After living in Japan for the past four and a half years, this was the first time we truly felt we were in Japan. We love this little house, especially upstairs. We all slept very well and thought it was a very cozy sleeping room. Our girls loved crawling into our beds in the morning.
We have seen a lot of places in the five days we were here and celebrated our oldest daughter's birthday here. Places we went are: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park in the Arashiyama area, Kinkakuji Temple ( Golden Temple ).
This is a great location to go on day trips and come "home" in the evening to this lovely, quiet area. We would love to come back one day, still so much to explore and we felt so at home.
Thank you for picking us up and bringing us back to the subway station! We all loved the monkey park!! P.S. The bus is a great way to get around!
01/02/12
D., C., M. and Z., Misawa, Japan
Comment:
Our first Christmas abroad - and Kyoto and Apple House really made this Christmas a memorable one. Hiroko and David, thanks for the warm welcome we got when we came and the beautiful Christmas card.
Apple House was a perfect starting point for exploring Kyoto. Even though it was too cold to use the bikes as means of transportation, bus number 5 took us to the places we wanted to see.
If we ever come back to Kyoto, especially to see the cherry blossom, we will definitely stay in Apple House again.
12/26/11
K., M. and K., Norway
Comment:
Thank you very much for letting us stay at Apple House, it has been truly memorable. The house is wonderful and we really enjoyed the bath! ( We are wondering if that style of bathtub would be available in America! ).
It was nice to be able to walk to the store for dinner, and really convenient to go from here to all parts of Kyoto. We wish we could take a longer vacation in Japan this time, but have greatly enjoyed the few days we have spent here.
12/12/11
J. and L., Texas, U.S.A.
Comment:
Thank you very much for having prepared such a cozy place to stay for people from all over the world. You really thought about everything, nothing was missing.
I could feel your warm heart. Thank you. For you and your husband a blessed time to come.
12/01/11
F.M., Freiburg, Germany
Comment:
Well, we were packing until the last minute, so we promise to write more next time! A lovely house and experience. Thank you so much!
11/21/11
S. and C., Seattle, U.S.A.
Comment:
We have come to feel truly at home at Apple House and the month has passed far too quickly.
Apple House is much more than a vacation rental - it is truly a home away from home, because it is infused with the caring spirit of its owners. Hiroko, you have thought of everything to make this a comfortable, restful home. I appreciated your attention to detail - everything in excellent working order and spotlessly clean; great maps, brochures and guidebooks; thorough instructions etc.
But, for us, what has really made Apple House ( 5 star ) so wonderful for us has been the kindness and care you have given us. Thank you, Hiroko. You have gone far above and beyond to help us ( me, in particular ), and I will always appreciate that.
Anyone lucky enough to have stayed at Apple House is truly a fortunate traveller. I know this will be a cherished memory for us - of this charming home by the stream and the great kindness we have been shown here. Please let us know if you come to the Washington D.C. area. We would love to see you and will try to help make your trip as pleasant as you have made ours.
Thank you for everything. It goes beyond words.
11/15/11
M. and J., Bowie, Maryland, U.S.A.
Comment:
Thank you so much for Apple House. Our time in Kyoto has been really enjoyable and all the maps, plans, bus timetables etc. have been so helpful.
I loved Kitayama Ramen, but as N. would vouch I've loved all the food in Japan and in Kyoto especially. My favourite sight besides Apple House was the Golden Pavilion. We all had a great time helping the school kids with their English.
Once again, many super thanks.
10/8/11
N., M., L. and T., Blackheath, Australia
Comment:
I really enjoyed Apple House with its classic Japanese touch ( like tatami and futons ). The neighbourhood is delightful and you were so accommodating and friendly plus the information was very helpful. We are deeply thankful from the bottoms of our hearts.
Kyoto is a must for anyone wishing to travel to Japan, and Apple House is magical! The Kitayama Ramen is brilliant and cheap ( we took a cheap taxi there ). Another special place is Misho ( no English menu ) but the waitress speaks a little English and served the best food!
Once again thank you and you can be sure that I will recommend Apple House to all my friends.
10/8/11
N. and L., Blackheath, Australia
Comment:
Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality and wonderful accommodation as well! It has made our stay in Kyoto much more enjoyable. The information was very helpful as well for our stay in this beautiful city! You have made our experience really special. Thanks again for everything!
09/30/11
B.M., T.M., S.M. and C.H., USA and Nagoya
Comment:
What a wonderful house to stay in whilst visiting Kyoto. You have made it so comfortable for your guests. The information for touring and sight-seeing was just right. We should love to return and stay longer as there is still as much to see and enjoy. Wishing you a successful season ahead.
