K's House

Havn't actually stayed at the Kyoto branch but we did stay at the Kawaguchi-Ko K's House and it was exceptional. Great staff, clean with excellant facilities. If you can get into the Kyoto one I'd feel confident to recommend you give it a go. We have reviewed the Kawaguchi-ko one.

Top thing we did in Kyoto was the Fushima Inari Shrine.

K's House is a Backpacker's Hostel but you would never know it! It was rated the #1 Hostel in Asia in 2004. We rented two types of room (they have all different types though). Two of the rooms just had a bed and a small desk and used communal bathrooms shared with the whole floor and the third room had a bathroom in itself. The place was very clean and as spacious as a typical Japan accomodation (basically had just enough room for the bed and a side table and your luggage).  The one bathroom that was in the room was pretty spacious (for a Japan bathroom) and was very clean. The water pressure was perfect and adjustable as well as the water temperature. Also, they had wonderful heated toilet seats!!! You can't wear shoes inside the hostel but they provide house slippers or you can bring your own.  They also have a very helpful front desk who also speak english.  The lobby/shared living room area is filled with couches and tourist books to read. There is a kitchen and dining room table you can also use. They charge for internet use but have free wireless internet if you have your own laptop. Also, there are almost always other hostelers hanging around to talk to and befriend so that's cool. There is no curfew but the doors are locked after 10pm (you are provided your own key to the front door though) and quiet hours are also at this time.  Lucky for us we stayed out late every night and by the time we came home we just wanted to crash. Overall, it was very nice and completely exceeded my expectations for a hostel. The prices can't be beat!