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9.6

946 reviews

Guesthouse Soi

Guesthouse Soi

509-2 Shimouma-Machi, Higashiyama-Ku , Kyoto, 605-0873, Japan

Reservations:

+1-833-728-2041
, 

Choose dates to view prices

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Tour desk

Sun deck

Terrace

Soundproof rooms

Non-smoking rooms

Playground

Guesthouse Soi

Welcome to Guesthouse Soi, your cozy retreat in the heart of Kyoto! Located just 2.4mi from the city center, this charming 2-star guest house is nestled at 509-2 Shimouma-Machi, Higashiyama-Ku, giving you the perfect blend of tranquility and access to vibrant city life. With rates starting at an unbeatable price, you're just a skip away from immersing yourself in the enchanting culture and historical wonders of Japan.

Prepare to be delighted by the range of amenities available at Guesthouse Soi! Enjoy complimentary air conditioning and high-speed wifi to keep you cool and connected during your stay. Take a stroll through the beautiful garden, lounge on the sun deck, or let the kids play on the playground while you kick back in soundproof rooms that promise peace and quiet. And don’t forget to check out the tour desk for expert tips on the best sights to explore!

With a whopping 946 reviews, travelers have painted a vivid picture of their experiences here, praising its welcoming atmosphere and lovely surroundings. Each corner of Guesthouse Soi invites you to relax and soak in the beauty of Kyoto, making it the perfect launching pad for unforgettable adventures, cultural discoveries, and restful evenings after a day of exploration.

At Guesthouse Soi, you’re not just choosing a place to stay, but a base camp for a plethora of thrilling escapades! Unwind after a day of wandering Kyoto’s bustling streets or uncovering hidden temples by sinking into one of our cozy rooms. Opt for the traditional ambiance of our Japanese Style rooms, or perhaps a more contemporary vibe with our Deluxe options. Each accommodation is designed for comfort and peaceful rejuvenation, accommodating groups of up to four adults and offering a variety of bed arrangements suited to your family or travel buddy situation. Your adventure awaits, and you’ll appreciate the tranquil haven awaiting you at the end of a packed day.

Beyond the hospitality of the guesthouse, prepare for delightful surprises around every corner. Picture yourself savoring a cup of steaming green tea in the picturesque garden, while the vibrant flora and gentle sounds of nature envelop you. When the sun shines bright, our sun deck becomes an ideal spot to soak up those sunny rays and maybe even catch up on some reading. Plus, with the kids having a blast on the playground, you can take a moment to unwind and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. It’s these little luxuries that elevate your stay and make it all the more memorable.

To top it all off, Guesthouse Soi is more than just a great place to rest your head; it’s your gateway to Kyoto's rich culture and history. Step outside, and you’re just moments away from culinary adventures, bustling markets, and stunning shrines that bring the city to life. Our dedicated tour desk has all the secrets and local insights you need to navigate the best sights. From serene waterfront strolls to vibrant street food hopping, your journey in Kyoto will be a tapestry of enchanting experiences waiting to be woven together. So pack your bags and get ready to create unforgettable memories at Guesthouse Soi!

Closest airports

Osaka International Airport

24mi

Kobe Airport

39.7mi

Kansai International Airport

49.4mi

Chūbu Centrair International Airport

59mi

Most popular amenities

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Tour desk

Sun deck

Terrace

Soundproof rooms

Non-smoking rooms

Playground

Free toiletries

Garden

Rooms

Show 6 photos

Loft, Single

1 Sofa Bed

120 sqft

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

This room features a single bed and a sofa bed on a tatami (woven-straw) area. It comes with a private bathroom. Children under 10 years old cannot be accommodated in this room.

Show 6 photos

Japanese Style, Private Bathroom

1 Sofa Bed

150 sqft

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

Features tatami (woven-straw) flooring with 1 futon beds and 1 sofa bed. This spacious room comes with a private bathroom. Children between 3 and 9 years old can be accommodated at a surcharge. Please contact the property in advance.

Show 11 photos

Japanese Style, Triple, Shared Bathroom

1 Sofa Bed

160 sqft

+

More details

This compact room features tatami (woven-straw) flooring with 2 futon bed and 1 sofa bed. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Children between 3 and 9 years old can be accommodated at a surcharge.

Show 8 photos

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

1 Twin Bed

1 Sofa Bed

85 sqft

+

More details

Features tatami (woven-straw) flooring with 1 futon beds and 1 sofa bed. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Children between 3 and 9 years old can be accommodated at a surcharge.

Show 7 photos

Deluxe, Queen Size

1 Queen Size Bed

225 sqft

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

This spacious room features a queen-size bed and a double-size large futon mat on a tatami (woven-straw) area, accommodating up to 4 guests. It comes with a private bathroom. The queen-size bed consists of 2 single beds. Please contact the property directly if you would like to have 2 separate single beds. Children between 3 and 9 years old can be accommodated at a surcharge. Please contact the property in advance.

