Kumei

Overview

Kumei is a laid-back, well-designed, machiya-inspired Kyoto home with plenty of attractions, charm, and style. With exposed wooden beams, earthy-colored walls, a modern kitchen and quaint, but elegant Japanese flourishes, like the classic wooden exterior and shoji-inspired sliding doors, it’s the ideal meeting point between old Japan and the modern-day. The double-story, six-person-capacity home is a wonderful choice for traveling groups of all sizes.

If you’re looking for an authentically ‘Kyoto’ experience, then booking a stay at Kumei won’t disappoint. It comes complete with a small Japanese-style garden and both western and traditional (futon) bedding options. The home’s blend of western and Japanese elements means guests can embrace Kyoto style without forgoing any additional comforts.

Kumei is also located in a corner of Kyoto that can offer easy access to many of the city’s main attractions while still being positioned far enough away from the city’s major thoroughfares to ensure that your stay is as peaceful as it is convenient.

Location

Kumei is ideally positioned in Kyoto’s center, offering easy and convenient access to many of the city’s main attractions. The closest stations are Kiyomizu Gojo which is six minutes away, the Shichijo (for Keihan rapid offering easy access to Osaka) is also six minutes away. Alternatively, Kyoto Station is just 15 minutes by foot. Those looking to sample the wares of ‘Kyoto’s kitchen,’ Nishiki Market, home to countless culinary delights, is about 20 minutes away from Kumei by foot, or 10 minutes by rental bicycle.

If you’re looking to explore a little further, Kyoto Imperial Palace is located almost directly north and an easy 10-minute train ride north via Gojo Station. Looking to the east, Kiyomizu-dera, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a particularly spectacular destination in autumn, is a scenic 25-minute stroll from the house. To reach Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto’s famous golden temple, the Shiei 205 bus travels practically right from the doorstep of Kumei, to the doorstep of Kinkaku-ji.

The neighborhood in which Kumei is located is home to excellent dining establishments showcasing the best hospitality Kyoto has to offer. From izakayas to kaiseki restaurants, take a stroll by the river, and you’ll find something that whets your appetite. With public transport at your door, local neighborhood charm, and easy access to Kamo River, Kumei’s location is perfect.

Description

Modern comfort with traditional charm would be the best way to describe the ambiance of this cozy, but spacious, centrally located Kyoto townhouse.

The home can accommodate up to six guests with bedrooms spanning across the first and second floor as well as additional sleeping space in the living room for extra guests. On the first floor of Kumei is where you’ll find the living, dining, and entertaining space. In the living room is a TV, perfect for a cozy movie night in, while relaxing on the fun and comfortable bean bag chairs located in the living room.

If larger traveling groups choose to stay, the living space can transform into an extra Japanese-style bedroom complete with two single futons, shoji-style sliding doors, and tatami mat flooring. If not utilized as a bedroom, this space is a tranquil retreat ideal for relaxing with a good book, or potentially a separated yoga and meditation space.

The first floor is also home to a toilet and bathroom complete with a generously sized bathtub, stylish modern green tiles, and a view of the quaint Japanese garden located out the back. Also on the first floor is a fully equipped kitchen, with a stove, microwave-oven hybrid, rice cooker, kettle, and refrigerator, perfect for whipping up a casual feast, pop by Nishiki Market for the best local ingredients you can find. There’s also a washing machine with a separate dryer for convenience.

On the second floor are two bedrooms, one of which has two single futon beds – which offer guests the opportunity to embrace the classic Japanese way of living.  The other bedroom is more western in style and comes complete with two semi-double beds. Also on this second floor is another restroom for convenience, and both bedrooms come with a small built-in desk, turning the space into a quiet, private office if need be, great for workcations, or those who need to get a little Kyoto travel planning done. On the topic of Kyoto planning, the house comes equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi so you can look up all of the city’s best attractions, and if you’d like a local tip, feel free to ask the multilingual staff who are always more than happy to help!