Our family of four had a fantastic stay at the Indigo House. Excellent location, the apartment was perfect for four, clean, fully stocked and well appointed. Would stay here again in a heartbeat. Thank you Curtis for having us!

Fantastic spot right in the action of Kyoto, yet quiet surrounds Curtis and Junko extremely helpful from initial contact to departure. Our family of 4 loved this spot and can highly recommend!

I’m extremely impressed by all the details of the indigo house, and the way you’ve handled the renovations.It truly feels like home, and I could not have hoped for a better place to stay. Thank you, this is a true work of art, and we enjoyed every inch of it.

Probably the best vacation rental I've ever stayed at (and I've stayed at quite a few over the years). The check-in process was super easy and they were very communicative and proactive with the check-in instructions and directions to the property. The inside of this place is so magical. It is impeccably clean, with old-world charm that have all of the modern amenities you'd need. It is in a very quiet and walkable area of Kyoto and they provided a number of local recommendations and tips for the area. Overall, I could not have been more pleased with my time in Kyoto and staying at this place fully enhanced my experience of Japan. 10 out of 10 endorse a stay here. Thank you for a wonderful trip!

an amazing place to stay in the heart of gion. everything is walking distance. 700 yen okonomiyaki is down the street. the bars, food and main river walk is a stone throw away. my best stay in kyoto so far.

This house was the highlight of our two week trip to Japan! We decided we wanted to stay in a traditional apartment during our visit to Kyoto and booked the Indigo, upper level. It was perfect! We loved the rooms, the motif and especially loved the bathroom. There is a wonderful traditional Japanese shower that is amazing. We easily found a supermarket and ended up cooking a couple meals at home. Everything was clean, efficient and worked well. The location of this flat is perfect! We were steps from so many wonderful shops and restaurants. We felt safe and very comfortable in the Indigo and would absolutely love to stay there again! We highly recommend it!

We stayed at Indigo House (upper) and really enjoyed it. Excellent location just a few block away from lots of action in Gion but in a quiet little cul-de-sac. Good kitchen facilities, lots of room. The iPhone provided is extremely useful. Junko & Saki are friendly and efficient and happy to do anything for the guests. Everything was clean and there were lots of nice little touches, from detailed information to nice ground coffee. The washing machine was very slow to dry clothes, but it worked, as did everything else. The in-floor heating was luxurious. The whole atmosphere of the place was very Japanese, with lots of traditional touches mixed with modern facilities. Excellent shower and toilet. Highboy recommended.

Our stay at Indigo House was truly wonderful. Junko and Saki were so helpful at every turn, and the machiya was lovely - made our trip to Kyoto above and beyond. Thank you.

Looking for a place to stay in Kyoto? You found it - Indigo House! Japan can be quite challenging, and these folks made it so much easier for us. First, location! You're right in the middle of Gion, the cultural center. Temples, gardens, and gorgeous, historic side streets are just outside your door - otherwise, and you'll spend half your time in taxi's and buses. There's even a supermarket around the corner. Here are a few highlights: - Beautiful, comfortable rooms - Air conditioning, and great internet service - Washing machine (!), stove, microwave, umbrellas And their special touches to make your trip even better: - Local cell phone, with Google maps (you'll need it!) - Book of recommened restaurants, temples, activities - Help with reservations (you'll need this too) - Friendliest, most responsive service we've ever had - There's even a can of mosquito spray! (these guys are amazing) Anyone interested in the experience of a quiet, neighborhood machiya rather than a big hotel can stop looking now - stay at Indigo House.

Our family of four made Indigo House (upper Level) our base in Kyoto. It was a perfect choice for us. Wonderful location and this house is tucked away at the end of a small quiet street. It is beautifully renovated and well cared for. It was perfectly appointed and we found everything we needed during our stay. The rental office is a short walk away and they were helpful and responsive before and during the trip. They made great dinner recommendations and reservations for us and helped with other random requests. It was really fun to experience living in a real house - a nice departure from hotels and inns.

We had a marvellous stay - a pity it was so short.Apart from the authenticity of the place, its location was ideally situated allowing us the chance to get to as many sites as we could in the limited time available. It will be a longer stay next time. Thanks to Junko - always ready on hand - for making it all run so smoothly.

