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.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the amenities were fantastic and the room was very comfortablethe 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 himthe room was very comfortable and all communal spaces were very cleanwe just fell in love with takashi's tatami room with sliding doorsCleanliness:
very clean and quiet homehouse is very clean with the english cluesneat clean and nice japanese style roomthe house is very clean and friendlytakashi’s place was very clean and tidyHost:
takashi was a great hosthost was responsive to queries as welltakashi was helpful and quick with responsestakashi was an amazing host during our staythe host is great good help if neededRead more reviewsLocation:
close to jr station and the free bikes are a major plusthe location is perfectthe location is very good:) the location is great and only a few minutes walk away from the train station and subwaythe location of his house is great too
2. Sakura house
Reasonable pricing for a traditional Japanese home stay experience.
Cozy and clean rooms, private bathroom, and balcony with a beautiful garden view.
Conveniently located 5-minute walk to the JR station, only 2 stops (8 minutes) from Kyoto station.
Exceptional, hearty breakfast with ingredients from the hosts' own yard, and helpful dining recommendations.
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.
Sakura house
Address: 京都市南区久世上久世町283-3
5.84 km (3.7 mi) from Fushimi Inari Taisha
3. Kyo-no-sato (from USD 60)
Affordable rates for a cozy Japanese home stay experience.
Clean and comfortable facilities, with helpful and hospitable hosts.
Quiet residential area near Iwakura station, with easy access to mountains and countryside.
Convenience stores, pharmacies, and an amazing bakery nearby, offering a taste of local delights.
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.
Kyo-no-sato 京の里
Address: 左京区岩倉長谷町1248-2
12.38 km (7.7 mi) from Fushimi Inari Taisha
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.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wonderful homely apartment with great amenitiesthe 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 hostswe 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) 5Cleanliness:
the house was clean and beautifulthe place was very clean and welcomingwe feel at ease with the clean and comfortable housethe house is nice and cleanthe room we were shown to was clean and well-equipped for 2 people and was very comfortableHost:
they were so helpfulkei & ritsuko was perfect hostthey were excellent hosts and made us feel very much at home in kyotothey are such outstanding hostamazing hosts at a great price pointRead more reviewsLocation:
location is also great near station bus and landmarkspublic transportation is pretty accessible from their place tookei and ritsuko’s house is in a great location and very comfortablethe location is great to use with a jr passthe place is great top location and price is unbeatable
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.
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.
美築八坂
Address: 京都市清井町
3.85 km (2.4 mi) from Fushimi Inari Taisha
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.
Lily's Guest House
Address: Sakyo-ku, Yoshida Ushinomiyacho 5-19
6.34 km (4.0 mi) from Fushimi Inari Taisha
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.
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.
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
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