Enso-an
Traditional house for rent in Kyoto
Enso-an is a traditional Japanese house for rent in Kyoto. Rent the entire home for up to 8 guests, in the quiet pedestrian lanes of Higashiyama below Kiyomizu-dera, a few minutes on foot from Gion, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.
- Entire house
- 98 m²
- 3 bedrooms
- Up to 8 guests
- 2.5 bathrooms
- Higashiyama, Kyoto
A traditional Japanese house in Kyoto
Enso-an is the former home of a traditional doll maker, in the peaceful potters' district of Higashiyama, Kyoto. It sits in the pedestrian alleys beneath Kiyomizu-dera, the temple listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, within walking distance of the Gion district and the historic slopes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.
In 2017 the house was fully restored by an architect and a designer who both specialise in Japanese architecture. It combines modern comfort with the character of a traditional Kyoto dwelling: earthen walls, shoji and fusuma sliding doors, tatami rooms, bamboo and soft lighting. From the entrance, windows open onto a small stone garden.
Guests have the whole house to themselves. It is well suited to families and groups of friends who want to live, cook and rest together in a genuine Japanese home rather than a hotel.
Why “Enso-an”?
The house was named by its owner, Yannick Paget, a French conductor and composer based in Kyoto. In Japanese, ensō means a musical performance (演奏) and is also the Zen circle (円相), one of the great symbols of Zen Buddhism. An (庵) means a hermitage.
Rooms and layout for up to 8 guests
Ground floor
- Bedroom with a double bed — ideal for guests who prefer to avoid stairs
- Tatami room in the spirit of a tea-ceremony room (chashitsu), used as a living room or as an extension of the double bedroom; an extra bed can be added
- Large kitchen and dining room for the whole group
- Bathroom with bathtub, separate toilet, and laundry room with washing machine
Upstairs
- Twin bedroom with two single beds
- Tatami bedroom with four futons
- Shower room and a second toilet
Amenities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning and heating
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Toaster
- Coffee machine
- Electric kettle
- Tableware and cooking utensils
- Washing machine
- Bathtub
- Iron and ironing board
- Bed linen
Location: Higashiyama, near Kiyomizu-dera and Gion
Enso-an is in Higashiyama Ward, the most historic part of Kyoto. The lanes around the house are pedestrian and residential, so evenings are quiet, while the city's best-known sights are on foot.
Within walking distance
- Kiyomizu-dera (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
- Gion district
- Yasaka Shrine (about 15 minutes)
- Kyoto National Museum
- Kawaramachi shopping street (about 15 minutes)
Supermarkets, cafés and good restaurants are close by. Kyoto Station is a short taxi ride away.
Book Enso-an
Enso-an can be booked on the following platforms, each with live prices and availability. Japan Experience manages the house and welcomes every guest in person.
Rated 4.86 / 5 by guests on Airbnb.
Check-in and check-out
Check-in from 3 pm to 7 pm; check-out before 10 am. A multilingual host from Japan Experience welcomes you at the house.
Enso-an is managed by Japan Experience, who answer all questions about the house and your stay: contact Japan Experience · +44 20 3514 6932
Frequently asked questions
How many guests can Enso-an accommodate?
Up to 8 guests. The house has a double bedroom on the ground floor, a twin bedroom and a tatami bedroom with four futons upstairs, and an extra bed can be set up in the ground-floor tatami room.
Is the whole house rented, or is it shared with other guests?
Enso-an is rented as an entire house. Guests do not share any space with other travellers.
Is Enso-an a good place to stay in Kyoto for families or groups?
Yes. As an entire house for up to 8 guests, with three bedrooms, a large kitchen and dining room and two toilets, Enso-an suits families and groups of friends looking for a vacation rental in Kyoto instead of several hotel rooms.
How do I get to Enso-an from Kyoto Station?
Enso-an is in Higashiyama, east of central Kyoto. The simplest way from Kyoto Station is a short taxi ride. Japan Experience gets in touch before your trip to organise your arrival.
Where is Enso-an located?
In Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, in the quiet pedestrian lanes below Kiyomizu-dera, close to Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka and the Gion district.
Is Enso-an a traditional Japanese house?
Yes. It is the former home of a traditional doll maker, fully restored in 2017 by Japanese-architecture specialists, with earthen walls, shoji, fusuma, tatami rooms and a small stone garden.
Can we cook at the house?
Yes. There is a large, fully equipped kitchen with a dining area for the whole group.
Is there a bedroom without stairs?
Yes. The double bedroom is on the ground floor, next to the bathroom and toilet.
Does the house have Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a washing machine?
Yes, all three, as well as a bathtub, a separate shower room upstairs and two toilets.
Is Enso-an a licensed accommodation?
Yes. Enso-an is licensed under Japan's Hotels and Inns Business Act (旅館業法), licence number 第477号.
How do I book Enso-an?
Through Japan Experience, Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia or Hotels.com. Links are in the “Book your stay” section.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 3 pm to 7 pm and check-out is before 10 am. A host from Japan Experience welcomes guests at the house.
Who manages Enso-an?
Enso-an is managed by Japan Experience, a company that has welcomed travellers to rental houses in Japan for more than ten years. Contact them for any question about the house.
What does the name Enso-an mean?
Ensō means both “musical performance” (演奏) and the Zen circle (円相); an (庵) means hermitage. The owner is a conductor living in Kyoto.