-

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

The beautiful couple that run the guesthouse are simply amazing. They made my stay so lovely. They go above and beyond to make you feel special. The guesthouse is very nice and comfortable and I will definitely go back again next time I’m in Kyoto!

Stayed in April 2024

There was nothing that I didn't like

Staying at this hostel was an incredible experience that I will never forget and one of my favorite things about my visit to Japan. The location was great, quiet and peaceful. The two hosts were the kindest, most welcoming people I met in Japan. They were so helpful and gave many recommendations on what to do in Kyoto. Breakfast was delicious and included! The shared room was comfortable, quiet and clean. It could not have been a better experience. I could go on and on about how lovely this place was. I only wish that I could have stayed longer!

Stayed in April 2024

Everything was likeable there, the energy, the food, the room, the welcome, the goodbyes

Stayed in May 2024

Super great hosts! Nicest and most lovely person I’ve met in Japan. The house is super clean, nice and warm atmosphere and the other guest were also very nice. The talkings at the breakfast table were one of the highlights.

Stayed in May 2024

Can't think of anything we would have changed.

The breakfasts had a large variety of items and were very satisfying with attention to our likes/dislikes. The location was a short trip to central Kyoto and the neighbourhood was lovely to walk around with a great coffee shop nearby. We were so well looked after in a homely environment it has been a highlight of our holiday that we will never forget. The beds were very comfortable, and we ate at 3 local restaurants that Mamma recommended which were all fantastic. The guesthouse is close to a supermarket and public transport. The neighbourhood is quiet and safe. Washing was available for a small charge. Thank you Mamma and Pappa!

Stayed in May 2024

Very friendly couple and cute cats! You get the feeling you are at home with your family, always cheery and smiling people all around! They had Nutella at the breakfast so this was an instant 10/10 would recommend

Stayed in May 2024

Comfortable and big beds. Great atmosphere and friendly hosts. This is the best place I have stayed in Japan!

Stayed in April 2024

The location and quality of the washrooms could be a bit better, but given that this is an old Kyoto house, it is understandable.

The incredible Booking.com ratings are accurate, this is perhaps the best hostel I’ve stayed at. This sort of experience makes you addicted to traveling. It’s like staying with a host family with a few other travellers. They are very helpful and a communal breakfast with everyone is very nice. I wish I could’ve stayed longer.

Stayed in April 2024

Thanks for the fantastic time! The hosts (Mama and Papa) make this place special. We felt like home even though we were on the other side of the world. In terms of bed, bathrooms and kitchen you will find out clean and ready for use. WiFi is available, as well as an assortment of hot beverages and some snacks. In addition we liked the two cats a lot.

Stayed in April 2024

Guests should be aware that the location is a residential neighborhhood not near any sights (not a 'dislike', just be aware).

Mama San is a wonderful host. Also, loved the room!

Stayed in April 2024

A very well maintained traditional japanese house. The room was spacious and really comfortable. Mama and Papa were incredible hosts, always taking care of us and helping when needed.

Stayed in April 2024