Kyoto, also sometimes referred to as the thousand-year capital, is the capital city of Kyoto Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. With a large natural water table, Kyoto has an abundance of freshwater wells. Its economy majorly relies on information technology and electronics. Kyoto, which was Japan’s capital city for a very long time, is a vast cultural center. Embark on the traditional experiences in Kyoto and you’re sure to ignite a deeper appreciation of the city. Having 2,000 religious temples and shrines, imperial palaces, gardens, and traditional wooden houses, it is no wonder why the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The accommodations here also reflect its culture, that’s why you’ll see lots of tourist-friendly onsen ryokan in Kyoto. The same can also be observed in its vacation rentals. For immersive stays, read on to discover the best HomeAway/Vrbo vacation rentals in Kyoto, Japan.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 07, 2024.
1. Charming and quiet traditional home (from USD 220)
Stay in this house located on a quiet lane that leads up to Kiyomizu Temple where you can marvel at cherry blossoms and autumn colors. The interior presents a mix of Japanese design and beautiful antiques with modern features. The house has two bedrooms, one with three futons and the other with a queen bed–hence comfortably accommodating five guests. It features one bathroom, a well-equipped, full-sized kitchen to prepare your meals in, internet, a library, and a small Japanese garden on the deck. Visit temples, gardens, restaurants, coffee shops and the various shops selling traditional handicrafts and arts as you explore the steep and ancient back lanes to Yasaka Shrine (10 minutes away) or Gion district (10 minutes away).
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
kitchen supplies air conditioning comfortable beds)The downstairs includes a generous sized kitchen/dining area a toiletThe bed is very comfortable as an alternative to the traditional matsNo more five-star hotels for usThe kids loved the steep stairsCleanliness:
The hot water was plentiful and water pressure was greatHost:
Acco helped us with our bags and she is extremely helpful and so easy to talk toAcco was tremendously helpful with usfriendly helpful and an incredible hostessprovided well annotated local map and finally helped again on departurethe owner met us on arrivalRead more reviewsLocation:
It was conveniently located yet very quiet being only a street back from busy streets with access to restaurants and supermarkets A few minutes to bus access and 12 minutes to the subwayThe bus stop is just 10 mins awayIt is in an excellent location right by Gion district and only a few minutes walk away from Kiyomizu-dera templeThe house is very well located near Kiyomizu-dera templeThe place is slightly older than expected from picture and is a 15 to 20 min walk north to Gion but close to Kiyomizu temple
2. Beautiful and authentic Machiya townhouse (from USD 240)
Located 20 meters (65.6ft) from the Sakura tree-lined Shirakawa canal in Kyoto, this vacation home rental is a tranquil retreat suitable for relaxing stays. The neighborhood comprises of old wooden houses, family-run restaurants and shops, temples, shrines, and historic sites. Amenities include two bedrooms, one bath, a kitchen where you can prepare your meals, wireless internet, books, and a peaceful Japanese garden at the back of the house that has rare, old Buddhist stone carvings. Explore the museum district and Heian Shrine that are just a five-minute walk away and Gion which is ten minutes’ walk away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
There is a well appointed kitchen and a fridgeIt has all the modern appliances including washing machine and fully equipped kitchenThe master bedroom is a nice size but the second bedroom is much smaller If you are traveling with friends or another couple you might want to discuss or flip a coin for who gets the larger roomEnjoyed eating in one night as wellIt was great to have both the traditional bedroom and living space as well as modern kitchen and bathroom facilities After long days of sightseeing it was lovely to relax back in the calm of the M...Cleanliness:
The facilities are very good and everything was well kept clean and worked wellthe house is clean and very nicely renovatedWith Gion just south and Downtownand it is generally very quietThe toilet is amazing and the bath is really wonderfulHost:
David was a fine hostThe hosts were very nice and helpfulGreat communication with host and very interesting accommodationthey also provided us with information about where to go and what to visitFor the most part the amenties are modern and very good and the owner and his assistant communicated very well and were very helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
The location is away from other tourists but still convenient to the subway and Heian shrineThe location is brilliant for exploring KyotoThe neighbourhood has some lovely restaurants and is close to some great sightsit is located very close to the subway station and the gion areajust minutes later It is in a pedestrian zone
3. Bright and colorful townhome (from USD 180)
This lovely house combines Japanese decor with some Western comfort to ensure comfort for foreign travelers. With one bedroom that has two queen beds, it comfortably accommodates four guests. Amenities include a kitchen to prepare your meals in, a spacious modern Japanese shower and bath area, internet, TV, and a common tatami room next to the lobby overlooking a Zen garden. The house is a walking distance from the Gion District, shops, cafes and restaurants, and the subway. Stay in this house that is strategically located near local amenities and explore Kyoto.