Our stay couldn't have been better. Curtis and his staff, Junko and Saki, were there to help with every detail, from a very simple self check-in to getting us an impossible -to-find restaurant reservation on a Saturday night during a peak tourism week. The house surpassed our expectations, including the unbelievable rain shower and tons of natural light in every room. The location is literally a five minute walk from some of the coolest parts of Kyoto, yet tucked away enough that all you could hear in the mornings was the sounds of birds and bells ringing at the adjacent temple. Amazingly serene! Thanks again to Curtis for a great stay at Indigo House Gion!

Fantastic location and stunning place to stay. Incredibly clean, just around the corner from central Gion. Junko and Curtis were brilliant, great communication and we were well looked after :) definitely recommend!!

After recommendations from family who stayed here and thoroughly enjoyed it, we booked 5 nights for the three of us in June/ July 2018 and it was perfect. The location is second to none within the Gion area in a quiet street with no through traffic. It is an easy stroll into the heart of Gion area and about a 10 minute walk to downtown Kyoto and the shopping mall/ restaurant precinct. The bus is within walking distance as are two supermarkets. The house is like a home away from home. Our son had a separate bedroom with a large comfortable futon bed at the front of the house and we enjoyed the quiet, large master bedroom at the rear of the house which also had a large comfortable futon bed too. Being a renovated older home, some of the doorways have a low clearance if you are taller! There were two air-conditioners in the house and the weather in June was hot and humid so these were very welcome! The house has everything you need, kitchen facilities with utensils, a drip filter coffee machine, fridge/ freezer and pottery bowls to eat from. There are also a number of restaurants within walking distance and the house has an information folder which gives excellent inside knowledge about Kyoto, restaurants and suggested sightseeing . We made use of the front loading washing machine/ dryer and Junko kindly showed us how to use it. Detergent was supplied. There is one bathroom with shower over bath and a lovely outlook over the internal courtyard (through frosted glass) and a separate japanese style toilet where the washing machine is located. A TV area has a small couch and a dining table with four chairs. The house was beautifully clean and we really enjoyed being able to return to our haven after site-seeing every day. The house has wi-fi and a smart phone is supplied and this has information loaded onto it about Kyoto and you are able to take out with you. One of the best things about staying here was the assistance given by Junko, Saki and the team. They could not have been more helpful, they organised restaurant bookings, a taxi to the railway station for an early morning departure and Saki even walked us to the luggage transfer depot and organised the luggage transfer service for us. We highly recommend a stay here if you are coming to Kyoto, it was a highlight of our trip and so much better than being cramped in an 'ordinary' hotel room. Thank you to Curtis and the Team, we will return if we get the chance to travel to Kyoto again.

We (my husband, son and I) had a very enjoyable stay in the upper apartment of Indigo House at the end of August 2018. So enjoyable that we stayed an extra day. The apartment is well equipped. The attention to detail shines through and was very much appreciated. Lovely wooden floors, tatami mats, screens, great little fully equipped kitchen/dining/sitting area; good sized bedrooms (nice selection of books in the main bedroom); a nice bathroom, air con. and the washing machine was very useful. The apartment is in the centre of the Gion district which is very atmospheric and good to walk around. At night the narrow streets with lantern lit restaurants and bars are lovely. It was a treat to see real Geisha and Maiko in exquisite kimono hurrying along to their restaurant appointments. The Kenninji Temple is literally around the corner and was my favourite temple - very simple and beautiful. It is a 5 minute walk across the bridge to the central shopping area of Kyoto and other temples are within easy walking distance too. I would recommend Indigo House as a wonderful immersive experience and a very good way of experiencing Kyoto.

Perfect location. Amazing mix of old and new. Very Comfortable!

Wonderful combination of historic character and modern amenities. Beautifully renovated, every single thing top notch! I loved that when we used the provided iPhone, the taxi and restaurants already knew who we were and how to reach us (in the case of taxi). All restaurants recommended in the house book were fantastic. Our favorite was the 1st one listed. Follow all suggestions in the house guide, they are spot on.

The Indigo House was the perfect place to stay in Kyoto--centrally located in the heart of Gion, but on a small, quiet street. From here you can enjoy the many sites of Kyoto by foot, or hop on the local subway line. Curtis and his team were very accommodating and suggested some wonderful restaurants and helped make reservations for us (very necessary). We highly recommend the Indigo House and would stay here on our return trip!

