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Designer Space In Central Kyoto (The Most Unique Room You'll Find In The City)

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Fridge, oven, stovetop, coffee/tea maker
1 bedroom, WiFi, bed sheets
Living area
Shower, hair dryer, towels
Spa
Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

Entire apartment

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
    Pet friendlyPet friendly
  • Kitchen
    KitchenKitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioningAir conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Nakagyoku, Kyoto
  • Popular LocationNijō Castle14 min walk
  • Popular LocationKyoto Imperial Palace14 min walk
  • Popular LocationNishiki Market18 min walk
  • AirportKobe (UKB)91 min drive

Most relevant reviews

ExperimentalCarousel

10/10 Excellent

Probably the best place I’ve stayed in all my travels to Japan, hotels included. Great host, great location, the space w...
Kenneth F.
Aug 22, 2023

About this property

Entire place

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

Designer Space In Central Kyoto (The Most Unique Room You'll Find In The City)

I know, I know. You're coming to Kyoto and have been thinking about staying in a machiya, which is a great idea. But after a long day of walking around town, you're going to want to come back to a comfortable room well-suited for relaxing, reading, conversation, pleasure. If you're interested in a homely, cozy, utterly unique experience, you should definitely consider sleeping in The Moon Room.

Our apartment is located in Kyoto's Nakagyo-ku neighborhood (literal meaning is Downtown). Unlike other B&Bs and guesthouses near Kyoto Station or Higashiyama, Nakagyo is quite central when it comes to dining and entertainment (and I have prepared a homemade map with suggested gourmet destinations). Our space is just a five minute walk from Marutamachi Station, on the main north-south subway line (Karasuma), and about ten minutes from Karasuma-Oike, where the two subway lines intersect, thus marking the center of Kyoto.

The Moon Room is great for families since it is less than ten minutes' walk from a major playground/ children's center as well as the Manga Museum.

Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace are just ten-minute strolls away, while Higashiyama and its wonderful temple complexes are less than an hour on foot (quicker by bus).

The neighborhood itself, though so close to Downtown and its dizzying attractions, is quiet and traditional and it is not unusual to see women in kimono or monks chanting. Many of the neighborhood's machiya houses specialize in old-time industries like printmaking, woodcutting, and tatami-producing, as well as stores selling tea, ivory, dolls, medicinal herbs, and Japan's oldest incense producer.

Nevertheless, The Moon Room is also a wonderful place to relax on a windy or lazy day, to contemplate, relax, or pleasure in the romance of living. Designed specifically by a local artist, there is nothing quite like our space in all of Kyoto. It is part of a first wave of what we hope is a designer's renaissance in this very old city.

In addition to regular wifi in the room, pocket wifi is provided to help you when you explore the city. And my handmade map is an insider's guide to eating in what must be one of the best culinary cities in the world.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sean

Property manager

Sean

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transportation

  • Car not required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Oven
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Spices
  • Toaster
  • Coffee/tea maker

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided
  • Hair dryer

Living spaces

  • Living room

Laundry

  • Near laundromat

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Cycling nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 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 allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

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
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

Designer Space Central Kyoto Apartment
Designer Space Central Kyoto
Apartment Designer Space In Central Kyoto Nakagyoku
Nakagyoku Designer Space In Central Kyoto Apartment
Apartment Designer Space In Central Kyoto
Designer Space In Central Kyoto Nakagyoku
Designer Space Apartment
Designer Space
Designer Space In Central Kyoto Kyoto
Designer Space In Central Kyoto Apartment
Designer Space In Central Kyoto Apartment Kyoto
Designer Space In Central Kyoto

