Travel

Terrazza House, Kyoto. That Time We Stayed in a Japanese House

Many people would argue Kyoto is THE city to visit in Japan. Its shrines and temples are equal to none, and this city is the best incursion in the traditional Japanese culture. Well, I would go even further and say that if you want to really experience Japan, you need to stay in a Japanese house.

I'm talking from personal experience here. One of the memories I'm most fond of from my time in Japan is having spent a couple of nights at Terrazza House, a huge apartment with superb views over Kyoto.

Terrazza House is just one of properties made available to the travelers by Japan Experience. Besides Kyoto, they also offer accommodation in Tokyo. But what they really stand out for is the friendliness they treat their guests with and the beautiful apartments that let you truly sink your teeth in the modern Japanese lifestyle.

When we booked Terrazza House, the good people at Japan Experience sent us a map and comprehensive instructions as of how to get to their property. This was extremely helpful as we were first time travelers to Kyoto.

Upon our arrival, Daniel, their travel angel, welcomed us at he house. It was actually nice to see a European face after two weeks wandering through Japan. It didn't take us much to realize Daniel was actually leaving up to his job description. He really was an angel. He showed us the house, explained us how everything worked, gave us pointers towards the best temples and shrines to visit in Kyoto... all in all he must have spent almost two hours with us, patiently explaining and answering all our questions. Before leaving, he also gave us his number in case we needed anything else.

Well, let's talk about he house now...

The first thing you need to know about it is that... it's HUGE!! Forget the image of the cramped Tokyo apartments. This is Kyoto, baby!

Terrazza House is 150sqm of awesomeness. Plus is has an extra 50sqm of terrace with amazing views over Kyoto and the Philosopher's Path.

As we entered a Japanese house in Japan, we were asked to take off our shoes at the entrance. Then we steped inside this incredibly spacious living room.

Right in the middle of it all, there was a beautiful white piano!

I had never played the piano until then. But this was way too tempting not to try. My husband even taped me playing, but that video shall remain hidden from all eyes and ears. He says I wasn't that bad. All I know is that I enjoyed it tremendously. I've been dreaming of playing the piano my whole life, but for some reason I never did it. All in all, it was sooo much fun! We laughed a lot and we built some great memories.

Terrazza House had the 'wow' effect over us the first time we step in. And the next time and the next. Our favorite part of the house was however the Japanese room. This truly is a masterpiece. Though there was a table with chairs in the living room, we by far preferred to eat at the low Japanese table and sit on cushions and tatamis. It was one of the most rewarding experiences we had while staying here.

The Japanese room

The polished wooden floors were yet another great feature of the house. Beyond the aesthetics, the floor was heated. During our second day at Terrazza House it poured down rain almost the whole time and we were confined to stay inside. Which turned out pretty well, because we were actually happy to do so, plus we really needed some rest. It didn't hit me till later. But sometimes it's better to be careful what you wish for because you might end up getting it.

When we arrived at the house the first day, I remember telling Daniel the house was so beautiful I felt like rather staying inside than exploring Kyoto. Well, that day we really manged to explore the surrounding area, but the next day, my wish came true. I just can't imagine a better place to have spent a rainy day. We ended up experiencing the house in all its beauty and comfort and this was great. I don't think I was ever more grateful for a rainy day when traveling.

Another thing I loved about Terrazza House was that it had so much natural light. I always appreciate a well lit room, but this time all that floor to ceiling glass really kept a pleasant mood inside even when the sky was covered with clouds.

From the terrace, we really got this feeling that we were on top of the world. Nested amongst trees, Terrazza House is really quiet and zen. It's contemporary architecture is also unique and pleasant. And yes, the Japanese influence could be felt again and again. Though it's hard to imagine, Terrazza House it's actually an apartment atop another apartment. The entrances are separate and private, but what called our attention is that we couldn't hear our neighbors at all. People are very private and respectful in Japan and experiencing this peaceful cohabitation was a nice cultural lesson.

One more thing about this house is that it is situated just minutes away from the famous temple Ginkaku-ji, with its Silver Pavilion. Terrazza and the temple are actually on the same street. Ginkaku-ji and its perfectly manicured gardens is one of the most impressive sights in Kyoto. But, truth is, the street where Terrazza House is situated is flanked with one gorgeous looking temple after another. Just across the street, the Honen-in Temple stole our hearts. In spite of not being a very popular tourist attraction, it is extremely charming and zen. Also, Japan Experience organizes a number of activities, like private tours around Kyoto.

Another perk for choosing a house over a hotel room, is the fully equipped kitchen. There was a Tesco just down the street and a bakery not far away. The apartment had a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave, rice cooker, toaster, all the plates, tableware, pots, pans and everything you might need. So, one plus one, we could prepare some of our favorite dishes that we had been missing since we left home, plus try some new local ones.

The house also has a washing-machine which again came in very handy and a tumble dryer. But what impressed us even more was that all the essentials were also provided. There was salt, sugar, tea, olive oil, soy sauce, etc. in the cupboards. You know, all the stuff you desperately need in a kitchen but don't use much of, so buying them would be expensive and you would leave most of them behind anyways. So it's decided. This house it's a real saver!

Terrazza has two European bedrooms and the possibility of transforming the Japanese room into a Japanese bedroom as futons are provided. After sleeping on futons in Tokyo, we were just happy to use the bed, but if you've never slept on a futon before, believe me, it's an experience you want to have!

Throughout the house there are a number of travel guides, mostly on Japan but not only. They really served as inspiration, plus it was nice that anywhere we went in the house there was something to explore and discover. We also had free Wi-fi at our disposal throughout the house, so we were really set from this point of view. One little detail that the house lacked though, is a TV set, but to be honest, it was my husband who noticed this by the end of the second day here. I was so absorbed and enthusiastic about the house that I wouldn't have ever noticed it by myself.

Towels, fresh linen, a hair-dryer, liquid soap, shampoo and bath gel were all provided.

The house also has two bathrooms, one Japanese and one European. The latest, nothing out of the ordinary, just very clean. But the Japanese one... well, let's just say that I still miss that toilet. Actually, it's one of the main things I miss from Japan. Of course, the toilet had many buttons, like any respectable Japanese toilet, but what I really loved (using the buttons was pretty tricky, believe me!) was the warmed toilet seat. If only they sold those in Europe too. They would make a fortune!!

The Japanese bathroom

The European bathroom

As their name says, staying with Japan Experience was a very beautiful experience. Terrazza House is a truly unique place to stay in. And we were treated like family. Actually, there were so many advantages of staying here, that it's impossible to count them all.

Just before we left, we met Saki, another travel agent. She came in to check if we needed any help getting to our next destination and to pick up the keys. Well, Saki is Japanese and proud of it. Oh, and she speaks perfect English. I really mean it. If you heard her talking without seeing her face you wouldn't say she's a local.

Our time in Japan was courtesy of Japan Rail Pass

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