Entire home

Kyoto Tradition With Modern Luxury, Family Friendly in Excellent Location

Immerse yourself in Kyoto's rich history and serene atmosphere. Discover the beauty of traditional craftsmanship and enjoy modern comforts amidst this unique cultural gem.

Photo gallery for Kyoto Tradition With Modern Luxury, Family Friendly in Excellent Location

Smart TV, books, stereo
Exterior detail
Full-size fridge, microwave, stovetop, coffee/tea maker
2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, travel crib
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 475 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor Space
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning

About this property

Entire place

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

Kyoto Tradition With Modern Luxury, Family Friendly in Excellent Location

Machiya Lily is a bespoke blend of traditional Kyoto architecture and modern luxury. Machiya Lily was first opened in the middle of the Meiji period (1896) as a Kimono shop. The property remained in the same family until 2013 when I purchased it and began the long process of restoration. My goal in the restoration was to preserve as much of the original craftsmanship as possible while adding in the modern conveniences that a luxury property requires. When you stay in Machiya Lily, you are literally surrounded by Kyoto history. The home is fully furnished, including cable television, wireless internet, washer and dryer and all amenities.
Machiya Lily is perfectly located for the guest who wants to stay in historic Kyoto while enjoying peace and quiet. Sanjusangendo Temple, Toyokuni Shrine and the Kyoto National Museum are all within 8 minutes walk. The Keihan express train stop Shichijo and the Kamogawa river are both within a 6 minute walk in the other direction. Local bus stops, shops and cafes are all within a five minute walk. Kyoto station is a 20 minute walk or a short bus ride or taxi ride away.
When you enter Machiya Lily you are entering the living room. This room was called “doma” in Japanese but has been converted into a living room with sofa, large flat screen television, end tables and built in surround sound speakers. One wall has been covered with “urushi washi”, a special type of hand painted paper made in Kyoto. This wall is highlighted with accent lighting and is one of the two main features of the living room. The floor of the living room is a stone tile found in traditional shop houses and allows guests to wear their shoes in the living room. Two sliding doors separate the living room from the rest of the house and these doors are the second centerpiece of the living room. The doors and glass date to the 1920’s and are one of my favorite aspects of the home.
When you remove your shoes and step up from the living room into the dining room you are entering the center of the house. A skylight to your left brings in light to the dining room and the fully equipped kitchen is to your right. The kitchen cabinet is custom made by local wood workers from an antique piece of furniture called “mizuya dansu”. The counter top is made from a single piece of live edge Japanese Hinoki (a type of cypress) from the Arashiyama area. You won’t find a kitchen cabinet like this anywhere else in the world. The kitchen includes a Nespresso coffee machine, full size refrigerator, temperature controlled wine cabinet, microwave, stove, toaster, pots, pans and dishware for four people.
The back of the house includes the traditional “washitsu” or tatami room. This room overlooks the Japanese garden, “tsuboniwa”. The garden features a Japanese Maple tree, an Edo era temple stone and an automatic water feature which fills the home with the sound of running water three times each day. The tatami room can be used as a bedroom for up to two people or as a great place to relax, watch the garden and listen to the relaxing sound of running water after a long day of sight seeing. The tatami room also has a traditional “tokonoma” where a traditional scroll or other art piece is on display. The artwork changes with the seasons. The cabinet on the far wall, next to the artwork, has been specifically built so that a person can sit on the top and lean back against the wall while enjoying the garden or reading a book. This is not a traditional feature of a Kyomachiya but I designed it for my own use because I simply find it more comfortable than sitting on tatami. You can see a photo of this feature below. The first floor bathroom includes a shower and full size bathtub which also overlooks the garden. The walls of the bath are made from aromatic Japanese Cypress which add a unique touch and scent to the bath. Since shoes are not worn in the house (except the living room) the hard wood floors on the first floor are all equipped with under floor heating.
The upstairs consists of a bedroom and second toilet. This room features a real queen size bed and two armchairs. There is also a desk and chair for writing letters as well as another collection of books. The sliding door to the upstairs bedroom is a traditional type door that is no longer common. If you’re a fan of older Japanese movies you will have seen doors like this. The sliding wood window in the center of the door is an excellent example of Meiji period craftsmanship. The bamboo blind (sudare) outside the upstairs windows (as well as in the garden) was hand made by Mr. and Mrs. Kubota whose family has been making blinds in Kyoto since 1883.
Machiya Lily is a unique combination of history and modern luxury. I’ve made every effort to preserve the soul of this property and the ear in which it was built while making it a luxurious and comfortable place to live. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have. If you have any questions please contact me.