About the neighborhood

Kyoto

This apartment is located in Nakagyo Ward, a neighborhood in Kyoto. Nishiki Market and Nijō Castle are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Kawaramachi Street and Shijo Street. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium or Kyoto Racecourse. Relax and indulge in the area's health/beauty spa, or seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby.
Visit our Kyoto travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Apartments in KyotoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Nijō Castle - 14 min walk
  • Kyoto Imperial Palace - 14 min walk
  • Shijo Street - 16 min walk
  • Nishiki Market - 18 min walk
  • Pontocho Alley - 3 min drive

Getting around

  • Marutamachi Station - 3 min walk
  • Karasuma Station - 16 min walk
  • Itami Airport (ITM) - 60 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪桃太郎 - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪noku cafe by MAEDA'S COFFEE - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪なか卯烏丸夷川店 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪TAKANOYA - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪ステーキハウス 听 - ‬1 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Designer Space In Central Kyoto (The Most Unique Room You'll Find In The City) pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Designer Space In Central Kyoto (The Most Unique Room You'll Find In The City)?

As of 28 Jum. II, 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Designer Space In Central Kyoto (The Most Unique Room You'll Find In The City) on 29 Jum. II, 2024 start from $155.0, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at Designer Space In Central Kyoto (The Most Unique Room You'll Find In The City)?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Designer Space In Central Kyoto (The Most Unique Room You'll Find In The City)?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Designer Space In Central Kyoto (The Most Unique Room You'll Find In The City) located?

Located in Nakagyo Ward, this apartment building is within a 15-minute walk of Kyoto International Manga Museum, Kawaramachi Street, and Nijō Castle. Nishiki Market and Kyoto Imperial Palace are also within 1 mi (2 km). Marutamachi Station is only a 3-minute walk and Karasuma Oike Station is 7 minutes.

Designer Space In Central Kyoto (The Most Unique Room You'll Find In The City) Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome place.
Probably the best place I’ve stayed in all my travels to Japan, hotels included. Great host, great location, the space was much bigger than I expected, very clean, and there was notebook with all local places to go.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda S., Greensboro,North Carolina

Liked: Cleanliness
Centrally located, comfy flat
Our family of 3 were very happy here. The space is big enough and Sean was very generous with his guidance on what to see and where to eat in Kyoto. The neighborhood is a very convenient location, close to subway and lots of restaurants and convenient stores. A good find for the price.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mary B.

Liked: Cleanliness
So helpful
Even though Sean was away on a family trip while we stayed at his place he was always available to help! He was also very accommodating and kind. The place is very comfortable and we enjoyed at time when we were there. It maybe a “room”. But it functions as an apartment with a lot of space for 4 adults.

10/10 Excellent

Nam V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Kyoto Studio
The size of the unit is like a typical studio apartment in the U.S. It has a sitting area, sleeping area, bathroom and kitchenette area (dorm fridge, microwave, counter top burner, coffee maker). The property is in a nice neighborhood. It is a short walking distance to transportation (less than 5 minutes). There are many great local restaurants nearby. Sean (property owner) was very responsive. He always answered all enquiries very promptly. His guide to things to do in Kyōto and local restaurant guide was great.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Moiz B.

Great location and huge space!
Loved the area and really enjoyed how close this place is to the train line.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Anthony E.

Cool spot, excellent host, great location.
My sons and I really enjoyed staying at this location. We are big guys and had no issues with the space. The beds were super comfortable. The shower was great, really hot water with excellent pressure. The apartment is less than 5 mins from the metro and finding a taxi was never an issue. Super markets and drug stores are 5 to 8 mins away respectfully. Sean, the host, is really amazing very accommodating and helpful. He’s even created a website with his recommendations for food and the like. You can’t go wrong, if I ever find myself in Kyoto again I hope this apartment is available. Sean, thank you for everything your apartment made our stay in Kyoto that much better.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Keith I., Hamilton

Top place to stay
Really amazing space which is very well positioned for sightseeing. The host was great at communicating and was very helpful with local information. We would stay again
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Yara Z., Chicago

