If you are looking for clean and budget accomodation in Kyoto. You can't beat the Tour Club or the sister guesthouse Budget Inn run by the same owners.

We stayed in a triple room for 4 nights. Although the room was a bit small. It was good enough for a decent sleep. Shower and toilet is tiny but it served us alright. We didn't have any problems at all with the size. Plus we didn't spend that much time in the room at all. Mostly we are out sight seeing and eating.

The tourist sites information provided by the guesthouse was very valuable. We didn't have to waste time digging through guide books etc. They even provided a 4 days sight seeing plans and also things to do on a rainy day in Kyoto. What a nice thought!

Shampoo and Soap was provided and also you can do your laundry at the guesthouse. 200 yen for washing machine and 300 yen for drying. They also provide washing powder for free.

The guesthouse is in a quiet area close to Kyoto station (15-20 mins walk). There are restaurants, bakery, convenience stores not far from the guest house or you can choose to go to Kyoto station area where there are lots of restaurants, shops etc.

There is a common japanese style lounge room, kitchen area downstairs for guests to use and also free guidebooks to read as well.

The only negative we have with the guesthouse is the sound proofing between rooms.

My family of 5 adults stayed in a family room (tatami mat). It was very clean and quiet. It had a private shower, TV and A/C. The (western) toilet was shared with the next room. The door could be securely locked so we had no qualms about leaving valuables in the room. Having the entire room for us meant that we had a front door key and there were no restrictions on access after hours. If I was to go back to Kyoto, this would be the first place I would try to book. BTW, they only accept cash/Travellers Cheques.

Very friendly welcome and staff. Clean rooms and shared area. Nice atmosphere. Small room, as advertised. Good location, about 10 minutes walk from the station, especially useful if you have a Japanese Rail Card.

We stayed at the Tour Club for three nights on our trip to Kyoto. Our claustrophobia-inducing room fit one double-bed, one shelf unit, and nothing else. Guests have to be out of the hostel for several hours in the day which irked us when we couldn’t check in upon arrival. For a hostel, The Tour Club was especially quiet in the common areas and hallways. The manager spoke excellent English and was able to help us with our itinerary. There is a bakery nearby but for lunch/dinner restaurants the Kyoto Station is your best bet.

Note: bring your own towel or pay 75 cents to “rent.”