If you’d like your “own” house or apartment while in Kyoto, there are plenty of good vacation rentals to choose from. These include machiya, which are traditional Kyoto houses updated with modern features. Here are our top picks, all personally inspected and ranked.
Amber House machiya rental exterior – image © Amber House
Old Kyoto
Old Kyoto is a company that specializes in restoring traditional Kyoto houses and turning them into sumptuous and atmospheric vacation rentals. With superb design sense, efficient staff and competitive rates, we consider these the best vacation rentals in all of Kyoto. Their properties include Amber House, Indigo House, Gion House and The Old Modern. These are all highly recommended.
Amber House interior
Other Great Places to Stay in Kyoto
Another way to try the Japanese way of living would be a night in one of Kyoto’s beautiful ryokan (traditional Japanese inns). See Kyoto Ryokan for all the details and our top picks.
If you’d like a more modern place to stay, consider one of Kyoto’s many excellent hotels. See Kyoto Hotels for all the details and our top picks.
Kyoto Hotel Guide
- Where To Stay In Kyoto
- The Best Places To Stay In Kyoto
- Best Kyoto Hotels For Sightseeing
- Kyoto Hotels Overview
- Best Luxury Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Mid Range Hotel in Kyoto
- Best Budget Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Kyoto Hotels For Families
- Best Boutique Hotels in Kyoto
- Best Value Hotels in Kyoto
- Kyoto Hotel Bargains
- Kyoto Ryokan
- Kyoto Vacation Rentals
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