Property manager

Mark Tracy

Languages

English

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator (full size)
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Bidet
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • Books
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Garden

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

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
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Tatami (woven mat floors)
  • Tokonoma (alcove)
  • Unit size: 807 sq ft (75 sq m)
  • Property does not allow children

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

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

This property does not allow children

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 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
Please note that some properties do not permit guests with tattoos to use the onsite public bathing facilities

Property is also known as

Tradition Modern Luxury Family Friendly Excellent Location House
Kyoto Tradition Modern Luxury Family Friendly Excellent Location
Tradition Modern Luxury Family Friendly Excellent Location
Tradition Modern Luxury Family Friendly Excellent Location House
Kyoto Tradition Modern Luxury Family Friendly Excellent Location
Tradition Modern Luxury Family Friendly Excellent Location House
Kyoto Tradition Modern Luxury Family Friendly Excellent Location
Tradition Modern Luxury Family Friendly Excellent Location

About the neighborhood

Map
Kyoto, Kyoto

What's nearby

  • Kawaramachi Street - 8 min walk
  • Kyoto Tower - 17 min walk
  • Pontocho Alley - 18 min walk
  • Kiyomizu Temple - 19 min walk
  • Nishiki Market - 4 min drive

Getting around

  • Shichijo Station - 5 min walk
  • Gojo Station - 14 min walk
  • Itami Airport (ITM) - 57 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪マクドナルド - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪茶室菓崙 - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪ラーメンの坊歩 - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Kyoto Beer Lab - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Coffee Shop Amazon - ‬4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Kyoto Tradition With Modern Luxury, Family Friendly in Excellent Location pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Kyoto Tradition With Modern Luxury, Family Friendly in Excellent Location?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Kyoto Tradition With Modern Luxury, Family Friendly in Excellent Location?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Kyoto Tradition With Modern Luxury, Family Friendly in Excellent Location located?

Located in Higashiyama Ward, this vacation home is within a 10-minute walk of Kamo River and Kawaramachi Street. Kyoto Tower and Kiyomizu Temple are also within 1 mi (2 km). Shichijo Station is only a 5-minute walk and Kiyomizu-gojo Station is 6 minutes.

Kyoto Tradition With Modern Luxury, Family Friendly in Excellent Location Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 74 out of 77 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 77 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 77 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 77 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 77 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Amanda A., Austin, Texas, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place and great Host
We had a wonderful stay! The place was fully equipped with everything we needed to prepare meals from the delicious ingredients we picked up at the market. Mark and Tomoko were excellent hosts, offering great recommendations for restaurants and must-see spots. Highly recommend!
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

John M., Nashville, TN

Liked: Cleanliness
Most likely the best host I’ve ever stayed with
The property is everything Mark describes it to be. The space was comfortable, well appointed, clean, and close to the train and convenience stores. But the host himself really shines. Mark was incredibly helpful, and thoughtful, in responding to my queries for recommendations. He undoubtedly improved our experience in Kyoto.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ryan E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect stay in Higashiyama
We had 4 friends stay in the property in late May and had a great stay. The house was super clean and lots of history/character, and was centrally located for a lot of the shrines, restaurants and other sites. We also really appreciated the host going out of his way to show us his favorite spots in the city. Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Erin H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful and comfortable home
We enjoyed our stay. Mark was very helpful with recommendations for the area including making restaurant reservations and providing a list of local events. There are nice restaurants nearby and the train is a short walk. The house is beautiful and very clean. We would stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

James B.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Good location in Kyoto
We liked being in a good neighborhood close to many interesting sites but away from the tourist congestion. Mark was a very responsive host.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful place and great host
Loved the beautifully restored home. Mark was a great host. Good location close to train and just a 15 to 20 minute stroll from Gion. Great gin bar around corner too !!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

JJ Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Terrific location, even better host
Great location around Shichijo, walking distance from most stuff that we care about. There are a lot of good hidden local gems literally within 5 mins radius around the property. Clean and quiet, and Mark had been incredibly communicative and accommodative to everything. The machiya has everything we needed. Would stay again for sure.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming Kyoto Home
Our family had a wonderful stay at Machiya Lily during our visit to Kyoto. The Machiya is very charming and serene. The location is great with food and stores nearby and near transit which is very convenient for venturing out to different areas of Kyoto. Mark was extremely helpful before arriving to Kyoto in helping with planning and he and Tomoko both made our arrival welcoming and stay very comfortable.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Caring details everywhere
Mark clearly made this place a labor of love. The woodwork, the little garden, the alcoves are all very thoughtful. Well located and responsive, caring hosts. A calm oasis.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Danielle P., Sequim, WA

