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'Serendipity at Kyoto', traditional & modern Japanese home near Imperial palace

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Overview
2 bedrooms
1 bathroom
5 guests
2 nights minimum 
Holiday Rental House
124 years old charming Japanese traditional wooden town house (machiya), fully renovated to a holiday rental house. This house is located in the very center of Kyoto city. Walking distance to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo castle of world heritage, Gaisha area etc. To access all main beautiful places like Golden Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, Gion etc., takes only about 15 minutes. There are lots of famous restaurants, cafes and bars around the house, and even you can experience Japanese traditional public bath (sento) near our house. Our house is in a quaint back street of the city and this is the best place for you to explore the real Japanese lifestyle. How about going to the cafe where Kyoto people gather in the morning or public bath at night in our neighborhood where you can have...124 years old charming Japanese traditional wooden town house (machiya), fully renovated to a holiday rental house. This house is located in the very center of Kyoto city. Walking distance to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo castle of world heritage, Gaisha area etc. To access all main beautiful places like Golden Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, Gion etc., takes only about 15 minutes. There are lots of famous restaurants, cafes and bars around the house, and even you can experience Japanese traditional public bath (sento) near our house. Our house is in a quaint back street of the city and this is the best place for you to explore the real Japanese lifestyle. How about going to the cafe where Kyoto people gather in the morning or public bath at night in our neighborhood where you can have a chat and become friends with local people. The surrounded area of our house is not crowded by tourists, is also a advantage for you to enjoy the calm daily life of local people. Inside the house has been designed with the image of a Japanese tea‐ceremony room (chashitsu), to provide our guests the simple but cozy Japanese cultural atmosphere at home. This house is a two story building with living room, kitchen, bath, toilet etc. in the first floor and two bed rooms in the second floor. we are Newly renovated and the house is very clean and new. We have futons (beds) up to 5 guests. We of cause welcome you all and very much recommend for families with children. Since we are in the middle of a typical very friendly and strongly connected local community, you could enjoy the hospitality of Kyoto citizens. We wish you to spend relaxed during your stay and we are very glad if you feel this place as your own home in Kyoto. We wish your stay in Kyoto will be a one with lots of lovely serendipity. From that meaning we named this house "Serendipity @ Kyoto" Our house "Serendipity Kyoto" is a licensed accommodation where you can stay with more trust, more safety and more security. Tourist License / Licencia de turismo N °: REGNO1(KYOTO4THAPRIL2016)
House Rules
Pets not allowedKid friendlyNo smoking
Bedrooms
5 Singles
Bathrooms
1 Full bath

Meet the host
Chie T
Hosting since March 2016
Languages spoken: English
Response Time: Within a few hours
Interaction with guestsplease be free to contact us any time.

