Suo-an Machiya House is one of the many old Japanese townhouses or machiyas renovated and restored by Machiya Residence Inn. The latter is a company dedicated to preserving old machiyas and transforming them into guest houses. They have been operating since 2010 and have already restored over 80 accommodations. Suo-an Machiya House was formerly known as Kyoto Suo-an Machiya Residence Inn until it was renamed in April 2019.

While the machiya's exact date of establishment remains unknown, it's believed to belong to either the Edo Period or the Taishō Period. Machiyas date back to the Heian Period (794 - 1185) and were most popular in the Edo Period as houses of merchants or artisans. They usually had a shop or workspace at the front and living quarters at the back. Machiyas started to fall into disuse after the Japanese Building Standards Act was passed in 1950. According to the latter, the old construction methods of machiyas were no longer considered safe. While most machiyas were destroyed, many were renovated and preserved by companies such as Machiya Residence Inn.

Design and Architecture

The machiya boasts Taishō-era architecture, which has a subtle Western influence. However, the traditional details take precedence. Suo-an Machiya House's exterior highlights the typical machiya architecture, featuring ichimonji (roof tiles with a wave-like pattern) tiles, koshi (lattice) windows, and a crimson noren curtain.

The machiya stays true to its name and features the bright 'suo' (red) color inside, which beautifully complements the dark wooden details. There are Japanese-style rooms with exposed wooden beams on the ceiling, tatami mats on the floor, and a tokonoma alcove for displaying artwork. Each room is accessed via a fusuma (sliding door). There's also a Western-style room with high ceilings, twin beds, and a striking red lamp. The bathroom comes with a granite-tiled bathtub where you can relax with a warm soak while enjoying the scent of hinoki cypress wood. A tsuboniwa (small inner garden) is also featured on site.

Although Suo-an Machiya House does not offer an on-site restaurant, you won't have any trouble with your daily meals. There's a fully equipped kitchen in the house with appliances such as a rice cooker, an electric stove, a microwave, and a refrigerator. Crockery and cutlery have also been provided for your convenience. On top of that, the machiya offers black tea, green tea, and original pour-over Machiya Coffee, courtesy of Machiya Residence Inn. You can enjoy your meals and drinks at the low table with zaisho (floor) chairs.

Don't like to cook? Fret not, as you can easily find dining options nearby. Contact the staff at Machiya Residence Inn via phone between 10 am and 7 pm to get assistance with restaurant reservations. Dining venues nearby include Kinobu, which serves kaiseki (multi-course meals), only a five-minute walk away. You can also visit the gastropub Ginmiya Nanairo, a six-minute walk away, or enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee and fluffy pancakes at Unzen, a five-minute walk away.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Suo-an Machiya House is located in the heart of the Shijo district, so you'll be close to shopping experiences and public transport options. Within a 20-minute walking distance of the machiya, you can find the vibrant Nishiki Market, which offers lots of authentic Japanese food. Culture enthusiasts can take a 10-minute drive to Nishi Honganji Temple for a spiritual break or to Chiso Gallery to explore some arts and crafts. The Ikebana Museum is also only a 10-minute drive away. To complete your experience, take a 15-minute drive to Gion and experience a geisha performance inside a teahouse! If you're a nature lover, attractions such as Misayama Park and Ayanishi Park await.