09/18/11
M. and S., Sussex, England
Comment:
Our stay in Apple House has been wonderful. The local area of Shugakuin is beautiful and makes a perfect place to settle down when not exploring the rest of Kyoto. The air-conditioning in the house was certainly also much appreciated! The local people are all extremely pleasant and helpful, especially a certain shopkeeper who went out of his way to help us. Many thanks for a great time!
07/22/11
T., J. and M., Birmingham, UK
Comment:
Thank you Hiroko for a lovely stay in Apple House. We enjoyed having a home away from home in such a beautiful location, mountains around and stream outside. We had a very hot week, so being able to use the air-conditioning sometimes kept us cool. The bikes were also great and we hired another two so we could all ride. We rode to the local temples and anywhere not too far away. One day we rode to the manga museum and Nijo Castle, but that was a bit too hot and tiring for our nine year-old ( in cooler weather it would have been fine ).
The trip to Kurama and Kibune was great and we enjoyed cold noodles suspended over the river - natural air-conditioning. The kids loved lots of the ordinary things about Shugakuin life - the local Fresco was a big hit. We had lots of nice meals at home and mainly ate out at lunchtime in the areas we were sightseeing in. A great introduction for our kids, who are on their first trip here.
The kids say - fantastic sleep on the futons! Thank you!
07/02/11
S., M., M. and A., Melbourne, Australia
Comment:
Apple House is so much fun to stay in and a great place to relax after temple-hopping. It is hard not to fall asleep and drown in the tub while soaking away a day's hard trek. Japanese-style bathing makes a lot of sense!
Tip: Bus number 5 to Kyoto Station is your friend. It takes almost an hour to go the whole way though, so if you are looking for good exercise, walk. Thank you again! P.S. Take the JR line to Nara and visit the tame deer!
06/04/11
R., S. and E., Fairbanks, Alaska
Comment:
Thank you for letting us stay at wonderful Apple House. We had an amazing stay ( wish it was longer). We'll be back!
We loved biking everywhere: Silver and Golden temples, Gion etc. What a wonderful way to beat the "Golden Week" traffic jam on the roads. Biking along the river was so fun and pleasant....and we kept bumping into unexpected places / events. Today, we encountered a "Child's Day" celebration(s) where groups of men and women carry sacred chests. It was great to follow the various groups on our bikes. Then we saw a HUGE line at a ramen restaurant. It was on Higashi-Oji Dori. Must have been at least 30 people in the queue. Great ramen and chicken ( fried ). We also planned to eat at another ramen place recommended ( nearby ) but found it empty in "Golden Week" - it should have been packed , so that night we turned around on our bikes and went to "Nanzen" and LOVED the meat ( local grown ). What a treat! We also loved cooking at Apple House too! Thank you!
05/05/11
C. and L., California
Comment:
Hiroko, thank you so much for your generous hospitality and thoughtfulness. Apple House is a little treasure, quietly tucked away in a little corner of Kyoto but close to everything. The house is spotless, Hiroko! You must be a human dynamo to keep it so clean. It has everything needed for two or a family. The bikes are great for exploring the area, even in the rain. Got me home from a cooking lesson, which for me was a highlight. Emi cooked us four dishes in her kitchen for a very reasonable price and her husband makes beautiful pottery. She is about 1.5km from Apple House.
Really enjoyed soaking in a hot bath after a long day's walking. The stream at the front is so relaxing. The neighbours very welcoming. We did have the most perfect week as you said. Cherry blossom on the Philosopher's Path - unforgettable!
This is our second time in Kyoto, and still so much to see and do. We plan to get back again. And Apple House will be on the itinerary. Thank you so much for picking us up from the station, dropping our son off a few days later and taking us there soon. Many thanks.
04/18/11
C. and R., Australia.
Comment:
Une maison agreable qui nous a donne l'occasion de passer une semaine dans notre "ryokan" a Kyoto, et nous a permis de decouvrir le nord-est de la ville que nous ne connaissions pas encore.
04/11/11
D. et N., France.
Comment:
Short and sweet! A great little place.Thank you for a wonderful stay. Amazing amount of local information and such a warm welcome.
04/02/11
J., S. and S., Glasgow, Scotland.
Comment:
Thank you for the use of lovely little Apple House. It was a wonderful base for our explorations of Kyoto and beyond. We were warm ( even when it turned unexpectedly cold.... and snowed!! ), comfortable ( slept beautifully on the futons ) and had everything we needed in the house and close by. Also great support, directions and advice on use and access for all things.
