Machiyas were first established in the Heian Period, which dates back to 794 AD. They served as homes for merchants and artisans who would also operate their businesses at the front of the house. These old townhouses were quite popular during the Edo Period, but after 1950, the Japanese Building Standards Act prohibited their construction. This was because the old methods were no longer deemed safe. The machiyas built before 1950 remained, but they soon fell into disuse.

However, certain companies decided to renovate and restore them and then transform them into guest houses. Machiya Residence Inn is one such company that has been restoring and maintaining machiyas since 2010. They have worked on over 80 machiyas in Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Takayama City, out of which Gion Shirakawa Kouki Machiya House stands out. While there's no information available about the property's date of establishment, it was turned into a guesthouse and opened to travelers in December 2018. Other machiyas renovated by the company include Kohaku-an Machiya House in the Higashiyama Ward.

Design and Architecture

The machiya highlights traditional Japanese architecture throughout. The exterior welcomes guests with ichimonji (roof tiles with a wave-like pattern) tiles, windows with wooden koshi (latticework), and white noren curtains. Inside, the machiya is beautifully inspired by the Kamogawa River. You'll find a gorgeous river mural in the dining area, which comes with wooden ceilings. There are Japanese-style rooms, including a traditional tearoom, with tatami mats, shoji (paper) screens, and fusuma (sliding doors). You'll also find tokonoma alcoves (alcoves for displaying art) in the rooms. The Western-style room comes with blue washi paper walls and a slanted ceiling with exposed wooden beams. There's also a tsuboniwa (small inner garden) for unwinding.

Gion Shirakawa Kouki Machiya House does not offer a restaurant as it's a private guest house. However, it does come with a well-appointed kitchen featuring essentials such as a microwave, a refrigerator, an electric stove, and a rice cooker. You don't have to carry cutlery or plates either, as those are all provided here. After preparing a wholesome meal, enjoy it in the cozy dining area while admiring the river mural on the wall. Plus, you can savor cups of aromatic green or black tea or the original pour-over Machiya Coffee provided by Machiya Residence Inn.

The staff at Machiya Residence Inn is available via phone or email from 10 am to 7 pm every day. You can request their help with restaurant reservations in case you don't feel like cooking. There are plenty of eateries nearby, including Gion Doi, a kaiseki (Japanese multi-course meals) restaurant only a minutes' walk away, and Gion Komori, a Japanese sweets restaurant about a two-minute walk away. You can also check out the okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake) restaurant, Gion Tanto, which is just two minutes away on foot.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Gion Shirakawa Kouki Machiya House is located in Gion, the geiko-teahouse district of the city. Here, you'll be able to explore the historic lanes, participate in tea ceremonies, and watch geisha performances. Hanamikoji Street, with its traditional houses and old-world charm, is another great place to explore. The machiya is also close to cultural attractions such as the Japan Kanji Museum & Library, which is only a six-minute walk away, and the Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni, a seven-minute walk away. If you're visiting in July, attend the famous Gion Matsuri festival hosted by Yasaka Shrine.

Nature lovers will also get their fill of attractions in the area. You can visit Maruyama Park to gaze at the magical cherry blossoms or have a serene moment to yourself at Pontocho Park. The dog-friendly Kodaiji Park is also nearby.