Amber House in Gion is a magical traditional Japanese house on a quite street just steps away from the city’s most important sightseeing district.

Exterior of Amber House – image © Amber House
This two-storey machiya house is the perfect place to experience living the traditional Kyoto way. The house has been sumptuously restored so that it retains its “old Kyoto” charm but is completely comfortable for modern guests.


The house directly adjoins the complex of Kennin-ji Temple, one of Kyoto’s oldest Zen temples. While you’re right on the edge of Gion here, the house is very quiet because it’s on a tiny cul-de-sac. Downtown is only 10 minutes’ walk away and the main temples of Southern Higashiyama are also about 10 minutes’ walk away.


The house can sleep up to four people in two bedrooms. There’s an incredible inner garden, a fine Japanese bath and a complete kitchen.
Considering the fact that this place costs less than most proper hotels in town, it’s an incredible bargain for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of an elegant traditional house with all the modern comforts. It’s perfect for families or couples.
You can book online at Old Kyoto, the official website for Amber House and several other similar properties, such as Indigo House, The Gion House and The Gion Apartments.
English address:
563-15 Komatsu-cho, Higashiyama-ku
Japanese address:
東山区小松町563-15
Nearest bus stop:
Five-minute walk from Higashiyama-Yasui bus stop
Price:
from ¥30,000 per night
Internet:
Free Wifi
Non-smoking rooms:
Fully non-smoking
Telephone:
533-7775
Website:
Old Kyoto – book online at the official website for Amber House.

Where Is This Place Located?
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Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
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