J.'s tip for Kyoto: Come for more than a week if you possibly can - we were out and about every day and still feel that we have only seen about half of what we hoped to. We will just have to return! Also, I agree that the ramen shop is fantastic! Only order regular size and if you order beer ( available but not on menu ) you get an extra plate of toppings - then let out the waistband of your pants! Yum!!
Thank you again for a lovely home base on which to build our Kyoto memories, our trip seemed a long time coming and Apple House was just as I had hoped. Many thanks.
Following on from J.'s comments, I agree that Apple House was an ideal place to explore Kyoto and surrounds. The friendliness of all the locals we met was memorable as were all the sites we visited in and out of Kyoto. Many thanks for all guidebooks, leaflets and entertainment here at Apple House. I hope to return here soon and see many of the sights in town and in the Kansai region. For now it is farewell and onwards to Kyushu. Thanks again.
P.S. If you are looking for onward train / bus travel try www.hyperdia.com - lots of information on what train to take and also fares, supplements etc.
03/30/11
J., T. and P., Melbourne, Australia.
Comment:
We had a wonderful time staying in Apple House for a whole month! Everything was so neat and clean and welcoming. We slept very well on the futons. The location is very peaceful yet convenient to transportation.
For your future guests we have a few recommendations:
1. Hida Restaurant nearby - good food, reasonably priced.
2. The croquette ( "korokke" ) place - you can get freshly fried croquettes, cutlets etc. from the small shop up the road ( toward Takaragaike Station ).
3. Number 17 and other buses that go along Kawabata Street ( the river ) are faster than the number 5.
We will be recommending Apple House to all our friends and family who want to visit Kyoto. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality and best wishes!
03/17/11
S., L. and N., Vancouver, Canada.
Comment:
Thank you for your warm and generous hospitality. So close to the Shugakuin Imperial Villa, Shisen-do, and the Silver Pavilion Ginkaku-ji, three gems of our week here. The house gave us a taste of living here, something we can contemplate. The beauty of Kyoto is firmly noted in memory.
We were lucky to be here on a holiday which brought out the folks in traditional costumes. The great bustle of the crowds at Kyomizu-dera on Friday and the festive scene at Nara's great Todai-ji on Sunday made the weekend unexpectedly lively, even though we got off the train one stop too early in Nara and walked a couple of miles in the wasteland before flagging a cab that took us to Nara City and the temple. My personal favourite was getting a photo of A. petting a deer that matches a photo of her at the age of three doing exactly the same thing.
We have so enjoyed staying at Apple House and greatly appreciate Hiroko's kindness in getting us situated. Every day has been an adventure, seeing extraordinary places and meeting gracious people. Walking back along the canal, knowing that a deep soaking bath and comfortable futon await has only added to the pleasure. Many thanks.
02/13/11
M. and A., Boston, USA
Comment:
First off my family and myself would like to thank you for allowing us to stay at Apple House. The house is "so cool" according to my 11 year-old sister! It had everything we needed and more! We have donated four wine glasses to the next set of travellers who might appreciate wine as much as we do.
We were fortunate enough to see a monkey with a red long face and butt ( about five feet tall ) eating something just outside our door. He would not stay long enough for a picture as my little sister could not quiet her excitement! On New Years we walked the hill in search for the bell ..... we found a Buddhist alone ( approx 75 to 80 years old ) ringing the bell. Alone in the dark with the company of a couple of candles, a Buddhist and five Canadians we each took a turn clanging the bell to celebrate 2011 - a very emotional experience for all of us.
Kyoto is beautiful - even with the most snow in five years, friendly people, you must try "Namaste" to eat at - AMAZING! We will be back! This place will hold a special place in our hearts.
01/03/11
The D. Family, London, Ontario, Canada.
Comment:
It was a pleasure staying in the Apple House. After a few nights of staying in a hotel in Tokyo, it was a welcome change of pace. We made good use of the kitchen by making sushi - it was a unique Christmas dinner. In our four days in Kyoto, we especially liked the Arashiyama Monkey Park. It is well worth the 160m hike to the top, as the experience of the snow monkeys is unlike anything we have ever done. The Ryozen Kwan-on was also a treat. The tribute to the unknown soldier was nice, and one does not get to see a 24m tall statue every day. We also suggest going to Fresco's ( the grocery store ) and taking the 5 bus - they are both extremely convenient. Thanks for everything.
12/28/10
The F. Family, Chicago, USA.
