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Kiyu Machiya House

Machiya Industrial & Imperial Era
4-Star 9.7(3 reviews)
姉西町46−16, 604-8372 Kyoto, Japan
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Overview

Kiyu Machiya House is over a century old, and it'll take you back in time to old Japan. The machiya is in an ideal location close to popular cultural attractions. You can easily visit the UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle and the Sanjo Shopping Arcade, which is as old as the property. Inside, the machiya offers all the comforts of home, including a well-equipped kitchen and laundry amenities. There’s both a Japanese-style tatami room and a Western-style bedroom available, and you can pick your favorite! A six-seater dining table is also provided, offering the perfect place to share a meal with loved ones.

History

Kiyu Machiya House is a traditional Japanese townhouse dating back over 100 years. It was thoroughly renovated and opened as a machiya holiday home on February 9, 2024. The machiya derived its name from the kanji language, where “ki” refers to the revered hollyhock flower and “yu” means to tie together. The hollyhock leaf is supposed to have magical powers and it was the family crest of the Tokugawa Clan, who ruled during the Edo Period. The hosts aim to tie the property to Kyoto’s rich heritage. This is why, despite the recent renovation, the machiya still highlights original features and an old-world charm.

History
The exterior of Kiyu Machita House
$385.00 /night for 2 adults
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Design and Architecture
The machiya proudly boasts its original exterior and blends beautifully with the other old townhouses lining the street. Inside, light wooden furnishings and ‘yukimi shoji’ (sliding doors with paper screens) make the space bright and airy. You can find tatami mats in some rooms and a seating area with bean bags. There are two beds and two futons for a good night’s sleep.

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A seating area at Kiyu Machiya House
$385.00 /night for 2 adults
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Amenities

Rooms

Two-Bedroom Townhouse

Guest + 2
Room 2 Bed Type 7
Room size 79 m2

Price per night

$385.34
per night price includes taxes and charges
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Dining

Although Kiyu Machiya House doesn’t have a restaurant, you won’t ever go hungry here. The fully equipped kitchen offers essentials such as a stovetop, microwave, cooking utensils, and cutlery. You can also book the optional cooking set to get basic seasonings like oil, salt, and pepper for an extra charge.

Dining
The kitchen at Kiyu Machiya House
$385.00 /night for 2 adults
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If you don’t feel like cooking, simply head out and visit the historic Sanjo Shopping Arcade. It has over 180 restaurants and cafes, plus there are shops and bakeries from where you can pick up stuff for later. Get some takeaway and come back to the machiya to enjoy it in the charming dining area

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The dining area at Kiyu Machiya House
$385.00 /night for 2 adults
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Events and experiences

Cultural Experiences
There’s a lot to explore in Kyoto, especially for culture and history buffs, and Kiyu Machiya House is a great base for that. The street where the property is located is in itself an attraction with its rows of traditional Japanese townhouses. Kyoto is also full of temples and shrines, including Yasaka Shrine. Visit it in July to attend the grand Gion Matsuri festival. Only an 11-minute walk from the machiya will take you to the historic Nijo Castle where you can admire Edo-era architecture. Kyoto is also full of charming teahouses that let guests participate in tea ceremonies, such as Kagizen Yoshifusa, which is only a 15-minute drive away.

Book Venue
Events and experiences
Rows of traditional Japanese townhouses
$385.00 /night for 2 adults
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Cultural etiquette

  • 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.
$385.00 /night for 2 adults
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Local Info

Nijo Castle

Former shogun residence dating back to 1603 (11-minute walk)

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Former residence of the imperial family of Japan, now used as a venue for enthronement ceremonies (12-minute drive)

Nishiki Market

Bustling shopping street selling food items, also called Kyoto's Kitchen (11-minute drive)

Nearest Airport

The nearest airport to Kiyu Machiya House is Osaka Itami Airport (ITM), a 56-minute drive away.

Nearest Railway Station

The nearest railway station to the machiya is Nijojo-mae Station, only about a 7-minute walk away.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Customer Reviews

Location

best location in the arcade of café restaurant and small artisanal shops.

Price

Good value machiya, clean, beautiful.