After staying at minshukus, ryokans and western-style hotels over the last several days, it was a pleasure to end our Japan stay with 2 nights at Kyoto Machiya Fukune. The 2 of us appreciated the extra space of the Sangen machiya compared to our previous lodgings to just chill out, especially when soaking in your personal outdoor hot water (not onsen) bath or the indoor hinoki bath and looking out onto the compact zen garden. Beds were comfortable and bathrooms modern and clean. The included mini-bar (Asahi beer, sake, soft drinks and water) was an unexpected bonus! The welcome tea ceremony with traditional sweets (much better than that offered with the included entry price at the Okochi Sanso Garden in Arashiyama) was a far superior greeting than fronting a hotel reception desk even if one has to wait (about 10 mins) for Miki to arrive (which was forewarned in the pre-stay info); we were informed of our security code when we rang (using the complimentary phone in the separate arrival area) and could access the machiya while waiting. Miki was very helpful with local restaurant and sightseeing tips. Excellent pre-stay information was provided via email from Kyoto Machiya Fukune. While we didn’t use the laundry (complimentary) we did make use of the locker, which we found could store 2 large suitcases and 2 carry-on luggage with room leftover for shopping bags. It cost us ¥1500 for taxi/uber from JR Kyoto stn to the machiya. Once there it is only several minutes’ walk to various train stns or bus stops. Nishiki mkt’s western entrance is about a 10min walk away. This was my 3rd time in Kyoto with the goal to visit sights we hadn’t seen previously like Arashiyama’s bamboo grove and Fushimi Inari shrine. The Randen line’s Shijo-Omiya stn is just over 10mins walk away and the tram takes you into the heart of Arashiyama’s shopping *****, the Kimino forest and near the Tongetsu-kyo bridge. Then take your time to walk to the bamboo grove via Tenryo-ji shrine. They say it best to get to the grove early to beat the tourists, but it rained in the morning, so we took our time and got to the grove about lunch-time. While crowded, it wasn’t as packed as what we thought it would be, given it was a Sunday and also ‘golden week’ (maybe people were eating lunch). We also walked to and visited the Nison-in temple that was recommended by Miki; she highlighted the moss that covered a lot of the grounds; a very worthwhile diversion and IMHO better than the Okochi Sanso Garden we also visited). Had a late lunch in the local area then walked to JR’s Saga-Arashiyama stn; ¥220 to JR’s Inari stn (simple transfer at JR Kyoto stn) with the Fushimi Inari shrine entrance across the road. The place is pricey, but we’re glad we stayed here.
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