"If you're not sure where to go, just ask the owner, Yusuke!
He'll tell you the best spots to visit right now."
For a safe, comfortable, and memorable stay in Kyoto.
We’ve put together helpful local information around Villa Kyoto Saiin to make your trip smoother.
Find nearby conveniences like convenience stores, popular yakiniku and ramen restaurants,
AEON MALL (with food court and dining area), coin-operated parking lots, bike rentals, and discount ticket info.
And for a truly local experience—why not relax in a traditional Japanese public bath (sento) after a day of exploring?
１.Convenience stores
Special edition
２.ramen
To Truly Experience Japanese Culture, Visit a Sento.
3.shopping
4.Pay parking information
5.here are shops like these near Villa Kyoto Saiin
6.Ticket service and bicycle renta
7.Foreign Currency Exchange Guide
１.Convenience stores
he nearest convenience store is LOWSON (Saiin Kasugadori branch)
The closest Seven-Eleven store (Saiin Station Minamimachi)
Nearby convenience stores
LAWSON Saiin West Store
LAWSON Shijo Nishikoji store
Special edition
Yakiniku – Premium Wagyu, Expertly Grilled
Kyoto Yakiniku Restaurant renzo | 京の焼肉処 蓮蔵
"Kyoto Yakiniku Dokoro Renzo is one of the most popular yakiniku restaurants in Kyoto. It is highly rated by locals and many tourists alike, and you can enjoy high-quality meat that is unique to Kyoto. Here, skilled craftsmen carefully cut the meat to bring out the maximum flavor, and it is also attractive to enjoy it with their own sauce or salt sauce, but above all, Renzo is particular about being able to fully enjoy the deliciousness of the meat itself. In particular, the 'Special Kalbi', which makes the most of the balance of fat and lean meat of Wagyu beef, and the 'Wagyu Tongue Salt', which is slowly aged at low temperature, are exquisite. The charm of the restaurant is that you can enjoy the finest yakiniku while feeling the atmosphere of Kyoto in a calm atmosphere. Please come and enjoy Kyoto's yakiniku culture! ️"
２.ramen
★Top Ramen Shops (as of March 2025)
麺処 鶏谷 / Noodle shop Toritani
らーめん 鶴武者 / Ramen Tsuru Musha
麺屋 さん田 / Noodle shop Sanda
Tsukemen was featured on Japanese television.（Broadcast in May 2023）
成熟麺屋 神来 西院本店 / Mature Noodle Shop Shinrai Saiin Main Branch
番外編 ラーメン荘 地球規模で考えろ / Ramen-so: Think Globally Sora
Bonus: A famous restaurant that always has a long line: "Pork Ramen that you'll want to eat regularly"
To Truly Experience Japanese Culture, Visit a Sento.
If you want to truly experience Japanese culture, visiting a sento (public bath) is a must.
Especially the sauna—it's not just a place to relax, but a space filled with unique Japanese customs and traditions.
The owner, Yusuke, is a huge sauna enthusiast and knows all about the local sento scene.
If you're interested, feel free to ask him! He’ll be happy to share recommendations and tips to make your experience even better.
3.shopping
AEON Mall Kyoto Gojo
✳️ This is the closest place to Villa Kyoto Nishiin, and on the way there you can experience crossing a narrow railroad crossing. You can see the moment when the Hankyu subway comes out onto the ground.
The first floor is a large shopping mall with everything from groceries, takeaways, fashion, and miscellaneous goods. Foreign guests often buy bread for the next morning's breakfast and ingredients for dinner and cook in the kitchen.
On the second floor is McDonald's
On the third floor are a total of nine restaurants (Agetenmaru, Oyakodon and Chicken Dishes Toriyamazoku Goku, Aged Menya Shinrai, FKC, Tenkaippin, Tippertan, Meat Wholesaler Nikumaru Shoten, Marugame Seimen, and Mos Burger).
AEON Mall 1st floor
AEON Mall 2nd floor McDonald's
AEON Mall 3rd floor food court
AEON Mall 3rd restaurant area
Gyomu Super
Popular
FRESCO
4.Pay parking information
Less than 1 minute to the guesthouse
Villa Kyoto Nishiin is just 3 minutes away. There are plenty of coin parking spaces available here.
5.here are shops like these near Villa Kyoto Saiin
6.Ticket service and bicycle rental
Discounted ticket sales: One-day tickets and other transportation are available at discounted prices. For details, see the information for the nearest station.
Bicycle rentals - the best item for sightseeing in Kyoto - for more information, see the information on the nearest stations
7.Foreign Currency Exchange Guide
There may be times during your stay in Kyoto when you need cash. Here are some convenient locations for currency exchange offices and recommended ways to exchange money.
1. Locations of currency exchange offices (with map)
You can check the nearest currency exchange office on the Google map below. Click to see more information.
(Embed Google Maps here)
Recommended currency exchange offices
- Travelex Kyoto (Kyoto Station)
- Business hours: 10:00-19:00
- Features: For tourists, relatively good rates
- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (Shijo-dori)
- Business hours: 9:00-15:00 (weekdays only)
- Features: Safe and reliable, but procedures can take time
- World Currency Shop (Kawaramachi)
- Business hours: 10:30-18:30
- Features: Handles many currencies
2. Recommended currency exchange methods
A. Exchange at currency exchange offices in the city
- Currency exchange offices in tourist areas often have good rates
- Some have long business hours, so you can stop by between sightseeing
B. Cashing at an ATM (Recommended!)
- Withdraw cash from an ATM using a credit card
- Available at major convenience store ATMs in Japan (Seven Bank, Lawson ATM, etc.)
- There is a fee, but the exchange rate is usually good
C. Exchanging money at a bank
- Banks are safe and reliable, but the procedure can be slow
- Usually only open during the day on weekdays
3. Things to note when exchanging money
✅ You may need to show your passport (especially at banks and official exchanges)
✅ Large bills ($100 bills) may not be accepted
✅ Check the amount immediately after exchanging! Check that there are no mistakes
✅ Compare the rates in advance to see if they are good (check on the web or on a smartphone app)
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the best way to exchange money?
➡️ ATM cash advances often have good rates. However, be aware that fees vary depending on the card company.
Q2. Will I be turned down at the currency exchange?
➡️ $100 bills and torn bills may be turned down. Also, some currency exchanges only handle certain currencies.
Q3. Can I exchange money at the hotel?
➡️ Our guesthouse does not provide currency exchange services, but we can introduce you to a nearby currency exchange.
Make your trip to Kyoto comfortable! Enjoy your stay with peace of mind.
