While Choya Goshominami Machiya's actual age is obscured by the passage of time, its historic features are still very much intact in the present. Dried and aged wooden beams and supports line the walls and ceilings, perhaps creaking at times due to the weather. The home is located in one of Kyoto's oldest districts, just several blocks south of Kyoto Gyoen National Garden and the Imperial Palace. While the machiya itself would have only existed in the Edo Period, the neighborhood's long history is worth getting to know so don't forget to take a walk and explore Kyoto's old streets.

Design and Architecture

Machiya Residence Inn's beautiful properties love to blend together historic and contemporary aspects, creating an eclectic home that preserves heritage for future generations while providing comfort and convenience for the present-day. That style is very much apparent all over Choya Goshominami, from the presence of both Western and Japanese-style bedrooms , to old interiors being given a modern makeover. The dining area, for example, no longer uses a sunken irori hearth, opting for electrical appliances as there's less risk of causing a fire. The bathroom is another, offering a posh and sleek Western design while maintaining Japanese conventions of having a washing area and a tub for soaking. There's also the tsuboniwa garden at the entrance, making use of the available space to ensure a beloved part of Japanese homes won't be left out of the property.

Dining while staying at Choya Goshominami Machiya is made easy with the presence of a well-equipped and well-stocked kitchenette. Grocery shopping will be fun every time as you'll be heading to Nishiki Market, one of Kyoto's oldest and finest shopping neighborhoods. Not only can you find some of the best ingredients there, but shops will also be selling local delicacies that you should not miss out on. And for days you do have the budget for eating out, be sure to try the nearby establishments, such as the izakaya Gotoshi and the ramen restaurant Takakura Nijo.

Cultural Experiences

With where Choya Goshominami Machiya is located, you won't easily run out of places to visit and experiences to try. Kyoto Gyoen National Garden is just straight north of the property, where you can take wonderful photo opportunities, or just enjoy the serenity and beauty of Japanese gardening and landscaping. It's also where the Kyoto Imperial Palace is nestled, so you may want to take separate days to enjoy both. A little to the west of the machiya is Kunjyukan, a museum dedicated to Kyoto's incense industry. It's quite popular with the youth because of its aromatics and Insta-worthy exhibits. If you want to visit a very historically significant spot, head over to Honno-ji, the Buddhist temple where the Unifier warlord Oda Nobunaga made his final stand against his traitorous vassal Akechi Mitsuhide.

If that's not enough, there are plenty more nearby attractions to line your itinerary, such as Nijo Castle, the Kyoto International Manga Museum, and the Museum of Kyoto.

Other Celebrations

A party at Choya Goshominami Machiya might be difficult to arrange as events are normally prohibited. That said, it's still worth a try to contact the host and see if they can arrange for a private celebration without any boisterous merrymaking. Alternatively, they may be able to refer and recommend local establishments that can grant the level of personalized service you are looking for.