9 Homestays In Kyoto, Japan - Updated 2024

Nina
Nina 
Updated
| 4 min read

On the Island of Honshu, lies the most beautiful city in Japan. Kyoto is a combination of old and new, from historical sites to shrines to temples and modern structures, Kyoto will let you experience two worlds in one place. There are lots of places to visit in Kyoto such as wooden houses and imperial palaces. You never get to feel close to Japan without tasting its finest cuisines, food fanatics, add Nishiki Market and Pontocho to your bucket list - the right places to find varied dishes. If you’re interested in something ancient, Market Street is where you should be, which presents numerous specialty shops. Lastly, venture and experience fun things to do in Kyoto that can captivate every heart. Check out this article to explore unique homestays 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. Cozy Zen Takashi's Homestay (from USD 81)

Are you interested in the way of life in Japan? Situated in a quiet neighborhood and has easy access to Central Kyoto, this cheap accommodation in Kyoto will let you experience Kyoto at its finest.

You can go anywhere from here as the JR Train Stop and Metro Station are just an eight-minute walk. You’ll be only a few minutes away from the Nishijin Area, the famous weaving district and a traditional area in Kyoto - this is where you can see machiya (old Kyoto townhouses).

First to love in Takashi’s Homestay is the homey ambiance of the rental, which makes you feel you belong. The room that you’re going to occupy is simple, yet it has all the necessary things for a good night’s sleep, from lights to bedding and pillows - all are arranged with love. You are allowed to use the kitchen, which has some basic cooking tools.

Stayed at this property?
Kyōto-shi, Kyōto-fu, Japan
6.52 km (4.1 mi) from Fushimi Inari Taisha
277 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Private room in townhouse 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the amenities were fantastic and the room was very comfortable
the tatami is super comfy (if you like quite hard bed not all westerners are ok with this)
we slept in a traditional style room which was divided in two and shared with him
the room was very comfortable and all communal spaces were very clean
we just fell in love with takashi's tatami room with sliding doors
Cleanliness:
very clean and quiet home
house is very clean with the english clues
neat clean and nice japanese style room
the house is very clean and friendly
takashi’s place was very clean and tidy
Host:
takashi was a great host
host was responsive to queries as well
takashi was helpful and quick with responses
takashi was an amazing host during our stay
the host is great good help if needed
Location:
close to jr station and the free bikes are a major plus
the location is perfect
the location is very good
:) the location is great and only a few minutes walk away from the train station and subway
the location of his house is great too
Read more reviews

2. Sakura house

Sakura house offers one-of-a-kind accommodation that is complete with a shared kitchen, free parking, and internet access. A la carte and American breakfast are also served every morning if you feel too lazy to cook.

Furthermore, each room is equipped with air-conditioning and a heating system to keep you comfortable in any weather. Plus, the property comes with a garden where you can take afternoon strolls, a terrace that offers stunning nature views, and a sun terrace where you can enjoy your morning coffee.

Stayed at this property?

Sakura house

Wifi Available

Address: 京都市南区久世上久世町283-3
5.84 km (3.7 mi) from Fushimi Inari Taisha

Parking Garden Terrace Laundry Free parking Internet services Hot tub/jacuzzi Heating

3. Kyo-no-sato (from USD 60)

Kyo-no-sato offers almost everything that you need for a relaxing homestay. Each room is equipped with air-conditioning and a heating system to keep you comfortable in any weather plus, internet access is available and free of charge.

During your stay, you can explore nearby attractions such as Shugakuin Imperial Villa, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art. For your meals, you can make use of the shared kitchen or visit some famous dining options close to the accommodation.

Stayed at this property?

Kyo-no-sato 京の里

Wifi Available

Address: 左京区岩倉長谷町1248-2
12.38 km (7.7 mi) from Fushimi Inari Taisha

Parking Garden Non-smoking rooms Laundry Family rooms Internet services WiFi Available Free WiFi

4. Fluffy Koo's "Registered" Homestay (from USD 36)

Meet your relatives from the other side, Fluffy Koo’s “Registered” Homestay treats its guests like family members. Situated just within walking distance of Fushimi Inari Shrine and 15 minutes away from Kyoto station and the Gion area, this rural Japanese house encourages you to explore and meet more potential Japanese friends.

The home is full of charm, though modern along with interior and equipment, Japanese design was left behind to a large extent. From a delicious breakfast to a kitchen to the garden, there’s no reason for leaving this beautiful home.

