the Rinn Shijo, it was the most charming little house in the perfect location. Before arriving in Kyoto we received an email telling us to first go to the office. The is conveniently located just a few minutes walk from Kyoto station. We received a very friendly welcome, they gave us a keycard explained the property and asked if we wanted to leave our luggage. As check-in wasn't till 4 we thought we would have to return to pick up our bags, but they explained they could drop them at the property for us. Great service - it meant we were free to explore the city all day. The actual property is about 20 minutes from the office, it's a great location backing onto a river and a few minutes walk from Gion where you'll find bars, restaurants and all the buildings and life you would expect of Kyoto. That evening we found the house, which was easy as it has a clear sign on the front and getting in was as simple as swiping the card. Inside we found our bags waiting for us. A small entrance way gives way to a little kitchen a living room with tatami mats. A bathroom with a super deep bath overlooks the river. Upstairs are two comfortable beds. If your looking for a traditional Japanese house in the centre of town this couldn't be more perfect. We had a great time here and I would happily stay again.