Kyoto Machiya Gion "Kunitsukami" araka-tanaka

Entire townhouse in Higashiyama-ku, Japan

  1. 3 guests
  2. 1 bedroom
  3. 3 futons
  4. 1 bathroom
Hosted by Tokuji
  1. Superhost
  2. 13 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 1% of homes

This home is one of the highest ranked based on ratings, reviews and reliability.

Unwind in the hot tub

This is one of the few places in the area with this amenity.

24-hour self check-in

Check yourself in with the keypad whenever you arrive.
You are cordially invited to embark on a genuine Kyoto living experience at "Kunitsukami" araka-tanaka (the Gion House ).
"Kunitsukami" araka-tanaka is a traditional Japanese 'machiya' is centrally-located in Gion. It was designated in Gion historic district building by Kyoto City Gov. The house was built in 1892, and was completely restored under the supervision of Kyoto City Gov, and it was stand up for historical Gion principle. It is rented an entire house, and private!

The space
The restoration was a labor of love, requiring the participation of artisans specializing in traditional carpentry Kyoto style techniques, and using natural materials in all areas both inside and out. Great efforts were made to recreate an atmosphere, which will allow guests to experience the traditional way of living.

An added modern touch for comfort is the luxurious bathing area and bathroom...where you can soak in the bathtub of pottery while gazing at ‘’Tsubo Niwa’’ garden, after a full day of sightseeing. The bathtub is from Sigaraki ware, and made by hand of traditional craftsman, who has made Shigaraki ware in front of Emperor some while. And, as room will be separated by traditional Japanese fusuma (papered sliding doors) and shoji (Japanese paper) screens with flowers beautifully arranged in along walls, you will feel a sense of warmth. Thus, the guest can experience Japanese aesthetic feeling and mystery in objects of everyday life. This house has tatami-floored rooms and can accommodate up to three guests. The tatami-floored rooms are equipped with low cypress beds and the high-quality futons with mattress. A third guest can sleep on the high-quality futon with mattress directly on the tatami. The tatami uses an undyed organic straw mat and an authentic first-grade base of tatami.

The living area is adjacent to its own small ’’ Tsubo Niwa’’ garden. There are both floor-heating system and bath-heating system, keeping the place warmer in the winter season. There is space called’’ Hiroen’’ which is located in between living room and garden. This space will give a feeling both outside and inside when the guest are sitting, and there is also designated a World Heritage Site ‘’Yakusugi’’ dining table, which is a Japanese cedar that term 'Yakusugi' refers to trees are more than 1,000 years old. It is forbid the cutting of ‘’Yakusugi’’ now. The light are bring fun to the room, antique light, special order for hand made bamboo with paper light, and traditional wire work ’’Gaishi Biki’’ on the ceiling. Wooden floor and Table were rubbed with natural 100% flaxseed oil which has been used by Kyoto's Machiya house.

Other things to note
Per Japan law, I need to collect the following information from you after booking.
1) Your occupation
2) Your home address
3) Your mobile phone number
4) A page with all guests' passport photos and numbers

Giving those advance informations will be smoth at the check-in and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation in these government procedures and

Once we receive all 4 items listed above, I will send you the check-in instructions. 


Housekeeping or cleaning is not provided during your stay. The house will be cleaned by our professional cleaners only prior to your check in and after check out.

There are the floor futons, with comforters and pillows. 3 single futons for 3 persons.

Registration details
Hotels and Inns Business Act | 京都市東山区保健所 | 京都市司令保保医第1913号

Where you'll sleep

What this place offers

Kitchen
Wifi
Dedicated workspace
Private hot tub
Washing machine

Select check-in date

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Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 284 reviews.

Guest favourite
This home is in the top 1% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 91% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 8% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 1% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for value

Guest reviews mention

Where you’ll be

Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan

The oldest Zen temple, "Kenninji Temple, " is just a one-minute walk away. Other temples, such as Kiyomizu Temple, Sanjusankando Temple, Tofukuji Temple, Chion-in Temple, numerous restaurants, and the downtown shopping district, are located nearby, and they are possible to visit from the "Kunituskami" Gion House by walk.
Unlike a hotel, it is a traditional wooden townhouse, so you may hear noise from outside since the house is located in the Gion district.

At the end of 2024, a nearby fire damaged the adjacent house. The timing of repairs or demolition is still undecided, but we will inform you if any construction occurs during your stay.

Cancellation without penalty is available only if your reservation period overlaps with the construction period and you wish to cancel. Please note that the refund amount may vary due to exchange rate fluctuations.

Meet your host

Superhost
678 reviews
4.92 out of 5 average rating
13 years of hosting
Speaks English and Japanese
Lives in Kyoto, Japan
I was born and raised in Kyoto. I strive to provide accommodation that is neither a hotel nor Ryokan, but rather one that offers a travel experience that is more specific to the region and respects its culture and traditions. and I only deal with traditional Kyoto houses Kyo-machiya "araka tanaka" 舎田なか.

Tokuji is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Co-Hosts

  • Aoina
  • Takako

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.

Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in after 16:00
Checkout before 10:00
3 guests maximum
Safety & property
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarm
Not suitable for children and infants