Comment:
Really ..... eight weeks ..... time to go?!? But it hasn't been long enough. Even in our many wanderings around the streets I feel we've only just begun to scratch the surface of Shugakuin, let alone Kyoto and the wider region.
Apple House has been a complete delight. Cool and happy in the unexpected October heat, with the creek gurgling through the windows at night. And so warm and welcoming when we came home at evening as the cold started.
Two months of highlights and a wonderfully productive sabbatical at Kyoto University are hard to capture in a few lines - but your warmth, generosity and kindness top the list. T.'s wonderful eight weeks at Shugakuin School has been so much better than it was reasonable to even dream of. Thanks for helping us achieve everything so smoothly. Our neighbours on the way to and from school were also a highlight.
But to more conventional highlights? Shugakuin Rikyu is extraordinary and far more than worth the trouble of booking for a tour ( we visited twice! ). Mount Hiei Garden Museum is a delight in cloud and sunshine. The three local temples ( Sekizanzenin, Manshuin and Shisendo ) are amazingly different and each worth spending time in. Autumn leaves in Kurama and Ohara were delightful.... and in every way, Apple House has added to and allowed us time to be inspired by each of these and many more.
And food ..... Hida is a lovely and welcoming place; the ramen shop along Shirakawa towards Ichijoji is reliable and generous; Kobayashi near the Rikyu and the little place overlooking the river near the bridge on Kitayama at Shugakuin were both terrific. But breakfast at home each day was a family highlight too.
Thanks so much for opening your wonderful home to us. It has worked magic and brought so much happiness to each of us. I trust we can welcome you to Sydney sometime soon. And the T. can make it back for another stay at Shugakuin School before she graduates!
12/12/10
R., M. and T., Sydney, Australia.
Comment:
Well, what can I say that R. hasn't already said? We all loved staying at your Apple House. Your washing facilities are great, hot bath before going to bed, warm toilet seat on cold mornings etc.... I know you have thought of everything so it will feel like home. Many thanks! We hope that you will be able to visit us. Best regards.
12/12/10
M., Sydney, Australia.
Comment:
I have had a great week here in Apple House. The canal outside was good, although I always thought it was raining. We found the ramen noodle shop. Unfortunately it was closed, but we did manage to find another. M. and R. will visit it again. I enjoyed the sleeping arrangements and had no problem with the futon, in fact I might set one up at home. Being able to do washing at any time was a bonus, but the step was a bit high. Thanks to Hiroko and the ladies from school who accompanied us to the Jidai Matsuri that was amazing and a big surprise. Thank you.
10/24/10
P.M., Sydney, Australia.
Comment:
We've had a wonderful time in your lovely city and especially enjoyed the house. Maybe we will attempt to install a Japanese bathtub someday!
10/19/10
C. ( United States ) and E. ( Germany )
Comment:
Our two and a bit week stay here has been a great experience. Shugakuin has been a good base for visiting a wide range of places in and around Kyoto. Everything in Apple House worked perfectly and we have been very comfortable here. Some of the highlights for us were the temples and shrines, gardens, World Peace Museum, Kurama and Kibune, and the shopping. I love the sound of the water outside. Shugakuin rocks!
10/19/10
J., S., N. and J., Australia
Comment:
Thanks a lot for a warm welcome in your cosy house. Bikes were great to discover the town and we also enjoyed the quiet area around. We had a great time here in Apple House.
09/24/10
M. and S., Germany
Comment:
What a great place.....I think I saw everything I missed last time and I made some new friends. I enjoyed taking the bike out for the day, choosing a direction and running into something amazing. I'm already thinking about the next time. Thanks once again for offering Apple House as a home away from home.
09/16/10
S.D., Boston, U.S.A.
Comment:
We had a great visit to Kyoto. Apple House was a fun addition to our travels. We found a new appreciation for the Japanese culture living as a faux-Japanese family. We especially loved the monkey park! Must see! Thank you!
07/018/10
G., S., L. and R., Northfield, Minnesota, U.S.A.
Comment:
What a great house, great neighborhood and an even better experience than we have dreamed of! Our 12-year old says the Osaka Aquarium - whales, ray and crabs are the best. Our 14-year old loved the markets and the food. Mum says Sanzen-in, Tofuku-ji, Nanzen-ji, the Icholon's walk (and the bunny cream puffs), Ryogen-in, and best Manshu-in. The whole trip was perfect!
07/05/10
M., E., R. and R., Valencia, CA and Boston, MA, U.S.A.
Comment:
We have had a really enjoyable time in Kyoto. Everyone is so friendly and helpful ( perhaps they feel sorry for a couple of "oldies" ). The house is perfect and the whole experience was made more pleasurable with the skills which Hiroko applies to it. May you continue with this venture - I will certainly recommend you to my friends.
