Khaosan Kyoto Guest House

29th May - 2nd June 2011. Written by Xin Li.
Kyoto, Japan.
A very functional hostel with plenty of great amenities.
I had a 4-bed dorm for myself for the entire stay. The guesthouse is located near Termachi-Dori and Shijo-Kawaramachi. Quite a nice place to explore Kyoto as all the transportation options as there were plenty of bus stops, the Hankyu station is near and Gion is just a bridge away.

Inter-city travel is more problematic as it is not near Kyoto Station, this can be easily resolved with a bus trip to the station or even a stroll to the station itself while you check out the many interesting sights along the way including the Higashi-Hongganji Temple or one of the many lesser known historical temples, shrines and residences.

Pity there is no bicycle rental but you could still rent a bicycle from a rental shop nearby.

Service is inconsistent and rather business-like. The service depends on who you are dealing with, a matter of luck. During the course of my stay, one of the receptionists was very unfriendly and sloppy. My room was not ready until another receptionist took over.

For example, messages sent to the guesthouse by a friend of mine in Kyoto were not passed on to me until another receptionist took over (what if it was a close kin concerned about my safety?) My friend feed backed to me that he the receptionist was rude on the phone. I felt that while hostels and hotels are not responsible for an individual’s safety in their country (except in their own place), they are the next line of contact when mobile or internet fails.

The Dormitory Room for 4 is quite small (so is the locker, so remember to bring locks for your own luggage), you have your own keys to the door and the locker and one hanger per person. The bed is just mattress with bed sheets and blankets provided. Not your Ritz-Carlton, but it was fine for me. A bed light was installed for each bed but there are no private curtains if you are looking for some privacy.

Nonetheless, I still recommend this guesthouse for its convenient location and great facilities. A bed in a 4 Bed Dorm Room cost 2500 Yen per pax.

Khaosan Kyoto Guest House
568 Nakanocho, Bukkoji-agaru, Teramachi-dori,
Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto city, Japan
+81-75-201-4063
kyoto@khaosan-tokyo.com