90%Guest House Bola-Bola

Bola-bola guesthouse is a warm and traditional place to stay. Definitely recommended. Owners are really hopeful. Room was big and clean considering the low price. It's close to JR station and also close to Arashiyama area which is good but takes some time to go to the central area. However, the... more Bola-bola guesthouse is a warm and traditional place to stay. Definitely recommended. Owners are really hopeful. Room was big and clean considering the low price. It's close to JR station and also close to Arashiyama area which is good but takes some time to go to the central area. However, the tram station and bus stop are just a minute walk away. Bathrooms are pretty small so we planned to go to the "onsen" place nearby at night but unfortunately it was closed every third Monday in a month.close

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by mapmapmao9172 – posted on Dec 18, 2008

1

we just loved this place, a home away from home. we slept like babies and felt so relaxed here afer backpacking around japans big citys. hire bikes and go and explore we did and it was the best day ever! the free sweets and jellys were really yummy and the family who run the guest house were so... more we just loved this place, a home away from home. we slept like babies and felt so relaxed here afer backpacking around japans big citys. hire bikes and go and explore we did and it was the best day ever! the free sweets and jellys were really yummy and the family who run the guest house were so helpful and warm. we were really sad to leave, dont take our word for it, go see for yourself!!close

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by bazesq6900 – posted on Dec 7, 2008

3

The hostel is Japanese style and I had a deep look to understand its culture. Also, the host family is really nice and helpful. Because of the peak season to booking accommodation (the hostel was full too, but unluckily we needed one more night to stay in Kyoto), the family helped us to find... more The hostel is Japanese style and I had a deep look to understand its culture. Also, the host family is really nice and helpful. Because of the peak season to booking accommodation (the hostel was full too, but unluckily we needed one more night to stay in Kyoto), the family helped us to find accommodation in Kyoto where matched our budget. Thanks a lot for their help.close

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by little-mingo802 – posted on Nov 26, 2008

1

This place is a gem! The house has traditional Japanese interior, the host family are very helpful and friendly, the facilities are good and so is the price. Like a little home away from home. Make sure you have printed out a good map, or ask for directions, as it is a little difficult to find... more This place is a gem! The house has traditional Japanese interior, the host family are very helpful and friendly, the facilities are good and so is the price. Like a little home away from home. Make sure you have printed out a good map, or ask for directions, as it is a little difficult to find from the station. Bike hire is highly recommendable. We loved biking around Kyoto.close

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by louisekolff6760 – posted on Oct 30, 2008

2

The family that owns Bola Bola are exceptionally nice. They leave yummy treats for guests in the living room. Quick and easy walk to the JR station unless you are carring loads of luggage like us. The place is a cute japanese style home. Other guests were very quiet at night.

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by lex1388 – posted on Oct 17, 2008

1

A very good place to stay in Kyoto in a very tradicional house, very beautiful. Its far away from the subway but you can take the internal train of the city to move. I think that the twin private rooms are good. The stuff is very kind and helpfull.

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by Saraferreir – posted on Oct 16, 2008

1

In my opinion, this is one of the best Guest House that i never seen. Is a bit dificult to found it because in map that staff from JR ST give to us in sted of Fresco is written ESSO. You just ask for Fresco supermarket ones you are in the Station and is a small street in frot of. Is a really...

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by elisabarbao4740 – posted on Oct 5, 2008

2

We enjoyed our stay very much. Haru San and his wife are the perfect owner of an ryokan. I liked their knowledge and their help to all our needs. It was a happy time for us. Peter and Victoria

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by p-v-i – posted on Oct 1, 2008

2

great location for west area of kyoto

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by sinjustin9035 – posted on Sep 21, 2008

1

A charming old wooden Japanese house, kind of hidden. Very difficult to find cos' of not so accurate landmarks given. The room was large but not quite soundproof. Fortunately neighbours were not noisy. Convenient location if you want to visit places in western kyoto. Very warm, accomodating and... more A charming old wooden Japanese house, kind of hidden. Very difficult to find cos' of not so accurate landmarks given. The room was large but not quite soundproof. Fortunately neighbours were not noisy. Convenient location if you want to visit places in western kyoto. Very warm, accomodating and helpful hosts. Thanks for giving us a ride to the station.close

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by sheilacheor4732 – posted on Sep 18, 2008

2

Todo muy bien la zona esta cerca del centro y cerca de muchos sitios de templos y sitios preciosos muy recomendable.

