Kyoto Station
A 100-year-old traditional Japanese house located one train ride from Kyoto Station and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, with easy access to Nijo Castle.
'Wakaba' Townhouse: a traditional Japanese holiday home (vacation rental) tucked within the historic Shimabara district, once Kyoto's officially recognized hanamachi during the Edo period. This restored townhouse is located near UNESCO World Heritage Site Nishi Honganji Temple, with easy access to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Nijo Castle, and Kyoto Station.
This townhouse is designed in the classic 'unagi no nedoko' layout, a style that has often defined Kyoto townhouses for centuries. The exterior is narrow in width, but step through the entrance and you'll find an open and surprisingly spacious interior. The open-concept living and dining area retains the character of a 'doma' floor (traditionally an earthen entryway), creating a natural transition between indoors and out. Natural light fills the space through a round latticed window and from a private Japanese garden, visible from both the tatami room and the bathroom. The garden shifts with each season, bringing a quiet sense of the outdoors inside year-round.
Wakaba features two western-style bedrooms, each with a king bed, and two tatami rooms, with original wooden beams and walls finished in textured washi paper. With four bedrooms spread across two floors, this townhouse comfortably accommodates families, groups of friends, or a special occasion trip.
A little background on how 'Wakaba' earned its name: The courtyard garden of this townhouse is planted with green bamboo and young maple, two plants long considered auspicious in Japan, symbolizing prosperity and new beginnings. Green is deeply rooted in traditional Japanese color culture, reflected in shades such as wakaba-iro (young leaf green). We named this townhouse "Wakaba," meaning young leaves, hoping that each visit leaves guests with a sense of fresh discovery, much like the first green of spring.
Built in 1921 during the Taisho era, this townhouse has stood for over 100 years. Its history as a merchant home is written into the facade itself. The "shimotaya-goshi" lattice work is a style traditionally associated with townhouses that had transitioned from active merchant shops to private residences. Finished in Juraku-kabe, a traditional earthen plaster unique to Kyoto, the exterior carries a warm tone and an inviting atmosphere.
Wakaba is a restored traditional townhouse located within the historic Shimabara area of Kyoto, with a wooden facade featuring shimotaya-goshi lattice work. Built across two stories, the structure follows the unagi no nedoko layout, where rooms are arranged in a row running back from the street, a classic Kyoto townhouse design.
Slide open the door to find a spacious dining area that flows through to the living area and tatami room. The dining table is made from a single piece of wood, set within the original doma floor space. The seating draws on the traditional horigotatsu style, reimagined with a modern table design that makes it comfortable for meals or a relaxed morning coffee. ・Dining Table (seats up to 9 guests) ・Floor Heating / Air Conditioning Unit
Beside the dining space, the living area offers comfortable sofa seating and a moment to pause. Glance upward and you'll find the full height of the townhouse on display, highlighted by warm lighting and framed by original wooden beams that have been part of this townhouse since it was first built. ・Sofa ・Floor Heating / Air Conditioning Unit ・TV
A peaceful retreat on the ground floor, the tatami room is finished with delicate washi accents, an 'ranma' design feature and green tatami that echo the lush garden just beyond. Designed to change with the seasons, the garden view makes this space the perfect spot to unwind in after a day of exploring Kyoto. The room can also be arranged as an additional bedroom with futon bedding. ・Floor Heating / Air Conditioning Unit ・Blackout Blinds ・Futon Bedding (up to 3 guests)
The modern kitchen is fully equipped with dishware and cutlery for up to 9 guests, including an IH stovetop, refrigerator, microwave oven, electric kettle, pots, pans, and utensils. Pick up local ingredients from downtown Kyoto or the nearby supermarket and convenience store. Complimentary Cooking Set (Single-use packets): Oil, Salt, Pepper, Soy Sauce
A bright, modern bathroom with two large windows that frame the Japanese garden. Subtle green tiling reflects the freshness of the garden, bringing a sense of calm to the space. The bathroom includes a shower area and a wash area with two basins, making it well-suited for groups. ・Bathtub & Shower ・Floor Heating (vanity area)
Rejuvenate with our custom bath amenities: shampoo, conditioner and body soap in relaxing lavender and forest scents. Bathroom amenities, bath towels & face towels are also prepared for each guest. For your convenience, there are 2 washbasins on the 1F.
The tsuboniwa Japanese garden is composed of bamboo, Japanese maple, and carefully placed stones in the karesansui tradition. A bamboo water 'kakei'spout trickles into a stone basin'chozubachi', while the garden path is laid with kobata-date stonework, where stones are set upright on their edge. Enjoy this view from the tatami room, living area, and bathroom.
Soft light filters through the sudare-covered windows into the Western-style bedrooms. Wakaba townhouse features 2 bedrooms, each with king bed. Relax and admire the high ceilings and wood beam that stretches across. ・2 x King Bed ・Air Conditioning Unit ・Blackout Shades
Upstairs is an additional shower room, washbasin and toilet. It is convenient for large groups staying together, as guests can comfortably split morning and evening routines between the two floors.
This classic tatami room features square Ryukyu-tatami mats and plenty of natural that filters through a large window. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while relaxing in this peaceful space, which accommodates up to 3 guests. ・Sleeps up to 3 guests (futon bedding) ・Air Conditioning Unit ・Blackout shades
Book direct for the best available rate on ’Wakaba’. 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.
