Machiya houses were once residential properties and shophouses for merchants and craftsmen. Although construction for these properties ceased over time, there are still some that are preserved as heritage hotels and accommodations, like those under the Machiya Residence Inn brand—including Sumihotaru Honoka Machiya. While the history of the original property has been lost to time, you can find traces of it within the property: from the traditional wooden facade to the tatami room, feel as if you've stepped back in time here.

Design and Architecture

With warm lighting, stone-like textures, and exposed wood accents, every corner of the machiya is cozy. It combines Japanese and Western styles, evident in the tatami room on the first floor and the Western-style bedroom on the second floor. The tatami room gives you a view of the inner garden, while the Western-style bedroom offers plenty of natural light with its high ceiling and exposed architecture. Aside from aesthetics, this ensures every guest will be comfortable after a busy day of traveling and sightseeing. Another standout feature of this machiya is the goemon bathtub, where you can take a relaxing soak while overlooking the tsuboniwa garden.

Sumihotaru Honoka is a self-catering property, so guests can have the freedom to cook and prepare dishes as they please. Although compact, the kitchen is equipped with appliances such as a refrigerator, induction stovetop, microwave, toaster, electric kettle, and rice cooker. Guests are also provided with cookware, plates, cups, and cutlery, so all they need is to shop for ingredients for a warm yet fulfilling homemade meal. Nishiki Market and nearby grocery stores offer fresh ingredients perfect for recreating Japanese food in the machiya. As for drinks, enjoy original Machiya coffee, green tea, and black tea during your stay.

If you'd like to explore and discover the flavors of Kyoto, check out the nearby restaurants and hole-in-the-wall dining establishments. Soba-no-Mi Yoshimura offers hearty bowls of soba noodles, while you can get your ramen fix at Wajoryomen Sugari.

Cultural Experiences

Kyoto is a melting pot of different cultures, and Sumihotaru Honoka Machiya offers a great location to see and explore the best of what the city offers. From the machiya, sample local delights like Japanese sweets, tempura, and grilled meat at Nishiki Market. For history enthusiasts, the Kyoto National Museum and Kyoto Railway Museum offers plenty of exhibits and paraphernalia to get a deeper insight into the city's development.

Festivals are another way of immersing yourself in the city's vibrant culture and heritage. In July, the city celebrates the Gion Matsuri, one of the three main festivals in Kyoto. During the festivals, locals and visitors don their most colorful yukata, enjoy street food and beer, and watch processions featuring traditional floats. The other main festivals are the Aoi Matsuri held in May and the Jidai Matsuri in October. Since festivals are a city-wide event, expect thick crowds in most tourist spots in Kyoto.