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by somosbasura6365 – posted on Sep 13, 2008

1

Best place we stayed in Japan by far!!! Fond memories of Bola Bola.

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by holly753 – posted on Sep 8, 2008

1

Great place, very helpful and friendly owners. Thanks!

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by jamiemoore – posted on Aug 27, 2008

11

Une maison très sympathique avec des propriétaires qui vous guident vers les points à visiter dans le coin. La maison est située dans un coin assez/trop calme et à 5 minutes de la gare du JR. Si je retourne un jour à Kyoto, j'y retournerai surement!

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by kunse – posted on Aug 16, 2008

4

Is it far from KYOTO Station, but almost things were satisfacted. especially there's baby so cute :) but she or he didn't shared snack who is eating lol just joke :D ty n c'ya later if I'll be stayed KYOTO.

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by swanly – posted on Aug 10, 2008

3

Bola-Bola is a amazing house. there are many shops and supermarket for prepare the things. The sleep room is so big and two shower room are very clean. The staff is very nice! Most important of all, there are a cute and friendly doggie in the garden, she has the best smile that i still miss...

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by hplkelly7970 – posted on Aug 4, 2008

3

It is not "a bit off" It is WAY off, felt like I was staying outside of Kyoto and the airconditioning sucked. The owners kid also screams and shouts alot and goes to bed at midnight. fun when you wake up early... DO NOT STAY AT THIS HOSTEL

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by josefin-henriksson9269 – posted on Aug 1, 2008

8

one of the best value places I have ever stayed, the only knock is that it's not exactly soundproof (only a problem if your neighbours are noisy). Run by awesome people, very knowledgable about the city and around, great onsen down the street and loads of character...I loved staying here!

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by michaelkelly – posted on Jul 30, 2008

48

Though the hostel is a 15 minute train ride from the heart of Kyoto, we loved the neighborhood and the town of Uzamasa.It was great to be out of the hustle of the city and frequent local shops and restaurants. The host family is very warm and welcoming and the rooms are very comfortable. Highly...

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by sltsjp – posted on Jul 27, 2008

5

Our first time in a hostel, we we're very impressed. Lots of character, very cute and fun. 5 minute walk from JR station. We absolutely loved this place, free computer use and internet access was nice too.

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by alexiapeters4874 – posted on Jul 15, 2008

1

best place on our trip and cheapest !!! highly recommended. half an hour by public transport to the center

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by ingoloettrich4855 – posted on Jul 10, 2008

2

This is easily the nicest hostel/guest house I have ever stayed in. The owners are very friendly, helpful, have good English and keep the guest house very clean. It is a beautiful, traditional Japanese style house, so if you're considering staying in a ryokan, I would recommend this as a better...

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by ficar – posted on Jul 6, 2008

7

The gentleman who owns the place is exceptional. He was really helpful and has a hand drawn map of all the secret wonderful places in Uzumasa. It is really neat place. A few hundred yards west on the main street is an amazing okonomiyaki place. It only seats eight people and one guy does the... more The gentleman who owns the place is exceptional. He was really helpful and has a hand drawn map of all the secret wonderful places in Uzumasa. It is really neat place. A few hundred yards west on the main street is an amazing okonomiyaki place. It only seats eight people and one guy does the cooking. If you can speak a little, you wil be fine. It was incredible.close

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by morton16ok3910 – posted on May 28, 2008

2

this was the best place we have stayed in. the staff was very friendly and helpful, the room was pretty big and clean, very cosy, there was a clean shower, big kitchen, i recommend it to everyone!! And plus for the Japanese style! Very nice!

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by pgrudzinska2083 – posted on May 24, 2008

3

Thanks again to Bola bola's family! very helpful and with a real japanese house, we've been stayed for a week and it is a very good and cheap accomodation to visit Kyoto...

