Higurashi-sou, Kyoto

The first guesthouse we stayed in Japan was Higurashi-sou near Nijo Castle. The location was good because the bus stops are just walking distance. You can easily hop on a bus going to Arashiyama and to Kyoto Station. However, the 2 closest train stations are about 10mins walk. We didn't mind it then since it was spring and walking kept us warm (except that time when I was underdressed for the cold.lol)

It's more like a residential area, but there were still a few restaurants around. One of which is the Menbakaichidai famous for the Fire Ramen. One advantage of being in the residential area is the noise - there's none. Hahaha! It's really quiet and peaceful. You'll see how a typical neighborhood in Japan looks like. Small but cute and functional houses. すごい (sugoi, meaning awesome).

I enjoyed our stay in this guesthouse as well. This was where we spent our first night in Japan. I can't forget the moment I opened the door of our tatami room and it smelled like green tea!!!! Oh.em.gee! I so loved that.

Our double room was spacious enough for 2 people. The cost was 7,000 JPY. It was near the entrance and right across the stairs. The stairs doesn't creak, but you will be able to hear footsteps when someone's going up/coming down the stairs. We didn't mind it 'coz both my mom and I don't easily wake up from small noises.

There were 2 salons with tables and chairs where we eat breakfast. The bigger one has a nice view of the garden at the back.

  

There were 2 shared toilets and bath as well. The hallway wasn't open unlike Rakuza, but we were here during the coldest day of our stay (around 3C degrees) and both the slides were closed and it was still cold. It was in the morning and the air conditioner/heater in the salon wasn't turned on yet but, when we did turn it on, it was warm enough and we were able to enjoy our breakfast. Hehe.

They offer breakfast for 400 JPY and you can pre-order it when you make a reservation which includes a soup, onigiri and green tea.

There's free wifi, free use of a shared computer (though I didn't see it), hairdryer, extension cords, converter and phone charger. They also offer free tea and coffee, and use of water boiler, microwave and fridge. In the bathroom, shampoo, conditioner and body soap are free for everyone's use. Bath and Hand Towels and toothbrush are available for a fee. Maps (free) and one day bus pass (500 JPY) are also available at the reception.

The staff were very accommodating and speaks English. One of them even indulged me in a small talk in nihongo as well. Awesome! I really love it when I can put to use whatever little Nihongo I know. Lol.

Anyway, our stay here was really nice. Being in the residential area gave us a glimpse of how it feels to live in Kyoto. Coolness!



Here's how to access Higurashi-sou from Kyoto Station. For more details, kindly visit their website.

【How to get from Kyoto station】
①By Bus
Take City Bus No.9 (B1 zone) or No.50 (B2 zone) from Kyoto station central gate.
Get off at “Horikawa Marutamachi” (堀川丸太町) stop. (about 20 minutes ride, fare 230yen)
From the bus stop, it’s 6 minutes walk approximately. 

②By Metro
Take Metro Karasuma line (烏丸線), bound for Kokusai kaikan.
Change the line to Tozai line (東西線), bound for Uzumasa tenjingawa at “Karasuma Oike” (烏丸御池) station. 
Get off at “Nijo” (二条) station. (about 10 minutes ride, fare 260yen)　
From the station, it’s 10 minutes walk approximately.

③By JR
Take JR Sagano line (嵯峨野線)
Get off at “Nijo” (二条) station. (about 10 minutes ride, fare 190yen)
From the station, it’s 13 minutes walk approximately.