Although Hanatoki Machiya House started officially welcoming guests in March 2022, it has existed for years. Machiyas go back to the Heian Period (794 - 1185) and were most commonly used during the Edo Period (1603 - 1868). Merchants and artisans used to treat these townhouses both as their homes and shops. The shop part used to be at the front of the property, while the living quarters were at the back. The Japanese Building Standards Act of 1950 ruled the old construction methods of machiyas as unsafe, which led to many of them dilapidating.

Some, however, were renovated and restored by companies such as Machiya Residence Inn. This company has been working since 2010 to preserve machiyas and Japanese culture in general. Hanatoki Machiya House is also one of their projects. Other machiyas under the company include Fujinoma Machiya House in Kyoto and Shiori Machiya House in Kanazawa.

Design and Architecture

Hanatoki Machiya House retains its traditional kyo-machiya architecture, or architecture typical to Kyoto's machiyas. This includes the 'unagi no nedoko' (eel's sleeping space) style of architecture, where the layout is long and narrow. Ichimonji (roof tiles with a wave-like pattern) tiles, wooden koshi (latticework), sudare (blinds), and a pretty red paper lantern welcome guests to the house.

As you enter, you'll find the doma area (earthen-floored area used as a casual space), featuring a dining table and kitchen. From here, you can get a glimpse of the tsuboniwa (small inner garden), which can be best enjoyed from the engawa (wooden deck). The Japanese-style room comes with smart black tatami mats on the floor, a tokonoma (an alcove for displaying artwork), and a kakejiku (hanging scroll) on the washi-papered wall. The Western-style bedroom offers a chic ambiance with rich woodwork and pretty paper lamps. The best part about the machiya is the kiyomizu-yaki pottery displayed in different parts of the house.

Wake up to a delicious breakfast at Hanatoki Machiya House by booking the Western-style MACHIYA Breakfast BENTO Box with your stay. Curated by the chefs at Machiya Residence Inn, the package, wrapped in traditional furoshiki cloth, contains locally prepared items such as soup, vegetable or fruit juice, granola, and yogurt. Ham, cheese, and jam are also included in the box. Just brew a cup of green tea, black tea, or original Machiya Coffee provided in the house to complete your meal. The best part is that you get to take the furoshiki cloth home!

You can prepare your own breakfast, too, as the machiya offers a functional kitchen. Use the induction stove top, rice cooker, and toaster to whip something up and enjoy it at the dining table while watching a movie on the projector. For leftovers, there's a refrigerator and microwave provided. You can also find the necessary crockery and cutlery at the house.

There are plenty of dining options near the house if you feel like eating out. Have a traditional lunch at Cafe Roji-Usagi or enjoy a Western-Japanese fusion meal at Korisu. Both restaurants are located about a seven-minute walk away from the machiya.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Hanatoki Machiya House's location in Kyoto's historic Higashiyama ward makes it a perfect base for exploring the city's cultural offerings. The iconic teahouse-geiko district of Gion is only a 7-minute drive away. Here, you can participate in a tea ceremony and watch a geiko (geisha) performance. When in Gion, don't forget to visit Yasaka Shrine, especially if you're traveling in July during the Gion Matsuri festival. The machiya is also close to the city's oldest Zen temple, Kenninji Temple, which is only a five-minute walk away. Nature lovers can take a 10-minute drive to see the cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park or travel a bit further to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, about a 35-minute drive away.