Amber House Gion

We had an absolutely perfect stay at Amber House for three weeks in September. Mina and Junko, from the management office just a block away, were so friendly and helpful. They checked in to make sure everything was all right, set up the two house cleaning times with us, brought a carpenter for a minor repair the day after we reported it, answered any questions we had. The house is beautifully restored and maintained. I chose it partly because architectural preservation is very important to me. All the practicalities were there: air conditioning in every room; a clean and well stocked kitchen; a washer and dryer combo; reading lights; red umbrellas. The dead end street was so peaceful, at night you only heard the cicadas. Both the bed and the futon were comfortable. The shower had amazing pressure. The house is in a perfect location. We walked everywhere. The house guide tells of multiple restaurants nearby, and we tried many of them. The well-stocked “Happy Rokuhara” grocery was easily walkable through the Kenninji temple grounds. Good produce and fish, and a multitude of prepared foods. We walked to the Nohga Hotel for cranberry walnut bread and seaweed bread. Several convenience stores are on the main thoroughfare. I especially recommend visiting the Sairenji temple, visible from the back windows of the house. Also the Rokuharamitsuji temple to see the Kūya sculpture. And the traditional house of the potter and craftsman Kawai Kanjiro. Simple pleasures of the house: The grassy scent of the tatami mats. The tsubo-niwa (glassed in interior garden) in the living room, with a blue bowl and a tree, open to the sky. Sunlight shafted through, the tiny leaves blew in the breeze, and rain fell into it. A constant sense of peace and nature. The play of light through the latticed windows. Lying in the dark bedrooms at night with all the wood above and hearing the rain. Seeing a Japanese badger twice in the bushes at night. Sitting at the kitchen table and watching the fuyo flowers, which change between white and pink during the day. The quiet and kind neighbors. The well tended plants outside. The little inset wooden bench just outside the door. In short, we loved the house and can’t wait to return someday. Thanks very much!

great location for this wonderful typical Kyoto house. Temples and restaurants are all close by, the place is spotless and well stocked with information regarding food, visits and services. Very quiet in the evening and you will need that after a day walking Kyoto's bustling center. Loved the place and the helpful staff ! Stayed at Four seasons the previous trip but this time way cheaper and better feel. The only setback was the disrespectful tourists nearby busy shouting on their smartphones and disturbing the locals in the main streets. Amber house is far from this crowd though !

Wonderfully restored traditional house in the historic district of Kyoto. Lots of room for us (family of 4): living room and dining room downstairs, two bedrooms upstairs. The fancy toilet was something of a highlight, as was the Japanese-style bathroom with soaking tub. The kitchen was fully outfitted, the washer/dryer worked perfectly (though we could have used a drying rack), there are heating/AC units in each room as well as under-floor heating downstairs. So cozy, so beautiful. The neighborhood was generally quiet although on Saturday night there was a steady stream of people and cars trying (and failing) to use the dead-end street to get to the Buddhist temple next door.

We (two couples) really loved our stay at Amber House. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, the house is beautifully updated and maintained. It was always nice to come back after a day of sightseeing and recharge in the comfort and charm of the house. We took full advantage of the washer/dryer, coffee maker, and hot water pot and enjoyed our morning breakfasts (supplied by local konbini and bakeries) and a dinner with our purchases from Nishiki Market in the eat-in kitchen. Within easy walking distance of public transport (bus and subway) and major tourist sites (Gion, Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka, Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera, etc.). Junko at the Old Kyoto/Another World office was super helpful with all of our questions and requests including helping us ship our luggage ahead to our next destination. I was also very appreciative of Junko and Mina for allowing us to ship our luggage ahead to their office while we were on the Nakasendo Highway for three days. I highly recommend a stay at Amber House!

A cozy, traditional Japanese house with some modern updates on a quaint cul-de-sac street in Gion. We got a real feeling of what it might have been like to live in Kyoto 50- 80 years ago. Location was very good, within walking distance of many restaurants and downtown Kyoto. There are 2 rooms upstairs, with traditional tatami mats. The kitchen is well-equipped and the radiant floor heating is a great touch, esp in winter. The host also provides some concierge-like services during business hours- very friendly and professional and knowledgable. Very clean, convenient and great alternative for those seeking something different from hotel lodging.

Beautiful home in the Gion district for a family of 4 to stay in Kyoto. We couldn't have asked for a better place to be. Convenient to subway, food and shops and the house was well equipped and comfortable. Our hosts were easy to deal with.

We stayed at Amber House for a week recently. Highly recommend! A beautiful, machiya house with all the modern amenities where it matters most. Very clean. Comfortable bedding. Fantastic location! Hope to stay there again soon.

We absolutely LOVED staying at Amber House. The location was amazing, the staff went above and beyond helping us navigate the city. We would 10000000% stay there again!