If you're yearning for a home with an atmosphere that captures the charm of Japan's past, Sansuikyo Machiya renders various classic aesthetics in a pleasingly stylish way. Although Sansuikyo Machiya is a historic house, its present-day form is inspired by Taisho Roman, a romanticized embodiment of Taisho Era conventions in fashion, art, design, and architecture. One could say the machiya's current form is very fitting for Kanazawa, a city that has always been pushing cultural boundaries since it developed in the Edo Period.

Design and Architecture

The Taisho Period was arguably one of Japan's most aesthetically inspiring eras, creating one of the earliest modern instances of "Japonesque" where Western ideas blended with Far Eastern conventions. Sansuikyo Machiya proudly wears this style, though this time using contemporary Western interiors instead of classic Taisho Roman's Edwardian and Victorian choices. This is easily apparent with the tatami spaces of the living and sleeping areas of both bedrooms. Both the chabudai table and zabuton cushions eschew traditional forms, while the beds are mattresses presented in a futon-like manner. The bath is also eye-catching, presenting a spa-like look and feel one would find in a Western-style villa.

Preparing your own meals will be quite easy with the well-equipped kitchenette of Sansuikyo Machiya. Although compact, it features an electric stovetop and a microwave letting guests prepare a wide variety of dishes. The famous Omicho Market is a great place to do some shopping as its historical shopping streets is filled with stalls and vendors hawking the region's fresh produce and delightful delicacies. For those days you're feeling lazy to do some home cooking, the area around Sansuikyo Machiya has plenty of good restaurants, such as the classy modern izakaya HUNI, or the udon restaurant Otafuku.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Kanazawa's culture and history are within walking distance from Sansuikyo Machiya, so make sure to explore the city. As mentioned, Omicho Market is where you'll find fresh ingredients, sourced from local farms, picked from the surrounding mountains, and caught from the bountiful seas and rivers around Kanazawa. Kanazawa Castle Park is perfect for strolls and dates, though samurai fans should see if they can get a ticket to visit the castle proper. Kenroku-en is known as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, known for its incredible and vibrant blooms and scenic hills and bridges. For one of those slow-paced days, head on over to Higashichaya, a historic district once known for geisha and teahouses and now known for historic architecture and charming date spot establishments.

Other Celebrations

Sansuikyo Machiya would be a bit too small as a venue for a party, which is why you should check with the host if they can recommend nearby establishments for your small private event. At the very least, they might also agree if you keep the celebration's noise to a minimum, like for a low-key or more intimate gathering.