It's very easy to see why this beautiful property consistently receives superb reviews...it's the perfect place to stay in Kyoto. We stayed for 5 nights in May as an adult family (2 couples) and the privacy, peace, style and design were outstanding. Every review you'll read is accurate. Simply being in this gorgeous space is an experience in itself...the natural light flooding through the internal garden, the soft scent of tatami matting, the golden soft lighting during the evenings, simply beautiful. When you stay here you experience the essence of Gion in the apartment before even stepping out the door. The adorable little culdesac is so quiet and quaint, with tiny cafes and bars lining the adjoining streets. The Forever Museum of Contemporary Art and its stunning gardens are less than 5 mins walk and The Kennin Ji temple is also around the corner. Curtis and team are so welcoming, warm and helpful and the guest compendium plus guest mobile phone are very useful. We had wonderful experience staying here and give our highest recommendation.

Indigo House (Upper Level) was the perfect refuge after a long, busy day in Kyoto. Removed from the hustle and bustle of Gion, this elegantly restored machiya leaves no detail unattended to. From the beautiful Japanese bud vases with live flowers in the kitchen area and the main bedroom, to all the amazingly intricate, exquisite wood work, the luxurious shower, the sleek and seamlessly installed kitchen with Scandinavian-style furniture (which matches the machiya perfectly), the open “tsubo-niwa” or open-air courtyard it shares with the first floor (check out the photos to see what I mean), the spare, sublime tatami rooms and extremely comfortable bed and futon.It’s an aesthetic space that is heaven for lovers of Japanese interior design and surely a breath of fresh air to those new to it. You’re able to really just unwind and take in the ambiance of an old machiya that’s updated with modern comforts without at all taking away from its priceless old world charm.To top it off, Curtis and Junko were incredibly warm, friendly, and accommodating, and even helped me make reservations for Saihoji (the “moss temple”) two months in advance. Indigo House was one of the highlights of our trip, something my friend and I both looked forward to greatly, and it did not disappoint. I’d highly recommend it over a similarly priced hotel for a much more integrated experience in traditional Japanese culture. You won’t regret it!

It was perfect for us two friends traveling together. The Location in Kyoto really was perfect. Close to many attractions but on a quiet little side street lovely to come home to. It is perfectly clean and maintained with lots of thoughtful details ..loved the fresh flowers. It is very professionally run but still has warmth and heart, that feeling of caring which is so welcome when you are away from home. They made meal reservations for us and Curtis even carried our much too heavy bags up to the second floor. I loved Kyoto and Indigo House so much I am returning in two weeks. Stay at Indigo House...you'll be glad you did.

To stay in Indigo House ( upper level ) was fantastic. The apartment is a little gem in old, traditional Kyoto. It was very quiet, clean, comfortable and in any detail beautiful decorated. The location is perfect, close to everything to explore and lots of great restaurants, bars and cafés within walking distance. Thanks to Curtis and his team for being so helpful and welcoming. We hope to return one day and recommend it highly.

Beautiful traditional craftmanship that had me looking at all the details continuously. Excellent location on a quiet street in Gion - a great location near bus and trains to explore Kyoto.

I stayed at Indigo House (upper) with my husband, mother and cousin for just under a week. We all loved this machiya and felt completely at home. The location is perfect - in the heart of Gion, so ideal for exploring historical Kyoto. The machiya is beautifully decorated and very characterful - we also appreciated all of the amenities, and of course the information pack. Curtis was very responsive and helpful throughout the booking process, and Junko was on hand for anything we needed during our stay - we are very grateful to both of them for making our stay so enjoyable and easy. We would not hesitate to recommend this flat and look forward to one day returning. We missed it as soon as we left!

