With its graceful mix of temples, gardens, and preserved historical neighborhoods, it’s no wonder as to why so many tourists flock to Kyoto every year. The city is bursting with artisans plying their millennium-old trades, austere tea houses, and narrow paved alleys dotted with hanging lanterns. There’s so much to see in this exceptional city that it can get overwhelming, so having an optimal home base is key. Though you’ll likely want to hit at least a few of the most popular attractions, settling into an Airbnb in a residential neighborhood will allow you to experience some of the quieter, but no less charming, rhythms of the daily life of this city of art and culture.
Living in Tokyo, I’m only two hours by shinkansen from Kyoto, and I’ve been lucky enough to visit regularly over the years. As visitor numbers soar, I’ve come to appreciate the quieter corners of the old capital. Staying in a neighborhood rather than in a hotel district enables me to escape the crowds and blend in with local life. Luckily, there are a number of wonderful Airbnbs around Kyoto, from modern and functional high-rise apartments to countryside retreats. Read on for my favorite vacation rentals in this city, including luxe townhouses, artsy villas, and Kyo-machiya—Kyoto-style wooden homes historically occupied by the city’s tradespeople.
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