06/19/10
R. and R., Rushden, England
Comment:
Richard and I have biked all over Kyoto in these wonderful six days of beautiful, sunny weather! Highlights have been Ryoanji, Nijo, Nishiki Market, Botanical Garden, Ginkakuji ( get there when it opens! ), Nishijin Textile Market & Kimono Fashion Show and our visit to very touristy Nara and the amazing Buddha. We could never have had so much fun without the bikes and terrific hospitality. We thought the Philosopher's Walk was disappointing, but if you go, have lunch at Hinode Udon ( it's on the map on page 103 of the Lonely Planet Guide Book ). Really authentic and delicious. I also recommend Prinz ( p. 128 ) for lunch if you're looking for trendy and very tasty food. After some really exhausting days, it was incredible to come "home" and sleep so well! A HUGE thanks, and please come and visit us!
06/04/10
J. and R.L., North Carolina, U.S.A.
Comment:
It has been wonderful staying at Apple House. We were anxious about coming to Japan with a 15-month old, but finding this house has made a memorable trip for us. Jacob has enjoyed the sliding doors and we have all slept well on the futons. Despite several days of rain, we have had ten full days of sightseeing. Would recommend seeing Mount Hiei, Nara and Arashiyama. Also Takaragaike Park, especially for children. For good beer go to Liquor Mountain and for unique Japanese things ( such as old photos ) go to "Strange World" in the arcade. Thank you, Lewis, for entertaining Jacob! A big thanks to Hiroko!
05/28/10
L., S. and Jacob, Manchester, England
Comment:
Thank you very much for the time here in Kyoto and in Apple House. We felt like at home and enjoyed watching TV in the evenings and the neighborhood dog lying in the yard in the mornings. We visited some sights in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, and now we are heading to Kanazawa. We brought nice and warm weather with us. Let's hope it will last for the summer! Best wishes.
05/18/10
L., R. and I., the first guests from Finland!
Comment:
Thank you for letting us stay with our kids. They really liked your little Japanese house and especially the beds upstairs... and a lot to tell their friends in Kindergarten back home. We all enjoyed our time in Kyoto, it's so laid back here (after staying in Tokyo.) Thank you for your hospitality. Vielen Dank!
05/12/10
I. and E., Munich, Germany
Comment:
We have fallen in love with Kyoto and Apple House! What a wonderful home you have set up for people to enjoy! I was unsure at first about staying out of town center, but we wanted an authentic experience. We got it and more! The house, neighbors, and neighborhood are lovely. We all slept excellently each night as well. I'd like to bring upstairs home with me.
Navigating the city and getting around was easy. The people of Kyoto are so warm and helpful, we were never lost! Thank you also for securing Miyako Odori tickets for us, it was a highlight of our trip. Also - we recommend Grill Miyata for dinner in Gion. As much for the adorable old proprietor as for the steaks. Google him.
After 4 months of traveling, Kyoto was a fabulous way to end our trip and a highlight to be sure. We will be back. Many thanks!
04/27/10
B., J., E., and L., Venice, CA, U.S.A.
Comment:
Thank you for making Apple House a great place to stay. You have thought of everything for us. We have enjoyed the time in Kyoto and visiting all the places you have recommended. It is a very quiet place compared to the city that we've come from. Everything was easy to find and everyone was very friendly and helpful. We'll be back for another visit.
04/21/10
Y., A., K., and R., Canada
Comment:
Thank you for making the Apple House such a comfortable place to stay in Kyoto! I'll be back as 6 days was not enough to see all there is here! Close by- my favorite place to visit has been Shisen-do. It's so peaceful there, in contrast to so many of the busier places. Also, Koto-in was special. Best tempura I ever had was at Yoshikawa Inn downtown and sake at Yoramu to drink and learn! Have a great summer!
04/15/10
G.R., New York, U.S.A.
Comment:
We have enjoyed our stay here very much. The traditional Japanese sitting spot is lovely and the bikes we had so much fun. Apple House was a great place to stay. Thank you! The little upstairs bedroom is very cute! We have had a great stay. The cherry blossoms were beautiful, and it was nice having the shops so close.
04/11/10
S., S., E. and T., Australia
Comment:
Thank you for your wonderful hospitality. Apple House is fully equipped with whatever we needed during our stay. The tatami mats give this house a wonderful feeling. I loved going upstairs to bed smelling tatami and hearing the stream. We never had a bad nights sleep.
