Izzati HaronIt goes without saying that Kyoto is the best destination when it comes to Japan’s thriving historical and cultural scene. Boasting a huge collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that comprise ornate Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and castles, you’ll surely be amazed by such well-preserved gems. Did we mention the unique matcha-flavoured treats and beverages that will leave you craving more? And scattered across this prefecture are some of the most stunning Kyoto Airbnb homes you’ll ever find!
So, brace yourself as we unveil the most impressive Airbnbs in Kyoto Prefecture for your next trip down the historical wonderland.
Also read: 10 Kyoto Historical Sites That Will Take You Back to Ancient Japan
Best Kyoto Airbnb homes that deserve your attention
1. This pristine abode with a beautiful Japanese garden
Listing name: Kyotofish·Gojo*DT Kamogawa Machiya*3mins to Subway
Listing type: Entire townhouse
Max. no. of guests: 5
No. of bedrooms: 3
If you’ve always wanted to try sleeping on a futon bed, this traditional wooden townhouse (or machiya in Japanese) will give you just that. Come with three bedrooms with tatami flooring; expect a washitsu design (Japanese-style interior) to welcome you as soon as you walk in.
One of the bedrooms offers the best zen garden view, so make sure to pick this room before your buddies do! Also, don’t forget to spend some quali-tea time with your friends in the living room equipped with a low table and zabuton (cushions) for sitting.
When it’s time to explore, rest assured that Kiyomizu Temple, Gion district, Kamo River, and Yasaka Shrine are less than 20 minutes away (on foot). If you’re planning to go somewhere farther, the Kiyomizu Gojo Subway Station is just four minutes away from your stay. So, worry not about where to stay in Kyoto when you book this convenient home in the Higashiyama district!
2. This artsy traditional Kyoto Airbnb that will leave you in awe
Listing name: <Airbnb service fee ¥0> Traditional Art-House
Listing type: Entire townhouse
Max. no. of guests: 4
No. of bedrooms: 2
Take your BFFs on yet another traditional Japanese staycation at this art-filled Airbnb in Kyoto, Japan. The beautifully painted mural spreads across the bedroom’s wall, and the insertion of warm lighting adds more elegance to the space. In short, this is where to stay in Kyoto if you’re looking for pleasing aesthetics in your home away from home.
Have fun cooking breakfast with your travel buddies in their kitchen. Afterwards, enjoy your morning coffee on the open-air balcony overlooking a lovely Japanese garden. The space also comes with a washing machine in case you plan to stay longer.
Forgot your toiletries? Fret not; the Host also provides guests with toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner. And while you’re there, be sure to have a zen bath in their tub blessed with the best garden view! When you’re ready to head downtown, Kyoto Station is 20 minutes away (via a 10-minute train ride and 10-minute walking) from this space.
3. This pleasant hostel room inside a 90-year-old renovated building
Listing name: Small Annex like a Japanese tearoom/Hibari hostel
Listing type: Room in a hut
Max. no. of guests: 2
No. of bedrooms: 1
For solo travellers who want to immerse in the traditional Japanese way of living, this machiya Kyoto Airbnb will do you justice. Equipped with tatami mats and a translucent sliding door (shoji), the guest room surely gives you the main character moment of living a private yet peaceful conventional life of a local. Slide the shoji aside and take in the view of a Japanese courtyard garden with spots of bamboo trees here and there.
Plus, two futon mattresses will be provided for your convenience. If you feel like using the washroom, just walk to the main building to access the amenities. Take this chance to greet the host for an authentic living experience in Kyoto! And worry not about where to dig in around the area, as this space is super close to a Starbucks near the train station.
4. This chic designer loft with a cafe
Listing name: Spacious loft. Accessible to Kyoto stn, Arashiyama
Listing type: Entire rental unit
Max. no. of guests: 4
No. of bedrooms: 2
Not much into traditional Japanese stays? This chic lodge will be the perfect choice for you! The combination of modern interior and facilities with opaque Japanese sliding doors (fusuma) gives a homely and unique living experience that lets you enjoy the best of both worlds.
Enjoy your cuppa in their stylish kitchen with Italian-made tiles and luxury wooden flooring equipped with a high-tech cooktop and basic cooking utensils. FYI, a refrigerator, washing machine, and free portable WiFi are also available!
When you’re ready to venture outside, take a seven-minute taxi ride to Kyoto Station or a seven-minute walk to JR Tambaguchi Station. After a long day of exploration, drop by the cafe on the first floor of this stay for a hearty dinner or late supper before you plunge yourself into your comfy bed. Hands down, the best modern Airbnb near Kyoto Station you should check out!
5. This beautiful wooden stay right next to the river
Listing name: Wonderful river view, splendid Kyoto house
Listing type: Entire townhouse
Max. no. of guests: 4
No. of bedrooms: 2
Still looking for where to stay in Kyoto? This rustic-themed home embedded with traditional Japanese architecture welcomes you with an open door. Wake up to the scenic view of Kamogawa river, or better yet — enjoy a peaceful breakfast with your loved ones on the open-air patio overlooking the river. Heads up, you might even spot some tortoises, herons, and ducks on the water!
Some of the top reviews also recommend that you go for a cycle along the riverside for the best experience during the stay. While you’re there, don’t forget to bring yourself to the nearby Gion district and Nishiki Market. Both are within 20 minutes walking distance from this abode. Definitely the best riverside Airbnb Kyoto has to offer!
6. This modern residence with a minimalist design
Listing name: MODERN TOWN HOUSE KYOTO NIJO STATION
Listing type: Entire townhouse
Max. no. of guests: 4
No. of bedrooms: 2
Looking for a Kyoto Airbnb that features a modern-style interior? This cosy dwelling has everything that you need! The softly lit ambience calls for a calming vibe to help you unwind better. There are two rooms on the second floor: One is equipped with two single beds, while the other has a sofa bed for two — a perfect abode for a group of four.
