Old Kyoto Machiya

A machiya (traditional townhouse) combines the best features of a ryokan, a boutique hotel and a vacation rental. A company named Old Kyoto operates four of the finest machiya in Kyoto, all located near downtown and the sightseeing districts. Like luxury hotels, they have a concierge service to help with restaurant reservations and other travel details.

Why Stay In A Machiya?

Like a ryokan, a machiya is a traditional Japanese dwelling, so it’s perfect for those who really want the full Japanese experience – Japanese design, architecture and ambiance. But unlike a ryokan, where you frequently interact with staff, a machiya offers the freedom and convenience of a vacation rental: you come and go as you please and there is no formality so you can really let your hair down. Best of all, most machiya have been updated with Western conveniences like excellent showers (in addition to baths), Western-style beds instead of futons, microwaves, refrigerators and coffee makers.

Old Kyoto Machiya

Old Kyoto is a group of four machiya – Indigo House, The Gion House, Amber House and The Old Modern – that have been beautifully restored by a long-term American resident of Japan. Three of the houses are tucked away in a quiet neighborhood beside a beautiful temple in the heart of Gion. Another is located near Gojo Street, within walking distance of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. I’ve stayed in several of the units and they’ve been fantastic: quiet, comfortable, and spacious. And I’ve been recommending them to my consulting clients for years and they rave about them. Check the map below to see how convenient these machiya are: You can walk from any of them to downtown, southern Higashiyama or Kyoto Station within 20 minutes or so.

Concierge Service

The thing that sets Old Kyoto apart from other machiya and most hotels is their concierge service. In this age of overtourism, being able to get reservations at good local restaurants is becoming the Holy Grail of Japan travel. Old Kyoto have dedicated bilingual concierges whom you can reach by email or phone and they can recommend and reserve restaurants for you. They work from a deep database based on decades of working in Japan and serving well-heeled travelers. They can also receive suitcases sent via luggage delivery services (and help you send them to your next destination). And, of course, they can answer any questions you might have about Kyoto.

Features Of Old Kyoto Machiya

Raised Beds

The main beds in Old Kyoto machiya are raised on platforms, just like Western beds. I’ve found these beds amazingly comfortable and luxurious. In some of the larger houses, which have multiple bedrooms, there are also futons on the floor that are great for children (my kids loved them).

Refrigerators And Microwave Ovens

If you’re staying multiple days, it’s great to be able to prepare a simple meal or two so you can take a break from restaurants. I often buy some sashimi, rice and salad from the Takashimaya Department Store food floor and bring it back to eat in my unit.

Coffee Or Espresso Makers

If you’re like me, the day doesn’t begin until that first cup of coffee. Each suite at The Old Modern unit comes with a Nespresso machine and a generous selection of cartridges. The houses in Gion have standard coffee makers with a supply of locally roasted coffee beans. These provide the fuel for my daily research in Kyoto.

Big Black Books

On the coffee table in each unit, you will find a black folder containing an amazing assortment of useful information, including a neighborhood map which shows a carefully curated selection of restaurants, cafes and shops. The owner of Old Kyoto has exquisite taste and I’ve found some of my favorite places in these folders – the inside information in these folders will seriously level up your trip!

Washer/Dryers

Even if your hotel has laundry facilities, they’re probably not in your room, so you have to wander the halls and elevators with coins, detergent and clothes, all while you’d rather be chilling in your room. All the Old Modern units have en suite washer/dryer machines, so you can relax or go eat while doing your laundry.

Old Kyoto Machiya At A Glance

Here are the four Old Kyoto machiya units:

The Gion House

Just steps from Kennin-ji Temple and the Gion geisha district, the superb house feels like worlds away. It’s divided into two superb self-contained units, upper and lower. I’ve stayed in both and really enjoyed them – they feel like a sanctuary in Kyoto.

Amber House Gion

Just around the corner from the Gion House is Amber House, which is an immaculate traditional Kyoto house. This house has not been subdivided – you rent the entire house, making it perfect for families with older children, two couples or small groups (Amber House can accommodate from 2 to 4 people). If you want to experience having your own home in Kyoto, Amber House is the way to go.

Indigo House Gion

Across the street from Amber House is Indigo House, which has been divided into two units, upper and lower. I haven’t stayed in Indigo House, but I’ve inspected both units and they are gorgeous. Look at the pics on this page or visit the Old Kyoto site. These would be perfect for a romantic getaway or honeymoon in Kyoto.

The Old Modern

As the name suggests, The Old Modern is a traditional Japanese machiya built with several modernist features (it was built in 1928 as Japan was opening to the West). It consists of two joined houses built around a lovely little Japanese garden. Each house is divided into two suites, for a total of four suites. I’ve stayed in three of the suites and found them to be incredibly comfortable. I love the airy and light feeling of the Deco Suite and the spacious beauty of the Star Suite. The Old Modern is located near Gojo Street, and I frequently walk to both downtown and Kyoto Station from here. When I walk to downtown, I cut through the Miyagawa geisha district and frequently see maiko (geisha) on their way to appointments.

How To Book Old Modern Machiya

First, note that all Old Modern units have a three- to five-night minimum stay and all guests must be at least seven years of age. Go to the Old Kyoto site and click “Book Now” to check availability on their calendar. We recommend booking as early as possible because they tend to book out a few months in advance. But don’t give up if you don’t have much lead time – you can often find vacancies if your dates and preferences are flexible.

If Old Kyoto Is Full

If the Old Modern is full, there are several other great machiya in Kyoto. Check our Kyoto Machiya page for some more options.

Kyoto District Map

Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation