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, the USA
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, the USA
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.
