The machiya we are renting is in a neighborhood called Kamibetencho, adjacent to the well known Gion district. Many tourists stay here, but many Japanese live here side-by-side with the hotels and rental units...

Up until two days ago, like the vast majority of Americans I had never used a bidet. Our machiya in Kyoto has two modern-style integrated bidet toilets and I am now an obsessed fan...

The machiya we are staying in for our Kyoto visit was thoughtfully remodeled several years ago by the current owner, retaining some original timbers and doors...

Since our first brief visit to Kyoto, over two decades ago, Rosemary has spoken of wanting to return for an extended stay in that alluring city. On AirBnB we found the perfect place to stay...