By sheer luck, I stumbled upon the Indigo House in Gion as I was reading a blog on Kyoto when I was researching for our upcoming trip to Japan. Also by sheer luck, the upper level was free on the nights that we had planned on being there. I immediately reached out to Curtis so I could express our interest in staying at the house. He responded very promptly so we made the decision to commit and it was one of the best decisions I've made.The house is a design wonder! It is very tastefully put together, integrating traditional and modern design elements. It still has the details of a traditional machiya with modern furnishings to complement and make the traditional details stand out even more. The custom bath is impeccably done with a beautiful large bathtub and really nice bathroom fixtures! It is one of the highlights of the house and is very inviting! Overall, the house felt warm and cozy, the bed was very comfortable and the kitchen was very functional and had everything that we needed.The neighborhood is amazing! The house is close to many amazing restaurants and is close enough to the main streets with easy access to public transportation and many of the sights around Kyoto.Service by Junko during our stay was also amazing. She was very helpful from the get go and really made us feel welcome. She was quick to answer and questions that we had about the house and about Kyoto, and it was very reassuring to know that we had nothing to worry about during our stay.We highly recommend a stay at the Indigo House if you can. I know that we'll definitely be back again!Thank you so much Curtis and Junko!

I suspected Indigo House was going to be special - it surpassed our expectations. Our family of four stayed comfortably in the lower apartment whilst our friends occupied the top apartment. The small size posed no problems. We adapted quickly and the spaciousness of the main bedroom was appreciated. Th location was just perfect. To be able to wander to down town Kyoto and nearby temples was wonderful. We walked most days the 3km to Kyoto Station if we were traveling further. The attention to detail in the apartment was remarkable: the quality of the fixtures; the beautiful bathroom with view of the garden; the ample glass wear and crockery; the washer/dryer; the supplies of detergent etc. It all makes for such a comfortable stay. We recommend Indigo House to anyone who wishes to experience something very special.

Curtis and his team manage this property well. The booking process was smooth. We stayed at the upper level. The place is clean and roomy for our family of 4. The bed is comfortable. Best location to explore Kyoto, within walking distance to many sightseeing places, such as Ninen-zaka path. My husband and two boys also liked the toilet. Now they keep talking about getting a Japanese toilet :)

This property is the second we have rented from Curtis. The first was one of the Gion Apartments in Autumn 2007. It was modern, well-fitted out, comfortable and suited our needs perfectly. As our stay this time was less than a month we could not rent it. Curtis offered us the Upper level Indigo House and it eclipsed all our expectations! The location is superb: Easy access to bus or train for attractions beyond walking distance, many local attractions within easy walking reach [we averaged 10 Km per day]; quiet and peaceful at night as it backs onto Kenninji Temple and situated in a cul-de-sac; mini-markets for any need are close by; restaurants abound [Oh, the food! Culinary bliss!]The house itself is beautifully and sensitively renovated with modern, functional appliances, exquisite and authentic traditional detail and decoration. Floor heating and air conditioning make for a comfortable atmosphere. The double bed was divine and the expansive view from the bedroom window a rare pleasure in such a built-up city. We lingered happily watching the numerous birds going about their biz and the majestic trees silhouetted against the dawn or evening sky. Free Wi-Fi, great TV [many channels to choose from], excellent cooking and clothes washing facilities. The bathroom is spacious, modern and well appointed...the best shower in all our travels! The entrance is delightful, with flowers and authentic traditional design but the handrail on the stairs is a sensory pleasure... a single tapering tree trunk rising to the upper floor, caressed joyfully with every entrance and exit! Great natural lighting in every space, no dark gloomy corners here, and the light fittings even express the finest Japanese aesthetic. Love this place! Thanks, Curtis, Junko and Saki for making three weeks so memorable.