Contribute
Reviews (9)
Pamela A O
Pamela A O
428 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Lovely Machiya Experience
We just stayed at Serendipity a second time and enjoyed it even more than our first time. The house is very comfortable, even in cold weather. Loved the Japanese bath! Chie san is so very helpful too. Although the house is located in Kamigyo-ku, the bus stop to major attractions is just steps away, so we used the bus a lot to go downtown, to Higashiyama, to Kyoto Station, and to come home from such attractions as Kinkakuji and Kitano Tenmangu (it was nice weather so we walked to both, but could have taken the bus). We also took a day trip to Osaka to see the sumo tournament; that too was easily done with the bus plus the train. We'd be happy to stay at Serendipity again!
Visited March 2019
Written 19 March 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
chie_kyoto
chie_kyoto
Pamela San, Thank you for your lovely Review. It is our honor and pleasure to host you at "serendipity". We always admire to see you enjoy Japan and Kyoto in a gracefully way. I and our family love very much looking forward to seeing you again. Please take good care of your health. wish you all the best and Good Luck!
Written 23 March 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Pamela A O
Pamela A O
428 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Lovely Kyoto Machiya
We've stayed in 3 other Kyoto machiyas and liked this one the best in terms of spaciousness and creature comforts. The house is located on a quiet lane, close to bus stops and about a 10 minute walk to the subway station. It was a pleasant, if long-ish, walk to Kitano Tenmangu. We took a bus to Nijo Castle as well as to shrines farther to the east. Kyoto Station and places in between are just minutes away by subway or bus. There was a fabulous French bakery just a few blocks way (open Fri-Sun) as well as restaurants in various price categories. Adored the Japanese "ofuro," i.e., bath. You soap and rinse off outside the tub (there's a shower head available as well as a plastic stool and pan and then soak in the nice hot tub. Appreciated the grab bars near the tub. The bedrooms are located on the second floor. There were sturdy handrails along the steps and adequate lighting to make this a safe journey at night. Beds were comfortable. Everything was very clean. The living area has a low table with cushions, which I used. My partner preferred the sofa, but if you plan to use the sofa to read, please bring a small reading light or a Kindle with a built-in light. Chie san, the host, was very attentive to our needs--she even came to the laundromat with us (within easy walking distance) to explain the kanji on the washing machines. We would definitely stay here again.
Visited November 2018
Written 3 December 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
chie_kyoto
chie_kyoto
thank you for staying at our house "Serendipity at Kyoto" and thank you very much for your lovely comment. It is our big pleasure to have you to our place. thank you for all the good memories. we very much looking forward to seeing you again soon. please take good care of your self and wish you all the best. Chie
Written 4 December 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lisa H
Lisa H
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Great home base
Chile's home is quiet, clean, and comfortable. It is located centrally in Kyoto with easy access to public transportation and many good sights and restaurants. Chie is also very easy to reach and ensures that you have a pleasant stay.
Visited September 2017
Written 2 October 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
chie_kyoto
chie_kyoto
Thank you Lisa for your lovely review. It is our pleasure you enjoyed Kyoto. please come again we would love to host you. wish you all the best and good luck. thank you again. Chie
Written 15 November 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

solbrittmolin
solbrittmolin
Hovik, Norway2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Living in a Japanese neighborhood
This is as close one gets to experience Japanese everyday life, even though we don't know the neighbors or take part in the working day.
Visited February 2017
Written 20 February 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
chie_kyoto
chie_kyoto
Dear Molin, Thank you for your lovely comment. During your stay It was very nice to see you were enjoying Kyoto very much. We are very much looking forward to host your family again at "Serendipity@Kyoto". Thank you again and wish you all the best with Warmest regards from Kyoto. Chie
Written 21 February 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Susan B P
Susan B P
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Everything You Might Want or Need!
Out hosts were attentive and helpful, making our trip to Kyoto easier than it might have been without them. The house felt spacious because of its exceptionally well planned layout. It was charming and comfortable. Bicycle rentals recommended.
Visited August 2016
Written 19 February 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
chie_kyoto
chie_kyoto
Thank you Susan for your lovely comment. It is very nice to hear you had a present stay at Serendipity@Kyoto. We hope to welcome you in Kyoto again. Wish you all the best. Warmest regards. Chie
Written 19 February 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kurt D
Kurt D
Allschwil, Switzerland1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
wonderful experience in a typical Japanese house
Serendipity at Kyoto offers a unique possibility to enjoy a typical Japanese house in a wonderful and friendly environment. We had a very warm welcome by the host ans spent three wonderful days at that place. The house is ideally situated close to the imperial palace, bus stops and a nearby subway station. Thus all tourist sites are easily accessible by public transports. The close environment offers various nice restaurants (follow the recommendations of the host!) and shops. Highly recommended for all who want to enjoy Japanese life in the beautiful town of Kyoto. We will certainly come again when we are in Kyoto.
Visited October 2016
Written 19 February 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
chie_kyoto
chie_kyoto
Thank you Dr. Kurt for your lovely comment. It was our honor to host you at "Serendipity@Kyoto". We are really hope to seeing you again. Wish you all Good Luck. Warmest regards. Chie
Written 19 February 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gerry W
Gerry W
New South Wales, Australia3 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Great location, very quiet, enjoyable stay.
Serendipity at Kyoto suited our family just perfectly during our recent trip through Japan. The rooms were large and comfortable with much needed heaters in the 2 bedrooms and the living area. The kitchen was adequate and Chie the owner was very responsive and helpful. One thing to suggest is that for Western or older visitors the living room could use a small sofa or chairs as sitting on the floor all the time takes some getting used to.
Visited January 2017
Written 18 February 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
chie_kyoto
chie_kyoto
Thank you for your lovely comment and Thank you for your suggestion too We are thinking to arrange a sofa in the living room. Thank you again and we are very much looking forward to seeing you again in Kyoto again. Warmest regards. Chie
Written 19 February 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Takashi F
Takashi F
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Good for family travel
So nice a place to stay! I went to Kyoto with my family last December. The host is kind and friendly. I hope I stay again. Strongly recommend!
Visited December 2016
Written 17 February 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
chie_kyoto
chie_kyoto
Dear Takashi, Thank you for your lovely Strongly recommending comment of our place. It was our pleasure to host you at our place. Please come again. Take good care. Warmest regards. Chie
Written 21 February 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Maree L
Maree L
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Great Location and good communication
We had a lovely three day stay in Kyoto here; two bedrooms which slept five very comfortably. The rooms were warm and clean and quiet. We were only a 10 minute walk to transport; would stay here again.
Visited February 2017
Written 14 February 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
chie_kyoto
chie_kyoto
Thank you very much for your lovely comment. We are looking forward to seeing you again at "Serendipity@Kyoto". Thank you again and wish you all the best.
Written 14 February 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Showing results 1-9 of 9

