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Amber House Gion in Prime Gion Location

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Exterior
Interior
Interior
Interior
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Kyoto
  • Yasaka Shrine
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Kiyomizu Temple
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Nishiki Market
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Osaka (ITM-Itami)
    ‪65 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Futons

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Kitchen

About this property

Amber House Gion in Prime Gion Location

Amber House Gion is a historic two-storey machiya house, tucked away on a residential cul-de-sac off a side street, right in the heart of old Gion. The location is just about the best you could ask for.

The back side of the house has windows that face directly into the gardens of Kenninji, the oldest Zen temple in Japan. There is no through car traffic, affording visitors a truly tranquil setting. The main sounds to be heard are the gongs and chimes from inside the temple, the nightingales in the Spring, the cicadas in the Summer, and the crickets in the Fall.

The house was built in the Meiji Period, over 100 years ago, by a local architect, whose distinctive style sets this house apart. “Ochaya” tea houses such as this were originally designed as exclusive places where geishas would entertain the elite members of society, in a very high-end, private setting. Amber House Gion is now set up with a living room, two spacious bedrooms, kitchen, and bath. There is a small inner garden, framed by large plates of glass for private enjoyment. Radiant heating provides warmth in the Winter, and ample air conditioning assures coolness in the Summer. There is abundant natural light, since the house faces South.

The house has been meticulously decorated with a high-end combination of antique and stylish modern elements, and was designed with the comfort of Western visitors in mind. Whenever possible, natural and locally sourced materials have been used, and synthetic materials avoided. Many elements have been made by hand in Kyoto by local artisans.

The house can accommodate two to four persons. Two spacious tatami mat bedrooms offer sleeping on either an extra-wide double bed, or a double futon. There is plenty of storage space. The kitchen is fully stocked with everything you might need if you were to cook at home every day. There is free high-speed wifi, however, there is no TV.

Easy walking distance to the downtown area, Kiyomizu Temple, Maruyama Park, the Kamo River, and a wide selection of places to eat, shop, and just wander around. Easy access to public transportation and taxis.

Our friendly and attentive English-speaking staff is at our nearby office to help with any needs you may have during your stay.

Property manager

Curtis Hawes

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning

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  • Kitchen
  • Washer
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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
Minimum age for children is 7.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ); additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file

About the area

Kyoto

Gion, a neighbourhood in Kyoto, is home to this holiday home. Yasaka Shrine and Nishiki Market are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Biwa and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium or Kyoto Racecourse.
Map
Kyoto

What's nearby

  • Gion Corner - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Yasaka Shrine - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Kawaramachi Street - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Kiyomizu Temple - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Nishiki Market - 16 min walk - 1.4 km

Getting around

  • Gion-shijo Station - 10 min walk
  • Sanjo Keihan Station - 15 min walk
  • Osaka (ITM-Itami) - 65 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪両足院 - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪納豆創作料理夏豆 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪祇園ほそみ - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪祇園きたざと - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪侘家古暦堂祇園花見小路本店 - ‬4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Amber House Gion in Prime Gion Location pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Amber House Gion in Prime Gion Location?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Amber House Gion in Prime Gion Location?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Amber House Gion in Prime Gion Location located?

Located in Gion, this holiday home is steps away from Yasui Konpiragu and Gion Corner. Yasaka Shrine and Shijo Street are also within 10 minutes. Gion-shijo Station is 10 minutes by foot and Kyoto Kawaramachi Station is 11 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews

Reviews

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Megan D.

Definitely recommend!

I stayed in Amber House with my parents and brother and we had such a lovely time. It was so nice to be able to spread out and we loved the quiet neighborhood. I think it was a highlight of the trip for everyone. All the charms of an old Japanese house without the inconveniences!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Clare G.

