Iori Sanbo Nishinotoin-cho

For the last five years, the Iori company has been turning classic townhouses into luxury rental apartments. One of their latest is the former home of a local painter, tucked behind green-tea salon Marukyu Koyamaen on the edge of the Downtown district. The renovations include nods to classic Kyoto with a gold kimono sash across the futons, an old storehouse door now employed as a table, and some oversized calligraphy from author Alex Kerr, one of the founders of Iori. The modern amenities include underfloor heating, wireless internet and a sci-fi toilet, though curiously no toothbrush. Other Iori branches are located in Karasuma Oike and Gion, and there are several properties just south of Shijo Dori. Visit their website for details.