Great location and host - highly recommend!
The apartment is exactly as advertised. It’s in a quiet neighbourhood, within walking distance to a number of attractions, and on the main subway & bus routes to get to the vast majority of attractions and hang-out spots. There's plenty of room (especially by Japanese standards) and all the basics. We especially appreciated the coffee and cream, and all the soaps/shampoo/etc. Sean is a wonderful host. His electronic site/map was super helpful throughout our stay, and he was incredibly responsive both before and during our trip. Some general Kyoto tips: - Subway and busses were super easy to use, and the combo pass paid for itself - If you want to dine at a specific restaurant, I highly recommend making reservations. You’ll never go hungry as there are tons of options, but you may not get your first (or third) choice if you just walk in (although maybe Golden Week made things worse for us). Sean is more than willing to help with reservations if the restaurant only speaks Japanese (and you don’t). - Even in crowded touristy places there are amazing spots of peace & quiet. Ask Sean about his favorites before you head out. Enjoy the stay!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2018

8/10 Good

patti l., Danville, CA

Overall great place & super hospitable, helpful host
Moon Room is conveniently located & charming & modern in its decor. It’s perfect for 4 adults or less. I would say any more would be a tighter squeeze unless everyone knows & likes each other a lot! A full sized bed next to a twin are shown in the main photo & behind the brick wall is an additional small living room/sleep space. The kitchenette is truly a small kitchenette with an electric burner, toaster oven & mini dorm size fridge. No microwave. Good for breakfasts. Not for preparing say a dinner for a few people. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is while the space was mostly clean, the areas under the bed & on the shelving area (dishes, cookware) were dusty. I know Sean has the room cleaned professionally but his cleaning crew could be more thorough. It’s obvious that the kitchen isn’t used often with many good, nearby food options, but it would be nice to have clean cookware when it’s needed & not have dust when something drops under or at the head of the bed area. Otherwise, Sean is a gem. He is the most responsive, kind & gracious host. He was quick to respond to every and any question or issue we had prior & during our stay. He also provided lots of info about the area & detailed instructions on how to locate his place giving options should we be traveling light vs carrying lots of heavy luggage. He also offered to help my daughter who inquired about getting tickets printed to a venue. We SO appreciated his conscientiousness, accessibility & his follow up. For that reason, we would happily rent from him again. Thank you again, Sean!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Long L.

Great apartment, good location and attentive host.
Fairly large apartment, very close to Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, subway station and major bus routes. Sean was very attentive and responded quickly when we had a question.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth G., New Canaan, Connecticut

Absolutely perfect!
The entire experience from initial booking to waving goodbye to Sean was flawless and wonderful. My husband and I, along with our 20 year old daughter , stayed for 5 nights in both Moon and Cocoon rooms. I can not tell you which we prefer. Moonroom is on the ground floor and is a studio with divided wall with a sitting area and dining table. There is also a little kitchenette for preparing tea and coffee with a sink, toaster oven and mini fridge. The bathroom has a wonderful big shower and a divine Japanese toilet seat.( I'll let you experience this without a spoiler!). The beds were quite comfy and the AC cools the room off quickly, which was great as we were in Kyoto in September and it was super hot and humid! Upstairs is the Cocoon room. Wow! Sean is a creative guy and his style of architecture and design is just great! This apartment has a separate little tiny kitchen with a retro style bathroom and shower. We loved it too! Again, no way could I chose between Moonroom and Cocoon. Cross your fingers that either is available for your time in Kyoto and book! The location is so central to the entire city. We walked everywhere, so easy!! And there is a grocery around the corner. We didn't cook as the restaurants are close and delicious. There are 7 Elevens everywhere for cash machines. Sean! I have stayed in quite a few rental apartments with wonderful hosts, but Sean has been the most wonderful by far! The information he sends you with directions in both Japanese and English is thorough and necessary when taking a taxi from the train station and around Kyoto. I kept the address on me so I could present it to taxi drivers. Do this please, it will help you so much! This was our first trip to Japan and I had a difficult time wrapping my head around the planning of local sightseeing. Sean has created an online guide of his favorite restaurants, activities and sights. Although Kyoto has a small town feel, it is still a big spread out city with tons of Shrines and Temples to see. A bit overwhelming. Sean's guidebook really helps and he is great with suggestions! A must is his wife's family's Soba Shop. It is delicious and the history is just so cool! We loved the crepe shop Neuf, yum! And the Nishiki covered Market is like a Japanese style souk! The knife shop is wonderful if you are a cook don't miss it (cash only). Oh, Sean provides a pocket Wifi, so useful! We highly recommend this quiet and comfortable Oasis!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S.

