Nijo Hitomi

Overview

Nijo Hitomi is a lovely two-story, renovated house located in a peaceful neighborhood just northwest of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nijo castle and just a bit further from the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Its interior is proudly reminiscent of old-world Kyoto style, while its amenities and creature comforts are stylishly modern. Nijo Hitomi’s interior blends old and new worlds. With classic tatami-mat flooring on the second floor, a traditional byobu on the wall above the double bed and a giant mural of The Great Wave off Kanagawa proudly displayed in the living room, Nijo Hitomi exudes Japanese aesthetic.

The 50-square-meter, four-person-capacity home features two separate bedrooms, both on the second floor, one with a double bed and the other with space for two futons. Nijo Hitomi also boasts a fully stocked kitchen and a separated shower room and toilet. Designed for livability and to offer guests an authentic Kyoto experience, Nijo Hitomi is a wonderful home that will make any guests’ stay complete.

Location

Nijo Hitomi is less than 10 minutes on foot from Nijo Park, a quiet scenic park adjacent to Nijo Castle where one can take a relaxing stroll in the morning before going out for the day or to relax and calm down in the evening. The surrounding area is mostly residential with the exception of some quiet local cafes, so Nijo Park offers quiet respite in the middle of the city. Nijo Park is also replete with sakura trees that paint the area pink with cherry blossoms in spring. For those looking to see Kyoto’s more secretive side, head on over to the lantern-lit Mikane Shrine, a quaint retro-style shrine not well known by tourists but incredibly popular with locals, located just beyond Nijo Castle.

If you want to explore a little further, you can hop on a rental bicycle and head on over to Nishiki Market and grab some fresh produce to cook up a little feast in Nijo Hitomi’s well-equipped kitchen, or go just a bit further to reach the Kamo River. Possibly the most iconic location in Kyoto, the Kamo River is lined with endless excellent dining establishments on the west side. However, many locals prefer to get a couple drinks from the convenience store and enjoy them on the grassy bank while the cool breeze from the river cuts through the heat of a summer night.

For Japanese food and drink lovers, the house is perfectly positioned less than a 10-minute walk down the road from Sasaki Brewery, one of the best breweries in the city. The brewery’s store sells its delicious sake and other souvenirs and offers free tastings to guests.

Description

Immediately upon entering the house you will find yourself in the genkan with plenty of space for shoes, umbrellas, and anything else you may wish to leave here. Moving further in to the house, the kitchen will be just to the right. The kitchen is fully equipped, so whether you want to make a quick breakfast before a day out on the town or hire a professional chef to come in and prepare a meal, you are covered. Just beyond the kitchen is the living room, featuring a wall-sized mural of the Great Wave off Kanagawa, one of Japan’s most famous paintings. The living room is complete with a plush sofa and a flat-panel TV so you can hook up your streaming device and spend hours binging your favorite shows in comfort. After leaving the living room, you will find the washroom and bath on the right side and the restroom across the hall under the stairs. The laundry facilities in the washroom make Nijo Hitomi a great location for people wishing to stay several months at a time.

Making your way back towards the entry of the home you will find the stairs. At the top of the stairs going straight ahead is the western style room with flooring and a comfortable double bed for you to get a great night of sleep after a long day. The room features a traditional Japanese-style byobu with an image of blooming cherry blossoms, adding a touch of Japanese charm. Back at the top of the stairs on the right side, you will find the Japanese-style room with traditional tatami-mat flooring. This room is spacious enough for two people to sleep on futons. Both rooms have a closet, providing ample storage space for a long-term stay.