ベンズゲストハウス京都

Check availability and book directly at bensguesthouse.jp/reserve. Enter your dates, the number of adults and children, and how many rooms you need, and you'll see the rooms and rates available. Booking direct comes with our best price guarantee. The reservation page shows the exact total for your dates, room and party size before you book. We're also on Booking.com and other major booking sites.

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Your booking confirmation email is the record of your dates, room type, number of guests and price. If you booked on a booking site, you can also see the booking in that site's app or account. If you'd like us to check it, message us through the site you booked on (if you booked on our website, email info@bensguesthouse.jp), or call 075-468-1000 during reception hours (9:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00, Japan time).

Cancellation terms depend on your rate plan and the site you booked on, so there's no single policy. Your booking confirmation shows the terms for your plan. For direct bookings, they're also shown when you book at bensguesthouse.jp/reserve. - Booked on a booking site, such as Booking.com, Expedia or Agoda? Change or cancel the booking on that site. We can't change it for you. - Booked on our website? Email us at info@bensguesthouse.jp to change or cancel. - Non-refundable bookings aren't refunded, even if you cancel. - Date changes depend on availability. If you're delayed, for example by a late flight, let us know through the site you booked on, or email info@bensguesthouse.jp if you booked on our website.

The room charge can't be paid in cash. If your booking is pay at the property (for example an Expedia or Agoda booking paid at the hotel, or a Booking.com booking paid at the property), you pay the room charge at reception by card. The Kyoto City accommodation tax is paid at the guesthouse, except for Airbnb bookings, where Airbnb collects it. If the tax is all you owe, please pay it in cash.

If you booked on Airbnb, Airbnb collects the tax with your booking, so there's nothing to pay here. For every other booking, the tax isn't included in the room rate: you pay it at the guesthouse at check-in, or the next day if you arrive after reception closes. If the tax is all you owe, please pay it in cash. The tax is charged per person, per night, according to the room rate per person per night (excluding consumption tax): - Up to ¥5,999: ¥200 - ¥6,000–19,999: ¥400 - ¥20,000–49,999: ¥1,000 - ¥50,000–99,999: ¥4,000 - ¥100,000 or more: ¥10,000

Yes, please register online. Japanese law requires us to register every guest, so we ask everyone to fill in our short online registration form before arrival, whatever time you arrive. - The link comes in your booking site's messages or by email. - Foreign nationals without an address in Japan add their passport details and a photo of their passport, as the law requires. - You can register some guests now and add the others later with the same link. If you didn't receive a link, register at reception when you check in, and please bring your passports.

Official information (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)

We note every request and do our best, but we can't guarantee them. Floors aren't fixed until a few days before arrival. To make a request, message us through the site you booked on, or email info@bensguesthouse.jp if you booked on our website or on a site with no messaging. Each room type has a fixed bed layout that can't be changed, so choose the room type whose beds suit you. The guesthouse is in a quiet residential area, and quiet hours are 21:00–08:00.

Yes, children are welcome. - Infants aged 0–2 don't count toward the room's capacity. They can share a bed or futon with a parent, and no extra bedding is needed. - Children aged 3–12 count toward capacity, the same as adults. From age 13, guests count as adults. - Children pay a reduced child rate, even without their own bed. Enter adults and children separately at bensguesthouse.jp/reserve to see the exact price. - A baby crib is available for ¥1,200 per night. Please request it before you arrive: message us through the site you booked on, or email info@bensguesthouse.jp if you booked on our website or on a site with no messaging.

Yes. A group can book all 10 rooms, so there are no other guests in the building. No single room sleeps more than 6. Email us at info@bensguesthouse.jp with your dates and the size of your group, and we'll send a quote and explain how to pay. Rooms are ready from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00. A coach can stop and wait around the corner. We don't have space to store a large group's luggage, so please take all your luggage with you when you leave.

No. We never send payment links or ask for card details by WhatsApp, text message, email or chat, so please don't click the link or reply. Check your booking in the booking site's own app or website. If you're unsure, message us through the site you booked on (if you booked on our website, email info@bensguesthouse.jp), or call 075-468-1000.

