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Serendipity in Kyoto, home near the Imperial Palace

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January 2025
February 2025

Photo gallery for Serendipity in Kyoto, home near the Imperial Palace

Interior
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 560 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
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  • Doshisha University
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Kyoto Imperial Palace
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Funaoka Thermal Bath
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Osaka (ITM-Itami)
    ‪67 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Kyoto

With a stay at this vacation home, you'll be centrally located in Kyoto, within a 5-minute drive of Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijō Castle. .This family-friendly vacation home is 9.9 mi (15.9 km) from Lake Biwa and 4.3 mi (6.9 km) from Kiyomizu Temple.
View more Holiday homes in KyotoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Kyoto Imperial Palace - 14 min walk
  • Nijō Castle - 3 min drive
  • Kinkaku-ji Temple - 4 min drive
  • Kyoto University - 5 min drive
  • Nishiki Market - 5 min drive

Getting around

  • Kitano-Hakubaicho Station - 3 min drive
  • Imadegawa Station - 13 min walk
  • Itami Airport (ITM) - 67 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪親愛 - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪中華料理沁 - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪鶴屋吉信 - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪逃現郷 - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪シュークリームカフェ オアフ 京都西陣本店 - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Serendipity in Kyoto, home near the Imperial Palace

124 years old charming Japanese traditional wooden town house (machiya), fully renovated to a holiday rental house.

This house is located in the very center of Kyoto city. Walking distance to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo castle of world heritage, Gaisha area etc. To access all main beautiful places like Golden Temple, Kiyomizu Temple, Gion etc., takes only about 15 minutes.

There are lots of famous restaurants, cafes and bars around the house, and even you can experience Japanese traditional public bath (sento) near our house.

Our house is in a quaint back street of the city and this is the best place for you to explore the real Japanese lifestyle.

How about going to the cafe where Kyoto people gather in the morning or public bath at night in our neighborhood where you can have a chat and become friends with local people.

The surrounded area of our house is not crowded by tourists, is also a advantage for you to enjoy the calm daily life of local people.

Inside the house has been designed with the image of a Japanese tea‐ceremony room (chashitsu), to provide our guests the simple but cozy Japanese cultural atmosphere at home.

This house is a two story building with living room, kitchen, bath, toilet etc. in the first floor and two bed rooms in the second floor. we are Newly renovated and the house is very clean and new.

We have futons (beds) up to 5 guests. We of cause welcome you all and very much recommend for families with children. Since we are in the middle of a typical very friendly and strongly connected local community, you could enjoy the hospitality of Kyoto citizens.

We wish you to spend relaxed during your stay and we are very glad if you feel this place as your own home in Kyoto.

We wish your stay in Kyoto will be a one with lots of lovely serendipity. From that meaning we named this house "Serendipity @ Kyoto"

Our house "Serendipity Kyoto" is a licensed accommodation where you can stay with more trust, more safety and more security.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Conveniences include a microwave and a dryer, and housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.
This smoke-free vacation home offers books.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property manager

Chie

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking options include a garage
  • On-site parking
  • Car not required

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Spices
  • Toaster
  • Paper towels
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils

Dining

  • Tea service at check-in

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Shampoo
  • Towels provided
  • Toilet paper
  • Hairdryer

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV
  • Books

Laundry

  • Dryer
  • Laundry detergent
  • Near a laundromat

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Limited housekeeping
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city centre
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Cycling on site

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 646 sq ft (60 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ); additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file
A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Serendipity At Kyoto, Imperial
Serendipity At Kyoto Home Near Imperial Palace
Serendipity At Kyoto, Home Near Imperial Palace Kyoto

Serendipity in Kyoto, home near the Imperial Palace Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 21 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 21 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ashok M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very Hospitable stay in comfortable home
We very much enjoyed our stay, The house was very welcoming, clean, and comfortable for our family of 4, Our host was very welcoming and helped us with our stay in Kyoto. The location is in a residential neighborhood, so you need transportation to get to a lot of the sites, but it was easy with Uber
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tina W., Colorado Springs, Co

