Serendipity à Kyoto, maison près du palais impérial

Great location. Wonderful host. Everything we needed

Serendipity is special. Not only does the house have historic significance as a machiya (wooden townhouse that served as a merchant house), but it offered the comforts we count on at home -- a small but well-equipped kitchen; a luxurious bathroom with tub and shower, fancy bidet; air conditioning. The location is ideas. Down a narrow road in a quiet residential neighborhood, the house was convenient to a bus stop, convenience stores (Lawsons), and the Nishi-jin weavers district and Nishiki Textile Center (weaving demonstrations, kimona fashion shows). From start to finish, the owner (Chie) made it easy for us with prompt e-mail responses and a switch from e-mail to What's App communication (to avoid international fees). Chie also provided maps, useful tips, and carry-with instructions in Japanese for us to hand the taxi drivers to help the locate the house. And, finally, Chie was attentive to our flight schedule, available to exchange messages from the airport, and right there to meet us at the agreed time. Meeting her for the first time was a great pleasure. She met our taxi and walked us to the door. From the start she made us feel welcome in her home.

For our stay in Kyoto, my husband, adult daughter and I wanted a Japanese home experience, not a hotel. This was it! The home is located in a neighborhood, not a touristy area. We loved the small pedestrian street it was located on. During the day, it was a pretty busy walkway/bikeway, but quiet at night.

The host, Chie, was right there to greet us upon arrival, was available to us throughout the stay and even escorted us to a taxi when we left. One particularly warm day, I got a text from her reminding us to stay hydrated in the heat, and to give us some info on a local parade we would not have otherwise known about. She cared about her guests. She really was a great host.

The home had everything we needed and wanted. There are narrow stairs to consider for those with mobility issues. It is a real 149 year old house, so there are some low clearances if you are over 6 ft tall. These are charms we appreciated, but should be considered. There is AC! The kitchen is small, but perfect for morning coffee, tea and toast. A small fridge, plates, cups, and utensils available.

This is a nice property for families. You pass through a bedroom to get to the second bedroom.

Kyoto Station is about a 13 minute taxi ride away. There is a bus stop close by, but we never used it. One block away, there is a laundry, a Lawson's convenience store and a bakery.

Overall, we had a great stay and can not thank Chie enough for her hospitality.

Excellent stay. Chie is very friendly and very helpful. Great location in the center of Kyoto. Typical Japanese house with everything you need to spend a few pleasant days ...

Well-situated near public transportation in Kyoto. Cute bi-level apartment. Stairs to second level are steep so not suitable for persons with disabilities. Host very warm and friendly.