We left 10 days ago and we have been missing Kyoto Compass and Mama & Papa ever since. My family and I visited for the 2. time in May 2024(first time Nov. 2022) and we love everything about Kyoto Compass. Would go back in a heartbeat if we could. We stayed in the beautiful Japanese room and enjoyed sleeping on the very comfortable futons. There are lovely gardens on both sides of the room. I could go on and on about how great Kyoto Compass is, but shortly spoken: If you want a magical guesthouse experience and if you are so lucky it’s available on your dates: Don’t hesitate, just go ahead and book it, you wont regret. Thank you Mama and Papa for having us. Thank you for the wonderful conversations, your perfect advice on where to eat, where to go and how to get there. Thank you for speaking Japanese with our 9-year-old son and helping him with his homework. Thank you for all the love, care and effort you put into Kyoto Compass, making it such a unique, warm and beautiful place to stay. Hope to see you again soon.

Stayed in May 2024

Authentic Kyoto home. Very friendly staff. I felt very much at home.

Stayed in May 2024

Can get a little noisy in the mornings which is not so great if you are a late sleeper, but the warmth and kindness I experienced here made it worth it!

Mama and Papa who run this guesthouse are so warm and kind. Mama made a wonderful breakfast for guests every morning and helped introduce guests to each other so you never feel lonely. Very clean and cozy guesthouse.

Stayed in May 2024

The beautiful couple that run the guesthouse are simply amazing. They made my stay so lovely. They go above and beyond to make you feel special. The guesthouse is very nice and comfortable and I will definitely go back again next time I’m in Kyoto!

Stayed in April 2024

There was nothing that I didn't like

Staying at this hostel was an incredible experience that I will never forget and one of my favorite things about my visit to Japan. The location was great, quiet and peaceful. The two hosts were the kindest, most welcoming people I met in Japan. They were so helpful and gave many recommendations on what to do in Kyoto. Breakfast was delicious and included! The shared room was comfortable, quiet and clean. It could not have been a better experience. I could go on and on about how lovely this place was. I only wish that I could have stayed longer!

Stayed in April 2024

Everything was likeable there, the energy, the food, the room, the welcome, the goodbyes

Stayed in May 2024

Super great hosts! Nicest and most lovely person I’ve met in Japan. The house is super clean, nice and warm atmosphere and the other guest were also very nice. The talkings at the breakfast table were one of the highlights.

Stayed in May 2024

Can't think of anything we would have changed.

The breakfasts had a large variety of items and were very satisfying with attention to our likes/dislikes. The location was a short trip to central Kyoto and the neighbourhood was lovely to walk around with a great coffee shop nearby. We were so well looked after in a homely environment it has been a highlight of our holiday that we will never forget. The beds were very comfortable, and we ate at 3 local restaurants that Mamma recommended which were all fantastic. The guesthouse is close to a supermarket and public transport. The neighbourhood is quiet and safe. Washing was available for a small charge. Thank you Mamma and Pappa!

Stayed in May 2024

Very friendly couple and cute cats! You get the feeling you are at home with your family, always cheery and smiling people all around! They had Nutella at the breakfast so this was an instant 10/10 would recommend

Stayed in May 2024

Comfortable and big beds. Great atmosphere and friendly hosts. This is the best place I have stayed in Japan!

Stayed in April 2024

The location and quality of the washrooms could be a bit better, but given that this is an old Kyoto house, it is understandable.

The incredible Booking.com ratings are accurate, this is perhaps the best hostel I’ve stayed at. This sort of experience makes you addicted to traveling. It’s like staying with a host family with a few other travellers. They are very helpful and a communal breakfast with everyone is very nice. I wish I could’ve stayed longer.

Stayed in April 2024

Thanks for the fantastic time! The hosts (Mama and Papa) make this place special. We felt like home even though we were on the other side of the world. In terms of bed, bathrooms and kitchen you will find out clean and ready for use. WiFi is available, as well as an assortment of hot beverages and some snacks. In addition we liked the two cats a lot.

