Shulinso

Overview

Shulinso is a laid-back, well-designed, machiya-inspired Kyoto home with plenty of attractions, charm, and style. With exposed wood throughout, a modern kitchen, and quaint but elegant Japanese flourishes, like the zen rock garden under the stairs, the spacious outdoor bath, and shoji and fusuma sliding doors, it’s the ideal meeting point between old Japan and the modern-day. The two-story, six-person-capacity home is a wonderful choice for families or groups of friends.

If you’re looking for an authentically ‘Kyoto’ experience, then booking a stay at Shulinso surely won’t disappoint. It comes complete with two outdoor Japanese-style gardens: one in front of the house inside the gate, and one in the center of the house with the onlooking bath. Shulinso also offers 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.

Shulinso is centrally located in Kyoto, offering easy access to nearly all of the city’s main attractions. However, being on a back street, Shulinso also offers the quiet comfort not normally found within the city, ensuring your stay is as peaceful as it is convenient.

Location

Nestled just to the southwest of Kyoto Station, about 10 minutes away by foot, Shulinso’s central and convenient location is just one of its many perks. Being located so close to Kyoto Station, the house is a great place to stay for those wanting to explore Kyoto Prefecture or the neighboring prefectures like Osaka or Nara with ease. Just over 20 minutes east from Shulinso sits Kyoto’s most iconic waterway, the Kamo River. The area is populated by excellent dining establishments as well as wonderful city views. It’s one of the city’s ‘must visit’ destinations.

About a five-minute walk southwest from the house is Toji, a sacred Buddhist shrine that was built in 796. An important piece of Kyoto’s history, this temple was one of only three Buddhist temples allowed in the city at the time when Kyoto became the capital of Japan.

A great place for enjoying Kyoto outdoors is Umekoji Park, a much-loved local park located about an 8-minute walk, or 5-minute bicycle ride northwest of the house. The park features a sprawling garden, a railway museum, and an eco-friendly aquarium.

Shulinso also offers easy access to Kyoto Station, being only a 10-minute walk away, allowing guests to easy visit surrounding prefectures like Osaka, Hyogo, and Nara.

Description

The first floor of Shulinso is largely dedicated to the living and dining areas, with the option to use the living room as an additional sleeping space, whereas the second floor is fully dedicated to sleeping with a combination of western-style and Japanese-style bedding options. The spacious layout on the first floor can also be used to host guests should you find yourself needing to entertain during your during your time in Kyoto.

Upon entering the house you will find yourself in the genkan, complete with benches for shoe storage. Immediately past the genkan is the fully equipped modern kitchen and attached dining area. Whether you want to make a quick breakfast before going out sightseeing for the day, or you want to hire a professional chef service to come prepare a traditional Japanese-style meal in the evening, you will find everything you need in this kitchen. Making your way past the dining counter to the living room, you will notice the elegant Japanese rock garden tucked away under the stairs. The living room is complete with a low table that can be moved out of the way to make space for additional futons should they be necessary. Also in the living room is a 50-inch 4K Smart TV so you can sign in to your streaming services of choice and catch up on your favorite shows. Beyond the living room you will find the shower, the first floor restroom, and the washroom, complete with a washer/dryer combo unit. Outside of the washroom is the spacious outdoor bath and an additional shower overlooking the classic Japanese-style garden.

The second floor is completely dedicated to quiet relaxation. Immediately upon reaching the second floor on the right-hand side, you will find the western style bedroom, complete with a generous queen-size bed with a plush duvet and linens. This bedroom is tastefully decorated with a Japanese-inspired wallpaper and elegant lighting. Across from the western bedroom is the Japanese-style bedroom. Complete with two futons, tatami flooring and a beautiful archway to one side of the room, the style here will truly let you experience traditional Japan. Between the two bedrooms, opposite the hallway leading to the stairs is the second-floor restroom, allowing you to stay in comfort without having to make trips up and down the stairs.