Guest House Oumi

The owner and the host who operate “Guest House Oumi” is Tommy san. He is a super warm host who goes the extra mile to make sure guest’s questions, needs are answered and met. He makes a very good egg sandwich for guests to start the day. If you need clothes to be wash and dry, Tommy can provide the service for a small fee (500Yen). He also makes a very good guide book that provide useful info on Kyoto’s attractions and restaurants and cafés around the guest house neighborhood (Nijo/二条) The location of the guest house is quite convenient. It only requires a 3-4min walk to get to Nijo Station. There is a sizeable 100yen shop and a revolving sushi bar restaurant (Kura Sushi) near the guest house and it is a 2 minutes walk.

There is a house rule where lights and loud conservation is not allowed after 9pm because the guest house is situated in a very quiet residential neighborhood. This rule might be an issue for some people, but it was not a problem for me.

Absolutely a 10/10 property. A little far from central areas, but nice and quiet and an easy walk to the JR/Subway station. Very clean, EXCELLENT water pressure in the showers, comfortable beds, and a nice little sitting area for eating or socializing or watching Japanese TV. But (as you’ve read in all the other reviews) Tommy is absolutely the star of the show. One of the most considerate people I’ve ever met, Tommy runs the guesthouse with care and love. He always asks if guests need anything and is quick to help. I truly felt sad to leave and say goodbye!

Property was closed from 12-5, which wasn’t really a problem because there’s so much to do and see in Kyoto. Some guests also might not like that quiet hours start at 9pm, but you can still chat quietly and as an early sleeper this was great for me.

My comments could be a bit confusing, but I will try to leave a constructive review. First, I must say that the pictures here are absolutely accurate, however, in my opinion - they misrepresent this small guest house as a posh and stylish ryokan. Because of that, my expectations were completely different than I've got. Was the experience bad? Absolutely not. It was completely different. I even dare to say it was quite fun, especially with the uncommon sandwich breakfast and a whole box of home icecream, all managed by a very friendly english speaking host Tommy. The location is very good too - Nijo Station (JR line), restaurant mall, big 100 yen store, 2 big supermarkets just several minutes walk away. All in all, I liked the place and I do understand why it's so highly rated - everything worked and I can not express any complaints. However with my personal preferences, I was looking for a bit different type of a property.

Steep stairs are a bit of a challenge, especially walking with heated food or a cup of tea. I would not recommend this property for the elderly.

clean, enough space for a checked luggage and locker for personal effects, water and coffe for free, breakfast is OK, showers works fine

you have to consider that the house should be cleared between 12 pm and 5 pm, but your luggage will remain there, but if you need anything by that time, or if you arrive by that time you'll have to wait until 5 pm to check in or to get any item that you need, also, consider that if you come from western countires like in my case, is possible that you have to pay you staying in the plance and the only accept cash or paypay, I had to use cash

Host very friendly and helpful, above and beyond the entire stay, helped us with booking things/suggestions of visits and dinner places or anything we asked for! Free tea and coffees and kitchen use Bathroom was clean and nice showers Enjoyed our Japonese style cosy room

Bit difficult upstairs to downstairs for use of the bathrooms so just be aware of that if you struggle with stairs for the private rooms , owner kindly helped us with bags ect. Breakfast was very tasty and made fresh, portions for us big eaters quiet small Be aware as per description you need to be out of the house between 12.00 and 5.00 pm whilst they do cleaning, unsure if this is usual of guesthouses in Japan but we found this difficult for planning.

Tommy is very respectful and treats you here like an actual guest. The breakfast sandwich is super great, I might even copy that recipe and eat it at home. The guest house is well equipped and all guest needs can be covered: e.g. I got lots of newspapers when all my stuff was wet after a heavy rain and till the next day, all my clothes and bags were dry.

The solo-traveller beds can be quite narrow. The location is good for families or historical sights visitors. However, next time, I would aim for a hotel close to the nightlife area of Kyoto.

we had an amazing stay! Tommy is the sweetest host who is incredibly helpful. The guesthouse had everything we needed and was very clean and comfortable. We loved the kitchen which we use to prepare dinner some nights. Tommy also did washing for us for only 500 yen which was great! and not to mentioned the toasted sandwich for breakfast! would love to stay again 💓

the doors are locked 12:00-17:00 which was mostly okay except for the day it was raining heavy and we were a bit stranded in the rain

We had a great stay at Oumi. Tommy, the owner and the soul of the place, is super friendly and welcoming. He likes sharing good tips and goes the extra miles for his guests. He prepares a simple and good breakfast every morning. The guesthouse is small but has all the amenities. It is very neat. It is conveniently located in a quiet street near Nijo station. We highly recommend it! As we arrived in Kyoto before the check in time, we stored our luggage in a coin locker inside the Bivi Center, just outside Nijo station. There are also lockers in the station or in the underground station.

The guest house is spotlessly clean. The bathroom is of reasonable size and it has everything - shampoo, etc. One of the bathroom even has a bathtub. The host is friendly, cheerful, sincere and helpful. He seems to be around most of the time and when he is away, he put a phone at the reception for us to contact him. Breakfast is freshly prepared sandwich and coffee / tea after we woke up - what a personalised service! We used the laundry service provided by the host, at nearly half the price if we do coin laundry. The check-in time is rather unusual - 5pm. We have a pleasant 3-nights stay.

The bedsheet is of towel material. I would prefer the usual cotton sheet. However, I have no problem getting to sleep on it.

Tommy is a lovely and amazing host, makes you feel more than welcome! Thank you for all the tips 😊 Very clean, many facilities, convenient location (good JR and metro connections). The sandwich Tommy makes every morning is the best sandwich you will ever have! We will definitely stay here again.

For all the guests, please respect the silence hours 😊 the walls are very thin (old house) and you can hear everything.