Kyoto Station
A traditional Kyoto townhouse in historic Shimabara area, built in the traditional teahouse style with 2 connecting buildings. Direct train to Kyoto Station and Arashiyama.
'Ruikou' townhouse: a traditional Japanese holiday home (vacation rental) in the historic Shimabara district, within walking distance of Nishi Honganji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kyoto Station and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest are easily accessible by direct train.
Built in the 'ochaya' teahouse architectural style, Ruikou comprises 2 private townhouse buildings: the omoya (main house) and the hanare (detached building), which are connected by a central Japanese garden.
Spanning 184 square metres, the omoya's ground floor opens into a spacious living and dining room with a fully equipped kitchen. Large sliding windows frame the Japanese garden, filling the space with natural light. Upstairs, original timber beams, wooden details and tatami rooms sit alongside a full bathroom and 3 bedrooms: one Western-style and two Japanese-style.
The hanare is a complete, self-contained townhouse building with a living and dining area, kitchen, two double beds, and a bathroom overlooking a private tsuboniwa garden. Ruikou townhouse is ideal for those who want privacy while still sharing the experience with their group.
Throughout Ruikou, you'll find original artworks created from materials and objects sourced from Kyoto's temples and shrines, each piece carrying its own history, reimagined for the space.
Ruikou' is located in the historic Shimabara district, once Kyoto's most prestigious 'hanamachi' entertainment district during the Edo period. Unlike other hanamachi, Shimabara was notable for entertaining the imperial family, court nobles, and aristocracy. Female entertainers known as tayu were central to this refined cultural tradition.
Viewed from the street, you can admire Ruikou's traditional ochaya architectural style found in the Shimabara district. The second floor features full-width windows with an engawa veranda, behind which are tatami rooms, a layout that is characteristic of Kyoto's ochaya teahouse tradition. The slim lattice woodwork on the first floor facade is original to the building.
Ruikou is made up of two private townhouse buildings connected by a central Japanese garden: the omoya, the street-facing main house, and the hanare, a semi-detached townhouse set further back on the property. Whether your group prefers to gather together or have a little space of their own, Ruikou offers the perfect balance of shared and private spaces.
Slide open the wooden lattice doors to step into the omoya. The ground floor brings together a sofa seating area, dining table, and open kitchen in one welcoming space, ideal for gathering with family and friends over a meal or winding down after a day exploring Kyoto.
At the heart of Ruikou sits a tsuboniwa, a traditional Japanese courtyard garden enjoyed from both the omoya and the hanare. A Japanese maple tree, lush moss, stone lantern and seasonal greenery, offer a quiet moment of nature at any time of day. Each season brings its own character to the garden for you to enjoy during your stay.
The omoya is a two-storey townhouse with a living and dining room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, and a full bathroom. The ground floor is designed for gathering, while the upper floor offers a relaxing retreat with a mix of traditional and modern Japanese interiors.
The upper floor of the omoya has 3 private bedrooms: two tatami rooms with futon bedding and one room with a Western-style bed. Guests can choose whichever style of sleeping suits them best. ・4 futon beddings, 1 double-size bed ・Air Conditioning Unit ・Blackout shades
Cross the stone path through the central Japanese garden to reach the hanare. This traditional townhouse features an open layout with a sleeping area, dining space, kitchen, and bathroom with garden views. Originally a two-storey building, the upper floor has been opened up to create sky-high ceilings that reveal the original wooden beams and architectural details beneath.
The hanare sleeping area features 2 double beds. Large glass sliding doors fill the space with natural light throughout the day, with blackout curtains to ensure a restful night's sleep. Floor heating runs throughout the entire hanare, including the bathroom, keeping you comfortable year-round. ・2 double-size bed ・Air Conditioning Unit ・Blackout shades
Each townhouse has its own full bathroom, equipped with a bathtub, waterfall shower head, sink, and bidet. The hanare bathroom allows you to unwind while looking out onto the Japanese garden. With plenty of room for everyone to get ready or wind down, Ruikou is perfect for groups of any size. ・Floor heating
Both the omoya and hanare have their own fully equipped kitchen with an IH stovetop, refrigerator, microwave, electric kettle, cooking utensils, and dishware for up to 9 guests. Pick up fresh local ingredients from nearby markets or the local supermarket and convenience store.
Throughout Ruikou, you'll find original artworks made from materials and objects sourced from Kyoto's temples and shrines. Each piece has been repurposed and reimagined, adding a layer of history and character throughout the space.
Book direct for the best available rate on ’Ruikou’. Availability, nightly rates and the reservation calendar are handled by the official booking system.
Reservations are accepted up to 8 months in advance, including the current month.
