Shimojo An Cottage
An artist’s modern wabisabi hideaway in Kyoto, Japan
Shimojo An Cottage is located on the hill at the entrance of a spiritual mountain in the heart of Kyoto’s innovative and artistic Sakyo neighborhood. Nestled away from the street, the front entrance to the cottage is reached by walking uphill 60m up from a quiet residential neighborhood below. The cottage is in a historical pocket that serves as a beautiful example of an “old village” way of life in Kyoto. The path up the hill also leads to the sacred pilgrimage path used by mountain monks for centuries.
A short walk up the foothills from the Shirakawa shopping street lies the hidden cottage.
Bamboo and camellia line the path in.
The main tatami room looks over the city below.
Doors slide open to the veranda for afternoon autumn sun.
Raised southern exposure gives plenty of light and privacy.
Sliding doors surround the engawa.
A rare-in-Japan washer/dryer combo.
The chef's kitchen features two burners and an under-the-counter Hoshizaki.
The bathroom has a clawfoot tub with its own private and shaded view.
A heated Toto washlet for comfort.
The cozy bedroom offers a western-facing view of Arashiyama sunsets and Japanese maple foliage.
While Kyoto is mostly a valley, Shimojo An Cottage is perfectly nestled in the foothills at the eastern edge of the city. So while you can still enjoy the convenience of a 5-minute walk to downtown transit and 24-hour grocery stores, this mountain setting provided access to nature otherwise hard to come by in an urban environment.
Elevated just enough to get amazing Kyoto sunsets.
Cherry blossoms decorate the foothills in the spring.
The neighbors share their Amanatsu citrus harvest every winter.
Late sunrises mean chances to catch morning dew.
Breezes sway the momiji trees for calm shade.
Persimmons from the neighbors tree hang for for winter snacking.
Morning snow dusts the trees, but usually melts by noon.
The forest next door is perfect for bamboo root foraging.
Mornings bring the sounds of happy kindergarteners.
Steps behind the cottage lead you to mountain hiking trails.
June offers rare chances to glimpse visitors from up the hill.
Winter brings moonrise views over the western hills.
Interested in booking a stay at Shimojo An Cottage? Please drop us a line to let us know a little bit about you and your plans, and we'll get right back to you.