Show 6 photos

Dormitory, 4 Bed

130 sqft

+

More details

Rate includes 1 bunk bed in a room with 4 bunk beds. There is an private bathroom in the dormitory room. Each bed comes with a curtain for privacy, a reading lamp, and a safety deposit box. Children under 10 years old cannot be accommodated in this room.

Show 6 photos

Quadruple Room, Private Bathroom

130 sqft

+

More details

The quadruple room offers air conditioning, soundproof walls, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower and a hairdryer. The quadruple room provides a wardrobe, a carpeted floor and heating. The unit has 4 beds.

Show 7 photos

Quadruple Room, Shared Bathroom

130 sqft

x4

+

x3

More details

The quadruple room features air conditioning, soundproof walls, as well as a shared bathroom boasting a hairdryer. The quadruple room offers a wardrobe, a carpeted floor and heating. The unit has 4 beds.

Show 5 photos

Queen Room, Sofa

1 Queen Size Bed

1 Sofa Bed

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

Show 7 photos

Deluxe

Flat-screen TV

+

More details

Show 5 photos

Dormitory, 4 Bed, Single Use, Private Bathroom

130 sqft

Free wifi

Microwave

Dryer

Refrigerator

+

More details

Show 6 photos

Japanese Style

More details

Guest reviews

9.6

946 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇺🇸

Bryan

9.1

January 2025

The owners have a lot of experience in running a hostel (they owned one previously in China) and it shows - the place is spotlessly clean, they give good advice/recommendations about things around town, and there are lots of nice touches like free snacks/amenities in the lobby. It's also just a very comfortable, welcoming space, with a sociable eating/hanging out area downstairs.

The included breakfast is pretty basic - just fruit and toast (but honestly, for this price, in Kyoto, I was not expecting much more). It is a bit outside of the center of things, which can be good, because it's quieter, but if you're walking all day (and in Kyoto, you will be!), adding the 15-20 minutes from the nearest train station to your daily trek might be more than you're interested in doing at the start and finish of the day. There's also not really much in the way of food/shops nearby.

🇦🇺

Jade

10

January 2025

They posted relevant and changing things on a notice board, eg. a light show that was on for winter, a sale on clothing brand, a market. Everything a traveller and tourist might want! Breakfast was so nice, opportunity to have real coffee and fresh fruit and yoghurt. Every touch was great, like there's washing machines and places to hang clothes up on the roof. Always water and tea available to take, and nice areas to socialise and read if you want to, including travel books and novels in English, Japanese, and a few other languages. Our private room with ensuite was modern and clean. Maki our host was amazing, she and Sim seem like really interesting people. By chance realised I had stayed in one of their previous guesthouses in Chengdu, same peaceful and friendly vibes. Great beer and sake bar down the street called the Windmill, he had great music, and local recommendations for food also. Is clearly a guesthouse for made by travellers, for travellers. Best place we stayed out of 6 in Japan.

🇺🇸

Liana

10

December 2024

Mr. Sim, Miyoshi-San and his family (including members of the staff) were all knowledgeable and provided a “locals” way of getting around Kyoto! I’ve never had an experience staying in a guesthouse that was genuinely filled with so much warmth, love and care. It was undeniable infectious! The rooms were clean, spacious, and extremely comfortable. The location is great and easy to move around the East side of Kyoto. They also offer a daily traditional Japanese breakfast that can’t be missed (especially Miyoshi-san’s miso)! I look forward to my next visit with Guesthouse Soi! Thank you for all the memories!

🇮🇪

Carmel

10

August 2024

Breakfast was delicious (great coffee!),rooms were lovely and comfortable and great location. Sam and Maki were so kind, helpful and you can tell they genuinely care about their guests and trips. They are very passionate about their guests having the best experience in Kyoto. They helped with our planning too. They have lots of tips a about current events and we saw brilliant fireworks because of their recommendations. Really friendly atmosphere for guests in the communal area. Beautiful family and their daughters were lovely. Highly recommend!! :)

Nothing

🇨🇦

Payal

10

December 2024

I had an incredible stay at this charming guesthouse, which was perfectly located near all the major sightseeing spots. The convenience of being so close to everything made exploring the area so much easier. The breakfast was a delightful start to each day, with unlimited fresh fruits, yoghurt, coffee, juice, and breads with butter and a variety of jams—simple but delicious! What truly set this stay apart was the hospitality. The family running the guesthouse went above and beyond to make our visit memorable. They were not only kind and welcoming but also very helpful and informative, always offering great local tips. Throughout our time there, they treated us like part of their family, making us feel right at home. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a warm, welcoming, and convenient stay!

