Kagabi Machiya House

Design and Architecture

Traditional Kanazawa craftworks are plentiful at the homes, and you can find yuzen dyeworks, mizuhiki knotted ornaments, temari balls, and bamboo features spread across the property. Kagabi Take, one of the four rentals, takes its name from the extensive bamboo (known as 'take' in Japanese) features in the homes, including craftwork made from a combination of bamboo, metals, and other natural materials. Even the lamps are crafted from braided bamboo, which match well with the traditional Japanese rooms featuring heated tatami floors, shoji screen doors and windows, and an 'asano' leaf lacquer vase. These Japanese-style rooms are present in each home, and all the rentals have bathrooms featuring a 'hinoki' (a type of cypress) wooden tub.

Temari, another rental, is bedecked in 'temari' folk craft, objects made from intricate threadwork. Mizuhiki likewise heavily features knotted ornaments made of colorful string, which are called mizuhiki. Kagabi Yuzen, as the name indicates, is bedecked in yuzen artwork (a dyeing technique native to Kanazawa), and most of the works heavily feature geishas.

Bowing (ojigi): It's advisable to bow to show respect when greeting someone. It can also be done to show gratitude or convey an apology.
Shoe etiquette: You must remove your outside footwear before stepping on the elevated area of the genkan (entrance) and entering a house. You should also ensure not to step on the lower area of the genkan without your shoes on. Shoes must be kept facing the entrance. If you wear socks, they should be clean and without any holes.
Slipper etiquette: It's usually better to wear fresh socks or slippers inside the house, especially for formal situations. Make sure to remove your slippers before stepping into a room with tatami mats on the floor. There should also be a separate set of slippers for the washroom.
Dining etiquette: How you hold and place your chopsticks while dining is crucial. For example, they shouldn't be held upright when eating rice. You must also place them on a holder when you're not using them. It's good to say "Itadakimasu" before starting a meal and "Gochisousama deshita" after completing it.
Tipping etiquette: Tipping isn't a common practice in Japan and may be considered rude.
Luggage etiquette: Luggage, especially those with wheels, should be carried instead of being dragged across the floor as it might damage the tatami mats or wooden flooring.
Photography etiquette: Photography rules can change from place to place, so make sure to check for signs or ask the staff before taking pictures anywhere.
Queueing etiquette: Make sure to maintain queues and never cut in line.
Onsen etiquette: Some onsens don't allow tattoos, so check with the staff before getting into one. You must also shower and be clean before entering a shared onsen bath.
Bathing etiquette: Japanese baths include separate areas for washing while the tub itself is meant only for soaking. This means bathers must first wash, scrub, and rinse themselves before entering the bath tub.

Kagabi Machiya House