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Kuraya Kamigojocho

Machiya Interwar & Early Modern Heritage
5-Star 9.1(92 reviews)
Shimogyo-ku Kamigojocho 401-3, 600-8377 Kyoto, Japan
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Overview

Standing strong for over a century, Kuraya Kamigojocho is a traditional machiya in Kyoto. It aims to highlight Kyoto's cultural heritage by providing guests with an authentic stay. Its location on the bustling and well-connected Omiya Street also helps guests explore the area easily via public transport. The machiya comes with a fully equipped kitchen and laundry equipment, which makes it a great choice for long-term stays. Feel free to cook your own meals or try the breakfast and dinner offered at the property. The machiya does not compromise on comfort either. The first-floor rooms have floor heating so you can have a warm and cozy stay.

History

Although Kuraya Kamigojocho’s exact date of establishment cannot be determined, it has been in existence for at least 110 years. This is based on documents that prove that the machiya existed back in 1915. The property’s location also worked in its favor— Omiya Street became one of Tokyo’s hotspots when the municipal electric railway started operating in 1912. 
 

History
Exterior of Kuraya Kamigojocho
$390.00 /night for 2 adults
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The machiya’s former owner had been living there for six decades. His family operated a shoe store from the property for 10 years. Eventually, the store was remodeled into a comfortable room. The initial owners leased the property out, and it came to be owned by the Kuraya brand in 2016. The Kuraya brand is known for restoring and refurbishing old townhouses or machiyas. They made sure to preserve Kuraya Kamigojocho’s traditional charm while updating it with modern comforts and conveniences.

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The dining area at Kuraya Kamigojocho
$390.00 /night for 2 adults
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Design and Architecture

Although Kuraya Kamigojocho is very much a modern property, it features traditional Japanese architecture and decor to offer an authentic experience. The wooden furnishings, warm lighting, and Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and shoji screens highlight the true essence of the old townhouse. You’ll even find a lovely tea set and beautiful art and accessories inside.

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The bedroom at Kuraya Kamigojocho
$390.00 /night for 2 adults
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Amenities

Rooms

Japanese-Style Townhouse

Guest + 1
Room 3 Bed Type 7
Room size 86 m2

Price per night

$390.93
per night price includes taxes and charges
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Dining

Kuraya Kamigojocho does not offer a restaurant, but the machiya makes up for it with its fully equipped kitchen. The kitchen includes a mini fridge, cooking utensils, a microwave, and a rice cooker, so you can prepare simple Japanese dishes easily. You won’t have to worry about making your own breakfast, though, as the property offers authentic Japanese cuisine for breakfast.

Dining
The kitchen at Kuraya Kamigojocho
$390.00 /night for 2 adults
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You may also head out to try the restaurants nearby. Walk to Ichienso for a pub- or tavern-style vibe or Kasugai for its famous udon noodles. The Italian restaurant Pucciro, only a three-minute walk away, offers a break from Japanese cuisine. 

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The breakfast at Kuraya Kamigojocho
$390.00 /night for 2 adults
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Events and experiences

Cultural Experiences

Staying at a machiya means immersing yourself in Japanese culture and traditions. Along with the traditional features and Japanese breakfast, Kuraya Kamigojocho offers cultural classes. These classes are ideal for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the country’s culture and traditions. The machiya’s strategic location also puts you close to places where you can engage in tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and other cultural practices in Kyoto. A 13-minute walk will take you to Nishi Hongan-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to relax instead, explore the serene Japanese garden on site. 

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Events and experiences
The garden at Kuraya Kamigojocho
$390.00 /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.
$390.00 /night for 2 adults
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Local Info

Nishi Hongan-ji Temple

UNESCO World Heritage Site serving as the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Buddhist organization (13-minute walk)

Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum

Art museum featuring around 400 netsuke or miniature sculptures of various types (12-minute walk)

Nijo Castle

Early 17th-century castle, which was the former home of the Edo period’s first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu (6-minute drive)

Nearest Airport

The nearest airport to Kuraya Kamigojocho is Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport), about a 55-minute drive away.

Nearest Railway Station

The nearest railway station to the machiya is Shijo-Omiya Station, only a 9-minute walk away.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Customer Reviews

Location

Fantastic location near public transport.

Amenities

The property was very clean and had a good washer/dryer. The shower/tub was very nice. The heated floors were great.