I know, I know. You're coming to Kyoto and have been thinking about staying in a machiya, which is a great idea. But after a long day of walking around town, you're going to want to come back to a comfortable room well-suited for relaxing, reading, conversation, pleasure. If you're interested in a homely, cozy, utterly unique experience, you should definitely consider sleeping in The Moon Room.

Our apartment is located in Kyoto's Nakagyo-ku neighborhood (literal meaning is Downtown). Unlike other B&Bs and guesthouses near Kyoto Station or Higashiyama, Nakagyo is quite central when it comes to dining and entertainment (and I have prepared a homemade map with suggested gourmet destinations). Our space is just a five minute walk from Marutamachi Station, on the main north-south subway line (Karasuma), and about ten minutes from Karasuma-Oike, where the two subway lines intersect, thus marking the center of Kyoto.

The Moon Room is great for families since it is less than ten minutes' walk from a major playground/ children's center as well as the Manga Museum.

Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace are just ten-minute strolls away, while Higashiyama and its wonderful temple complexes are less than an hour on foot (quicker by bus).

The neighborhood itself, though so close to Downtown and its dizzying attractions, is quiet and traditional and it is not unusual to see women in kimono or monks chanting. Many of the neighborhood's machiya houses specialize in old-time industries like printmaking, woodcutting, and tatami-producing, as well as stores selling tea, ivory, dolls, medicinal herbs, and Japan's oldest incense producer.

Nevertheless, The Moon Room is also a wonderful place to relax on a windy or lazy day, to contemplate, relax, or pleasure in the romance of living. Designed specifically by a local artist, there is nothing quite like our space in all of Kyoto. It is part of a first wave of what we hope is a designer's renaissance in this very old city.

In addition to regular wifi in the room, pocket wifi is provided to help you when you explore the city. And my handmade map is an insider's guide to eating in what must be one of the best culinary cities in the world.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sean