Liked: Cleanliness
real Japanese House with amazing owner
First of all Chie is an amazing host, so especially if you are new to traveling Japan, she is a great resource. Easily reachable via whatsapp she also answers general questions as to e.g. find a great tea shop and orders a taxi for your return. About the house, it is very clean and cute. Just be aware that it is a Japanese house, so everything is smaller and the futons are a bit firm (but so are most western beds in hotels as well). The 2 rooms upstairs are very cozy and have A/C, a lifesaver! The sliding door between them has a big gap, so you can hear everything in the other room. Probably good for supervising kids. Traditional bathroom, which I would call "wet cell" with nice size bathtub and amazing water pressure at the shower. Plenty of towels available. As for the location we found it very good. We could reach everything easily by bus. To our surprise most things even without changing buses. Loved it because no need to go underground and they are also very punctual. Close by there is a cute French cafe and also a laundry. I can very much recommend this property.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pete M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazingly Authentic Japanese Experience in Kyoto!
I spent 4 Nights in Kyoto @ Serendipity with 2 of my college age kids. I had been to Japan many times for work in the past staying at large 5 star hotel chains in Tokyo. However, I wanted my kids first visit to be one where they truly experienced the spirit, history, and culture of the real "Japan." Our time at Serendipity, in Kyoto, was essential to that objective. Clean, safe, very authentic, and in a great location... Serendipity was perfect! Chie, the owner, was profoundly kind, and a great communicator. I highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

angie t.

Liked: Cleanliness
Kyoto splendor
Experience Kyoto local style. The host was wonderful & the home was clean & comfortable in the heart of Kyoto.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mitzy F., Las Vegas, NV

Liked: Cleanliness
True Serenity
This property was such a gem! It’s in a pretty, quaint neighborhood. The bus stops and the subway stations are close by. No more than 10-15min light walk. Chie, was so hospitable. She made sure to give us recommendations for bike shops that were near by. She also provided us with a portable wi-fi , which came in handy when trying to figure out bus routes. The rooms were beautiful, and the beds were very comfortable. This home was perfect. We will definitely come again. Recommend this to anyone who wants to get away for a bit from city life.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jean B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay at Serendipity Kyoto
My two adult sons and I stayed at Chie’s wonderful guest house this past week. Chie met us upon arrival and explained the house and provided bus maps and recommendations for eating and other attractions. The bus stop is a short walk away and we were able to easily navigate Kyoto and most of the historical sites on the bus. At Chie’s recommendation we purchased all day passes, which was a great idea. The house was clean and authentic and had everything that we needed to make us comfortable. Chie kept in contact throughout our stay to answer questions and to make sure that we had everything that we needed. Chie called a cab for us when we left, and saw us off, Thank you for your hospitality and for sharing your beautiful home with us Chie!

10/10 Excellent

Jonathon W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic location
Great location. Wonderful host. Everything we needed
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Judith P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Home-Style Comfort in a Quiet Neighborhood
Serendipity is special. Not only does the house have historic significance as a machiya (wooden townhouse that served as a merchant house), but it offered the comforts we count on at home -- a small but well-equipped kitchen; a luxurious bathroom with tub and shower, fancy bidet; air conditioning. The location is ideas. Down a narrow road in a quiet residential neighborhood, the house was convenient to a bus stop, convenience stores (Lawsons), and the Nishi-jin weavers district and Nishiki Textile Center (weaving demonstrations, kimona fashion shows). From start to finish, the owner (Chie) made it easy for us with prompt e-mail responses and a switch from e-mail to What's App communication (to avoid international fees). Chie also provided maps, useful tips, and carry-with instructions in Japanese for us to hand the taxi drivers to help the locate the house. And, finally, Chie was attentive to our flight schedule, available to exchange messages from the airport, and right there to meet us at the agreed time. Meeting her for the first time was a great pleasure. She met our taxi and walked us to the door. From the start she made us feel welcome in her home.

10/10 Excellent

Karen S.

