What kind of Machiya House is Kyo Ryokan Gekkou-an?
This machiya-style villa is located in the heart of Kyoto City. Entering through an entrance that blends in with the townscape, you are greeted by a mural of a frog and paradise painted by an artist from Kyoto at the entrance. The frog on the lotus is a wish for the safe return of guests. The mural of the lotus and the frog can be seen from the Japanese-style room, and on the small terrace, there is a well-kept box garden that only a machiya house can provide.
Our stay was more comfortable than we expected. We felt so comfortable that we thought I was living here. The machiya house was very clean and well maintained. The old-fashioned townhouse is well blended with modern convenience and design. The view of the box garden on the small terrace was very nice. Since it was the rainy season during our stay, the moss in the rain-soaked box garden glowed a bright green and created a quaint ambiance.
Then sometimes you can hear the noise of the neighborhood, but that’s just part of being in a townhouse. In fact, we can’t hear much in our bedroom, and it’s quiet at night.
When we arrived at the townhouse, despite the rainy day, the staff was already waiting for us in front of the building and immediately prepared green tea with Japanese sweets. Also, every day when I returned to the townhouse, there was tea and Japanese sweets on the table, as well as a warm message from the staff member in charge.
When we checked in, we were provided with a map of recommended restaurants, stores, cafes, and tourist attractions in the area. The staff is an excellent concierge. We felt their attentive service and thoughtful hospitality.
The location of the machiya house is quietly nestled in a residential area. It is less than a 10-minute walk from Nijo Station. There are also convenience stores and shopping malls in the vicinity, so there is no inconvenience in doing a little shopping.
On the downside, it is around a 10-minute walk from the nearest station, so if you have luggage, you might want to take a cab from Kyoto Station. It takes 10min and costs JPY1,300.
Also, the location is in an ordinary residential area, so it may not have the same Kyoto-like atmosphere as the Higashiyama area. If you want to enjoy the Kyoto-like atmosphere, I would recommend staying in the Higashiyama area.
Then this is a 100-year-old machiya house that has been renovated to take advantage of its characteristics and is not barrier-free. For safety reasons, basically, guests must be at least 13 years old. If you bring small children but want to stay here, please consult with us before booking.
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Is the location easy to access?
The machiya house is near Nijo Station. It takes around 10min on foot from the station. Alternatively, it takes 10min by taxi from Kyoto Station and costs around JPY1,300.
Then most of the TAXI drivers wouldn’t know the property. Please show the address and TEL No. in the below Japanese as they can enter the phone number into their car navigation systems to confirm the destination.
京の宿 月光庵
〒604-8423 京都府京都市中京区西ノ京西月光町18-20
電話番号 075 204 1538
Then there is no parking available. If you need a parking space, please let the staff know in advance. They will find a coin-operated parking space nearby.
How are the rooms?
There are two machiya houses. We stayed in the East Garden Suite. West Luxury Suite, which was built later. They are nice townhouses, but since there are only two buildings, they may not be easy to book depending on the season.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All amenities are taken care of, including toiletries, pajamas, a coffee machine, and a green tea set. The free wifi reception was also good. Then the machiya house is equipped with a small kitchen. The kitchen has a microwave, induction cooktop, refrigerator, electric kettle, toaster, and washing machine. Also, there is cutlery, a shiny kettle, an ice machine that made ice every 15 minutes, a tea whisk, and a bowl for making powdered green tea. It was just perfect.
Each and every amenity was absolutely wonderful. Fluffy Imabari towels, L’Occitane bath amenities, Nishijin textiles, Sealy beds, TAKAOKA Bedding, well-tailored pajamas, etc.
Then when I stayed here in winter, when I came back here after dinner, the staff had prepared a hot water bottle, called “yutampo” in Japanese, for each bed. This is a great service in the cold winter of Kyoto.
Then room service is not available, but there are some convenience stores nearby.
How about In-house Facilities?
The townhouse was renovated in a modern style, and there were no deficiencies in the facilities, etc. The room was very clean, so the stereotype of a townhouse was overturned.
Then this is not a universal design but there are few steps. Wheelchairs are not available, but once you enter the machiya house, you wouldn’t need to move around.
How about meals?
The shojin food for breakfast was good. The food was originally a creative use of vegetables, beans, and grains for Buddhist monks. They do not eat meat. You need to book it in advance if you want to try it. They probably wouldn’t be able to prepare it if you request it on that day.
Then dinner is not offered but there are many restaurants, cafes, and shops near the property. Most of them are open from 10:00 AM, or 11:00 AM except for fast-food shops.
My impressions
This machiya house is such a nice place that I don’t want to tell anyone about it : )) If this is your first visit to Kyoto, I would recommend it. I think it’s cost-effective. Also, it’s conveniently located for sightseeing in Kyoto. Then most importantly, I was impressed by the heartfelt hospitality of the staff. They made us feel very happy during our stay.
Finally, if you go sightseeing after you check out, you can use the luggage delivery service between the machiya house and Kyoto Station. It costs 750 yen per suitcase. This service is especially useful on weekends and holidays in spring and fall when trains and buses are crowded. If you tell the staff in advance, they will make arrangements for you.
Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about the property from the below space. *All information is as of the date that I posted on my blog. Check Availability and Pricing for the property on HP
Info about Kyo Ryokan Gekkou-an
| Style | Modern Machiya house |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/11:00 |
| Estimated Price | 30,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact | Call at 075-204-1538 from domestic Call at +81 75 204 1538 from overseas |
| Internet Connection | Free wifi in the property |
| Booking | Wheelchairs are not available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is not available |
| Location | Kyo Ryokan Gekkou-an’s MAP |
| Access | 10minTAXI from JR Kyoto Station or 10min walk from Nijo Station |
| Address and TEL | Tel +81 75-204-1538 |
| Official Homepage | Kyo Ryokan Gekkou-an’s HP |
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