Stayed at this property?
Kyoto, Japan
1.17 km (0.8 mi) from Fushimi Inari Taisha
257 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
PRIVATE ROOM IN HOME 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wonderful homely apartment with great amenities
the beds were comfy and the cat was very friendly (and fluffy)
the home was comfortable and had all the essential amenities as described by the hosts
we really appreciate the delicious breakfasts comfortable beds passion of koo and chocolata and of course the city tour
(make sure you buy a jr pass & mobile wifi) 5
Cleanliness:
the house was clean and beautiful
the place was very clean and welcoming
we feel at ease with the clean and comfortable house
the house is nice and clean
the room we were shown to was clean and well-equipped for 2 people and was very comfortable
Host:
they were so helpful
kei & ritsuko was perfect host
they were excellent hosts and made us feel very much at home in kyoto
they are such outstanding host
amazing hosts at a great price point
Location:
location is also great near station bus and landmarks
public transportation is pretty accessible from their place too
kei and ritsuko’s house is in a great location and very comfortable
the location is great to use with a jr pass
the place is great top location and price is unbeatable
Read more reviews

5. Kyoto Hirakata Homestay

Okay, so you want to be a Japanese local just for a day or two? Good news for you, there’s a nice homestay to experience that. Situated in Hirakata, Kyoto Hirakata Homestay is your home away from home. This home is really like a typical Japanese home - more often you see in Japanese TV shows or movies, which can make you feel excited. The four corners of this rental will give you the feeling that you are already here for a long time, and of course, it offers comfort - lots of comforts. From a kitchen to a hot tub to a WiFi and a fridge - this homestay will not let you down. If you want a little break away from the noise and worries, Hirakata Park is waiting, only 6 km (3.73 mi) away from the rental.

Stayed at this property?

Kyoto Hirakata Homestay

Address: 津田元町2丁目 14-25, Hirakata, Hirakata, Japan, 573-0127
19.08 km (11.9 mi) from Fushimi Inari Taisha

6. Beautiful Hakusaka (from USD 156)

Located in the Higashiyama Ward district of Kyoto, Beautiful Hakusaka brings comfort in every corner with a Japanese vibe. This rental gives you the opportunity to experience life in Kyoto in an old-fashioned way, from ancient landmarks to old town walking and exploring, you’ll get a glimpse of what Kyoto was in the past. With impeccable service, outstanding ambiance, stunning views, and great amenities, from a kitchen to a balcony, there’s nothing you can wish for than staying at this place while being immersed in Japanese culture.

Stayed at this property?

美築八坂

Wifi Available

Address: 京都市清井町
3.85 km (2.4 mi) from Fushimi Inari Taisha

Parking Tennis court Golf course (within 3 km) Terrace Non-smoking rooms Internet services Express check-in/check-out Soundproof rooms

7. Lily's Guest House (from USD 65)

Offering a million worth of city views, Lily’s Guest House has a simple yet vibrant ambiance which can make you feel at eased and relaxed. Situated in Shimmachidōri and an eight-minute walk to Demachiyanagi Station, this rental will bring you closer to your dream destinations in Kyoto. A range of famous attractions are accessible at a maximum of 2.2 km (1.37 mi), from Samurai Kembu Kyoto to Eikan-do Zenrin-Ji to Shoren-in Temple and Kyoto International Manga Museum. Seeing all the interior, furnishings, equipment, and guest rooms, I bet you’ll sing the “Turning Japanese” song - this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed.

Stayed at this property?

8. Play Zendo (from USD 72)

If you really desire to absorb yourself to the daily life and culture of Kyoto, there is no better way to truly enjoy and experience living like a local here than to stay at Play Zendo. From the terrace to a flat-screen TV to interior design and sauna, everything here is so Japanese. If you’re up to a temple hunting, Shoren-in Temple and Kiyomizu-Dera Temple are accessible within 1.8 km (1.12 mi). Most of the travelers in Japan, perhaps, are a die-hard-anime fanatic, good news for you, the Kyoto International Manga Museum is just 1.9 km (1.18 mi) away from the rental.

Stayed at this property?

PLAY ZENDO

Address: Shimogyo-ku, Kagiyacho Taktsujidori Fuyacho 203
3.75 km (2.4 mi) from Fushimi Inari Taisha

9. KYO Sakura House (from USD 46)

Situated close to a lot of bus stations, KYO Sakura House will show you the real beauty of Kyoto. Begin your Kyoto escapade by visiting one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Tofuku-Ji Temple, which presents a breathtaking view of autumn leaves. You will easily reach within a 10-minute walking distance. After which, why not jump to Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine and Kiyomizu-Dera Temple to complete your day one. At last, rest in this superb accommodation, which offers everything you need and want. All things inside the rental show the real culture and tradition of Japan, from slippers to a TV to the interior and design, what can you say, all in a Japanese way.

Stayed at this property?

KYO Sakura House

Address: Minami-ku Higashikujō Kamigoryōchō 12-5
2.03 km (1.3 mi) from Fushimi Inari Taisha

Live like a local in Kyoto

Rich tradition and modernization are Kyoto’s drawcards, but you’ll discover that its the local’s character and way of life that really give this town its iconic personality. Whether you yearn to meet Japanese friends or experience living like a local, a memorable Kyoto escapade is guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions about homestays in Kyoto, Japan


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nina aspires to live life to its fullest and yearns to journey abroad with her loved ones. She believes in her inherent artistic nature and embraces the motto that "God is good all the time" as her...Read more

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