We're in Nishijin, a quiet residential area of Kamigyo-ku. The nearest bus stop is 千本中立売 (Senbon-Nakadachiuri), about 320 m away. From Kyoto Station it takes about 30–40 minutes. By train and bus (recommended): 1. Take the JR Sagano (San-in) Line from platform 31, 32 or 33 (usually 32) to Nijo (二条). Nijo is the 3rd stop on regular trains. Don't board Limited Express trains: they cost extra. 2. Leave the ticket gates and turn left towards the east roundabout. Walk along the left side of the roundabout to the traffic lights: the bus stop is on your left. 3. Take bus #6, #46, #55, #206 (clockwise) or #201 to 千本中立売 (Senbon-Nakadachiuri), the 4th or 5th stop. 4. Walk south from the stop and turn right at the first traffic light into the Kitano shopping arcade. Walk about 320 m along the left side of the street, cross at the next traffic light, and we're about five buildings down on the left. By direct bus: #6 or #206 (clockwise) towards Kitaoji Bus Terminal, from Kyoto Station bus terminal stop A-3, to 千本中立売, the 14th stop. But suitcases aren't allowed on buses from Kyoto Station. With luggage: take the train to Nijo first. From Nijo a taxi is best, about ¥1,100–1,300. The bus from Nijo is sometimes fine with luggage once the crowds die down, but it depends on the driver and how crowded the bus is. By taxi from Kyoto Station: about ¥3,000–3,500. Show the driver our Japanese address, or ask for the 七本松中立売 (Shichihonmatsu-Nakadachiuri) intersection: we're just west of its southwest corner.

Ben's Guesthouse on Google Maps

Take the JR Haruka limited express or the airport limousine bus to Kyoto Station, then continue from Kyoto Station. - JR Haruka: about 80 minutes to Kyoto Station, every 30 minutes. ¥3,060 for a non-reserved seat; reserved seats cost a little more. Visitors from abroad can buy a discounted one-way Haruka ticket online from travel agencies outside Japan (¥2,700 to Kyoto). - Airport limousine bus: about 90 minutes to Kyoto Station's Hachijo exit. ¥2,800 for adults, ¥1,400 for children. For the trip back to the airport, the bus must be reserved. From Kyoto Station with luggage, take the JR train to Nijo and a taxi from there (about ¥1,100–1,300), because suitcases aren't allowed on buses from Kyoto Station. A taxi all the way from Kyoto Station costs about ¥3,000–3,500. Shared shuttle taxis can also bring you from the airport to our door if you book them in advance.

Airport limousine bus: timetable and fares

We give step-by-step directions from Kyoto Station and Kansai Airport. From anywhere else, use a route planner such as Google Maps, Navitime or Jorudan (乗換案内) to get to Kyoto Station, then follow our directions from Kyoto Station.

Sorry, we don't offer pickups. - From Kyoto Station: take a taxi from the taxi stands at the Karasuma or Hachijo exit (about ¥3,000–3,500). Booking a taxi in advance may cost extra. With luggage, you can also take the JR train to Nijo and a taxi from there (about ¥1,100–1,300). - From Kansai Airport: shared shuttle taxis can bring you to our door if you book them in advance.

There's no parking at the guesthouse, and we can't reserve a space for you. These public car parks are nearby; prices change, so check the sign at the car park: - Times Ichikannoncho (タイムズ一観音町): 1 minute's walk. Up to ¥990 per 24 hours. It's on a narrow one-way street, so check which way you'll approach it. - Times Kamishichiken #2 (タイムズ上七軒第2): 4 minutes' walk. Up to ¥660 per 24 hours, and up to ¥220 overnight (20:00–08:00). We can't say whether a particular vehicle will fit the streets or a car park. If you're coming in a large vehicle, ask us before you arrive: message us through the site you booked on, or email info@bensguesthouse.jp if you booked on our website or on a site with no messaging.

Times Ichikannoncho: live availability (Japanese)Times Kamishichiken #2: live availability (Japanese)

Check-in is from 15:00, and check-out is by 11:00. Reception is open 9:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00. Late check-out depends on availability and costs extra; ask at reception.

Reception is open 9:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00, Sundays included. It's closed from 13:00 to 15:00, when nobody is at the desk, so please arrive before 13:00 or after 15:00. Our phone, 075-468-1000, is answered during reception hours (Japan time).

Sorry, we can't offer early check-in: rooms are ready from 15:00, and you can't go up to them before then. If you arrive earlier, leave your luggage at reception between 9:00 and 13:00 (¥300 per piece) and come back after 15:00. We'll take your bags to your room. Reception is closed from 13:00 to 15:00, so if you can't make it by 13:00, come after 15:00.