Perfect place for us
For our stay in Kyoto, my husband, adult daughter and I wanted a Japanese home experience, not a hotel. This was it! The home is located in a neighborhood, not a touristy area. We loved the small pedestrian street it was located on. During the day, it was a pretty busy walkway/bikeway, but quiet at night. The host, Chie, was right there to greet us upon arrival, was available to us throughout the stay and even escorted us to a taxi when we left. One particularly warm day, I got a text from her reminding us to stay hydrated in the heat, and to give us some info on a local parade we would not have otherwise known about. She cared about her guests. She really was a great host. The home had everything we needed and wanted. There are narrow stairs to consider for those with mobility issues. It is a real 149 year old house, so there are some low clearances if you are over 6 ft tall. These are charms we appreciated, but should be considered. There is AC! The kitchen is small, but perfect for morning coffee, tea and toast. A small fridge, plates, cups, and utensils available. This is a nice property for families. You pass through a bedroom to get to the second bedroom. Kyoto Station is about a 13 minute taxi ride away. There is a bus stop close by, but we never used it. One block away, there is a laundry, a Lawson's convenience store and a bakery. Overall, we had a great stay and can not thank Chie enough for her hospitality.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kristianne K.

Pleasant location, kind host
Well-situated near public transportation in Kyoto. Cute bi-level apartment. Stairs to second level are steep so not suitable for persons with disabilities. Host very warm and friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

letitia c., Seattle, WA

Serene and wonderful
We loved this traditional Japanese home. Chie was an outstanding host. Very helpful and attentive. Easy to reach. The house itself was extremely comfortable and had everything we needed. Plus an easy bus ride to major sites. Thank you Chie!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Joshua G., Chula Vista, CA

Family Spring Break
We loved the home, Chie was very accommodating. She met us upon arrival and showed us maps of all the places to see in Kyoto. The house was very clean and gave you that Japanese experience. The mats were very comfortable to sleep on and the house was very spacious. Thank you Chie for hosting us and making our trip to Kyoto memorable. We highly recommend this place.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Steve S.

OutstandingAnd hospitable
The accommodations are great. Very comfortable. Very Japanese. The house is conveniently located to transportation and is on a very quiet and atmospheric lane. Chie is very welcoming and attentive. Would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte L.

Great stay for family of 3 with toddler.
We had a great time, the guest house is a 2 minutes walk from buses to key locations and a 15min walk from the underground. Chie is a very attentive and helpful host. It was perfect for our 18 month old son who slept with us in the room. It was cold in Kyoto when we were there but there are lots of heaters in the house so that wasn't a problem when we were at home or at night. The neighborhood is very pretty and the residents super friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Matthew D., San Francisco, USA

Beautiful home near downtown!
Chie was an amazing host! I was traveling through Japan with a few friends and we were looking for a place to stay while we were in Kyoto for 2 days. Check in was incredibly easy and the home was very clean and as advertised. We will definitely stay here again the next time we are in Kyoto!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

RONALD B.

Very clean, peaceful, beautiful japanese home.
A wonderful stay in Kyoto ! Our hostess Chie was very gracious and kind. Soo much history and culture to learn in such a great city ! Can't wait to return . !
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jenna T.

Great place to stay!
We really enjoyed our stay at Serendipity! Chie was very warm and welcoming-an amazing host! Her directions and assistance on how to get there and around the city we’re very helpful. Thank you for your hospitality!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lizzie K.

Charming, personal and perfectly Japanese!
This was a PERFECT Kyoto stay for our family (two adults and two small children stayed for a week with an extra adult joining us for a few nights). Chie was a wonderful host and checked in with us to make sure our stay was going well. The neighborhood is quiet and within walking distance of the Imperial Gardens. The home is also a short walk of several bus lines, including two that end at the train station. There are a variety of restaurants nearby and Chie gave us a list and helpful map to some of her favorites. Finally, the interior was exceptionally clean and organized. The tatami mat rooms let my children experience an authentic Japanese house. And, the kitchen allowed me to prepare Western-style breakfasts for my picky eater. I highly recommend staying at Serendipity at Kyoto!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lisa R.

Amazing!
Chie was a gracious host. She made sure we were comfortable and had everything we required. Her house is clean, quiet, and comfortable. I hope to be back with my entire family one day.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Alberto Henrique

Excelent stay
Excellent stay. Chie is very friendly and very helpful. Great location in the center of Kyoto. Typical Japanese house with everything you need to spend a few pleasant days ...