What this rental offers
Nearby
  • Golf course (within 30 mins drive)
  • Horse riding facilities
  • Tennis court
  • Hiking areas
Wi-fi and internet
  • Wi-fi
Bathroom and laundry
  • Iron
  • Linens provided
  • Towels provided
Location info
  • Kid friendly
  • City getaway
Indoor amenities
  • Air conditioning
  • Internet access
Outdoor amenities
  • Garage
  • Playground
Things to do
  • Fishing spots available
  • Watersports
  • Cycling areas
Kitchen and dining
  • Freezer
  • Refrigerator
  • Kettle
  • Microwave
  • Cooker
  • Toaster
Entertainment
  • Television
Services
  • Housekeeping included
Parking
  • Secure parking available

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Map
About the neighbourhood
[Kyoto Imperial Palace] ️ The Kyoto Imperial Palace is located in the heart of Kyoto and is surrounded by a vast Japanese garden, making it the largest park in Kyoto. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Japan throughout all seasons. Spend half a day reading a book about Kyoto or writing a letter to your friend under a large tree in the palace garden (10-minute walk). ️ [Nijo Castle of World Heritage] ️ Nijo Castle is within walking distance. On the way to the castle, you'll pass an old shopping street where you can witness the daily life of Kyoto people by observing what they sell and buy. We also recommend walking along the bank of Horikawa River, which has recently been redeveloped (20-minute walk).
Getting around
There is a bus stop near the house. There is also a place to rent bicycles right next to the house. It takes only a 10-minute walk to get to the subway station. Osaka : 27 minutes by train Nara : 56 minutes by train Tokyo : 2 hours 10 minutes by train
Access
Car not needed
How to get there
From Kyoto station to our house ・[ by taxi] 10 minutes. ・[ by subway] 8 minutes +10 minutes walk. ・[ by bus] 25 minutes. ・ Car parking available. ・ Rent bicycle service available.
Activities nearby
Fishing spots availableGolf course (within 30 mins drive)Horse riding facilitiesTennis courtWatersports

Things to know
Check in / out timings
Check in after 3 pm Check out by 11 am
Cancellation policy
  • 100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
  • 50% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
  • 25% refund* if you cancel at least 2 weeks before check-in
  • No refund available once booking is confirmed

About this property

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Frequently Asked Questions about 'Serendipity at Kyoto', traditional & modern Japanese home near Imperial palace

'Serendipity at Kyoto', traditional & modern Japanese home near Imperial palace is able to accommodate up to 5 guests. See all property details.

'Serendipity at Kyoto', traditional & modern Japanese home near Imperial palace has one bathroom available. See all property details.

'Serendipity at Kyoto', traditional & modern Japanese home near Imperial palace has 2 bedrooms available. See all property details.

Stays at 'Serendipity at Kyoto', traditional & modern Japanese home near Imperial palace must last at least 2 nights. See all property details.

'Serendipity at Kyoto', traditional & modern Japanese home near Imperial palace - Tripadvisor