Staying in a machiya or vacation rental
Machiya stays and vacation rentals usually sit inside residential streets, and the house is part of the neighbours' daily life. Kyoto City sets out clear expectations for guests — a few habits keep the stay comfortable for everyone.
Listen to the host first
At check-in the host explains the house rules and how things work; notices posted inside the house count too. Kyoto City's minpaku guidelines ask guests to understand and follow what the host explains in person, and details differ from house to house.
Noise
Late at night and early in the morning, sound carries. Keep voices down, and go easy on rolling suitcases and heavy footsteps. Kyoto City's guidelines single out suitcase noise on the street near the house, and ask for extra care in the early morning and at night.
Trash
Put trash where the host says, sorted the way the house asks — never outside the house or out on the street. Kyoto City's guidelines ask guests not to drop cigarette ends or litter in or around the house, and not to put trash out against the local rules.
Shoes
Take your shoes off at the door, and walk on tatami in socks or bare feet only — never in outdoor shoes. This is a general rule across Japan, and Kyoto City's tourism association notes that there are many places where outdoor shoes are not allowed, tatami among them.
Fire and emergencies
Use stoves, heaters and cooking appliances as the host explains, and note where the fire extinguisher and escape route are. Kyoto City's guidelines ask guests to take extra care against fire, and to call 119 first if one breaks out, then contact the host or manager.
You're staying in someone's neighbourhood
The front door of a machiya opens onto a street people use every day. Kyoto City's guidelines ask guests to be considerate of the residents around them throughout the stay — coming and going quietly and not lingering at the door is the simplest way to do that.
Sources：京都市 住宅宿泊事業法の施行に関する要綱（公式） ↗京都市 近隣住民への説明資料（例）・ハウスルール例（公式） ↗京都市観光協会 Manners in Kyoto（公式） ↗