Kumashu an Machiya House

We had a great stay and I’d love to come back. This beautiful, clean machiya is close to Nijo-jo Castle, with sightseeing spots and restaurants nearby. It’s central but still quiet. The traditional tatami house has a little garden, and although it looks very new, it’s fitted with modern equipment. I really liked the atmosphere. There’s a small kitchen, washing machine, bathtub and plenty of amenities, along with very comfortable, clean beds. The staff were helpful with local information and restaurant suggestions.

It was quiet and very clean, with plenty of places to eat within walking distance. NIJO castle, Imperial Gardens and two light rail or subway stations are also walkable. A great place to stay in Kyoto.

This was our second night, after staying in another machiya. We let ourselves in with the PIN we’d been given ahead of time and passed through a Kyoto-style noren. Downstairs, there was a calm Japanese-style room with a TV, plus the toilet, kitchen, wash area and bath, all laid out in a practical way. The small tsuboniwa garden outside made the machiya feel even more authentic. As soon as I entered the room, I made coffee from the supplies in the kitchen, which also included sencha and tea, and relaxed while looking out at the garden. Upstairs there was a bedroom and another room with a table and chairs, which seemed useful for different purposes. Both floors were spotless, and everything was provided except sleepwear, which was helpful. Having the whole house to ourselves had advantages you don’t get in a hotel or inn. We didn’t run into other guests. The houses in front and next door were private homes, and I had the strange feeling that I was living there rather than just staying overnight. I decided that must be the distinctive atmosphere of a machiya. The house is about five minutes from Nijojo-mae subway station. Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace are also within walking distance. The palace can currently be visited without a reservation. Since the house has a full set of cooking tools, I think making meals is part of the fun of staying in a machiya. I was alone this time and ate out, but next time I’d like to bring groceries and share freshly cooked rice and hot miso soup with friends. Choosing this machiya was absolutely the right call. Thank you for such a comfortable stay.

I hadn’t lived on tatami for ages, and it was nice to relax without slippers. With the stairs, the place felt like a whole house. The welcome email said someone might come by during our stay, so I was glad that wasn’t happening anymore. I had trouble with the setup where no hot water comes from the tap while the bath is filling. There was only one kind of futon, and I would have preferred a thinner one.