We are a family of two adults and two children. We stayed with Old Kyoto upon the recommendation of our friends who had rented a couple times in the past. This machiya really made our first visit to Kyoto stay even better. 1. Location. The home is located in a quiet end of a street near Kenninji Temple. It is easy walking distance to public buses, convenience stores/ATMs, Higashiyama area. In back of the home is a small cemetery. It was very quiet. 2. Home. We stayed in the upper unit. The larger room is spacious with a double western style bed. The smaller room had plenty of space for our children, each with his own futon on the tatami. Between these two rooms is a kitchen/dining area furnished with a table, stove, small refrigerator, microwave/toaster. Off this area is a small toilet room and a larger bathroom with a third sink and a luxurious rain shower. As others have mentioned, the unit was immaculately clean and in like new condition. There is a coffee maker and other kitchen essentials. 3. Staff and fun extras. Curtis, Junko, and Saki were very helpful from early in our renting experience, assisting with directions, suggestions, and our questions. The home also has a binder with helpful tourist information and an iPhone which was very useful to navigate Kyoto and contact the staff or taxi. We extended our stay to meet the minimum requirement and were so glad we did. The first night, we walked around Gion and spotted Geishas. The second day, we went to Arashiyama, walked through Tenryuji Temple and up to the monkey park. We also went to Kinkakuji and Kiyomizu dera temples, and then we walked home after dinner. The third day, we went to the temples near the Path of the Philosopher. The fourth day we went to Nishiki Market, kaleidoscope museum, and Fushimi Inari temple. Our fifth day we took a train to Nara. Our last day, we rode the train to Osaka for our flight home. We absolutely would recommend this machiya and Old Kyoto to anyone and would stay there again.

My husband and I, with our two teenage nephews, stayed in Indigo upper unit. We loved it from the moment we stepped foot in it. It's perfect for us. It has the best of both worlds - modern amenities and old world charm. We got to experience how it will be like living in an older home without sacrificing any comfort. With the history of the house, it just makes it so much more special. And Gion district is just charming. We will definitely stay here again. Junko and Saki are very helpful. Thank you !

My friend and I enjoyed a perfect stay at Indigo House Upper Level in November. Everything about it was lovely. It is furnished and appointed with impeccable good taste, with exquisite detail in every corner. The kitchen is well equipped with new and well chosen appliances and supplies. The bathroom felt like a luxurious spa. We appreciated being welcomed with some food and drink basics and a helpful folder telling us how everything worked and what the neighborhood had to offer. We also received cheerful and very helpful advice not only about the house and neighborhood itself but also help with arrangements for special visits. The location of the house is in a beautiful and peaceful corner of central Kyoto which made it possible to walk everywhere. We hope we can return sometime soon. We have no negative comments at all relating to our stay, but since the house is meant to accommodate up to four people, I think the kitchen/living room would feel a bit crowded with four people, though the bedrooms are both generous in size.

From the moment we arrived, we felt this to be a little haven for our 5 day stay in Kyoto. Attention to detail is amazing and the traditional feel of the furnishings and building materials had us amazed. Not only was the upper house 5 star it also had a location that cannot be beaten. Right in the thick of the things but tucked away in a quiet little street with no through traffic. The iPhone they supply you was also an added touch that made you feel very welcome. The under floor heating, modern bathroom and more than enough kitchenware for cooking were also little delights that made our stay memorable. The beds were comfortable and the master bedroom is spacious. Curtis has thought of everything and thanks to Junko & Saki for there assistance also. I highly recommend this place. Very professionally run.

Indigo House was a delight to stay in. It has a beautiful and simple aesthetic. The house was clean, very quiet and in a great area. Curtis, Junko & Saki were always helpful. I have been to Kyoto many times and I now feel like I have found my Kyoto nest. We look forward to our return. Arigato gozaimashita!

Well managed property. Fantastic place to stay in Kyoto for long awaited trip to Japan with my elderly father. Perfect, quiet location, easy walk to sights or to major transportation stops. The apartment itself was beautifully renovated, fully equipped kitchen for my father and I to cook multiple simple rice meals. Junko and Saki were available for any questions. When I return to Kyoto, I will most certainly want to stay in one of their properties again.

Indigo House Upper Level was a wonderful place to stay. We were a party of two adults and two children and the set up was cosy and perfect. The accommodation suited us very well and was beautiful. The renovated machiya is just stunning and it is a wonderful opportunity to stay in what feels like a traditional tea house but with all the modern comforts you need. The location is perfect - you are in the heart of gorgeous Gion yet in a lovely quiet pocket, easy walking distance to Downtown Kyoto and many other must see sights, while transport options such as trains, buses and cabs are on your doorstep too. Curtis and Junko from Another World were extremely helpful and prompt in replying to any queries. I have no reservations in recommending this property.

Fantastic upper level accommodation in really great location in the old Kyoto. Apartment very clean and very well appointed. Plenty of room for 3 people. Greeting staff exceptional. Highly recommended and will stay again.

