Willow House is a beautifully restored machiya in Kyoto’s Gosho Minami district, one of the city’s most attractive residential neighborhoods. With a minimum stay of 30 days, it is designed for those who want to try living in the city for a while.
Willow House bedroom.
Willow sits in one of my favorite parts of Kyoto: that sweet spot between downtown Kyoto and the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park. To the south, you have the shops, restaurants and department stores of downtown. To the north, you have the wonderful green spaces and walking paths around the Imperial Palace grounds. The excellent shops, cafés and restaurants along Teramachi Street and nearby Ebisugawa Street are all within a short stroll.
Willow House bathroom.
The house itself has been carefully renovated using traditional materials and Japanese carpentry techniques. The result is a comfortable blend of old and new, with antique architectural details paired with clean Scandinavian-inspired furnishings and locally crafted décor. It’s a beautiful renovation that preserves the feeling of a traditional Kyoto townhouse without sacrificing modern convenience.
Willow House kitchen, dining room and garden.
Designed primarily for one or two guests, Willow House is ideal for long stays. The full kitchen, dining area, private garden and upstairs workspace make it easy to settle into a comfortable daily routine. Because the house is located deep inside a narrow alleyway with no vehicle traffic, it feels remarkably peaceful despite being so close to the center of the city.
Willow House exterior.
Sleeping arrangements are excellent, with an extra-wide king bed fitted with real goose-down comforters. The bed can also be configured as two single beds upon request.
Willow House desk.
This is a great choice for independent travelers, couples, writers, remote workers, repeat Kyoto visitors and retirees who want to experience the city from one of its most livable neighborhoods.
Willow House sofa.
Name in English:
Willow House
Name in Japanese:
ウィロー・ハウス
English address:
270-5 Yanaginobamba-dori, Nijo-agaru 6-chome, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Japanese address:
〒604-0965京都府京都市中京区柳馬場通二条上る六丁目270-5
Rates: mid-March to May and October to mid-December from ¥25,000 per night. Other months from ¥19,000 per night. Minimum stay 30 nights. Maximum two persons.
Internet: wifi
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
5–7 minute walk to Marutamachi Station (Karasuma Subway Line).
Easy access to Kyoto Station via the Karasuma Subway Line.
Convenient walking access to downtown Kyoto.
Telephone: +81-75-533-7775
Website: official website
Near To Here:
Willow House is located in Central Kyoto. See our complete list of things to do in Central Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
More Kyoto Machiya
See our hand-picked list of other Kyoto Machiya to consider, all personally inspected. Or find out more in our guide to Kyoto Old Machiya.
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