The Machiya Experience: A Traditional Japanese Stay

If you’re planning your next trip to Japan, you’re likely already thinking of ancient temples, serene Japanese gardens, and a rich, vibrant culture. While many travellers think of staying in a regular hotel, there’s a growing trend towards vacation rentals in traditional Japanese townhouses called machiya‘s. These homes offer a unique and immersive way to experience life in Japan, with a perfect blend of traditional Japanese designs and modern comforts. So, welcome to this blog on the machiya experience: A traditional Japanese stay.

In this blog, we’ll take you through what it’s like to stay in a machiya, how it compares to staying in a regular hotel, and why it’s the ideal choice for those who want to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. I personally got to stay in Machiya in September 2024, so I have all the info you need to know.

What is a Machiya?

A machiya is a traditional Japanese wooden townhouse, built primarily during the Edo period (1603–1868) and Meiji period (1868–1912). These homes were the residences of merchants and craftsmen in cities like Kyoto, Kanazawa, and other parts of Japan. Today, many of these homes have been lovingly restored and are used as vacation rentals, allowing visitors to stay in a piece of history.

When you step into a machiya, you’re stepping into a world where old meets new. The wooden construction, tatami mat rooms, old folding screens, and small Japanese gardens bring you back in time, while the modern facilities like high-speed internet access, in-one automatic washers, and fully equipped kitchens provide the comforts of a modern home.

Why Choose a Machiya for Your Stay?

Staying in a machiya offers a completely different experience compared to a hotel. Here are some of the reasons why staying in a machiya might be perfect for your next visit to Japan:

1. Experience Life Like a Local: Machiya’s are located in quiet, residential neighbourhoods of Kyoto, such as the famous Higashiyama district, where narrow streets are lined with traditional houses and local shops. Staying in one of these houses gives you the chance to experience the everyday life of the city. You can wake up in a tatami room, sip your morning tea in the courtyard garden, and head out to explore Kyoto’s attractions, all while feeling like a local.
2. Enjoy the Luxury of a Home: Unlike a hotel room, a whole house offers more space and privacy. Machiya’s typically feature spacious living rooms, a second floor with sleeping areas, and guest rooms that can comfortably accommodate groups of friends or families. Some properties even offer luxuries like a private onsen or hot tub, creating the perfect environment for a relaxing stay.
3. Beautiful Traditional Designs: Machiyas are the epitome of traditional Japanese designs. With their wooden structures, pine trees in the garden, and low tables in the living area, they reflect a lifestyle that has been passed down for centuries. The rock garden or small Japanese garden at the back of many machiya’s is a peaceful retreat, providing the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.
4. Modern Comforts in a Historical Setting: While machiya’s retain their historic charm, many have been updated to include the modern comforts travellers need today. Expect features like optical fiber internet, data-only SIM cards for tourists, and modern western-style bedrooms. These updates allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds—a slice of Japan’s past with the convenience of travellers in mind.

Key Features of a Machiya Stay

Here are some of the features you can expect when staying in a machiya, which make it stand out from a typical hotel stay:

• Traditional Japanese Home Design: Sliding doors, tatami mats, and tea rooms offer an authentic experience.
• Fully Equipped Kitchen: Enjoy the flexibility to cook your meals in a home-like setting or try Kyoto’s beloved neighbourhood restaurants nearby.

• Courtyard Garden: Many machiyas have a small garden or even a rock garden for quiet reflection.
• Private Machiya: Staying in an entire machiya townhouse offers privacy that hotels often can’t match.
• Direct Access: Many machiyas offer direct access to the street, making it easy to walk out and explore.

Location: In the Heart of Kyoto’s Cultural Life

When staying in a machiya, you’ll find yourself within walking distance of many of Kyoto’s most famous attractions. Whether you’re exploring the Kamo River, visiting the Nijo Castle, or taking a short walk to Kyoto Station for transportation connections, the city is at your doorstep.

One popular area to stay in is the Higashiyama district, known for its historical significance and proximity to landmarks like the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion Shijo Station. This district is also filled with specialty shops, local restaurants, and stunning temples, giving you endless opportunities to explore. You can even stroll over to Gojo Machiya, another nearby area with beautiful old homes.

Other machiyas are located in Downtown Kyoto, which is bustling with activity, restaurants, and shopping streets. Imagine staying in a beautiful traditional home, then stepping outside to find all the excitement of old Kyoto right around the corner.

Perfect for Travellers of All Types

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or as a family, machiya’s offer something for everyone. Here’s why they are a great place to stay for different types of traveLlers:

• Families: Machiyas often have multiple rooms and guest rooms on the second floor, perfect for families needing more space.
• Groups of Friends: Renting an entire machiya can be more affordable than booking multiple hotel rooms, and it offers the benefit of staying together under one roof.
• Couples: For a romantic getaway, there’s nothing like the charm of a traditional wooden townhouse with its intimate gardens and cosy atmosphere.
• Long-Time Travellers: If you’re staying in Kyoto for an extended period, a machiya offers the luxury of a home. The kitchen, spacious living room, and laundry facilities make it easy to settle in for a long stay.

The Machiya Residence Inn and Kyoto Machiya Fukune

If you’re wondering where to find these traditional homes, some popular brands that offer machiya stays include the Machiya Residence Inn and Kyoto Machiya Fukune. These companies offer a variety of different houses in Kyoto City, each with its unique charm and style. They provide both short-term and long-term stays, and their properties range from small, cozy homes to larger houses that can accommodate bigger groups.

Some machiya rentals are fully licensed boutique hotels or guest houses with hotel business licenses, ensuring high standards of hospitality and cleanliness. They often offer exclusive perks like restaurant reservations, private onsen access, or discounts on local attractions. Personally, I went through booking.com to secure our Machiya stay in Kyoto.

Conclusion: Why Machiya’s are the Perfect Choice for Your Next Visit to Kyoto

Whether you’re visiting for a national holiday, a special event, or just to explore the rich history of the city, staying in a machiya is an unforgettable way to experience Japan. You’ll not only enjoy the luxury of a home but also be able to immerse yourself in the charm of traditional Japanese homes that have stood the test of time.

So on your next visit, instead of booking a regular hotel, consider staying in a machiya—a great place to connect with Japan’s rich cultural heritage while enjoying all the modern comforts you could need.

If you enjoyed reading this post on ‘the machiya experience: A traditional Japanese stay’, then for further info, check out my other blogs at https://www.mymemoriesabroad.com/category/blog/ or head to my Pinterest profile to have a look at travel photos, which will hopefully inspire you to book your holiday to remember at https://www.pinterest.co.uk/mymemoriesabroad/. I hope this blog was helpful; safe travels and I hope you enjoy your machiya experience!