Absolutely incredible guesthouse owners, called Mama and Papa, who made the stay so special! The house had an authentic feel, with great facilities and a lovely breakfast in the morning.

Stayed in November 2024

The rooms and the whole house are quite small, which can feel a bit cramped at times, though this is common in traditional Japanese homes. While it adds to the authenticity of the experience, it may not be ideal for those who prefer more spacious accommodations.

Mama and Papa are truly exceptional hosts who made us feel like part of their family from the moment we arrived. Mama prepared a delicious breakfast each morning, filling our days with warmth and wonderful flavors. They even surprised us with thoughtful gifts, making our stay feel extra special. This experience will stay in our hearts for a long time. Highly recommended!

Stayed in October 2024

Nothing.

Kindly MAMAPAPA Warm house with Japanese style design Friendly roommate Quite house

Stayed in November 2024

Very friendly Mama and Papa. We felt like at home.

Stayed in October 2024

The owners are super nice and welcoming, they do everything to make you at ease,it feels like home away from home. Thanks to Mama and Papa, we can share precious moments with local people and learn a lot, Mama's English is perfect so we can discuss and share a lot. "Guesthouse" has a real meaning there. And the house looks like a real Japanese house. It is very clean. And the breakfast is very good and we also get a nice welcoming present! There is a convenient bus stop 4 minutes away from the house, same for the supermarket. Thank you so much Mama and Papa!!

Stayed in October 2024

Everything was perfect. Friendly people, relaxed atmosphere. I'm getting unforgettable memories for a lifetime! Next time come to Kyoto again, I will not hesitate to choose this place! Thanks, Mama and Papa!

Stayed in October 2024

Nothing. It was perfect. I was really sad when I went to my next hostel and it wasn’t the same.

Mama and Papa were great. They really made it feel homey and safe and they created a really welcoming environment. I ended up making friends with all the people staying there because Mama and Papa invited everyone to drink some homemade chai Papa made.

Stayed in October 2024

Nothing I can think of.

The hosts, mama and papa were exceptional in creating a warm and friendly environment, a home away from home.

Stayed in October 2024

nothing.

Everything is so wonderful!!

Stayed in October 2024

Mama and papa are the best! Breakfast was amazing as well.

Stayed in October 2024

Guest Compass was the first accommodation we had in our Japan trip, also the most memorable. The guesthouse was managed by a Japanese couple, Mama and Papa, in a very old original wood structured Japanese house. Rooms were separated by sliding doors, therefore sound proofing wasn’t the best. Showers and toilets were shared between rooms. However, Mama and Papa took good care of us, with Papa even making handmade souvenir cards for us. Everyday when we got back to the house, we always felt so warm and comfy. Most of the time there were activities in the living room. Sometimes it was Papa who was leading a traditional calligraphy practice, or Mama would prepare yummy Japanese tea and introduce us to each other (Mama speaks perfect English). And sometimes the guests were just relaxing and chatting together. My kid tried calligraphy, while I chatted with a Japanese gentleman who came for a reunion party and a young Chinese girl who was taking a weekend trip, both from Tokyo. The room we stayed in for 3 nights was also very lovely. It was at the back of the house, very spacious, with huge glass sliding doors / windows, and a very pretty Japanese garden at each side of the room. I almost felt like we could’ve just stayed in this room a whole day to appreciate the gardens. The breakfasts in the morning were delicious and healthy. There was yogurt, salad, boiled egg, fruits and toast. One of the days when we stayed there, was my kid’s birthday. Mama bought us a birthday cake and threw a party with all the guests. It was so kind of her and we all had lots of fun. I feel like Mama and Papa were taking care of us like their own kids, and they were definitely enjoying making this a part of their life. Overall, we had a fabulous experience of authentic Japanese living. Definitely going back next time! :)

Stayed in August 2024

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Everything! The traditional building is a delightful place to be in, surrounded by Mama & Papa who are extraordinary people; you can really feel like home (especially if you are a solo traveller like I was).

Stayed in September 2024

They are so popular, you have to hurry and book it months in advance and you definitely should cuz it’s so worth it

Mama and papa are the nicest couple I’ve ever met. They make you feel welcomed and comfortable. Every morning they make sure to give you the best breakfast. I will always recommend their guesthouse and hopefully I will be able to visit them again in the future. Papa even gave us a ride to the train station because we had lots of suitcases and it was really hot outside. I love them so much!

Stayed in September 2024

Everything was perfect!

