Rokuro-cho

Skilled Craftsmen Create an Inspired & Meticulous Restoration

The elegant simplicity, meticulous attention to detail and tradition, and graceful restoration of this historic home are inspiring. We love the authentic handcrafted elements that honor the period and artistry of this original machiya.

Defining the period and atmosphere of downtown Kyoto for centuries, the machiya represents the standard architectural form found throughout the district and the country. Once a tea-master's home, this century-old residence is located in the historical Gion/Kiyomizu district in the heart of Kyoto. 

Carefully restored to its original splendor with the assistance of many skilled craftsmen, the traditional features include tsuchikabe (earth and straw walls), koshi kabe (wooden lattice), and inuyarai (low bamboo fence) combined with distinctive features of the period, which include ajiro (woven wooden ceiling), shirakabe (white walls), and antique light fixtures from the Taisho/Showa period that have been masterfully restored. 

One of the most striking structural features is the massive exposed cedar beam Hari ceiling that spans the entire front of the Kyo-machiya.

Completely but subtlely updated for contemporary comforts, the home is outfitted with every modern amenity along with consideration for the structure and the environment.

With two bedrooms two baths and a den, the house sleeps up to six. Each is simple and elegant and features supremely comfortable sleep futons. The traditional minimalist aesthetic is both sophisticated and simple with just a few handcrafted furnishings, antiques, and ceramic pieces from the Shigaraki district for decor.  

As with most Machiya, the central gardens are a graceful focal point and this home is lucky to have had a master designer create it. Recognized as one of the top one hundred gardeners, famed landscape architect Mr. Sano created the award-winning gardens here that were featured in the recently published book, Contemporary Japanese Gardens: 100 Gardens by 100 Japanese Landscape Architects. Graceful and sophisticated, this home is a stylish and peaceful refuge in this fascinating city.  

GION

Located in the heart of Gion in the most fascinating part of Kyoto, one of the most historical streets in all of Japan (Hanamikoji Dori) is only a few minutes walk. Rich with history and one of the most well-preserved examples of Imperial Japan, it's a stunningly beautiful city surrounded by the highlands. 

The district's temples, shrines, and UNESCO world heritage sites are all within a few minute's walk including: Kenninji Temple, Kyomizu Temple, Hokan-ji Temple known as Yasaka Pagoda, Rokuhara Mitsuji Temple, and countless other historical sites. Osaka is just under an hour's drive.

LOCATION

Kyoto, Japan. Nearest Airport: Kansai International Aiport (Direct International flights, 90 mn. drive) or Osaka International Airport (connection from Tokyo/Narita International 1 hr. drive)