Don’t forget to visit their mini garden on the first floor while you’re there. Or if you have any unfinished assignments, their dedicated working space and reading area is a good place to work on those. Plus, it’s only eight minutes’ walking distance from Nijo Station. And you can find plenty of konbini (convenience stores) around the area if you require light snacks and refreshments!
7. This scenic Kyoto Airbnb with an onsen
Listing name: Tabitabi「Moonlight」
Listing type: Entire townhouse
Max. no. of guests: 4
No. of bedrooms: 2
This two-storey machiya house is a must-add to your list of where to stay in Kyoto. The crisp interior really brings out the solid geometric lines from every angle, adding elegance and a soothing vibe to the space. On the first floor, you can find the outdoor onsen with an ofuro (Japanese-style bathtub) overlooking a tranquil courtyard. So, do take a relaxing dip as long as you want, especially after a long day of exploring the city.
The space’s full-furnished kitchen comes with a coffee machine, matcha tea bags, biscuits, and essential tableware — perfect for a fun coffee or tea sesh with your buddies! Nearby the space is a highly recommended bakery and plenty of other restaurants to explore.
8. This spaceship-themed dwelling that is out of this world
Listing name: Discovery ship! Luxury Liner and Spaceship House
Listing type: Entire villa
Max. no. of guests: 8
No. of bedrooms: 2
Looking for where to stay in Kyoto with family? We hear you; this bizarre celestial-themed abode will be the perfect place! See the Earth up close as you travel from one floor to the next, and be your own astronaut as you tuck into your blanket at night. When you look up, a sea of stars twinkle before your eyes.
You can kill time by watching TV with your fam in a Renaissance-themed living room before you land in Kyoto and explore the To-ji Temple within a 15-minute walking distance from your spaceship. Undoubtedly the best space-themed Airbnb Kyoto City puts forth!
9. This homely cottage with free-to-use bicycles
Listing name: Expo Cottage 2 with Free Bicycle / Free Parking
Listing type: Entire townhouse
Max. no. of guests: 5
No. of bedrooms: 2
This stylish lodge in Nishijin district is another top choice for where to stay in Kyoto. Whether you come here with family or friends, you’ll be sure to love its cosy ambience. The space features an eclectic interior combining industrial, minimalist, and traditional Japanese designs in different parts. The bedroom’s lighting is also a work of art as it displays beautiful rays that form shadows of tree branches over the walls.
Another good thing worth mentioning is the free-to-use bikes you can take to explore nearby attractions. Be sure to visit the Funaoka Onsen (just around the corner) in winter! And if you need something from convenience stores or supermarkets, these are only a five-minute walk from your stay. We assure you that this is a worthy Airbnb in Kyoto when it comes to comfort and convenience.
10. This mesmerising traditional Japanese stay
Listing name: Artist’s ZEN & ART house in Kyoto please read Through
Listing type: Entire townhouse
Max. no. of guests: 5
No. of bedrooms: 2
This splendid-looking Kyoto Airbnb is one of the best machiya homes to level up your cultural holiday. The washitu design embedded in the entire area is further enhanced with the best lighting insertion, giving a lively vibe to the space. This 77-year-old traditional house can accommodate up to five people and has a large hinoki bath that can fit four people at once!
You can practise simple meditation in their zen garden or simply tune in to the local channel on the LCD TV. For some adventure outside, the Ginkaku-ji, Silver Pavilion, Philosopher’s Path, and Kiyomizu Temple are just a 30-minute walk from your stay. So, here’s to put a full stop to your unresolved dilemma of where to stay in Kyoto, Japan.
11. This snuggly-looking room with a welcoming vibe
Listing name: Cozy Private Room Close To 伏見稲荷!And Heart Of Kyoto
Listing type: Entire rental unit
Max. no. of guests: 2
No. of bedrooms: 1
This neat Kyoto Airbnb is another popular choice among solo travellers and travelling partners who wish to visit the nearby Fushimi Inari Taisha (three minutes from this space). The room’s contemporary design, paired with neutral hues with a pop of orange and black, truly gives off a welcoming vibe as soon as you walk in.
BTW, this stay comes with a private bathroom, so worry not about sharing one with other guests. A fully equipped kitchen is also available if you suddenly crave instant ramen at night. P.S. — There’s a kimono rental shop within 30 minutes from this stay. Do try it and spice up your ’Gram with an unforgettable OOTD in Kyoto!
12. This luxurious Kyoto Airbnb suite that’s worth the splurge
Listing name: Kyoto Machiya style suite entire house
Listing type: Entire townhouse
Max. no. of guests: 5
No. of bedrooms: 2
Up your machiya staycation game when you book this deluxe home for five. The spacious area, plus the transparent glass walls overlooking the Japanese garden, really adds to the modish look of this stay. Enjoy binge-watching your favourite Netflix shows on their smart TV, or have a fun chit-chat with your buddies by the beautiful garden. Psst — a sip of a cuppa or two won’t hurt!
Located in the Kawaramachi area, this wonderful stay is a 10-minute drive from JR Kyoto Station. Or if you prefer a nearer station, Kawaramachi Subway Station is only a six-minute walking distance. Undoubtedly the best Airbnb near a Kyoto station that’s worth every mile and penny!
Also read: From Kyoto to Fukuoka: 7D6N in Western Japan for Your Spring 2023 Holiday
And that concludes our list of 12 gorgeous Kyoto Airbnb homes for all kinds of travellers. So, what are you waiting for? Book those plane tickets and stay at your favourite home away from home listed above!
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