Introducing You to the Best Airbnb in Kyoto

When it comes to deciding between booking a hotel or an airbnb in Kyoto, or any part of Japan for that matter, the decision is easy.

Definitely book an airbnb.

Hotel rates are based per person, not per room, and occupancy levels are strictly adhered to with exact allowances of who can and cannot be in the room. When you are traveling as a family, or with multiple children, an airbnb in Kyoto makes the most sense.

Introducing You to the Best Airbnb in Kyoto

We found the absolute best airbnb in Kyoto for a family, or a group.

It’s walking distance to restaurants, groceries, and public transportation. But, best of all? This airbnb in Kyoto is right next to the most famous Torii gate shrine in all of Japan.

Fushimi-Inari Taisha!

Plus, it’s big! It’s two stories with three bedrooms, plus a bathroom with separate shower area, an atrium and a kitchen! It’s perfect!

Airbnb in Kyoto
Fushimiinari 1 3BR for 10 Guests
Kyoto Airbnb
Kyoto, Japan, Asia
Reserve Room

The home itself is really large, and not just by Japanese standards. It has a very unassuming exterior with paper doors, in a quiet neighborhood, and inside is a delight.

Airbnb Layout

The entrance to the house opens into a large foyer. It is designed as an extra room that can be used based on the occupant. It is versatile and can be used as a sitting area, or another bedroom.

Straight down the hall from this room is a steep set of stairs that opens to a loft bedroom.

In the middle of the house is a cute outdoor atrium with growing plants and a walkway through it.

The side of the home houses the bathroom and traditional Japanese shower/tub room. This hallway leads through to a basic kitchen and sitting area with a small dining room, and a futon for a couch with a coffee table.

Through the kitchen to the back of the house is another large bedroom.

Rooms

Each room can sleep 3-4 quite comfortably. There is extra pillows and bedding.

This home has traditional Japanese floor mats for beds. If you aren’t familiar with this type of sleeping arrangement, they are covered thick pads, akin to a camping mat. They are most likely not be what most Americans are used to, and may require doubling up for comfort.

We loved having the loft bedroom for the kids. It was separated from the rest of the house which offered the children a place to play and stretch their voices.

Kitchen

The kitchen is compact. There is a small double gas burner and no oven. There is also a mini fridge and a microwave.

Adjacent to the kitchen is a small seating area with a futon and a coffee table.

While the kitchen is small, restaurants in Kyoto are quite reasonable and we found some great places to eat nearby – so for us, the small kitchen was not an issue.

Toilet Room

The bathroom was the least desirable area of the house. 

The toilet room was covered in tiny rock pebbles, and it was quite apparent that many past visitors had less than perfect aim. On the plus side, there is a raised platform over the rocks to stand on while using the toilet, but…

You can fill in the blank.

Shower/Tub Combo

The separate room housing the shower and tub room was very humid and has seen better days. 

Do you know how to shower in a Japan?

Cons

This airbnb in Kyoto wasn’t dirty, but it wasn’t sparkling.

There were areas that were visibly dirty like around the oven and undersides of the sink, including a huge burnt mark on the wall.

Overall though, in the main living and sleeping areas the home was well cared for.

Contagion

There was also a pretty serious ant problem.

Any wrappers or tissues left on the ground were breeding grounds. Gabriel got a terrible ear infection during this trip and we applied our tried and true method of Garlic Herbal Ear Oil.

All drainage from his ear was immediately sensed by the ants and a infestation 5 feet long was upon us.

Again, on the plus side they were mostly confined to the one bedroom in the back of the house off the kitchen.

Great Hosts

Now to give the hosts some credit, we also noticed a lot of the things we saw in the home were previous suggestions from other guests.

For instance, one guest complained that they didn’t have a toilet seat warmer, which is standard in Japan. They fixed this suggestion and there was a working bum warmer during our stay.

There was also another complaint that there were no umbrellas in the home, but during our stay we found several umbrellas in a stand by the door.

Luxury

When it comes to luxury, this isn’t the most opulent airbnb in Kyoto – but this airbnb in Kyoto is large, safe, and very convenient.

What it lacks, it makes up for in location. 

Nearby Attractions

• JR Metro Station
• Restaurants
• Grocery & Department Store
• Fast Food
• Street Food
• Hiking
• Shrines
• Convenience Store

Main Ticket Item

Fushimi-Inairi Taisha

The number one reason to book this specific airbnb in Kyoto is that it is within walking distance to the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine.

This shrine is easily the most recognizable and visually dramatic shrine in all of Japan. It has 1300 torii gates that lead up the mountain and provide dramatic and stunning views of the ancient city. 

You cannot visit Kyoto and not make a stop at Fushimi Inari-Taisha. It is essential.

Our Favorite Restaurants

In addition to fantastic street food, there are two restaurants located within walking distance to this airbnb in Kyoto.

1. Mom and Pop restaurant just down the street serving authentic Japanese food that is absolutely phenomenal.
2. Kendon Udon Noodle. This is an amazing ramen place just past the main intersection and offers super tasty Japanese soup bowls!

 

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We found this mom and pop restaurant just down the street from our airbnb in #Kyoto, #Japan. It was so delicious! It only seated 4 families, had a Japanese squatty potty, and no one spoke English. We loved it! #diapersonaplane #cleandiaper #japanesefood #travelwithkids #japangram

A post shared by Diapers on a Plane (@diapersonaplane) on Aug 14, 2017 at 4:39pm PDT

Transportation 

There are two JR Metro Stations located within walking distance to this airbnb.

1. Fushimi-inari Station (Keihan Line)
2. Kyoto Station

Each offer points of travel throughout the entire city with easy transfer points, maps, and accessibility.

Looking to go on a trip soon? Use our airbnb Referral Code to save $40 on your first trip!

Overall, we ended up being in an amazing location. I wouldn’t have wanted to stay anywhere else in Kyoto. 

Read about all our other adventures in Kyoto, Hiroshima, Tokyo and check out our Diapers On A Plane Japan Vlog.