Great stay in Kyoto in the Moon Room!
This was a really ideal location for our family and worked out well. We loved the list of places to try out -the restaurants we tried (Owadria, Flip Up, Nicotto & Mam, and La Jolla) were super yummy, wished the crepe place was open Wednesday so we could've tried it. The shower was refreshing and soothing and Sean was great to work with. Great place to stay in Kyoto! We loved Kyoto!! Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Sandra P., Vancouver, Canada

Great place to explore Kyoto
We had a great stay in the Moon room. Sean made sure we were comfortable and had any needs at all. Location is very convenient with a subway stop close by and lots of shops and restaurants. It's on a quiet street so we all slept very well. Highly recommend, we'd love to stay again the next time we're in Kyoto.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2017

10/10 Excellent

Xianchun V.

the location is superb. you can walk to the imperial palace and other sites.
Shawn was great. He made us feel right at home with maps and restaurant recommendations. The apartment is very spacious by Japanese standards. The beds are a little firm, but the street is quiet and so we slept well. But the highlight has to be the location. There are very nice restaurants on the same street and a nice grocery near. There is also a fabulous French bakery within 5 minutes walk. The subway is also close. We were very happy with our selection.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2016

10/10 Excellent

Jasmine Q.

A Hidden Treasure
We stayed in the Moon Room for a week during Sakura season in April 2016. Great central location and cosy spot! A 2-minute walk to Marutamachi subway station that takes you to all parts of Kyoto with ease. The Moon Room, located on a quiet quaint street, is comfortable, well maintained and lacking nothing. Decor is unique and appealing. It had free wifi and a wifi toggle for use. It speaks volumes when we look forward to returning to the Moon Room after a long day out and about! Great hospitality from Sean, owner of the Moon Room. Always helpful and responsive -from initial queries months before our trip, in the lead up to and throughout our stay. Sean provided a map and guidebooks for our use, restaurant recommendations, and passed on invaluable information on how to get around Kyoto and what to see. Always there for us in an unobtrusive manner, yet with a highly personalized touch. We also appreciated his professional approach to running the business. We definitely wish to secure the Moon Room for our next visits! Thoroughly enjoyed our stay - we highly recommend the Moon Room!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2016

10/10 Excellent

Deborah S.

Great place to stay in Kyoto!
We couldn't have had better accommodations in Kyoto. Our host, Sean, was very friendly and gave us great tips on what to see. His hand-drawn map marked with places to eat and shop was invaluable. The Moon Room was very close to transportation (subway, bus) and many sights were within waking distance (Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle). We had a great time and would definitely go back!

10/10 Excellent

Alicia D., Madrid

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfecto
La ubicación en un barrio tranquilo pero cerca del cemtro es muy buena.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

suzanne v.

Bel appartement au centre de kyoto
Propriétaire disponible et sympatique Appartement tel que sur photos, vraiment très confortable e très propre en plus bien situé, spacieux pour Kyoto,, Très belle salle de bain Supermarché ét metro à cinq Minutes, atm au coin de la rue àu bureau de poste Équipement de cuisine très réduit mais petit four ét cafetière, frigo Idéal pour deux personnes Sommes restés une semaine et avons adoré notre séjour Le recommandons sans hésiter Merci à Sean !
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2016