Apartment in Kyoto
6 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
High-end valueWell priced for this area
About this apartment rental
I know, I know. You're coming to Kyoto and have been thinking about staying in a machiya, which sounds like a great idea. But after a long day of walking around town, you're going to want to come back to rest in a comfortable room well-suited for relaxing, reading, conversation, pleasure. If you're interested in a homely, congenial,, utterly unique experience, you should definitely consider staying in The Moon Room.
Our apartment is located in Kyoto's Nakagyo-ku neighborhood ("Nakagyo" literally means Downtown). Unlike other B&Bs and guesthouses near Kyoto Station or Higashiyama, Nakagyo is quite central when it comes to dining and entertainment. All my guests receive a pocket wifi for finding their way through the city, including a carefully curated website I have prepared exclusively for guests recommending within the area restaurant/cafe/bakery/bar/ souvenir/services/sightseeing options (with the establishment addresses linked to google maps for easy directions).
Our space is just a five minute walk from Marutamachi Station, on the city's north-south subway line (Karasuma), and about ten minutes from Karasuma-Oike, where the city's two subway lines intersect, thus marking the center of Kyoto.
The Moon Room is great for families since it is less than ten minutes' walk from a major playground/ children's center as well as the Manga Museum, not to mention some wonderful bakeries and a crepe restaurant.
Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace are just ten-minute strolls away, while Higashiyama and its wonderful temple complexes are easy train and bus rides. (Kyoto's sites are spread out in all directions, so there's no one neighborhood that is near everything, which is why being in a dining-rich neighborhood might suit your accommodation needs best.)
The neighborhood itself, though close to Downtown, is quiet and traditional and it is not unusual to see women in kimono or monks chanting. Many of the neighborhood's machiya houses specialize in old-time industries like printmaking, woodcutting, and tatami-producing, as well as stores selling tea, ivory, dolls, medicinal herbs, and incense.
Nevertheless, The Moon Room is also a wonderful place to relax on a windy or lazy day, to contemplate or pleasure in the romance of living. Designed specifically by a local artist, there is nothing like our space in all of Kyoto. It is part of a first wave of what we hope is a designer's renaissance in this very old city.
In addition to regular wifi in the room, pocket wifi is provided to help you when you explore the city. And inside the welcome book you'll also find my handmade map, an insider's guide for dining in what might be one of the best culinary cities in the world.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sean
Our apartment is located in Kyoto's Nakagyo-ku neighborhood ("Nakagyo" literally means Downtown). Unlike other B&Bs and guesthouses near Kyoto Station or Higashiyama, Nakagyo is quite central when it comes to dining and entertainment. All my guests receive a pocket wifi for finding their way through the city, including a carefully curated website I have prepared exclusively for guests recommending within the area restaurant/cafe/bakery/bar/ souvenir/services/sightseeing options (with the establishment addresses linked to google maps for easy directions).
Our space is just a five minute walk from Marutamachi Station, on the city's north-south subway line (Karasuma), and about ten minutes from Karasuma-Oike, where the city's two subway lines intersect, thus marking the center of Kyoto.
The Moon Room is great for families since it is less than ten minutes' walk from a major playground/ children's center as well as the Manga Museum, not to mention some wonderful bakeries and a crepe restaurant.
Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace are just ten-minute strolls away, while Higashiyama and its wonderful temple complexes are easy train and bus rides. (Kyoto's sites are spread out in all directions, so there's no one neighborhood that is near everything, which is why being in a dining-rich neighborhood might suit your accommodation needs best.)
The neighborhood itself, though close to Downtown, is quiet and traditional and it is not unusual to see women in kimono or monks chanting. Many of the neighborhood's machiya houses specialize in old-time industries like printmaking, woodcutting, and tatami-producing, as well as stores selling tea, ivory, dolls, medicinal herbs, and incense.
Nevertheless, The Moon Room is also a wonderful place to relax on a windy or lazy day, to contemplate or pleasure in the romance of living. Designed specifically by a local artist, there is nothing like our space in all of Kyoto. It is part of a first wave of what we hope is a designer's renaissance in this very old city.
In addition to regular wifi in the room, pocket wifi is provided to help you when you explore the city. And inside the welcome book you'll also find my handmade map, an insider's guide for dining in what might be one of the best culinary cities in the world.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sean
Amenities at A Designer Space In Central Kyoto
Non-smoking
Pets allowed
Family friendly
Map of Kyoto
Ratings and reviews
10 / 10Outstanding·May 2025
this was a perfect place --very clean and close to train stations. In a bit more quiet area of Kyoto but still close enough to get to busier places... Sean the host was very accommodating and kept in contact with us and responded quickly to ALL my questions...
10 / 10Outstanding·Mar 2025
The apartment is large by Japanese standard and is just as described. Great location in Kyoto it was perfect for our stay.
10 / 10Outstanding·Nov 2024
Efficient communications with the host, easy checking in processes, and access to many wonderful restaurants.
5 / 10·Sep 2017
The entire experience from initial booking to waving goodbye to Sean was flawless and wonderful. My husband and I, along with our 20 year old daughter , stayed for 5 nights in both Moon and Cocoon rooms. I can not tell you which we prefer. Moonroom is on the ground floor and is a studio with divided wall with a sitting area and dining table. There is also a little kitchenette for preparing tea and coffee with a sink, toaster oven and mini fridge. The bathroom has a wonderful big shower and a divine Japanese toilet seat.( I'll let you experience this without a spoiler!). The beds were quite comfy and the AC cools the room off quickly, which was great as we were in Kyoto in September and it was super hot and humid!
Upstairs is the Cocoon room. Wow! Sean is a creative guy and his style of architecture and design is just great! This apartment has a separate little tiny kitchen with a retro style bathroom and shower. We loved it too! Again, no way could I chose between Moonroom and Cocoon. Cross your fingers that either is available for your time in Kyoto and book! The location is so central to the entire city. We walked everywhere, so easy!! And there is a grocery around the corner. We didn't cook as the restaurants are close and delicious. There are 7 Elevens everywhere for cash machines.
Sean! I have stayed in quite a few rental apartments with wonderful hosts, but Sean has been the most wonderful by far! The information he sends you with directions in both Japanese and English is thorough and necessary when taking a taxi from the train station and around Kyoto. I kept the address on me so I could present it to taxi drivers. Do this please, it will help you so much! This was our first trip to Japan and I had a difficult time wrapping my head around the planning of local sightseeing. Sean has created an online guide of his favorite restaurants, activities and sights. Although Kyoto has a small town feel, it is still a big spread out city with tons of Shrines and Temples to see. A bit overwhelming. Sean's guidebook really helps and he is great with suggestions! A must is his wife's family's Soba Shop. It is delicious and the history is just so cool! We loved the crepe shop Neuf, yum! And the Nishiki covered Market is like a Japanese style souk! The knife shop is wonderful if you are a cook don't miss it (cash only). Oh, Sean provides a pocket Wifi, so useful!
We highly recommend this quiet and comfortable Oasis!
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Top rated by guests
9.8Outstanding
(34 Ratings)
"this was a perfect place --very clean and close to train stations. In a bit more quiet area of Kyoto but still close enough to get to busier places... Sean the host was very accommodating and kept in..."
CARRIE Y.Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
