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Guest house · Kyoto · Kyoto

Tsubame-Ya

A family-run guesthouse in Kyoto's Arashiyama area, praised for its welcoming hosts and calm, clean rooms.

  • Friendly, family-run atmosphere
  • Close to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
  • Free Wi-Fi and shared kitchen
7.9 Very good 527 reviews Booking.com 7.9 · 527 reviews

About

Tsubame-Ya

Tsubame-Ya is a small guesthouse in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, a short walk from the famous bamboo forest and other local sights. The property offers shared dormitories and private rooms with shared bathrooms, all kept spotlessly clean.

Guests consistently mention the warm hospitality, comfortable beds, and a calm neighborhood that makes for a good night's sleep. Amenities include air conditioning, soundproofed rooms, a shared kitchen, and bicycle rental, though the latter is not guaranteed and depends on availability.

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Locker room
  • Smoke detectors

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

3 reasons to book
  • Genuinely welcoming hosts — Many reviews single out the staff and owner for making guests feel at home, going as far as carrying luggage and giving personal tours.
  • Spotless, quiet rooms — Guests repeatedly describe the rooms as clean and quiet, with comfortable beds that ensure a good night's sleep.
  • Great base for Arashiyama — The guesthouse is a short walk from the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and other local attractions, with a bus stop nearby and a tram for easy access to downtown.

Worth weighing

3 to weigh
  • Not in the city center — The location is in the Arashiyama area, which some guests found a bit far from Kyoto's main downtown. However, a JR ticket allowed one guest to take a free train from the main station to Uzumasa.
  • Limited check-in window — Check-in is only from 15:00 to 21:00, which may be inconvenient for late arrivals.
  • Shared bathroom in most rooms — The triple and double rooms come with shared bathrooms, and dormitories have shared facilities. Only one review mentions a private bathroom, so if you require an en-suite, confirm before booking.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Shared Bathroom Triple Room

  • Sleeping arrangements for 3 persons

Dormitory Room Male only

  • 1 Bed in shared room

Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room

Shared Bathroom Double Room

  • 1 King-size bed,2 Single beds

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

Essentials

  • Wi-Fi
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • No smoking on site

Comfort

  • Shared kitchen
  • Leisure/TV room
  • Locker room
  • Housekeeping

Safety

  • Security
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

7.9
Very good 527 reviews

Guest-rated 7.9/10 from 527 reviews

Booking.com · 7.9 · 527 reviews
7.9Verified guest

“The location was lovely and close to Hirosawa Pond; the lake was just a 15-minute stroll away.”

7.9Verified guest

“Excellent position near the main sights and city center, with a nice selection of breakfast goodies.”

7.9Verified guest

“I loved my stay here, everything was perfect and the staff were extremely friendly. It's close to Togetsu-kyo Bridge, a mountain, and the Arashiyama bamboo forest, and I often ate at Bambocheur Sagano, a short walk away.”

7.9Verified guest

“The room was air-conditioned and cozy, with smoke detectors for safety. The fridge and AC were useful, and the staff was helpful and always available.”

7.9Verified guest

“Fantastic location, super close to Rokuoin Temple—just a stone's throw away.”

7.9Verified guest

“Liked it a lot—the place is nice, the room spotless and quiet, and the staff incredible. The bed was really comfortable, and the location in a local area was great.”

04 — Location

Getting around Kyoto

The property sits in Kyoto.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: A 20-minute walk from the guesthouse, the famous bamboo groves are a must-see, especially in the early morning when the paths are quiet.

Togetsu-kyo Bridge: This iconic bridge over the Katsura River is close by, offering scenic views and access to the area's shops and cafes.

Rokuoin Temple: Just a short walk away, this temple is a serene spot, often less crowded than the bigger attractions.

Ukyo-Ku Sagahirosawa Minaminocho 28-3 Suite Building 2F, Kyoto, Kyoto, 616-8304, Japan

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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 15:00-21:00
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
21 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 15:00 to 21:00, and check-out is at 10:00.

Is breakfast included?

One guest mentioned a variety of breakfast goodies, but the current amenities do not list breakfast as an included service. Please check with the hotel.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed at Tsubame-Ya.

What room types are available?

Options include a Shared Bathroom Triple Room, Shared Bathroom Double Room (with one king and two single beds), and female-only, male-only, and mixed dormitory rooms.

Does the guesthouse have air conditioning?

Yes, air conditioning and heating are listed as amenities.

The bottom line

For travelers who prioritize warm hospitality and a quiet, convenient spot for exploring Arashiyama, Tsubame-Ya delivers comfort and value. It's not for those who need to be in the heart of downtown or require an en-suite bathroom, but for a relaxed, family-run stay, it's a solid pick.

7.9A guesthouse that wins on atmosphere and location for Arashiyama sightseers.

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