That's fine, even late at night. 1. Before you arrive, complete the online registration for everyone in your group. The link comes in your booking site's messages or by email. 2. On your arrival day, we send key instructions through the site you booked on, or by email if you booked on our website. Booked on a third-party site that has no messaging or email? Email us at info@bensguesthouse.jp with your name, the booking site, your reservation number and your check-in date. The next day, please stop by reception (9:00–13:00 or 15:00–18:00) to pay the Kyoto City accommodation tax (in cash if it's all you owe), plus the room charge by card if your booking is pay at the property, and to show your passports if you didn't register online. If you booked on Airbnb, there's no tax to pay.

Check in at reception from 15:00. Reception is open until 18:00. - Before you arrive, please complete the online registration. The link comes in your booking site's messages or by email. If you didn't get one, register at reception, and please bring your passports. - At check-in you pay the Kyoto City accommodation tax (in cash if it's all you owe; nothing to pay if you booked on Airbnb). If your booking is pay at the property, you also pay the room charge, by card. - If you left luggage with us earlier, it will be in your room. Arriving after 18:00? Complete the online registration, and we'll send key instructions through the site you booked on, or by email if you booked on our website.

Yes. Staff can store your bags at reception during opening hours, 9:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00, both before check-in and after check-out. Reception is closed from 13:00 to 15:00. It costs ¥300 per piece. Bags left before check-in are taken to your room once it's ready. Please let us know beforehand when you'll drop them off: message us through the site you booked on, or email info@bensguesthouse.jp if you booked on our website or on a site with no messaging. To leave bags for more than one day, ask staff first.

Yes. Send it by takkyubin (宅配便) to: 〒602-8346 京都府京都市上京区東町43-1 ベンズゲストハウス京都 (Ben's Guesthouse Kyoto, 43-1 Higashimachi, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8346) On the label, write your name, your check-in date and our phone number, 075-468-1000. If possible, choose morning delivery (午前中指定). Please let us know that a parcel is coming, through the site you booked on or, if you booked on our website, by email at info@bensguesthouse.jp. We keep it at reception until you check in.

Yes. Ask at reception, and staff will help you arrange a takkyubin (宅配便) pickup with Yamato Transport (クロネコヤマト) or another carrier, to your next hotel, the airport or your home. You may need to buy packing materials separately. If you need a receipt for the shipment, ask and we'll email it to you.

We have 10 private rooms in five types: - Standard Quadruple (up to 4 guests): 2 single beds and 1 double bed (130 cm wide) - Standard Family (up to 5): 2 double beds (140 cm) and 1 single bed (100 cm) - Deluxe Family (up to 6): 2 double beds (140 cm) and a sofa bed; a futon is added for a 6th guest - Deluxe Family Suite (up to 6; there's only one): 4 single beds (100 cm) and a sofa bed; a futon is added for a 6th guest - Superior Family (up to 6): 2 double beds (140 cm) and 2 futons A double bed sleeps two. Futons are Japanese bedding laid out on the floor, with sheets, a pillow and a duvet. There are no extra or rollaway beds.

Your room is completely private. Every room has its own kitchen, bathroom (bath or shower, and toilet) and washing machine, and none of them are shared with other guests. There are no dormitories or shared rooms: a solo guest books a whole room.

There's no elevator, so upper floors are reached by stairs. Floors by room type (the 1st floor is the ground floor): - Standard Quadruple: floors 1–4 - Standard Family: floor 3 or 4 - Deluxe Family: 4th floor - Deluxe Family Suite: 2nd floor - Superior Family: floor 1 or 2 We'll try to meet floor requests, but the floor isn't fixed until a few days before arrival. During reception hours, staff can help carry luggage upstairs, but please be ready to carry some yourself.

The guesthouse isn't barrier-free. There's no elevator, and only some Standard Quadruple and Superior Family rooms are on the 1st (ground) floor. We can't guarantee a floor until a few days before arrival. Every room has a bath/shower chair. If you have questions about access, please email us at info@bensguesthouse.jp before you book.

Free in every room: - a bath towel and a face towel per guest - a toothbrush set per guest - shampoo, conditioner and body soap - a bath/shower chair - a hair dryer and a few clothes hangers - laundry detergent (one per night) You can borrow an iron free of charge at reception. Not provided, so please bring your own: pyjamas, slippers, razors and shaving gel. Convenience stores are a 2–6 minute walk away.

Yes. Every room has its own private kitchen, not shared with other guests, with a fridge-freezer, a microwave, cookware, and all the utensils you need to cook and eat.

