Traditional Kyoto House on the Kamogawa River

Description

Traditional and very spacious two-story 1920s wooden house. Right on the Kamogawa river in a peaceful, green, preserved historic neighborhood in northern Kyoto. Walking distance to Kitayama or Kitaoji metro, 12-15 minutes to downtown. Tatami rooms, 2 western beds + futons, modern kitchen, traditional Japanese bath + shower, small garden, laundry. Air-con/heat. (For those who prefer to be in central Kyoto, we have a small apartment downtown suited for single occupancy, and another larger studio apartment that accommodates two; please inquire.) Further detail/amenities: This is a very roomy house. The central first-floor sleeping/living room is 16.4 sq. meters with tatami, double bed and/orJapanese futon and large storage closet, air conditioning/heating, and sliding doors that can be opened out to include the adjacent spaces and garden. The second floor has a sitting room and fully furnished western bedroom with a queen-sized bed, with good views of both the river directly in front of us and Mt. Hiei in the distance to the east. We are in the middle of a row of townhouses inhabited by artists, teachers, businesspeople, and retirees. Modern facilities include a full kitchen, balcony, washing machine, and heated electric toilet. Traditional features include Japanese bath, paper screens, finished earthen walls, and a side garden ("tsubo niwa"). A restful quiet neighborhood, a quick bike ride to the city center and with good subway and bus connections. Just across the river there is also a large commerical area with many grocery stores, coffee shops, and restaurants for all budgets. Our location on the river makes it easy to be active, walking, running, cycling, or just relaxing. On the river look for herons, cormorants, egret, hawks, and koi--along with cyclists, runners, waders, sunbathers, and children with insect nets. Please note: The main living area downstairs and the bedroom upstairs is heated/air-conditioned, but the other spaces (including kitchen and hallways) are not.The house is quite cold in winter, and by Kyoto standards cool in summer. This is a hundred-year old,"organic" wood house; all the main rooms are tatami. The house shows its age; whether one finds this inviting and charming, or uncomfortable/shabby is a matter of taste. We have hosted guests from all over the world for years. Exploring off Kyoto's beaten track—far from the crowds and discovering unknown temples and neighborhoods—offers a different kind of satisfaction than the standard itineraries.