17 Reviews of Property 275849 in Kyoto, Japan

I love staying in apartments when traveling - I can visit local shops and restaurants and get a real sense of the neighbourhood.

I have a few criteria I use to select apartments:

* We like to have a sitting area. It can be an studio apartment but should at least have a table that we can sit at.
* We may not actually cook but we want the option to make a meal if we want to so it should have a kitchen. We usually eat breakfast 'at home' in the morning so like to be able to make coffee and have a fridge to keep milk and beer cold.
* It should have shops and restaurants nearby. We don't want to have to go into town to grab a bite - we want to eat in the neighbourhood.
* It should be near public transportation. We like being out in regular neighbourhoods but still want to be able to get to the sights. Bus, train, or subway should be within a 15 minute walk.
* It should have wifi internet connection.

Kamo Cottage easily met all of these criteria plus Mike and Yuko provided any information we wanted about Kyoto and the surrounding area. We used the bikes provided to meander through small streets to all the sights and were easily able to get to the subway to explore further afield.

It was quiet, comfortable and perfect.

We had a good experience booking with Mike. Everything was straightforward, including payment by Paypal. Mike sent detailed travel instructions ahead of time, and we were pleased with the accommodation, which whilst being bijou provides everything you need (we stayed 11 days).
As our daughter is living in Kyoto we did not need to call on Mike's assistance much, but I feel sure he would have been ready and willing if required.
Recommended for independent travellers, and anyone wanting to absorb the flavour of Kyoto.

This cottage located right on the riverfront in Kyoto is a fantastic place to be based out of for any visit to the Kansai region of Japan. It is operated by a lovely family whose home is just in front of the cottage. The price is a bargain for the space alone, but when you add in the 2 complimentary bicycles, a little kitchen, and Mike & Yuko's friendly nature and willingness to give you sightseeing advice (who both speak perfect english - huge plus), this place becomes a true gem. We would highly recommend this space for a couple traveling to Japan (could even squeeze in 4 people).

My husband & I stayed here in 2008 and have the fondest of memories. Taxi transportation from Kyoto station was very reliable and although we forgot to pack Mike's detailed directions (including Japanese phrases), the driver brought us right to the walkway of the house!!! The soothing sounds of Kamo River lulled us to sleep each night. Everything we needed was within walking distance i.e. Grocery store, train station etc.
Mike & Yuko were very accomodating...even when our friends from Kyoto called the police in a frantic effort to make sure we arrived safely!!! Our deep apologies again.
We would have no hesitation in recommending this property to others.
Our stay here made our 2nd honeymoon one we will never forget!!! Thank you Mike & Yuko!!!

Which is literally what we did, in a sense, when I decided get my wife and two young sons away from the blackouts and aftershocks shortly after the 3/11 Great Tohoku Earthquake hit. (We live just SW of Tokyo)

I couldn't help but feel we just really lucked out since finding this place online and available on such short notice. We received top-notch customer service from Mike from the time we first made contact online till saying goodbye at the cottage gate. When we had a request or question they were on it within minutes of hanging up the phone. Seriously big hotels would do well to take a page out of their customer service handbook! And while finding our way around is usually not a problem since my wife is Japanese, we were able to get in more sightseeing and see some really neat places not always found in travel books thanks to Mike and Yuko's suggestions and their taking the time to tell us the best train/bus routes.

As for the cottage itself it's perfect for a family with kids. Our first impression was the location. Listen. It's perfect! The place itself was clean and has everything one needs sans all the sirens and bells that just get in the way of enjoying all that Kyoto has to offer. Our boys LOVED the loft and running around outside on the riverbank as well. I really couldn't have found a better place for our young sons, yet often caught myself thinking how cool it'd have been to stay in a place like this back in my pre-married backpack through countries in Asia years too.

The kitchen had everything we needed, which saved money by not having to eat out all the time; and having access to a washing machine allowed us to pack light and not have to trudge around Kyoto in stinky underpants! The distance to bus stops and the train station is ideal--far enough away that you don't even know they're there yet near enough that the peaceful, short riverside walk getting to them is like green tea ice cream for the soul. (not to mention great for allowing kids to burn off excess energy before having to sit on the bus/train). Oh and be sure to ask Mike or Yuko about the Onigiri place near the train station. My wife still talks about it--best rice balls in Kyoto!

Needless to say we've found "our place" in Kyoto and will definitely be back. But feel free to use it till we return. I've already recommended staying here to a few Kyoto-bound friends.

We had a wonderful 2 weeks in Kyoto staying here. The room is small but very nice. low on storage space, but they still managed a functional kitchen and the beds were comfortable.

Living on the river was wonderful. Subways stops are close and easy but we spent most of our time getting around on the bicycles provided.

Kamo Riverhouse was clean, comfortable, and in a great location. Just as advertised: right by the river, spacious loft with comfortable futon (if you enjoy sleeping on firmer mattresses, which I do), and super close to attractions. The property came with bikes, which was awesome, since Kyoto is too big to do by footwork alone, but just right with a bike.

Small snafu occurred upon arrival; owners were away and the lockbox was jammed. Quickly resolved, but hopefully the lockbox will be replaced...otherwise the combination plus a well-placed smash will solve all.

Property provided some information about the area, but was a little out-of-date and one of the maps needed addendum by the owners, so I would recommend picking up some maps & local info at Kyoto Station when convenient.

Would definitely recommend! Also, there's an amazing handmade onigiri place nearby the metro station on the other branch of the river; just around the corner from the Lotteria - look for the yellow sign with the drawn rice balls. Best find!

Thanks for the great Kyoto experience, Mike & Yuko!

Mike and Yuko made me feel at home and provided me everything I needed to discover the gems that Kyoto has to offer. The included bike rentals, laundry, and local reccomendations were much appreciated and they really helped me learn about Japan despite my non-existant Japanese. I enjoyed my stay at their property so much I am changing plans to return to Kyoto before I leave Japan!