Full of character in a great location

We stayed in this house which is full of character for six nights. It had everything we needed for two adults and three children and was in a fabulous location - close to rail and bus links to see the sites and lots of easy eateries very close by. The booking process was easy and efficient. There is a small cafe next door and the manager was hugely helpful and serves great burgers and won-ton soup which went down well with the kids! Overall a great experience.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Linda R.

Fantastic service and location

We enjoyed our stay at this charming property. The service was fantastic. The staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome, including a surprise "Happy Birthday" banner on my birthday! When our airline unexpectedly rescheduled our flight, Saki jumped into action to help us round up last-minute transport to Osaka. We were two couples, so the two bedrooms with kitchen and living room were an ideal setup. We used the kitchen's rice cooker almost every day – it's surprising how nice it is to have hot rice available at any hour (add an egg or nori and you've got a great snack). The in-house laundry facilities were very welcome as this was the last leg of a 2 week trip. As others have mentioned, the location of Amber House can't be beat. Hearing the soft drums/gongs from the neighboring temple in the morning was very atmospheric without being intrusive. So many great sights are within walking distance. The house's windows looked out onto secluded gardens – very peaceful. Being able to stay in this quiet, residential corner of Gion is worlds away from being in a hotel district.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

jonathan g.

Great location and great facility!

Such a rare thing to find so much quiet space among the crowds. And the location couldn't be better! Easy access to many great locations and the facility was great!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Best place to stay in Kyoto

I have stayed in 2 of Curtis's place in Gion (Both at the Amber house and the Gion house, on 2 separate occasions) and i would really love to recommend both places to stay. The location is really convenient within walking distance from major tourist attractions and yet without the usual ruckus that tourists bring. The accommodation is in a quiet part of the neighbourhood with friendly neighbours around and a handy grocery shop round the corner. Kyoto is known for its temples and shrines, and having Kenninji just next door would really add to the experience. Imagine waking up the calm morning chants from the temple - there's no better way to start your mornings than that. The houses are very well equipped with everything thing you will possibly need and very clean and well kept too! Lovely and spacious too! The friendly people working with Curtis are very helpful and kind too. If you would need any help during your stay, they would be the go to person! I had the privilege of meeting Curtis himself on the morning before my departure which was a very nice touch. I look forward to coming back to stay the next time i'm in Kyoto :)
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Wai V.

Each time we stepped inside this beautiful house, it was like stepping into another era.

From the tatami mats, to the sliding doors, we loved every part of this house! It had been beautifully restored, and I loved walking on the tatami mats, so smooth and warm, with modern conveniences like heaters and air conditioners hidden cleverly behind timber facades, so as not to spoil the traditional feel. My family of 4, with two boys aged 8 and 9, stayed for 8 nights at Amber House. We arrived quite late on a Saturday night, but the directions we were given were excellent, so we located the key and entered the house smoothly. Saki, or Junko, from Guest Services, had left a little origami crane and a halloween pumpkin on the coffee table to greet us, much to the delight of my 9 year old son. We set off the very next day to buy origami paper, and he was folding Samurai hats that evening! Both my sons loved this house, I thought they would be too young to appreciate the many beautiful and traditional features, but they surprised me! They loved all the little areas, cupboards, nooks and crannies, tatami mats are perfect for children to play on. Having no television turned out to be wonderful for them, they explored and used their imagination instead. A lovely touch was that an iphone was provided for guests to use, and our boys used it to google origami tutorials, and check the weather, and we used it to text Junko or Saki, if we had questions. They would always reply within minutes, and the office is just one street away, so we felt very well taken care of, they were both lovely. Outside the door is the heart of Gion, with beautiful architecture and gardens everywhere you turn. The only downside of living in such a beautiful house, is that each time we would step out, our boys would pester us to return to the house so they could 'relax'! Thank you Curtis, Junko and Saki, we will always treasure our memories of Amber house.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Can't wait to return ....!

