5
Iho-an - We highly recommend it!
We loved our stay here. Here's why -
The machiya is in an excellent position for sight seeing in Kyoto. On a previous visit to Kyoto, we stayed in a hotel close to the main train station and found it complicated to get around. Iho-an, on the other hand, is in a great position for sight seeing - within easy walking distance of Gion, Pontocho, Higashiyama temples etc, fantastic. We also preferred it for a more "Japanese experience", rather than staying in a hotel. We caught a taxi to the property after arriving on the shinkansen and it was not expensive, around 1200 yen from memory. The streets are a grid design and, once we had our bearings, we found it really easy to walk around.
The machiya itself is gorgeous, carefully renovated so that it's comfortable and pleasing but hasn't lost its character. It also has the modern conveniences of a washing machine (with dryer function) and a great kitchen. The bed upstairs is very comfy and we were really cosy up there in the midst of winter! Even with the heating on however, the downstairs area was a little chilly (remember, midst of winter!) Having said that, the kids were cosy when tucked up in bed under the doonas. And, blissfully, the toilet seat is heated!
The area has the conveniences of a supermarket close by, taxis, buses and subway easily accessed, loads and loads of restaurants and (for the kids tired of eating unfamiliar food and adults looking for a nice latte!) MacDonalds is a block away.
For an affordable, comfortable, convenient, "full of character" place to stay, you can't go past Iho-an. Before I booked this accommodation, I read a review of Iho-an that said "Just do it". So I did and am so glad. We loved it. :-)
Recommended for:
Tourists without a Car,
Families with Teenagers
Helpful votes: 1/1
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