Stayed in April 2024

Guests should be aware that the location is a residential neighborhhood not near any sights (not a 'dislike', just be aware).

Mama San is a wonderful host. Also, loved the room!

Stayed in April 2024

A very well maintained traditional japanese house. The room was spacious and really comfortable. Mama and Papa were incredible hosts, always taking care of us and helping when needed.

Stayed in April 2024

I don't think I can recall a reasonable flaw for the price, I stayed at some more "expensive" accommodations earlier in my travels and I still had more fun here. Irregardless of the environment it's just really good value.

tldr: Incredible hosts, clean warm rooms and beds, good facilities, got to make some friends, highlight of my trip. Bit of a late review but my one night stay here might've been the highlight of my entire trip to Japan. It's a cozy hostel/inn by itself but the hosts Mama and Papa were the most welcoming hosts I've ever had, they chatted with us and made us feel right at home. The rooms themselves were clean and warm, the beds were roomy and comfortable, and all facilities were there and clean too. It's a surprisingly large, pretty place! Also made friends with the travellers who happened to be staying there, it was just 3 strangers we met over a one night stay but after some games and conversation they felt like long time friends. They really go out of their way to make you feel comfortable - plus they sent us off with a gift of hand drawn calligraphy, ask Papa for a calligraphy class while you're here! Whenever I'm back in Japan to finish my homework, I'll definitely be staying here again for longer this time. Thanks again Mama and Papa for the lovely time :))

Stayed in January 2024

I like everything! The room and bathrooms are super clean! The breakfast is light and gives you the energy to start the day, along with a cup of coffee you get in the morning. You can do laundry and rent a bicycle for a small and fair charge. Location is very good, close the Kyoto Station, and a lot of busses are 3 minutes walk from the guesthouse. The owners are so adorable and caring! They will show you everything good that's close to the guesthouse (restaurants, sentos, etc), show and explain everything about the house, and explain everything you need about the city. The lady knows English very well so it's easy to communicate. You can cook at the kitchen if you wish. I personally made breakfast to the other guests and the owner haha. Very recommended! Also a great value for money.

Stayed in April 2024

The hosts are the nicest people i met in Japan. They explain and help with everything. The breakfast is very delicious and the atmosphere they create between the visitors is very comfortable

Stayed in April 2024

Their genuine hospitality and care made our stay so memorable 😊I'm already looking forward to the next opportunity to stay at the guesthouse. 😊

Stayed in April 2024

breakfast: papa’s handmade yoghurt with honey, fresh fruits, warm bread toasts, fresh salads with many choices of sauces, even crispy bacon/ onion toppings! Many local snacks. And Plum wind, Japanese wine at night when get home! It’s the second home in Japan. Not only just travelers accommodation. Hostel owners look after guests as their family members. You would expect the warmest welcome and attentive services. I would love to travel to Kyoto again for just stay at Papa, Mama’s hostel. Thank you for everything. Every moment stay here is peaceful and joyful.

Stayed in April 2024

Friendly staff, great breakfast, comfortable rooms, with a privacy curtain around the bed. It was a really good value and not so far from the station via bus. There was a good community atmosphere.

Stayed in February 2024

Such kind, thoughtful hosts. They made everyone feel so at home and so welcome

Stayed in March 2024

I have been to Japan eight times, and this is the best place I have ever stayed in Japan. It was not far away from JR station, and there were bus stops nearby. Remember to try the izakaya near the guesthouse. As the guesthouse is only run by mama and papa, please let them know your travel plan if possible.

Stayed in March 2024

That I spent only 2 nights 😞

Mama and Papa ❤️ (she speaks perfect English)

Stayed in March 2024

All was great

Wonderful, authentic experience. Mama and Papa are kind, interesting and engaging hosts. Highly recommend!

Stayed in March 2024