Yes. Every room has its own washing machine, free to use, and we provide detergent (one per night). There's no dryer. Hang your laundry in the bathroom and run its built-in bathroom dryer (浴室乾燥機). There's no clothesline or outdoor drying space.

Yes, there's free Wi-Fi in every room. If you can't find the network details, message us.

Yes. We rent electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes) for ¥1,500 per bike per day. We only have 4, so booking ahead is a good idea: ask at reception when you arrive, or reserve one before your stay through the site you booked on (or by email at info@bensguesthouse.jp if you booked on our website).

We don't serve breakfast. Our neighbourhood guide shows nearby cafes that serve breakfast, and convenience stores are a few minutes' walk away.

Neighbourhood guide

The whole building is non-smoking, including the rooms and balconies. You may smoke only at the smoking area in front of the building; please stay off the sidewalk. If smoking is found indoors, we charge ¥25,000 for deodorizing and cleaning, plus the room rate for each night the room can't be sold while this is done.

Ask us through the site you booked on, or by email at info@bensguesthouse.jp if you booked on our website. - Extra nights: usually possible if a room is free. We'll book the night for you and quote the rate, which you pay at the guesthouse. If your room isn't free, we may offer another one. A booking made on a booking site can only be changed on that site. - Adding a guest: possible within the room's capacity. Ask us and we'll tell you the price. Children aged 3–12 count toward capacity; infants aged 0–2 don't. There are no extra or rollaway beds. - Changing rooms: possible when the other room is free. We'll quote the difference.

1. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the building, including balconies. If smoking is found, we will charge JPY 25,000 for deodorizing and cleaning, plus the room rate for each night the room cannot be sold while this work is done. 2. Smoking is allowed only at the smoking area in front of the building. Please stand by the ashtray and stay off the sidewalk. 3. Quiet hours are 21:00–08:00. Please keep noise down so as not to disturb the neighbours. 4. Do not park in front of, or on, neighbours' houses, driveways or parking spaces. 5. Do not step onto neighbours' property. 6. Excessive trash beyond reasonable use may be charged at JPY 1,000 per bag. A suitcase left behind is charged JPY 3,000 for disposal; if you plan to leave one, please let us know as soon as possible. 7. A lost key will be charged JPY 5,000. 8. Only guests registered in the guest register may stay or enter. 9. Parties and events are not allowed. 10. Pets are not allowed.

Check-out is by 11:00. Between 9:00 and 11:00, return your key at reception. If you leave before 9:00, push your key through the slot of the mailbox by the main entrance on the 1st floor (ground floor). There's no need to open the mailbox.

Yes. Ask at reception, or message us through the site you booked on (if you booked on our website, email info@bensguesthouse.jp), and we'll email you a receipt. For group bookings we can also issue invoices, in Japanese or English, and a formal receipt addressed to your organisation.

Yes. Email us at info@bensguesthouse.jp after your stay, and we'll send a certificate of stay for each guest as a PDF.

Contact us as soon as you can, through the site you booked on or by email at info@bensguesthouse.jp, and tell us what you left and where. We'll check and send you a photo to confirm. You can collect it at reception (9:00–13:00 or 15:00–18:00), or we can send it cash on delivery (you pay the postage when it arrives) to an address in Japan that can receive parcels.

Message us through the site you booked on. If you booked on our website, or on a site that has no messaging, email us at info@bensguesthouse.jp. You can also call reception on 075-468-1000 during reception hours (9:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00, Japan time). In an emergency, call 110 for the police, or 119 for fire or an ambulance.

Our neighbourhood guide maps what's within walking distance of the guesthouse, such as restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, convenience stores, ATMs, stations and bus stops, with walking times and directions. There's also a map of nearby restaurants on the wall at the guesthouse.

Neighbourhood guide

Within walking distance: - Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (about 8 minutes): a flea market on the 25th of each month, plum blossoms in February and autumn leaves in November - Kamishichiken, one of Kyoto's oldest geisha districts (about 7 minutes) - Nishijin Textile Center (about 20 minutes): hands-on experiences, booking required - Hirano Shrine (about 15 minutes): cherry blossoms from late March to mid-April Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) is about 20 minutes by bus. With children: the Kyoto Railway Museum (about 25 minutes by bus), Toei Kyoto Studio Park (about 15 minutes by bus) and Monkey Park Iwatayama in Arashiyama (about 30 minutes by bus).