Kaikoan  

In Kyoto, a short walk (about 15 minutes) from Heian Shrine and Kawaramachi. Kaikoan sits steps from Gion, Pontocho Alley and the Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art, making it a guesthouse that puts you in the heart of historic Higashiyama/Sakyo-area sights.

A small guesthouse with six individually decorated rooms, each featuring a kitchenette (refrigerator and microwave), flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a private bathroom. Expect home-comfort touches, discreet service, garden views and on-site conveniences like a spa center, laundry and luggage storage.

Take in the garden views between temple strolls, unwind at the spa center, or use room service for a low-key night in. Laundry and luggage storage keep travel simple — wake up to short walks toward shrines and riverside dining.

Room service is available for in-room meals. For local flavor, you’re steps from Pontocho and Gion’s traditional Kyoto eateries and izakayas.