K’s House is a popular chain of hostels with branches in many of Japan’s best known travel destinations such as Tokyo, Hiroshima, the Hakuba Alps, Mount Fuji and Hakone. The Kyoto branch of K’s House provides the same reliable service and amenities in a clean, convenient and comfortable hostel and all at a good price.
The entrance to K’s House Kyoto
The hostel is an 18 minutes walk from Kyoto Station, but only 6 minutes from Shichijo Station on the Keihan Main Line. This line connects you directly with central and northern Kyoto, and is also useful for exploring sites in the south of Kyoto like Tofukuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Uji. If you plan on visiting Osaka you can also use this line. Local attractions within walking distance of K’s House Kyoto include Sanjusangendo Temple and the Kyoto National Museum.
Guest Rooms
Guest Rooms at K’s House Kyoto
K’s House has a range of rooms available: mixed and ladies only dormitories, single rooms, twin rooms, triple rooms and deluxe double rooms. Only the deluxe double room has its own TV and a private shower and toilet attached. The prices for these rooms change according to the time of year, so they are a little more expensive during peak seasons such as spring, autumn and the New Year. If you stay on a Saturday or national holiday you will also be charged a little higher. A bed in an 8 person mixed dormitory for example ranges in price from 2400 – 2900 yen according when you book it. The cheapest single room costs between 3800 – 4300 yen, and the deluxe double room ranges in price between 4300 – 5100 yen. There is also a Japanese style room, with tatami mats and futons which sleeps four people. The cost of the room for four people ranges between 12000 and 14000 yen. All the Western style rooms have wood framed beds with comfortable mattresses, pillow and clean linen.
With the exception of guests staying in the deluxe double room, bathroom facilities are shared. There is a common toilet, bathroom and shower. The bathroom and showers come supplied with hairdryers, body soap, shampoo and conditioner. Large towels can be rented for 100 yen and other toiletries are sold at the reception.
The Zen Café & Bar
On the first floor of the hostel is a café and bar which is open from 8:00 – 24:00 every day. Here you can get light meals such as pizza and pasta, or enjoy a more substantial Japanese style teriyaki chicken set meal. The bar is stocked with a good range of Kyoto craft beers, and local sake as well as more typical beverages. Breakfast is also served here each morning from 8:00 – 12:00. It is an all-you-can-eat deal for 780 yen with mainly western style dishes to choose from such as sausages, scrambled eggs, fruits and cereals.
A range of choices on the Zen Café menu
Services and Facilities
The reception desk at K’s House Kyoto is staffed from 7:00 am till 3:00 am the following morning. Staff here are very friendly and speak English, so they can help you with any questions you might have about the local area. Check in time is from 15:00 and check out time is by 11:00, but baggage can be stored at the reception desk both before and after these times. The hostel also has free lockers with for storing valuable items.
Among this hostels facilities are free Wi-Fi throughout the building, vending machines for both soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, and coin operated washing machines and dryers which cost 300 yen per cycle. A number of rental bicycles are also available for 100 yen an hour or 700 yen a day. Cycling is an excellent way to explore the surrounding neighborhood.
K’s House rental bicycles
The K’s House chain of hostels prides itself on providing a guests an opportunity for cultural exchange. To that end this hostel has many common areas in which to mix and mingle with other travelers. There is a large fully equipped common use kitchen, which is supplied with cooking essentials such as salt, pepper, and cooking oil. The common lounge area is furnished with comfortable sofas and dining tables plus free coffee and tea. There is also a Japanese style common room with tatami matting, a TV room, two outdoor patios, and a rooftop terrace from which you can enjoy stunning views over the city. In addition, parties and musical events are often held in the 1st floor café and bar.
K’s House Kyoto Location Map
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.
