| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 11 positive, 0 negative]
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| 10/15/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
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.
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The K. Family
Yokohama, Japan
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| 09/29/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
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.
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S. and A.
Boston, U.S.A.
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| 09/22/09 |
Positive
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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! (K.J.)
K.'s TIP ~ Enjoy a bowl of ramen at Karako at Nijo-
dori and Higashioji-dori
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. (F.A.)
F.'s TIP ~ RELAX! ~ After visiting Kinkaku-ji, take
advantage of a local hot spring named Huneoka
Onsen. It will take days of travel pains away! FOOD!
~ The Nishiki Food Market on 4th Ave. by the river
has tons to choose from! Just no bike riding or
parking!
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 are very appreciative! 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!
(J.C.)
J.'s TIP ~ If you get a chance, take a trip to
Hiroshima - only two hours by Shinkansen.
Miyajima Island is also a beautiful sight.
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K.J., F.A. & J.C., Columbus, Ohio, USA |
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Homeowner Response:
If we were a little younger, we might try the day trip to Hiroshima! You put the bicycles to good use and saw more than most during your stay here - well done! Also, thank you for keeping the house clean.
Hiroko and David.
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|
| 09/22/09 |
Positive
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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 nesting
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. |
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S. & I., Honolulu |
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Homeowner Response:
You two certainly did some walking! The weather was just about perfect during your stay and you took full advantage of it. Thank you for leaving the house so clean!
Hiroko and David.
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|
| 09/21/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
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.
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L. and L.
Sydney, Australia
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| 09/14/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
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 ).
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J., W. and H.
United Kingdom
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|
| 09/11/09 |
Positive
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We stayed for 5 days in Apple House. The house
was well appointed- Everything that was needed
was provided. The neighbourhood was charming-
plenty of local eateries and a good supermarket all
within easy walking distance. We travelled with our
2 daughter aged 5 and 7. It is a perfect house for a
family. We would definitely recommend Manchuin
temple ( a delightful walk to get there through rice
fields and market gardens) and Kurama. We had a
great time here and would recommend it to families
and couples.Thankyou especially to Hiroko who was
so hospitable. |
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Alison Booth, Australia
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Homeowner Response:
Alison - Thank you for your kind comments. You certainly had some warm, dry weather during your stay - we hope you and your family have plenty of happy memories of Kyoto to take back to Australia. Thank you for leaving the house in good shape.
Hiroko and David.
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|
| 07/22/09 |
Positive
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| We had a wonderful time at Apple House. It is perfect for a couple, or a family with young or older children (the stairs to the bedrooms are very steep for toddlers, but they are standard stairs for Japan), otherwise I'd say it was very toddler friendly. Spotlessly clean and quiet, and we loved the sound of the little creek running in front of the house. It is a home where you can experience a true Japanese lifestyle nestled near the foothills of Mt. Hiei. A five minute walk leads you to a unique and beautiful orchid shop. Just past that is one of a half dozen temples you can explore within walking distance, each one amazing. Grocery stores are nearby and so is the 100 yen store (a fun place for the kids!). The bus stop is a five minute walk away and very easy to figure out. It stops at so many sights (with an announcement of major sites in English) we ran out of time before we could see them all. Hiroko and David are exceptional hosts. I have rented a dozen homes around the world through VRBO and I have to say they go well above and beyond expectation. We will absolutely return to Kyoto and Apple House in the near future. Arigatou! |
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The Siegfried Family, Owasso, Oklahoma |
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Homeowner Response:
Christina and family, thank you for your helpful comments and also for leaving Apple House so clean. Sasaki-san was so sad to see you leave and she often mentions you to us. Please come again to drink tea with her!
Hiroko and David.
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|
| 06/30/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
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!
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C.M.
Australia
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|
| 06/23/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
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!
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The K. Family
Singapore
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| 06/23/09 |
Positive
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| We were lucky enough to be able to stay in Apple House for a few days (much too short a time) in early May. We can't recommend it highly enough. Hiroko and David were incredibly patient with us as we tried to make a last minute booking while we were already traveling, and provided a wonderful welcome when we arrived in Kyoto. The house is lovely, situated up a quiet narrow lane in the NE part of town. We worried before we arrived that we'd feel a bit too far from everything, but not at all. It's a short walk to the bus and the train, and with bikes (2 provided with the house) you can get anywhere in less than 20 minutes. Our only misgiving is that we've told everyone how great Apple House is, and we worry that it will be all booked up the next time we visit Kyoto. |
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Kerry |
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Homeowner Response:
Kerry - Many thanks for staying with us last month. After your incredible trip around the world we hope that your final destination, particularly Apple House, proves to be a wonderful memory for you all. Thank you for leaving the house so clean.
Hiroko and David.