Tips: We loved the Shugakuin Imperial Villa, strolling in Gion and Pontocho Alley. We enjoyed all the restaurants especially Kitayama Ramen, Shogetsu, Sanda-ya (for excellent steak... better than Kobe and Hida beef). Go early in the morning to see Temples and Shrines. Get friendly with the neighbors, they are what made our stay wonderful and more authentic. Explore all the areas not highlighted on your maps.
This vacation was memorable and made even more enjoyable by staying at Apple House.
03/09/10
A. and R.F., California, U.S.A.
Comment:
We've really enjoyed our visit to Kyoto. We have been traveling for 7 months now and Apple House is by far one of our favourite places to stay. We have had our best nights sleep of our whole trip - the futons are so comfy - we would recommend following the guided walks on page 102 and 103 of the Kyoto City Guide Book "Night walk through the floating world" and "A philosophical meander". Thank you to David and Hiroko for making our visit to Kyoto so special.
01/25/10
M. and D., Scotland
Comment:
Thanks for a very comfortable stay at Apple House. We especially liked the bicycles - Kyoto is a great place for cycling around. We rented 2 other bikes - cost has increased to 500 yen per day, but this is still cheap! Himeji Castle was a great day trip with our JR Rail Pass. Highlight for the girls was shopping - we bought some beautiful boots at Takashimaya. We slept very well on the futons - thanks for the electric blankets! We will tell others about this little hideaway from tourist ville. Best wishes.
01/11/10
I., D., K., and D., Australia
Comment:
Thank you for having us in your Apple House. We had comfortable sleep. We have been to the temples, Path of Philosophers Walk, South Higashiyama, Gion, Kurama Onsen (hot spring bath!), Kaleidoscope Museum and wonderful foods everywhere!! It's our luck that we're here to celebrate New Year Eve, "bang" the big bell, having made amazing walking trips. We discovered it's best to take bus 5 to Kyoto area, on our way home - shopped at Oasis supermarket (that sells lots of various delicious savories, ready to eat foods). This is the best stay in your House (of all rentals in the UK, Europe and Bali). One day, we hope to holiday-ski in Hokkaido or Nagano. Cheers!
01/08/10
R., P. (Singapore), and L., Perth, Australia
Comment:
Thank you so much for our Apple House experience. We almost lost the plot completely when David drove us up the magical laneway with stream included! We had a great time exploring Gion, particularly the food down mysterious Ponto Cho, a peaceful walk down the Philosophers Walk and taking in some comic art at the Manga Museum in the city. The visual overload down the alleys in Gion were great especially Nishiki markets and the surrounding lanes. Thanks again, we'll never forget it and will be coming back for much longer!!
12/23/09
C., A, and S., Australia
Comment:
Thank you for your wonderful hospitality. Apple House is fantastic! A great experience. Plenty of room for all of us!! We didn't stay long enough though, to see all the beautiful sights of Kyoto. We cycled to the Philosophers Walk and kept going all day, so much to see! Thank you again.
12/14/09
R., C., S. and S., Gold Coast, Australia
Comment:
Thank you very much for your wonderful hospitality for old friends. We really appreciate it. You have a beautiful house, very cute guest house and wonderful children. You should come to the US for a visit sometime so we can return the favor. Let's try to make it less than 12 years next time!
12/09/09
L. and E., U.S.A.
Comment:
We have thoroughly enjoyed our 7-week stay at Apple House. Please accept our warm and sincere thanks for everything. Our stay has been both pleasurable and memorable. Everything related to the house, from the initial booking to organising our departure went without a hitch. Thank you! Particular thanks for the "tips" on sightseeing and events, plus helping out when Lynn was unwell. These kindnesses made our time here much easier and enjoyable. We have enjoyed: meeting the friendly neighbours and seeing how the "locals" live; the ease of access to both trains and buses; the convenience of great local shops, ATM etc.; the quiet and safe neighbourhood; we could go on ( and on ). All in all, you have a great set-up for visitors to Kyoto. We thoroughly recommend Apple House to prospective visitors. Wishing you the very best.
12/05/09
J.R. and L.R., Queensland, Australia
Comment:
** Visitors during the 7-week stay of J.R. and L. R. (above) **
Thank you so much for making Apple House so comfortable and your interest in our stay. We are sorry we did not manage to meet you - we have been "on the run" since we arrived! We love Kyoto and the exceptional friendliness and kindness of its people - so refreshing compared to England. The places we have seen are beautiful. We managed despite the rain and saw the Golden Pavilion in all its glory with the sun shining. We slept very well indeed. Thanks again.
