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.

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.

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.

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

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.