4. Traditional luxury house in the heart of Gion (from USD 350)
How amazing would it be to stay in a house with a garden designed by a renowned architect and was featured in a book? Gion Kyuraku features a garden that was designed by Mr. Sano who is a famous architect. The house comfortably accommodates six guests. Amenities include two bedrooms, one-and-a-half baths, kitchen, internet, and TV. Its location allows one to see Maiko-sans and Geiko-sans every night. Tour nearby temples such as Kenninji Temple (2-minute walk), Kyomizu Temple (10-minute walk), Hokan-ji Temple (5-minute walk) and Rokuhara Mitsuji Temple (1-minute walk). Hanamikoji Dori, a historical street in Japan is only a 3-minute walk away. Dine in family-run diners or Michelin rated restaurants that are also nearby.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
all facilities (kitchen bathroomThere are two bedrooms upstairs and one downstairs along with a living room and dining areaThe washer/dryer in the kitchen was a nice bonus Because we were two adult couplesbut we were very comfortable and warm with the heaters in each roomit to say everything in the description is accurateCleanliness:
The Machiya is very clean and comfortableHer attention to details is very evident in the machiya as wellThe house is clean efficient and everything is in perfect working orderand we look forward to returning one dayThis property is everything the description says and more I am always wary of presentation pitches and photographs being presented in a over flattering light but this machiya is exactly as descri...Host:
All communication with regard to various questions and our booking was always answers very quickly with detailed helpful adviceFinding the house was made easy with the detailed instructions both english & japaneseRieko was a gracious and considerate host quickly answering any questions we had having the heat on maps out for usThey could not have been more accommodating andThomas and Rieko were very helpful and gave us great information including restaurant recommendationsRead more reviewsLocation:
It is in a real Kyoto neighborhood with a terrific supermarket just 1 minute away and a 10 walk to the best of ancient KyotoThe location is perfect with most of the interesting places in Higashiyama and city center at walking distanceThe machiya is perfectly located in the center of historic Kyoto within walking distance of many important sitesVery nice neighborhood to see the sights and walk aroundThe location is also very central
5. Spacious Senraku house in downtown Kyoto (from USD 200)
Stay in Senraku house which comfortably accommodates four guests. It features one bedroom in which four futons can be spread, one bath, kitchen, high-speed internet connection and a 32-inch (81.28-cm) flat-screen TV. Within walking distance are attractions such as Sento which is a traditional Japanese communal bath house, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade. Catch a train at the station which is less than 10 minutes’ walk away and visit attractions such as Kinkakuji (Golden Pavillion), Heian Shrine, Ginkaku-ji, Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizu Temple, Gion Geisha District, Yasaka Shrine, and Arashiyama.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The home consists of a good-sized tatami room modern kitchen and nice bathroom downstairs and a large bedroomThe stairs are steep to the bedroomThe bathroom is large and has a nice big showerThe kitchen was well-equipped and the washer/dryer was definitely an added bonusand yet have every modern convenience - washer and dryer large bathroom and shower WiFi fully equipped kitchen air conditioner and big screen TVCleanliness:
The house is immaculately clean and the futons were comfortablevery clean Access to the property was easyThe home is beautifully appointed and meticulously cleanthe house so clean the location and aboveHost:
Her maps and tips made all the difference Heartily recommend her lovely homeOur host Rieko is lovely and very helpful thoughtful and kindWe really appreciated the map of Kyoto and the welcome letter that awaited us upon our arrival at the houseall the hostess ExcellentRieko was a super help to us in navigating KyotoRead more reviewsLocation:
Great neighborhood with the best bakery in Kyoto just right across the street and two wonderful restaurantsSenraku House is conveniently located in central Kyoto and it is easy to walkThe house is 5 minutes from the metrolocation is great - just a few blocks from great restaurants and shopping and just a few blocks from easy train and bus optionsclose to quite a few supermarkets and bakeries and nice little local restaurants House is in perfect condition efficient lay-out and
6. Traditional one-bedroom Kyoto home (from USD 268)
Located at the foot of Kiyomizu Temple, this one-bedroom house comfortably accommodates three people. Its design features a combination of preserved traditional techniques and modern designs that guarantee comfort to its guests. Amenities include one bathroom, internet, TV, and a kitchen in which you can prepare your meals. The house is a walking distance to famous temples, shrines, downtown, and Gion.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The bathroom is very modernThe small kitchen is adequately equippedfully equipped kitchen TVThe futon is very comfortablewas a big part of thatCleanliness:
The washer and dryer definitely comes in handyThe property is well maintained and cleanHowever what constitues "early in the am" as their is a house aboveThe futons were extremely comfortable and gave us a good night's rest after a full day of sightseeingThe apartment is so lovely andHost:
The owner was so niceso well taken care ofthe host knows the placeand she really made our stay so memorable and enjoyableRoxana is super friendly and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
Location is super convenient to Kiyomizu Temple and its surrounding walksThere are many interesting shops and restaurants off Higashi-doriWalking distance to many attractionsthe location was very convenient for sightseeing with other places easy to reach Shops and restaurants were plentiful and within a few minutes of the houseWhat a beautiful place to live in
7. Historical Japanese abode near Gion District (from USD 360)
Explore the temples, shrines, gardens, and culture that make Kyoto a truly unique place while staying in this house that accommodates five guests. It has two bedrooms, one with two single beds and the other with three futons. Other features include one bathroom, a modern kitchen where you can prepare your meals, a tatami room, TV and internet. Visit Kiyomizu Temple, shrines, downtown, Gion and the renowned geisha district that are a walking distance away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
Nice size bedrooms sufficient bathroom and shower facilitiesthe living space was a bit tight with five people(I especially liked the little garden) yet equipped with modern comforts like a high-tech bathroom and heatingAs expected there is practically no sound insulation so be prepared to hear everything that is going on outside and next doorWas very hot when we visited and the air-con worked greatCleanliness:
The house was clean and big enoughtThe shower and bath were absolutely divinethe bedrooms are very spacious and the bathroom with separate bathand we were delighted with our stayHost:
She made sure we understood everything we needed to know about the propertyour host was delightfulShe was super helpful during our stay and added to our whole wonderful experiencecomfortable and quiet Roxanna was an exemplary host always happy to go that extra mileWe had a wonderful time When we arrived at house Marika was there to greet us and was so friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
I used to live in Osaka and have visited Kyoto many timesthe house is serviced by a number of buses and train stationsThe location is the bestWe found the one day passes the easiest way to get aroundThe location was very convenient for lots of restaurants sights transportation and shopping
8. Elegant and bright two-bedroom abode (from USD 320)
Stay in this house that combines Japanese tradition and modern comfort to comfortably accommodate five guests. It features a fully equipped kitchen, dining area for four, a tatami room that features a sunken seating area, sliding paper screens and a view of the courtyard garden, one-and-a-half baths, two bedrooms (one with three futons and the other with two single beds), TV, and internet. The bathroom is uniquely designed with fully tiled walls and features hinoki, subdued lighting, and an amazing view of the traditional garden. The garden features a Japanese maple tree, moss, and a stone water feature. Nearby attractions include Kennin-ji Zen temple, the Gion entertainment district, and Kamogawa River.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