Great location with fabulous atmosphere of old Japan. We would happily return. The i-phone was a very helpful addition and wi-fi worked. Office staff were prompt and helpful. Couldn't want for much more in terms of a comfortable & relaxing place to stay. So pleased to have stayed at Amber House over a boutique Kyoto hotel - a much better option for getting an experience of Japanese life. We also loved wandering just around the corner to the 0 (Zero) cafe for a very reasonably priced meal with a most attentive & delightful host. A little gem. Zen temple behind Amber House added to the atmosphere & was a beautiful temple to visit. Being in a cul-de-sac made it very quiet at night. Highly recommended - 12 nights was not enough for us! Thanks Curtis and Junko - you have created a magical place to stay.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Amanda T.

Perfect place for Kyoto

We are family of 4 with an adult son and a teenage daughter. We spent 5 nights at the Amber Gion house. It was unusually hot when we were there (35-37C), the air con was a bless and the washer / dryer was very handy. Location and the house itself are absolute wonderful. The iphone saved the day when I tried to communicate with the taxi driver during our check out, simply call Saki and she did the translation for us ! The whole experience from enquiries - booking - staying - check out was very pleasant. We had a lovely stay and will recommend this house for visiting Kyoto (may not be suitable for the less able, wooden stairs to the upstairs bedrooms with toilet downstairs).
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Van H.

Perfect house, perfect location!

My family and I stayed at the Amber Gion house for five nights. The house is located on a quiet street but very close to public transportation and the main shopping street. It has everything to make the stay comfortable and more. We especially like the use of the iPhone that came with the rental. It enables us to have wifi connection while out and about, so we can look up places and directions. Curtis and his team are very professional and friendly. They are very quick with all responses. We really enjoyed our stay and I highly recommend this beautiful property!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Peter H.

Delightful

Our family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children) had a wonderful stay at Amber House. Not only is the house very beautiful and comfortable, Junko and Saki, the local managers, are wonderfully helpful, booking restaurants and the like. The location is excellent. In easy walking to distance to all Gion, Shijo and Kiyo mizudera for example (or to train stations to take you elsewhere if you are not prepared to listen to your children complaining that 5kms is far too far to walk...). As commented by others, the iPhone to use is a great idea. It stopped us getting lost many a time. WiFi quality is good. Curtis himself is very helpful and responds quickly to e-mails. I never had any concern parting with payment. Try JoJo restaurant (a delicious neighbourhood place), or 15 mins down Shijo, Jiki Miyazawa (what wonderful food). We will certainly be back.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

sue y., University Park, MD

Excellent stay, quiet in Kyoto

Our stay in Kyoto was the highlight of our two weeks in Japan. Our host Curtis was extremely helpful when we wanted to know the ins and outs of this marvelous city. Amber House is serene. You hear the soft gongs of the temple that seem to place you far from the city. Curtis's staff is a block away, ready to give assistance, and the house comes with a mobile phone for exploring Kyoto. The house is fitted out with the best of kitchen, bath, and bedroom comfort all the while that a minimalist Japanese style prevails. Highly recommended.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

graham t.

THE place to stay in Kyoto

We were so comfortable and very much enjoyed our stay Amber House - it was just like having our part of Kyoto. Saki was so very helpful as well - she helped us locate a temple that we had visited in 2002 also assisted to book tickets to the theatre as well as eateries etc - thank you Saki. The iPhone is a brilliant idea - only got lost a couple of times and the phone rescued us as well as our being contactable. Curtis, you will see us again when we return to Kyoto.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer W.

