Machiya Kaemon Kyoto-sta.

Such an amazing stay!

I left wanting to build a home with this kind of feel. The guesthouse makes clever use of its limited space, and the design is full of thoughtful touches. I was especially impressed by how carefully the townhouse setting was preserved, with wiring and modern conveniences tucked out of sight. I’d definitely use it as inspiration when I build my own house someday.

We found ourselves needing a place after a Shinkansen accident late at night, with no clear recovery schedule and every hotel unavailable. Even though it was past 10pm, the staff helped our group of seven get settled in this machiya. The online booking process felt much like reserving an ordinary hotel, and the emailed auto-lock code meant we could enter without a check-in. It all worked smoothly, and our companions were impressed. The landlady was polite and communicative, and her presence made the stay feel like a ryokan. First-time visitors should find it easy to use, and I was surprised at how much it felt like home. The private-use service was impeccable. There’s a lot to like about the building itself. It was once part of the row of monks’ lodgings on the grounds of Nishi Honganji Temple, which is right next door. On a corner lot, it has plenty of charm and the look of an upscale Japanese restaurant. The rooms were clean, without that worn, old-house feeling, and the flower arrangement at the entrance caught my eye. Though there are many machiya rentals in Kyoto, this one is special because you can walk from Kyoto Station while pushing a cart. The first floor is a waiting room and the second floor is the main dining area. From the window you can see the city tram and Kyoto Tower, with Kyoto character all around. There’s also a small kitchen and a refrigerator, so it seems you could host a tea ceremony or something similar. It’s a place to enjoy Kyoto entertainment, and the price is reasonable for a large group. Breakfast was delivered by a long-established Kyoto cuisine caterer, so check on that when booking. I’d like to come back over New Year’s, though I expect it books up, and apparently you need to reserve well ahead for the Gion Festival.

Modern conveniences were all there, but the place still had a traditional Japanese feel. It was comfortable and, despite being close to the station, surprisingly quiet.