Although the specific story of Akebono an Machiya has been obfuscated by the passing of time, it's still readily apparent that this lovely home has plenty of history. Old but well cared for, the machiya's exterior is very much intact, presenting a cute glimpse to Kyoto's past. Its wooden beams and supports are deeply weathered but still hold strong, and while much of the interiors have been modernized, it keeps in line with Kyoto's design and solemn atmosphere.

Design and Architecture

Even when compared to other machiya, Akebono an is noticeably smaller. That doesn't detract from its charm and heritage, but it does also mean the interior spaces have to be maximized. The kitchenette, for example, is a small alcove that comes with sliding doors to hide it when not in use. The living area of the home is a tatami space, featuring a chabudai and zabuton cushions, and also serves as the dining area. Next to the living area is the garden, which does include an engawa porch. Upstairs are the bedrooms, separated into a Japanese-style tatami room with futons, and a Western-style room with raised beds.

Don't be fooled by the compact setup of Akebono an's kitchenette because it's sure to deliver when it comes to preparing meals during your stay. Aside from the appliances, there are also different types of cookware, so you can diversify your dishes. For groceries, one of the closest ones is AEON Mall's supermarket, which is 16 minutes away on foot. Visiting the famous Nishiki Market, on the other hand, will take about 20 minutes by car. If you don't mind the distance, Nishiki Market is a fantastic place to find most, if not all, of Kyoto's delicacies.

Cultural Experiences

Kyoto isn't just an ancient city, it was also Japan's Imperial Capital for over a thousand years, thus making it a major hub for the nation's culture and arts. This is easily seen from the intricate details of the city's historic sights and sites. The UNESCO World Heritage Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto is a collection of the city's most beautiful and impactful landmarks. The nearby Buddhist temple of To-ji is counted among these historic monuments, and its five-story pagoda is known as the tallest wooden structure in Kyoto. Other monuments easily accessible from Akebono an Machiya include Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera.

On your excursion to Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine, be sure to visit the historic neighborhoods of Higashiyama District. Its streets are lined with well-preserved machiya that still serve their original purpose as shops and dining establishments.

Other Celebrations

Akebono an Machiya is definitely quite small for a gathering so it would be best to instead book a local establishment or venue for a private party. That said, it's still worth getting in touch with the host and see if they can recommend or refer a place they can vouch for.