Comfortable, beautifully restored house in a perfect location

My husband, son and I spent a week in the Amber House. We knew we wanted a traditional home in Gion, and that's what we got, but it is so much more. It is beautifully restored and also has modern amenities that made it very comfortable. As another reviewer mentioned, the house manager Saki was wonderful. She helped us with answering questions we had to suggesting restaurants and places to visit. The house comes with an iphone - and Saki was always just a call away. We were also delighted to stay in a beautifully historic location, within walking distance of almost everything. Climbing the hill up the winding stone steps to Maruyama Park, and then visiting the temples and just strolling and taking in the spectacular views of Kyoto, was our favorite activity. We went up to this area almost every day. We also enjoyed The Philospher's Path, and strolling along the river that cuts through the city. We would return to Kyoto and to Amber House in a heartbeat.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Experiencing life in the most traditional manner in the Old Capital

After a week skiing in Hokkaido I planned a week with my partner in Kyoto and was searched for the ideal place to stay. I wanted to sty in Gion, having been to Kyoto two years previous staying in an affordable ryokan not far from the train station, I wanted to really experience Kyoto. The Amber House was the ideal accommodation for our week in Kyoto. We were right in the heart of the traditional area and in close proximity to the modern heart as well. With a kitchen and laundry facilities we could cater for ourselves for some meals as well as explore the vast array of great restaurants of all categories/price/styles. Curtis, the owner and Saki, the manager, were extraordinarily helpful and made not only getting to the house for the first time easy, but also exploring the unique sights and experiences of Kyoto. They also helped us book some really interesting restaurants gave us valuable recommendations for local food experiences as well as organising to the taxi to get us back to the train station easily. There are several supermarkets and an excellent Takashimya department store, with an amazing basement food hall, all within five minutes walk. The Nishiki market is just a few minutes further down Shijo Karasuma. The best part of staying at Curtis' house was that we were able to just wander the many interesting streets of this fabulous historic place. Transport was easily accessible - train, bus and taxis were easy and plentiful, but walking by far the most rewarding. A highlight of coming "home" after a days adventurous sightseeing was to catch up in the lounge with a bottle of wine and some nibbles before heading out to an interesting dinner!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Perry P., Dallas, Texas

Great accomodation and perfect location!

Just returned from a wonderful six night stay at Amber House in the heart of the Gion area of Kyoto. Amber House is a spacious 2 bedroom house in an excellent location on a quiet residential neighborhood street which borders Kenninji Temple and is in ready walking distance to Kiyiomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine and other sites. Booking was easy, arrival information was straight forward and support staff were friendly and readily available. The house is thoughtfully furnished, comfortable and cozy. Curtis and staff have prepared a handy notebook of travel tips and recommendations. Great restaurants abound in Kyoto but we really enjoyed shopping in the nearby grocery store and cooking in the well-furnished kitchen. The eat in kitchen was our favorite room. The weather was chilly during our stay and we especially enjoyed the under floor heating of the kitchen and bath. The washer/dryer was an excellent amenity.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Outstand stay in Gion, Kyoto

Curtis and his team have gone above and beyond to provide and outstanding property that allows travelers to live like local Japanese in Kyoto. The house is amazing and has every amenity you could ask for. I especially liked their book of restaurant recommendations. Many of the eateries they recommend are amazing and do not show up on any guide books. Again, this is a great property and managed by a capable team.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Traditional and relaxing Kyoto stay

We had such a gorgeous and memorable time last month staying in this traditional home with its quiet charm and central location. Each room was so beautiful and cosy and we loved the neighbourhood and easy to reach temples, traditional tea houses and sweets galore. After the hustle and bustle of Tokyo it was a welcome change of pace to rest up in this spacious home with its peaceful atmosphere and beautifully preserved history!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Immaculate Japanese home w/ every thoughtful amenity

