From Higashiyama Station on the Tozai subway line or the Jingu-michi bus stop, head east along Sanjo-dori, pass under the first torii gate of Awata Shrine, walk along the stone-paved approach to the shrine, and then walk up the small paths to the left and right along the stone wall next to the second torii gate. You will find OUR TURN, a traditional Japanese-style house in a quiet residential area on a hill. (6 minutes walk from Higashiyama Station)
When you open the wooden door at the entrance, you will be greeted by a Japanese chest of drawers and a Kannon mask made in the Taisho to early Showa eras. You can sit down in the two-tatami mat entrance hall and take your time taking off your shoes.
On the first floor, there are two Japanese-style guest rooms, each four and a half tatami mats in size. There is a cypress bath and a bathroom with a floor made of natural blue stone "Towada stone," a washroom, a toilet, and a kitchen. You can relax in the bathtub while looking at the dry landscape rock garden and soothe your travel fatigue.
On the second floor, there are two Japanese-style guest rooms, one with 6 tatami mats and the other with 3 tatami mats, as well as a toilet. There are windows on all four sides, and the soft sunlight pours in through the shoji screens, making it a comfortable space. On both the first and second floors, the floorboards under the tatami mats are covered with hemp charcoal plaster, further improving the comfort of the space.
With Awata-an as your base, where transportation is convenient, you can enjoy the changing faces of Kyoto throughout the seasons, such as the weeping cherry blossoms of Heian Shrine, the hidden Shirakawa River, a hidden spot for watching fireflies, the Philosopher's Path, a walking path where you can enjoy both cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, the cool Suirokaku waterway at Nanzen-ji Temple, the vivid autumn leaves of Eikando, the winter camellias of Honen-in, and the venerable Shoren-in Temple and Chion-in Temple.