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|
| 05/15/09 |
Positive
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| Apple House was delightful in every sense of the word - clean, cozy, handy, and charming. We will never forget this adorable, authentic Japanese home. David and Hiroko were wonderful hosts and made our stay very comfortable, having outfitted the house with maps, directions, instructions and other details that made our stay in Kyoto totally positive. Also, the arrangements were handled promptly and efficiently, business-like but with a personal touch. If I'm ever back in Kyoto, I will definately stay at Apple House. Thank you, David and Hiroko. |
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Connie Hunter, Athens, Ohio USA |
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Homeowner Response:
Connie, Michael and Stephanie - you are very welcome! Also, thank you for leaving Apple House in a clean state. Please return to Kyoto for a longer vacation to explore the area's secrets!
Hiroko and David.
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| 05/05/09 |
Positive
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My wife and I (in our 50s) and our adult son recently spent a wonderful weekend in Kyoto at Apple House. It is in the NW area of Kyoto. It is an authentic Japanese style accommodation with two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a japanese bath, laundry facilities etc. It comes with two bikes and it is easy (and inexpensive: 300yen/day!) to rent another near by.
We ate at the well equipped kitchen at Apple House one night and took the subway into Gion for the second night's meal.
The accommodation is clean and well kept and everything works. Maps are included. The rates are very reasonable. The house is in a quiet neighbourhood on a narrow lane fronted by a small stream. David and Hiroko are friendly and helpful: they picked us up at the subway, gave us a brief tour of the nearby resources (restaurants, bike rental, groceries, etc.) & taught us the short-cut to the house. They gave us a lift back to the subway at checkout. They live a few blocks away.
Despite the fact that it is out of the centre of town it has easy access to downtown by bike, bus, cab or subway; and many of the attractions of Kyoto are located out of the downtown anyway. Nevertheless, I would particularly recommend it for more active or experienced travelers. I think it would be an excellent spot for a longer stay of a week or or so; but a weekend works.
Biking around Kyoto is a great way to see the main attractions and there is a bike path along the river that plunges you right into the 'real life' of the city. For those not familiar with Japan, it is customary to ride on the sidewalks so traffic isn't a huge concern.
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Mike & Jessica, Trail, B.C. Canada |
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Homeowner Response:
Dear Mike, Jessica and Trevor,
You ( Mike and Jessica ) were on a pretty hectic trip which only allowed you to stay in Kyoto for a couple of nights.
Please come again and make Apple House a base for seeing Kyoto's "secrets"!
Hiroko and David.
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|
| 04/21/09 |
Positive
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We enjoyed our stay at the Apple House very, very much.
I stayed there with my wife and our adult daughter for almost a week during the cherry blossom season. I believe what we were able to experience at the Apple House was an extremely unique opportunity to live among and like the locals. When I told my brother, who keeps and apartment in Tokyo, about my stay at the Apple House he was shocked that I was able to find such a fantastic place to stay in Kyoto. |
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Masanori Matsuzaka, Cincinnati, Ohio U.S.A.
513-793-4377 |
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Homeowner Response:
Masanori - thank you for your comments. You three certainly had fantastic weather during your stay. Thank you for leaving the house so clean. We hope to see you all again some day!
Hiroko and David.
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| 04/20/09 |
Positive
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| We found the Apple House to be a convenient springboard for discovering Kyoto. It’s proximity to the bus lines and train station allowed us to easily access Gion, Ginkaku-ji and the other highlights of Kyoto. The experience of an authentic Japanese house embedded within a typical neighborhood was a refreshing change from the sterile, upscale hotels in Tokyo. We were impressed by the thoughtfulness and consideration of the owners, a British expat and his Japanese wife. Greatly enjoyed his cross-cultural insights into what makes Japan and the Japanese so unique and interesting. |
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Christina, California |
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Homeowner Response:
Christina - thank you for your comments! It was a pleasure meeting you all last week. Also, thank you for leaving the house in such good shape.
Hiroko and David.
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| 04/15/09 |
Positive
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Two friends I made a ( truly )last minute reservation at Apple House on April 1 for three nights. We LOVED the house and the surrounding area. Extremely clean, comfortable and incredibly quiet at night.
Kyoto is much smaller than Tokyo, so Gion and the city center are easy to get to by bus. We actually spent every evening downtown ( there is no real nightlife near Apple House ) and took a cab back to sleep. David - thank you for picking us up on such short notice. We will certainly tell our friends in Tokyo about this "oasis" called Apple House! |
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Mark Regan, Tokyo, Japan
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Homeowner Response:
Mark - it really was last minute, wasn't it! You three certainly enjoyed yourselves. Many thanks for leaving the house so clean. David and Hiroko.
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| 03/30/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
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.
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D.T. and J.T.T.
Vancouver, Canada
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| 02/13/09 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
Apple House Kyoto will be up and running from March 1st 2009! Please enjoy
your time in a special area of a wonderful city. We look forward to welcoming
you to our Japanese "home from home". Hiroko and David James.
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Owners
Shugakuin, Kyoto
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