Twin Room
- 2 Single beds
Hostel · Kyoto · Kyoto
Haruya Umekoji
A century-old Japanese house in Shimogyo Ward, offering shared dorms and private rooms with tatami floors, a garden, and a library.
- Century-old traditional Japanese house
- Free tea, coffee, and morning rice porridge
- Near Kyoto Station and a bus stop
- Bike rental available on site
7.7
Very good
1407 reviews
Booking.com 7.7 · 1407 reviews
About
Haruya Umekoji
Haruya Umekoji occupies a 100-year-old Japanese house in Shimogyo Ward, a short ride from Kyoto Station. The property blends classic architecture with modern comforts: free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and heating run throughout, while shared spaces include a lounge, a library, and a garden. Guests have 24-hour access to tea and water, and a simple rice porridge is served in the mornings.
The hostel offers both dormitory beds and private rooms, including Japanese-style twins and triples with shared bathrooms. A shared kitchen is available for self-catering, and laundry facilities are on site. The atmosphere is quiet and unhurried, with a steady stream of guests praising the helpful staff and the sense of stepping back in time.
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Safe deposit box
- No pets allowed
- Security
- Luggage storage
In brief
What works, what to weigh
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Strengths
4 reasons to book- Authentic traditional atmosphere — Guests consistently highlight the 100-year-old Japanese architecture, tatami rooms, and garden as a memorable cultural experience.
- Helpful and welcoming staff — Multiple reviews describe staff as polite, kind, and going out of their way to assist with directions, lost items, and sightseeing advice.
- Great value for the price — Guests frequently mention 'excellent value' relative to the price point, with clean rooms and amenities exceeding expectations.
- Free extras that make a difference — Complimentary tea, coffee, and morning rice porridge are repeatedly mentioned as thoughtful touches that enhance the stay.
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Worth weighing
4 to weigh- No on-site parking — The property does not list parking, so guests arriving by car will need to find public parking nearby.
- Early check-out time — Check-out is at 10:00, which may feel early for those planning a leisurely morning.
- Shared bathroom for many room types — Several rooms, including twin, triple, and Japanese-style options, rely on shared bathrooms rather than en-suite facilities.
- Smaller, simple facilities — The property is a hostel with a small kitchen and limited common areas; it may not suit travelers seeking full-service hotel amenities.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Shared Bathroom Twin Room
- 2 Single beds
Single Room
- 1 Single bed
Shared Bathroom Triple Room
- Sleeping arrangements for 3 persons
Triple Room
- Sleeping arrangements for 3 persons
6 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
Dormitory Room Female only
- 1 Bed in shared room
Japanese-Style Shared Bathroom Twin Room
- 2 Single beds
Japanese-Style Shared Bathroom Triple Room
- Sleeping arrangements for 3 persons
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
Essentials
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- No smoking on site
Food & Drink
- Shared kitchen
- Free tea and coffee
Services
- Luggage storage
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Safe deposit box
- Fax/Photocopying
Common Areas
- Shared lounge
- Library
- Garden area
Safety & Security
- Security
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Activities
- Hiking
- Bike rental
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 7.7/10 from 1,407 reviews
Booking.com · 7.7 · 1407 reviews
7.7Verified guest“It exceeded expectations during our few nights in Kyoto. Warm and comfortable, with an excellent location and easy bus access. Shared spaces were great. Highly recommend.”
7.7Verified guest“An amazing old Japanese house with traditional decor. The communal living room and library had a good book selection. Staff were polite and helpful. Free tea and coffee, plus bike rental available.”
7.7Verified guest“My second stay in Kyoto was improved by the weekend at this lovely traditional residence. Beautifully designed old house, incredibly helpful staff. The blend of modern comforts like free Wi-Fi and AC with the classic Japanese aesthetic was special. Convenient near Kyoto Station, bus stops, and a convenience store.”
7.7Verified guest“Great value for money. The room was clean and well-equipped, location was convenient for major attractions. Staff treated me well and went above and beyond to help find my lost items. Grateful for their assistance.”
7.7Verified guest“A wonderful Japanese traditional experience. The 100-year-old house had a beautiful garden, and I enjoyed green tea on the tatami floor. The dormitory was good value, common areas clean and inviting. Staff polite and helpful, great location near Kyoto Station.”
7.7Verified guest“Traditional hostel with a lovely garden. Rooms facing it have a nice view. Small, simple kitchen for cooking. Good porridge served at breakfast.”
04 — Location
Getting around Kyoto
The property sits in Kyoto.
Getting around: A bus stop is right beside the accommodation, and Kyoto Station is roughly a 10-minute drive away. Guests have used a 600-yen all-day bus pass to explore the temples.
Nearby conveniences: A 24-hour convenience store is about a minute's walk, and a ramen and soba shop sits across the street. The aquarium and various shops are also within easy reach.
1-12, Waki-Cho, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 600-8834, Japan
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 16:00-23:59
- Check-out
- By 10:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 20 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 16:00 to 23:59, and check-out is by 10:00.
Is breakfast included?
The property serves a free rice porridge in the mornings, as mentioned by several guests.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed at Haruya Umekoji.
Is there parking on site?
The property does not list parking availability, so you may need to find public parking nearby.
What types of rooms are available?
Options include single, twin, triple, and dormitory rooms (mixed and female-only), with some rooms featuring shared bathrooms.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes, Wi-Fi is listed among the amenities.
The bottom line
For travelers who want to experience a traditional Japanese house without paying traditional ryokan prices, Haruya Umekoji is a compelling choice. Its genuine historic charm, attentive staff, and thoughtful freebies like morning porridge outweigh the lack of parking and early check-out.
7.7A traditional Kyoto stay that prioritizes atmosphere and value over hotel-style convenience.
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