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by chisa – posted on May 18, 2008

3

great stay, good advice and excellent maps and tips

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by ellenpooley456 – posted on May 10, 2008

3

My husband and I travelled to Kyoto with our small son for vacation. Not only did the owners make us feel very at home, but they allowed us use of their stroller and our son played with their daughter and had a blast. It was so well located for us as we used the Randen tram line most of the... more My husband and I travelled to Kyoto with our small son for vacation. Not only did the owners make us feel very at home, but they allowed us use of their stroller and our son played with their daughter and had a blast. It was so well located for us as we used the Randen tram line most of the time. Super, super clean, which you don`t always find in guesthouses. We loved it. Loved it. Highly recommend it.close

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by trishapospisil4841 – posted on May 9, 2008

8

Quite a distance out of town but a very nice traditional stay. Beds were excellent, I slept better than I had on most of my trip.

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by timhordern6579 – posted on May 1, 2008

3

My only criticism of this guesthouse is that we were absolutely frozen at night!! Aside from that it is conveniently located in a great area for sightseeing with everything youll need nearby including a fabulous hot spring bath house. The owner was a really nice guy who made good... more My only criticism of this guesthouse is that we were absolutely frozen at night!! Aside from that it is conveniently located in a great area for sightseeing with everything youll need nearby including a fabulous hot spring bath house. The owner was a really nice guy who made good recommendations, helped us with transport and had a map for every eventuality!!close

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by love-christie879 – posted on Apr 29, 2008

4

This place was really nice, it was more like a homestay kind of thing, with a pleasant splash of authenticity without too much stress. While it's a bit out of Kyoto, it's great to stay a night or two to do the many various things that are in that area, like the bamboo forest and all the nice... more This place was really nice, it was more like a homestay kind of thing, with a pleasant splash of authenticity without too much stress. While it's a bit out of Kyoto, it's great to stay a night or two to do the many various things that are in that area, like the bamboo forest and all the nice temples. The shower gets a special mention and the family that run it are so nice and helpful.close

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by willwillwillwillwillwill4494 – posted on Apr 2, 2008

5

This was one of the most unique hostel stays ever! It was beautifully set and for me, in a fantastic location! Just west of Kyoto but near some amazing temples and within easy reach of the trains. Regarding the directions - when you get to the street where you get the bus - DON'T!! Just... more This was one of the most unique hostel stays ever! It was beautifully set and for me, in a fantastic location! Just west of Kyoto but near some amazing temples and within easy reach of the trains. Regarding the directions - when you get to the street where you get the bus - DON'T!! Just turn right and walk for a minute to the Esso garage!! It's just across the street from it!close

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by idle-glass7421 – posted on Mar 23, 2008

5

lovely place、lovely staff, but a little difficult to find and a bit far from city centre. but very close to the monkey park mountain :)

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by theresechristie8518 – posted on Mar 19, 2008

2

We really enjoyed our stay at Bola Bola. We had a warm welcome, the staff was very friendly and the guest house was typical Japanese and very cousy. It is however not near the center but you can easily take the tram or bus. We had a good time!

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by brouwerbart3592 – posted on Feb 27, 2008

4

Great place, alittle out of the way, but great rooms and amazing decor. quiet and comfortable.

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by Brentron – posted on Feb 25, 2008

1

I love here! The host is very nice and the japanese style house is very attractive.

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by d94527 – posted on Feb 20, 2008

3

me and my sister really liked it here but for some reason my mom hated it. she thought the family and dog were really nice though but hated our room. i would go back there again but if was with my mom then there would be no chance of it.

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by sarah951 – posted on Feb 16, 2008

3

No curfew, plenty of room, good plumbing and ventilation, and wonderful people running the house. Also! Lots of great eateries and shopping spots near the house, as well as a great onsen and transportation lines to the nearby sites and Kyoto Station. I'll definitely stay there again.

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by mdayame – posted on Jan 18, 2008

2

The husband and wife were extremely kind and helpful. My only suggestion would be to request a room away from the common room because the two rooms nearest the common room probably didn't get as good a sleep or as much privacy.

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by hmshuck877 – posted on Jan 7, 2008

4

fantsatic place to stay, clean,clean, clean. great spot, family run. very helpful and perfect traditional japanese accomadation would highly recommend and wished we had stayed longer..thanks amy and chris

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by gnuboo2136 – posted on Jan 6, 2008

3

Bola Bola was the perfect place to spend Christmas away from home. Amazing staff, quiet location, but very accessible. Would reccomend to anyone!

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by leahgardiner4675 – posted on Jan 2, 2008

6