11/15/09
S.W. & P.W., Kent, England
Comment:
We have thoroughly enjoyed our brief but action-packed stay in Kyoto. This is an amazing city. We loved Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji temples, Nijo Castle with its nightingale floors, Nishiki Market and more. Inari ( The Fox Temple ) was a real highlight - we went after dark. The trip to Nara was wonderful and the stop at Uji was a real surprise. Byodo-in and the museum there are very special. It was great to come home after very long days to the quiet neighborhood and the comfort of Apple House. We appreciate your efforts to make our stay a pleasant one. Unfortunately it was too short! We will happily recommend Apple House to friends. Do look us up if you are in Bangkok.
10/19/09
M.C. and C.M., Bangkok, Thailand
Comment:
Thank you for allowing us to stay at the Apple House. We had a wonderful stay in Kyoto and a fabulous day trip to Nara from here. The Todaiji Temple there is truly awe inspiring! We really wanted a Japanese experience and the Apple House and the neighbourhood really made it that. We're planning to tell all our friends back in Yokohama where they can get self-catering in Japan. If you're ever in Yokohama, give us a call.
10/15/09
The K. Family
Comment:
It was a pleasure being guests at your lovely home. The Apple House is an amazing way to experience Kyoto. Your booklet explaining everything from the remote to recommended restaurants was so helpful. Thank you for all your preparation!
It's hard to think about our favorite thing about the Apple House and Kyoto; everything has surpassed our expectations. But here is a shot - the bicycles!, Arashiyama and the bamboo forest ( by way of Keifuku electric railway ), Kurama Onsen and the train ride to get there, Philosopher's Path, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Sayur-Sayuran restaurant on Shirakawa-Dori, the Gael for a quick pint, falling asleep to the sound of the stream outside, the kind and patient people,....the list goes on. We hope to be back and see all the things we missed. If ever in Boston, give a ring.
09/29/09
S. and A., Boston, U.S.A.
Comment:
Thank you both for your kind hospitality. We have had a wonderful time here in Kyoto and Apple House. Staying in such a beautiful Japanese house was not only convenient but an experience which we will share with our friends and family.
We have stayed in house rentals before, and Apple House is by far the most well kept place we have ever stayed in. No doubt should we find ourselves in Kyoto in future, we will be staying here again. It is definitely a Home away from Home ( especially when it comes to laundry ).
Tips and Highlights: 1. "Kitayama Ramen" - it was AWESOME!! From the friendly service ( it was a shame we could not speak Japanese ) to the soup base to the perfect noodles, it has set the bar for great ramen. 2. Staying at Apple House allowed us to see another side of Kyoto other than the tourist driven commercial side. Other highlights: Golden Pavilion, Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, Fresco, 100 Yen shop.
Thank you again for your help and guidance.
09/21/09
L. and L., Sydney, Australia
Comment:
The house has everything we could have wished for! The location has been brilliant - even with the wheelchair we have managed to see many of the spectacular sights around here. The nearest temple just up the road was one of the nicest we have seen! Thank you very much for your advice and help ( couldn't have managed without it ).
09/14/09
J., W. and H., United Kingdom
Comment:
We feel privileged to have stayed in delightful Apple House! It has been such a blessing to have this wonderful solid base for our adventuring around Kyoto. It has given us a grounding and a real chance to find our "travelers' legs" for the rest of our Japan Adventure. You have put together such a charming house filled with so many lovely touches, from the apples to the maps and guides to the kids' DVDs - it has made everything so easy.
If only I could fold Apple House into my suitcase and pop it up at our next stop! Having Apple House has taken so much drama out of traveling with a child. Can't wait to come back when his legs are long enough for the bikes!
06/30/09
C.M., Australia
Comment:
Thanks Hiroko for giving us a wonderful experience of living in a typical Japanese house - Apple House did every justice to that. If you ever drop by Singapore or need any help in any of your India trips, please feel free to contact us by an email. Any time is a good time to return your hospitality.
THANX!
06/23/09
The K. Family, Singapore
Comment:
Apple House and its lovely neighborhood is the perfect way to experience the cultural heart of Japan. We enjoyed shopping for our breakfast foods at Fresco... and every morning waking up early and planning our adventures over tea and toast at the kitchen table. Thank you for making our stay so memorable - and relaxing! Now if only I could figure out how to pack the "futon" upstairs into my luggage so I can sleep that great every night! TIP: Enjoy a bowl of ramen at Karako at Nijo-dori and Higashioji-dori! (K.J.)
