While it is hard to find the specific story of Nadeshiko Shirakawa Machiya, that shouldn't detract from the beautiful stay experience offered by this historic home. Situated near Gion, Kyoto folk from various walks of life would have passed its then-existing storefront. Geiko would have perhaps glanced at the wares, while traveling merchants would have browsed what to take back. Despite the decades, the aged wood and plaster are well-maintained, showing little weathering. Alongside them are modern accouterments and appliances, providing the convenience and comfort of present-day technology. Though the age of the samurai has passed, the machiya they shopped and patronized will remain a part of Kyoto for quite a while longer.

Design and Architecture

Just because machiya were former shophouses doesn't mean they're not in need of some beautification. The word 'nadeshiko' refers to the pink carnation flower but is also used to describe a darling child or maiden, while 'shirakawa' means 'white river' and is the name of an actual waterway in Kyushu. Perhaps it's just simply a poetic name, but this restored machiya indeed has a pure atmosphere and plenty of endearing traits to love.

Around the home, guests will find subtle but intricate details such as the ranma transoms above the sliding screens. On the roof of the entrance is a statuette of Shoki-san, a local guardian spirit meant to ward off evil. There are other details to the home, though more mundane, such as a small but lovely tsuboniwa garden next to the first floor's tatami space. On the second floor, guests can enjoy a breezy day on the balcony next to the Japanese-style bedroom.

Nadeshiko Shirakawa Machiya has a compact but very functional kitchenette, so travelers staying at Nadeshiko Shirakawa Machiya should be able to save some of their budget by preparing their own meals. For groceries, Nishiki Market is the recommended place to do your shopping as it is not only the largest market neighborhood in the city, but it's also got plenty of history and culture to experience. You can find the day's freshest catches of seafood and cuts of meat, as well as produce and seasonal pickings from farms and forests around Kansai.

If you do have the budget to spare, you should take the chance to visit local establishments and discover some new flavors. There's even a nearby restaurant named Kyo Gohan Nishimura which serves obanzai, Kyoto's signature cuisine, which features primarily seafood and vegetables.

Cultural Experiences

Since Nadeshiko Shirakawa Machiya is situated close to the northern area of Higashiyama, guests can easily visit several historic attractions found in the area. Yasaka Shrine is one of Kyoto's most famous Shinto shrines, and while it isn't part of the city's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Gion Matsuri celebrated here is considered a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The two neighborhoods of Gion and Higashiyama, where the machiya is situated, are both filled with historic neighborhoods. Many of Kyoto's surviving machiya, including commercial establishments, private properties, and vacation rentals such as Nadeshiko Shirakawa, are found here.

Other Celebrations

Although boisterous parties are prohibited, it's still worth asking the host of Nadeshiko Shirakawa Machiya if you can instead have a quiet celebration with your family during your stay. Even if they don't agree, they may instead be able to provide personal recommendations or referrals to nearby venues or establishments.