Mama and Papa were incredible and the stay with them was a highlight of our trip! The guesthouse is in a lovely residential location and is easily accessible from the city, either via train or bus. We had the private room, with lovely views onto the gardens and the toilets and showers were all easily accessible.

Stayed in September 2024

The hosts are some of the greatest people I've ever met. You feel like you're in a family.

Stayed in September 2024

I felt very comfortable. I would come back. 100% recommendable

Stayed in August 2024

We should stay here for more days.

Our family like the unique experience of staying in a traditional japanese wooden house with some hidden ninja-like sliding doors. Although the house looked old, the amenities inside the house are modern. The toilet is advanced Japanese toilet and our bedroom is equipped with new airco, adjustable led light and air purifier. The bed is comfortable and spotlessly clean. Each bed is also equipped with own curtain for privacy. Our host, Mama and Papa treat us like family during our whole stay. We really enjoyed sharing our travel journey and life stories with each other. All in all, we really felt at home at Compass guesthouse.

Stayed in August 2024

Nothing. Loved it absolutely.

Mama and papa are the best. So welcoming. So curious to know their guests and share the stories. They have a big heart. Lot of snacks to munch on. Breakfast was amazing, the standard toast, eggs, fruits and coffee which is usually there at the hostels which offer breakfast included but what makes it exceptional here is the presentation first with really cute dishes, cups and cutlery from her daughter’s pottery studio and second, the love with which mama serves it. Great common/living area too to socialize with people. I had booked it last minute and I am sad that I booked only for a night thinking I will extend after arrival, little did I know that this place gets sold out so quickly. It was my bad luck. Will totally look forward to visiting them for their warmth.

Stayed in July 2024

The best of my staying was the host, the Japanese old couple who put much efforts in making everyone welcome and comfortable. They take care of the guests with enthusiasm and hospitality. Mamma has an amazing personality that are fluent in English, open minded, passionate and caring. Pappa does not speak much because the limited language but he is helping out all the time with his kindness. He is a very gentle and humble man. A great representative of Japanese man. What I also loved about this place was the atmosphere of the guesthouse, everyone usually gather in the living room in the evenings and have a chat with each other. Very easy going and casual, it just feels like home. Thought the location was not in the central of Kyoto but the neighbourhood is surrounded by very local atmosphere. It’s quite and safe area. I walked alone in the late night without any concern of my safety as a girl. The shops or restaurants I went that are recommended by the guesthouse, all of them were super nice, although they don’t speak English but they tired to make you comfortable and satisfied. If you looking for some local experiences this is the place to stay! Last but not the least, the two cats! They perhaps not that socialised but they are super gentle and kind! I will for sure come back! Thank you again mamma and pappa!

Stayed in July 2024

Nothing!!!

Everything is Perfect!!!

Stayed in July 2024

The guesthouse is a japaneese-style house, so you might hear some noise from other rooms sometimes.

The hosts, mama and papa, were great, and created a a homely atmosphere. Getting to know them and other guests was the highlight of staying at the guesthouse. We got a lot of recommendations from mama, which improved our stay in Kyoto.

Stayed in June 2024

We left 10 days ago and we have been missing Kyoto Compass and Mama & Papa ever since. My family and I visited for the 2. time in May 2024(first time Nov. 2022) and we love everything about Kyoto Compass. Would go back in a heartbeat if we could. We stayed in the beautiful Japanese room and enjoyed sleeping on the very comfortable futons. There are lovely gardens on both sides of the room. I could go on and on about how great Kyoto Compass is, but shortly spoken: If you want a magical guesthouse experience and if you are so lucky it’s available on your dates: Don’t hesitate, just go ahead and book it, you wont regret. Thank you Mama and Papa for having us. Thank you for the wonderful conversations, your perfect advice on where to eat, where to go and how to get there. Thank you for speaking Japanese with our 9-year-old son and helping him with his homework. Thank you for all the love, care and effort you put into Kyoto Compass, making it such a unique, warm and beautiful place to stay. Hope to see you again soon.

Stayed in May 2024

Authentic Kyoto home. Very friendly staff. I felt very much at home.

Stayed in May 2024

Can get a little noisy in the mornings which is not so great if you are a late sleeper, but the warmth and kindness I experienced here made it worth it!

Mama and Papa who run this guesthouse are so warm and kind. Mama made a wonderful breakfast for guests every morning and helped introduce guests to each other so you never feel lonely. Very clean and cozy guesthouse.

Stayed in May 2024