After nearly 20 hours of traveling, including a long, late night shuttle ride from the Osaka airport, we were utterly spent, hungry, thirsty and a teeny bit cranky. Our family of four included me, my husband, and 2 teenage boys. The Amber House was a welcoming oasis, complete with chilled water, orange juice, milk, and a big bag of granola. This small consideration by host Curtis meant the world to us as we arrived exhausted for our first night in Kyoto. We stayed for one week, and found every convenience in this beautiful 2 bedroom machiya home - a washer/dryer combo, compact yet fully equipped kitchen, super comfortable futons for bedtime, and tatami mat flooring that comforted our tired feet every day, after hours of sightseeing & exploring gorgeous Kyoto. Other thoughtful conveniences included umbrellas, shampoo, coffee, dish & laundry detergent, and best of all - an iPhone already programmed with all of the essential info you need to get around and then get back home w/out using our personal phones (google maps, taxi company, a fantastic translator app that recognizes & reads Japanese characters - a life saver with restaurant menus!) Several times, we called the taxi service, which Curtis had programmed into the phone. They always had an agent that spoke some English, and they already had the Amber House address in their system, eliminating the need to explain where we were. Curtis happened to be in Kyoto at the time - he and his assistant Junko were available to make dinner reservations, assist with translations, help us figure out train routes and where to find the local grocery store. We were there in hot, muggy July, so our most favorite amenities of all were the air conditioning units throughout the house. The cool air helped us to recover from our wilted state after our daily adventures. About the immediate area: tiny little alleys packed with traditionally detailed residences, charming neighborhood restaurants, and just a few block further out, busier commercial areas where we shopped, ate, and enjoyed observing the locals going about their business. The train stations are nearby, allowing for travel to other major cities. I have already recommended the Amber House to several friends in the San Francisco area, and would absolutely stay here again in the future!!!!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Andrew T.

History, Charm, and Friendly Convenience

This charming "Machiya" is very centrally located on a cul-de-sac next to Kennin-ji Temple, surrounded by other old homes and has a wonderful traditional Japanese feeling. This is an established old area: while we were there, the little surrounding neighborhood had a traditional Shinto street festival one day with a float and Shinto priest presiding; all the neighbors came out and socialized and invited us to join in! The house itself is self-contained, with modern kitchen appliances and a washer/dryer. It is also extremely well organized for the foreign traveler with small English-language labels giving instruction on operation of the appliances (so helpful!). All incidentals are amply provided: laundry detergent, soap, shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, kitchen towels, bathroom towels, etc., which was really convenient for us. The floor radiant heating system was nicely warming and quiet on cool mornings. There is a "house iPhone" provided for domestic calls - again super-convenient - and the Wi-Fi was strong and fast. The two upstairs bedrooms were spacious by Machiya standards (8+ tatami mat), with large closets, and the beds were comfortable for sleeping. Downstairs is a well organized kitchen, a central foyer/entry area, and a tastefully furnished living room.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

An aesthetic experience in a wonderful location

I stayed at the Amber house for 3 weeks with my wife and 4-year-old son. The house manages to strike a perfect balance between Meiji-period aesthetics and modern convenience. In addition to what you can see in the pictures, the smell of the wood, creaky floorboards, soft sound of drums from Kennin-ji, and general attention to detail in interior design make for a great aesthetic experience. The well-equipped kitchen, the house iPhone, washer-dryer, and clear instructions + thorough English labelling enabled a hassle-free stay. The location is great. Right in the heart of Gion, several beautiful temple grounds are within a walking distance, as is the Shijo shopping street. The house is at the end of an impassé, and there's little noise from outside save from the occasional embarrassed giggle of a tourist realising they have taken the wrong turn. I heartily recommend renting a bike to anyone with city biking experience - it really opens Kyoto up for you. You can find a rental for 1-2 € per day (!) if you rent for a couple of weeks or more. We stayed at the Amber House at a time when it was quite cold (below 0 degrees C in the night), and I do recommend packing some warm PJ's if that's what the weather forecast has in store. However, floor heating in the kitchen, feather duvet's in the bedrooms, and the tub to take some nice hot baths in helped a lot in keeping my family warm. We got good and responsive service from Curtis & the crew and felt that our well-being was their priority.

About the host

Hosted by Curtis Hawes

Host profile image
The owner, Curtis Hawes, divides his time between Kyoto and San Francisco. He has a deep affinity for both places. Bridging the rest of the world with Kyoto is one of his missions in life. He is obsessed with old Kyoto.

Languages:

English
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