Thank you for your wonderful house and hospitality which has allowed me to experience the part of Japan that has been a big part of my life. I look forward to sharing memories from this stay and hope that our paths will cross again. TIP: Relax! ~ After visiting Kinkakuji Temple, take advantage of a local hot spring named Huneoka Onsen. It will take days of travel pains away! Food! ~ The Nishiki Food Market on the 4th Ave. by the river has tons to choose from! Just no bike riding or parking!(F.A.)
Thank you so much for this "sugoi" experience in Kyoto! While we took a few day trips outside of Kyoto, coming back to the Apple House was always a highlight. Every detail has been thought of, and for that we appreciate it very much! The umbrellas came in very handy during a drizzly day, and the bikes helped me achieve my sightseeing goals when my poor feet couldn't take any more walking! TIP: If you get a chance, take a trip to Hiroshima - only two hours by Shinkansen. Miyajima Island is also a beautiful sight. (J.C.)
06/09/09
K.J., F.A., and J.C., Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.
Comment:
We had a great time at the Apple House. It is such a treat to stay in a Japanese house!.... I tried the furo and enjoyed soaking after a long day of walking and sightseeing. We loved the sound of the stream and saw a small green frog on one of the fence posts. We also enjoyed a hike along a stream somewhere near Shugakuin Rikyu Michi. A hawk flew over the water so close to us, we startled a snake resting under the wooden walking boards, and a deer allowed us to pass by ever so slowly. We're already talking about Kyoto, next time. WE''LL BE BACK! Thank you so much for such a lovely place. Much aloha.
06/04/09
S. and I., Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A.
Comment:
Thank you so much for providing us with this wonderful home away from home. We had a great time exploring the magical Shugakuin area and a fun time getting to know several of the friendly neighbors. We'll never forget falling asleep to the sound of the water flowing or the smell of the numerous colorful flowers in the area. We can't wait to return to Kyoto in the future. Thanks again.
05/24/09
T. C. D. and L., Owasso, Oklahoma, U.S.A.
Comment:
We had a wonderful ( if far too short ) stay in Kyoto and felt tremendously lucky to have discovered the Apple House. Next time it will be a month! Loved the quiet, and being able to bike.
When looking for the restaurant Yamago, per your recommendation, we went through the wrong door .... and accidentally had a delicious hibachi ( grill it yourself ) meal at the place next door instead! We also went to Kitayama Ramen, which is indeed excellent: note that even the "regular" size is HUGE! All the best.
05/13/09
R.F., K.F., A.F. and D.F., Seattle, U.S.A.
Comment:
Apple House is a delightful place to really experience Japan. The location, the amenities, the atmosphere all joined to make our family trip to Kyoto very special. Thank you for the maps, guides and details you provided - we felt very secure exploring with those in hand, especially the transportation guides.
We all loved Kyoto, especially the Arashiyama-Sagano district for the natural atmosphere ( the Chikurin bamboo forest is magical ) and Gion for a glimpse of the mystique that IS Japan. We will never forget our visit here, especially our time in Apple House.
05/08/09
C.H., M.H. and S.H., Athens, Ohio, U.S.A.
Comment:
You have a delightful house - thanks for letting us enjoy it! We found everything working and in order. We particularly enjoyed the bikes which we used to go to the Golden Temple and Nijo Castle. It's a little out of the way but more than makes up for it in atmosphere.
04/19/09
M.K., J.K. and T.K., Rossland, B.C., Canada
Comment:
The Apple House was a refreshing change from the repetitive Tokyo hotels. Our kids loved the experience of a traditional Japanese house and the fact that it was embedded within a typical Kyoto nieghborhood. Your thoughtful preparations and instructions allowed us to enjoy Kyoto during our brief visit here. Thank you.
04/17/09
C.F., Beverly Hills, California, U.S.A.
Comment:
We've had a great time staying at your house. The experience of staying in a Japanese style home has been a unique opportunity for all of us. I'm sure my wife and daughter will never forget it and talk about it for years. We came to Kyoto on the Shinkansen, we rode the subway and surface trains, but riding on the buses was a new experience for my wife and daughter. Staying at Apple House gave us a bit of insight into the life of the locals, a rare thing for sure.
F.Y.I. Uji is a beautiful city not far from here that's worth a visit. Byoudoin in Uji is the temple on the back of the 10 Yen coin!
04/09/09
M.M., Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.A.
Comment:
You have set up a beautiful home away from home for us. Everything has been thought of, from CDs to DVDs for kids to the green and red matching bikes. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
Other than our son's above remark, my wife & myself have had really a good time staying in Apple House. Knowing David, the owner, is also our great pleasure. Thank you.