This wonderfully appointed appartment proved to be a great base from which to explore Kyoto. Although typically small, as expected, the detail that has gone into its appointments was exceptional...down to the guest iPhone with free local calls. Location was terrific with easy walking to places of interest as well as access to public transport. Located in a quiet, attractive lane. January is very cold but we were very snug inside with heated floor and AC. Highly recommend it.

Our stay at Indigo House in Kyoto was awesome. Not only is the location ideal for experiencing Kyoto, the upper and lower residences were immaculate and extremely comfortable. Junko and the local staff at Another World were always available to help with any questions we had and were just a 2-minute walk away. Getting around town couldn't have been easier just by following the directions in the guest handbook. As promised, the shuttle service to Osaka worked as expected and was perfect. Thanks so much, we would definitely stay there again.

What a beautiful little retreat in the heart of the Gion district in Kyoto! We stayed in the upper level of the Indigo House with our two children and had everything we needed. Not only is the house beautifully restored in a traditional manner, it has all new appliances and a beautiful bath/shower. The comfortable beds, AC and quiet atmosphere afforded us restful sleep in the hottest part of the summer. From the moment we arrived, the staff were available and informative. There were maps, restaurant suggestions and detailed instructions for everything we could think of. The use of the house iPhone was ideal for finding our way around town, ordering taxis and for getting in contact with the English speaking staff when needed. We also had the opportunity to meet Curtis himself and found him to be warm and welcoming. He turned us on the the great flea markets which led to some great finds! Highly recommend!!

My wife and our two young children just got back from a too-brief stay at Indigo House. Having travelled quite a bit in Japan (and lived there for a few years as well), I can say this was the best place I've stayed. It was so nice to be able to walk right up to Kiyomizu, and do the regular Higashiyama trek, and then walk right back to the apartment. The Gion location makes you feel very much a part of Kyoto, in a quiet neighborhood, but right in the heart of things. The place itself is ideal--designed to be both beautiful and comfortable. The photos do not do it justice. The set-up was perfect with the kids, who also loved it. We know where we will be staying when we return, and if you are on the fence (as we were), you won't be disappointed.

My husband and I, and our two teenage daughters, stayed in the Indigo House. We absolutely loved it. The apartment is incredibly well done, cozy and outfitted with everything you will need. The location in Kyoto is perfect. We walked everywhere. So much history in the Gion neighborhood. Curtis, Junko and Saki were very helpful. Junko and Saki arranged some wonderful, local dinner reservations for us. Can't say enough about our stay. Wonderful.

Beautiful little house within easy walking distance to restaurants, Gion Corner and main road for bus / taxi. The attention to detail and quality is just lovely. The bedrooms are lovely - rear one overlooks the cemetery so very quiet. Good size rooms with adequate storage for a short stay. Bathroom / toilet and kitchen are tiny but beautifully done & equiped. We loved the central garden which provided a link to breezes and sky. Under floor heating was sufficient with little need to put on reverse cycle heating. Beds are very comfortable although those with age or sporting injuries may find the futon a little challenging to get up quickly from. This is a great find and we would definitely recommend it and stay again. It would benefit from a mirror behind a cupboard door to avoid the bathroom mirror crush and a couple of narrow shelves in the bathroom and kitchen. In a word - fabulous.

We absolutely loved this place! Indigo House was so welcoming and comfortable. Everything was clean and perfect and we felt we were one with the Japanese culture in so lovely an environment. Thanks to Curtis and his team for being so welcoming. Kyoto is such a beautiful place. Will be planning to return to Indigo House in the future!

The apartment is beautiful, well furnished and impeccably clean. Every detail makes you feel at home: flowers on the table, a binder with helpful advice, nice dining ware, knives that cut, fluffy towels, an I-phone for local calls, and friendly office personnel ready to lend a helping hand. The location of the apartment is prime and because it is on a side street from main traffic there is very little noise at night. We had a wonderful stay and felt at home in this lovely apartment.

The apartment is beautiful! Impeccably clean and well furnished. It provides a home away from home full of thoughtful details: there is binder full of helpful advice, an I-phone you can use, nice dining ware, a washer and dryer, an iron with its ironing board, thick towels, ... The location of the apartment is prime, and office personnel is always willing to lend a helping hand. It was a lovely stay and a wonderful experience. Thank you.