The Gion House is an old wooden, traditional-style 'machiya,' located on an atmospheric side street in the awe-inspiring geisha quarters of Gion, in the heart of old Kyoto. It was fully restored by renowned Kyoto-based architect Geoffrey Moussas.
The house was recently filmed by American TV channel HGTV for their series called 'You Live in What?' This will be premiered nationwide in the US in mid 2014. The house has been shown in three architecture/interior-related magazines, and has been shown on several TV programs in Japan, including one on NHK (Japan's national TV station.) Selected by Lonely Planet Japan's author Chris Rowthorn as the 'Best Vacation Rental in Kyoto.'
Offered is the entire second floor, which has private entrance. The place has features such as all antique sliding doors, antique light fixtures, and traditional design details, combined with luxurious, modern features like radiant heating under the wooden floors, a large Western style bathtub, and wireless high-speed Internet. The bath and kitchen are entirely new and modern and fully equipped. There is a washer and dryer.
This spacious house has a tatami mat bedroom, a Western-style bedroom with double bed and desk, and a large tatami mat living room with leather sofa and 32 inch flat-screen cable TV. Also there is a wood roof deck with chairs and table, a perfect place to sip your morning coffee while enjoying the views of surrounding hills, as well as a view of the maple trees of neighboring Kenninji temple, which is the oldest Zen temple in Japan, and is just a stone’s throw away.
There is enough room for up to four to sleep... two in the tatami bedroom on a futon, and two in the double bed in the Western-style room.
Or rent both the upper and lower levels to accommodate up to 8 persons.
According to neighborhood sources, before it was converted into a residence, the Gion House was an 'ochaya,' or a traditional establishment where the patrons of Gion have been entertained by geiko and geisha in a very exclusive setting. The house is over 100 years old.
The location is superb in terms of being central and being steeped in atmosphere. This property is actually located within the very heart of what is considered to be 'Gion.' The location is completely quiet, since it is tucked on a side street with almost no through car traffic. There are numerous temples, restaurants, and shops located nearby, with walking access to major tourist sights such as Kiyomizu Temple, Chion-in, and Maruyama Park. The downtown shopping district and Kamo River are also just a ten minute walk away. Nearby is easy access to public transportation and taxis.
The Gion House is just five minutes' walk from Hanamikoji Street, one of the most traditional and preserved sections of Kyoto, where you can find old 'machiya' style wooden houses in abundance. You can also find geishas scurrying down the alleyways on their way to work in the evenings.