Machiyas go way back to Japan's Heian Period (794 - 1185), but they were most popular during the Edo Period (1603 - 1868). These old townhouses were usually owned by merchants and artisans. Some of them had shops at the front of the house and living quarters at the back. The popularity of machiyas declined after the Japanese Building Standards Act was passed in 1950. According to this act, the old construction of machiyas was deemed unsafe. So, technically, the most authentic machiyas are the ones that were built before 1950.

Although most machiyas fell into disrepair after the 1950s, many were revived by companies and organizations. Machiya Residence Inn, for example, took the initiative to restore old machiyas and turn them into guest houses. The company manages many heritage hotels in Kanazawaand Takayama City as well. Shobu-an Machiya House is among the 80+ machiyas restored and managed by Machiya Residence Inn since 2010. The property was formerly called Shoubu-an Machiya Residence Inn, but after April 2019, it was renamed Shobu-an Machiya House. The name is derived from the Japanese iris flower.

Design and Architecture

Shobu-an Machiya House is a perfect example of the Edo-period machiyas. It has a typical facade featuring ichimonji (roof tiles with a wavelike pattern), wooden koshi (latticework), and a bright violet noren curtain as a nod to its name. Enter the home to find a 'unagi do nedoko' (eel's sleeping place) layout style. This means that the house offers a narrow and long structure. The kitchen area has high hibukuro ceilings to keep the space free of heat and smoke, and the bathroom features fragrant hinoki wood. There's a Western-style bedroom with a smart black and white color scheme. Meanwhile, the Japanese-style rooms boast earthen walls, tatami matted floors, and rich woodwork. Aside from that, the machiya offers a pretty little tsuboniwa (inner garden).

Since Shobu-an Machiya House is a private guest house, it doesn't offer an on-site restaurant. However, it features a well-equipped kitchen with a sleek black countertop. Prepare your daily meals using the modern appliances provided, such as an induction stovetop, a rice cooker, a microwave, and a toaster. You'll also find cups, plates, and cutlery stocked here. Take a beverage break by enjoying a cup of black tea, green tea, or original Machiya Coffee provided for you. When the meal is ready, savor it in the dining area with a low table, zaishu (low chairs), and a view of the inner garden.

Those who would like to explore the local flavors can get restaurant recommendations and reservation assistance from the staff at Machiya Residence Inn, available from 10 am to 7 pm. You can try the nearby restaurants, such as the kaiseki (multi-course meal) restaurant Kinobu, which is only a four-minute walk away. Other options include the gastropub Ginmiya Nanairo, a six-minute walk away, or Burger Revolution Kyoto, an eight-minute walk away from the machiya.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Dive into Kyoto's rich heritage during your stay at Shobu-an Machiya House. The property is ideally located close to many of the city's historical and cultural attractions. Nishiki Market, a bustling food market also known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen', is less than a 20-minute walk away. Foodies interested in trying out Japan's authentic cuisine can visit Ponto-cho alley, an atmospheric dining venue just a 14-minute drive away. Take a 13-minute walk to the Costume Museum to explore the colorful attire worn by the Japanese people. Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum and Ikebana Museum are other nearby attractions that are ideal for art and craft lovers.

There's something for nature lovers, too! You can visit nearby parks such as Ayanishi Park and Misayama Park. Alternatively, take a 32-minute drive to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest to explore its magical pathways.