In existence since 794 AD (Heian Period), machiya houses are old Japanese townhouses that usually housed merchants and artisans. In fact, many of them had shops in the front and living quarters at the back. While these houses were quite popular during the Edo Period and even for some years after that, no new machiya was constructed after 1950, when the Japenese Building Standards Act was passed. This act deemed the old methods of construction as unsuitable for earthquakes and other natural disasters. As more modern accommodations started getting popular, machiyas fell into disuse.

However, certain companies stepped forward to preserve as many machiyas as possible. Machiya Residence Inn is one such company that has been restoring, renovating, and transforming machiyas into guest houses across Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Takayama City. Hatoba-an Machiya House is one of the 80 accommodations preserved by the company since its inception in 2010. While it's been thoroughly renovated and upgraded with modern amenities, it still stays true to its traditional roots.

Design and Architecture

Hatoba-an Machiya House features traditional architecture that reflects the quintessential style of machiyas. You'll find a facade highlighting rich woodwork, mushiko-mado (vertical windows) with koshi (latticework), and ichimonji (roof tiles with a wave-like shape). The interior offers wooden ceilings and Japanese rooms with tatami mats, shoji (paper) screens on the windows, and a tokonoma (alcove for displaying art). The second-floor bedroom even features wickerwork that's meticulously woven by hand. The kitchen has high ceilings that create a spacious and airy feel. Meanwhile, the bathroom comes wrapped in fragrant hinoki (cypress). The tsuboniwa is also a visual treat with its beautiful landscaping.

Although Hatoba-an Machiya House does not offer a restaurant, it features a well-appointed kitchen where you can prepare daily meals. The cooks of the group will appreciate the modern appliances provided, including the *electric stove, microwave, and rice cooker. Plates, cups, and cutlery are also provided to complete your experience. Other thoughtful touches include a supply of green tea, black tea, and original pour-over Machiya Coffee by Machiya Residence Inn. The dining table with zaisu (low chairs) is ideal for sharing your culinary masterpieces.

Too tired to cook? Just contact the company staff and request them to reserve a table for you at a nearby restaurant. Restaurant Tamura, only a minute's walk away, offers French cuisine with a Japanese twist. Just a little bit further, about a three-minute walk away, Gion Doi is ideal for a kaiseki meal in a private room. Wrap up mealtime with a delicious dessert at Gion Komori, only a three-minute walk from the machiya.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Hatoba-an Machiya House is a great base to explore Kyoto's cultural and natural offerings. It's nestled in North Gion, which is a part of the city's geiko-teahouse district. This means that you'll be able to attend tea ceremonies in age-old teahouses and even watch stunning geisha performances. Only an eight-minute walk from the machiya, the Pontocho alley allows visitors to indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine in upscale eateries. Other cultural attractions located nearby include the Kyoto Gion Matsuri Festival Gallery, Goto Shojiro Gukyo Trace Memorial Gallery, and Japan Kanji Museum & Library, all within walking distance of the property. If you're visiting in July, make sure to attend the Gion Matsuri festival held at Yasaka Shrine, about a 12-minute walk away.

Nature lovers will appreciate an afternoon at Pontocho Park with its friendly cats. You can also stop by Maruyama Park to get the best view of cherry blossom trees in Kyoto.