Liked: Cleanliness
Delightful stay and peope
The home was well-appointed and the owners were top notch in communicating before and during our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved Lily Machiya!
Lily Machiya was the perfect place for us to stay while in Kyoto. It is a beautiful apartment with all the modern luxuries needed for a comfortable stay. Mark was very good to communicate with and Tomoko was outside waiting for us when we arrived. Thank you for your lovely hospitality! We will return next time we are in Kyoto!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lucy C., Brookline, MA USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Best Kyoto stay
My family of 4 (myself, husband and 2 teens) absolutely loved our stay at Machiya Lily. Mark is a most kind host and gave such a warm welcome and orientation to the home and neighborhood. Very responsive and generous with his knowledge and love of Kyoto, Mark also was so helpful in offering food and site suggestions and in assisting with a lunch reservation at Tempura Endo - a delicious highlight! Machiya Lily is wonderfully unique, designed with care, comfortable and well-situated. It was easy to get to many sights by foot or nearby trains. My running family also appreciated being so close to the beautiful Kamo River to take both short and long runs, and we were lucky to catch the start of cherry blossom season. Our only regret is not staying longer than 3 nights here. We can't say enough good things about Machiya Lily and Mark. We hope to return someday and 100% would choose this home again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jon J., Burlingame, CA

Liked: Cleanliness
Great New Year’s Stay
We really loved our four days at Lily Machiya over the holidays in Kyoto. The house is a newly and lovingly renovated traditional wooden Japanese home with a large western bedroom upstairs and a tatami mat bedroom downstairs. There was an ample sized kitchen, a shower/bath and two toilets. It was perfect for our family of four. Host Mark was very responsive, even sending his friend George to meet us when we found ourselves coming in early. Highly recommended.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Stella R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Good location and clean
Nice place close to major tourist attractions. Very clean and authentic place to stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Allen H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent home away from home
Great property located in a great residential section of Higashiyama Ward, where lots of attractions are located. The property is perfect for our family of four with lots of modern touches like heated-floor in the bathroom and dining room to make it extra comfortable in the cold winter. The property manager was extremely helpful in helping us book shuttle service from Itami airport in Osaka.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Megan B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Authentic but updated
We couldn't be happier with our stay at Tomoko and Marks property. The home was extremely authentic yet updated, clean and spacious. It was in an ideal location, walking distance from the station, food mart, river and sightseeing. We highly recommend renting this home for a stay in Kyoto.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2019

8/10 Good

Keru L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Highly recommended
The host is thoughtful. 1) He arranged my elderly parents to sleep at level one bedroom considering the inconvenience of climbing up the stairs. 2) offered his help on booking restaurants in advance before our stay 3) suggested places of interests and restaurants based on our likes The place is convenient with buses to a lot of places of interests and near to Kyoto station. I would love to be back again and recommend this place to my friends :)
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Judith S., Devon, UK

Liked: Cleanliness
A lovely home in an excellent location
We had a wonderful time exploring Kyoto from this lovely home. Communication with our host was excellent, and we really appreciated a tour of the location and help in using the luggage forwarding service. We were fascinated by the careful renovation of the property, and loved its location for walking to the station, the subway and the many nearby sights. We would recommend it highly.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

scott a.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
Lovely Machiya
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Martine H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Meticulous attention to detail
Highly recommend Machalily. A lot of thought and care has been put into the property giving it a perfect blend of tradition with modern luxuries. Centrally located and easily accessible to everything we wanted to visit, via waking , cabs or using the train system. Thanks to Mark for organizing tours, dinners and generally acting as our personal concierge. A lovely space to unwind in after long days of sightseeing.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Derek K., Küsnacht Zürich, Switzerland

Liked: Cleanliness
First time in Japan and in Kyoto, amazing experience
Excellent stay in this house! Only to recommended. Super clean, super easy location, the facility have everything including full amenities. Our stay in Japan could not be better without staying in this house. Thank you very much.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Airlea T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Place to stay!
Host was amazing, location perfect, an overall great experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sue R., Indiana, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Gorgeous home, great location
By far the most gorgeous home we have stayed with vrbo. The modern convinces with the old world charm. Owner met us and explained everything, recommended restaurants, etc... stocked the refrigerator with water , nespresso pods were great appreciated each morning. If only every vrbo was this nice. It was the perfect size for our family of 4. Just heads up there’s no oven or toaster oven so plan accordingly for meals if you plan to dine in.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Manjiri L.

Fantastic stay
Excellent house! Loved the woodwork and the details! Very conveniently located for tourists. Everything was perfect! Thanks so much!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Chris W., Colorado

Fantastic!!!
The property and property owners were great! They helped coordinate shuttles and baggage delivery to our next location. The home was in the perfect location for the subway and great dining. Thank you Mark.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019