Have you been dreaming about a future trip to Kyoto, Japan? Scrolling through Instagram and blogs, and asking family or friends for advice? You’ve probably have been thinking about what to see, what to do, and especially where to stay.
If you go the normal route, you may choose a hotel close to Kyoto Station as it is convenient. Or perhaps you’ll stay in a boutique art hotel as it is currently on trend. But we’ve got another suggestion that is guaranteed to make your Kyoto holiday a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Machiya are traditional Japanese wooden townhouses that once served as both a place of residence and business. In the past, the area closest to the entrance (known as misenoma) was reserved for conducting business, whilst the rest of the machiya was divided into rooms where the family lived.
Kyoto is known to be a compact city. Our streets are built in a grid-like fashion, so it is easy to navigate the city. Even so, deciding on what area to stay in during your holiday may become confusing. Should you stay near the main Kyoto Station? Or in downtown Kyoto, right in the center of the city? Both areas are great places to stay in. However, in this article, we’re going to suggest the Higashiyama District (east side of Kyoto City).
Slide open the entrance door to find floor to ceiling glass windows. This bright and airy space includes a large, wooden dining table, modern kitchen, and a view of 2 inner gardens. Buy groceries from the local market and prepare meals, or pick up some local specialties to enjoy after a day of exploring the city.
The classic Japanese room can be converted into an additional bedroom when stay with larger groups of family and friends. This tatami-lined room has fusuma sliding doors, they’ll act as a partition for when you want to create a completely private space.
A luxurious bathroom is located on the ground floor. In addition to a regular bathtub, there is also a neyu (sleeping bath). You’ll often find these neyu baths at onsen facilities, so it’s a rare experience to have one in a machiya house. It is basically a hot spring bath that you can take while sleeping! It’s shallow enough so you can lie down comfortably. The hot water flows over your entire body and allowing you to sleep.
Head towards the second floor, where you’ll find 2 bedrooms (Western-style bedroom, and Japanese-style bedroom). An inviting room with high ceilings, soft lighting and shoji paper windows welcome you to a deep sleep. If you prefer to sleep on a futon bedding, rest beautifully in the traditional Japanese room lined with tatami flooring. The room is bathed in soft light from paper lanterns, and delicate red details add warmth to the space. There is a countertop and washbasin perfect for getting ready or winding down.
| Machiya Name: | ‘Yoitsubaki’ Machiya House – MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN Kyoto |
| Website | https://www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com/accommodations/yoitsubaki/ |
| Address | 656-13 Honkawaracho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0963, Japan |
| Guests | Up to 8 Guests |
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