But for those who aren't comfortable sitting on the floor to eat the first floor also includes a Western dining table and modern kitchen areaThe kitchen was well-equippedThis property is as beautiful as it looks in the photosThere is a bathroom on the first floor with a typical Japanese shower and soaking tub large vanity and separate toiletPerfect amenities and a very comfortable bedCleanliness:
It is impeccably clean and the finishes are top notch throughoutvery well appointed kitchen bedrooms and bathroomsEverything was perfect; the Machiya is beautiful and comfortable the neighbourhood is great and convenient and the hospitality of Naoko was wonderfulHost:
She went out of her way to be helpful particularly in arranging a taxi to pick us up the early morning of our departureThey left us a nice note with some origami upon arrivalShe provided helpful information before and during our stay and responded very quickly to our questions and requestsNaoko was a very thoughtful and helpful host -a plus We really appreciated our hosts hospitality and attentionRead more reviewsLocation:
A perfect location in Gion within walking distance to many attractionsThe location was excellent - walking distance to the subway restaurants and a further walk to the shopping area (15 min)The location is convenient to a metro station (not a JR line) which provides easy access up and down the riverAlso only 25 minute flat walk to Kyoto stationyou can walk everywhere and is near the subway supermarket and restaurants Great internet and appletv
9. Charming residence in the heart of Kyoto District
Located in the heart of Kyoto District, this house has four bedrooms and hence can comfortably accommodates eight people. Amenities include one Japanese-style modern bathroom with a tub, a fully equipped kitchen, internet, TV, and three bicycles. You can find supermarkets, bakeries, coffee shop, restaurants, a DVD rental shop, Kyoto International Conference Center, Kyoto Concert Hall, and Kyoto Botanical Garden near the house. If you happen to be there on August 16th, you can see two out of the five giant bonfires lit in the mountains during the Daimonji Festival through the windows.
Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 6
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
He wished he was living in a place like thatso it was like home to have him come over for dinnerThe place is very spacious and has all the equipment needed to make your stay a successThe house is pretty roomy by Japanese standards Clean and comfortable with 3 bedrooms as well as a living area well-equipped kitchen washing machine and balcony plus an empty attic areaIt had everything we needed and moreCleanliness:
it is very close to public transportation with quick access to the downtown environs and whole of the Kansai regionHost:
We arrived close to 11PM and he was waiting making sure that the house was warm for usWe've been welcomed by Kenta who speaks a good English was extremely helpful and niceHe also helped us figure out some fun things to do around KyotoKenta was extremely nice and accommodating---from meeting us at the subway providing us with bikes and being available for answering any question we hadhe even prepared some drinks in the fridge for us and toys for our girlsRead more reviewsLocation:
A 15 minute train ride from the central station of Kyoto which is nice since you're still in the cityThe house is in a quiet residential area but very close to a subway station which makes the location very convenientThe house is very convenient located next to the subway and only one stop away from Kyoto international conference centerThere are a few restaurants within easy walking distance and a convenience store called Lawsons (open 24 hours)but there are a few restaurants within walking distance
Enjoy traditional comfort with a modern twist
Kyoto is a beautiful and unique city with a lot of culture, temples, imperial palaces, and shrines to explore. The culture spreads to their houses which combine traditional and modern architecture. Plan a trip here and stay in one of these best HomeAway vacation rentals in Kyoto, Japan.
Frequently asked questions about the best HomeAway/Vrbo vacation rentals in Kyoto, Japan
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