🇺🇸

Aran

9.1

December 2024

The staff here were wonderful. They were very friendly and spoke good English. They were very knowledgable about activities and other details like transport options. The guesthouse itself was very clean, and offered a great free breakfast of fresh fruit, toast, yogurt, coffee etc (with the option to have a paid for traditional Japanese breakfast) Our room was generously sized with good bedding and layout. The bathrooms and other facilities were clean and within easy access (there is also a small elevator for luggage if needed)

It is a little out of the way location wise if you want to get to downtown or to a bigger variety of eating options, but it is easily walkable to some Kyoto attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera or tother shrines / temples.

🇬🇧

Nader

9.1

January 2025

The staff are amazing - very nice and accommodating people who made my stay enjoyable. Clean and tidy facilities. The free breakfast is basic but really good, especially considering the price I paid. Free towels and toiletries. There's also fruits and items like heat pads available to pick up as needed.

Nothing to complain about.. The location is in a quiet area but it's somewhat out of the way and a bit far from the city centre. It's close to Kiyomizu-dera though.

🇩🇪

Anja

10

January 2025

This guesthouse is very professionally run and offers everything a traveller might need, at reasonable prices. Although set in a traditional Japanese house, everything looks modern and elegant in a simple way. My private room had generour shelving, space for luggage, and then a lovely tatami area with a little sofa, table and a futon. Everything was bright and very comfortable. The shared bathrooms were very clean. There is a little sitting area downstairs with coffee and tea, and in the mornings, a self serve (free) breakfast. As this is a relatively large guesthouse, it is usually staffed during the daytime. But the best thing was the bicycles for hire, directly from the guesthouse, at just 500 JPY per day, including a helmet! It is little advertised on their site, but I was delighted when I saw the bicycles and hired one right away, so I could start my sightseeing early and efficiently. They may not be fancy bikes, but my three-gear shopping bike was well-maintained and carried me many miles through Kyoto, much faster than the bus.

Nothing, really. It has more international guesthouse than traditional Japanese flavour, and clientele was younger when I stayed there. It was a little noisy in the evenings, but quiet after midnight. The area has a decent number of restaurants but is quite touristy - a mixed blessing. It is close to the approach road for Kiyomizudera. The buses at the local stop are almost always very full during the daytime as people visiting Kiyomizudera get on and off there.

🇬🇧

Faye

10

October 2024

Only about ten minutes by bus away from the train station and nearly just at the foot of the mountain where the most famous temple situated so I had a rare chance to visit the temple in the mornings before the big crowds. At meanwhile the guesthouse was such a lovely place to stay that I had everything I needed plus with excellent travel recommendations from the super nice managers and the staffs which made my days in Kyoto just amazing! They do offer free breakfast also. Oh, and my room was more spacious than I thought, and exceptional clean and quiet therefore I had peaceful nights for my sleep. Definitely will book this place again when I visit back in Kyoto!

nothing, all amazing!

🇮🇳

Nidhi

10

July 2024

Loved our stay here- could have stayed even longer! We took 2 rooms to accommodate our teen kids in one of the twin sharing rooms with shared bathrooms. The staff were all so friendly and welcoming. Sim and Maki have the most incredible vibe and the morning breakfast spread is just special with delicious fruits, yoghurt, hot coffee and toast with a jam buffet. Sim often pours you a cup of hot coffee himself and Maki and he provide the most special recommendations for dining / sight seeing also. No need to pre plan anything at Kyoto when you stay at Sim and Makis - just wake up and ask them where they think you should go and just head there.. there are some very special snacks kept in the dining area and the fridge is stacked with the most delicious craft beer on sale. I even bought the loveliest post cards and stamps and posted them on my first day there. I cannot thank Sim and Maki enough for making our stay so special.. and cannot recommend this place enough. It’s a short taxi ride from the main Kyoto station and perfectly located so you can walk to the Kiyomizu temple and Ninenzaka area. They also rent bikes so you can ride around town. We went to the imperial palace and Nishiki market on the bikes and had the loveliest time. Hands down the best place to stay in Japan..

Points of Interest Around Guesthouse Soi

Attractions

Shoren-in Temple

1.1mi

Kamogawa River (Kamo River)

1.1mi

Nishi Hongan-ji Temple

1.5mi

Kyoto Handicraft Center

1.8mi

The Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku-no-michi)

2.3mi

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

4.4mi

Togetsu-kyo Bridge

5.9mi

Sagano

6.2mi

Byodo-in Temple

7.3mi

Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

24.6mi

Utsubo Park

26.6mi

National Bunraku Theater

27.1mi

Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street

27.5mi

Minami

27.6mi

Tempozan Ferris Wheel

30.4mi

Amenities of Guesthouse Soi

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Tour desk

Sun deck

Terrace

Soundproof rooms

Non-smoking rooms

Playground

Free toiletries

Garden

Stay rules - Guesthouse Soi

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Reservations

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property

From

$300

Call for great rates

+1-833-728-2041