A Unique Experience

When traveling, we often enjoyed the convenience of hotels, but over time the lobbies, elevators, and identical rooms began to feel the same. We found ourselves craving something more authentic.

The idea of owning and restoring a local Japanese home first took root during our journeys. Vacation rental homes gave us rare opportunities to connect with each destination on a deeper level—waking up in a cozy house, enjoying breakfast in a neighborhood café, or greeting locals as they went about their day. These simple moments offered us a genuine glimpse into the culture.

When we discovered Kyoto, and especially the historic district of Gion, we knew we wanted to share this same experience with others. By restoring traditional machiya townhouses, we created spaces where friends and guests can truly immerse themselves in the street-level atmosphere of Kyoto, awaken in the neighborhood famed for its geisha, and discover what makes this city—and Japan—so unique

Gion, the Historical Heart of Kyoto

Japan offers the ultimate cultural travel experience. While Tokyo represents the country’s modern dynamism, Kyoto remains its historic and spiritual soul, home to more than 1,600 temples and shrines. At its center lies Gion, Kyoto’s most beautifully preserved district and a short walk from many of the city’s top attractions.

Here, centuries of tradition live on. Visitors may glimpse geiko and maiko—Kyoto’s geisha and their apprentices—gracefully hurrying along narrow cobblestone lanes. The Hanami-koji district, made famous in Memoirs of a Geisha, is still lined with historic machiya townhouses and discreet ochaya teahouses, offering an authentic window into Kyoto’s enduring cultural heritage.

What is a Machiya?

For more than 1,200 years, Kyoto has been home to a unique style of wooden townhouse known as the machiya. These two-storey merchant homes, found throughout Gion, are instantly recognizable by their narrow street-facing facades and long, deep interiors—earning them the nickname “eel beds”. The distinctive design originated from historic property taxes, which were calculated based on the width of the home along the street.

Sadly, financial pressures today make it more profitable to replace these historic houses with modern apartments, and it is estimated that around 80% of Kyoto’s machiya have already been demolished. When the opportunity arose to preserve one of these rare and beautiful homes, we felt fortunate to contribute to protecting Kyoto’s cultural heritage for future generations.

A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

We had seen other opportunities to purchase a machiya in Kyoto, but we remained patient, hoping for the right one. The dream of living in a historic neighborhood like Gion—within walking distance of Kyoto’s most celebrated attractions—encouraged us to wait until something truly special came along. When we discovered Machiya Maya, we were simply stunned. Its location was perfect: a short stroll to Gion’s atmospheric streets and countless shrines and temples, including the world-renowned Kiyomizu-dera.

What made Machiya Maya even more remarkable was its abundance of natural light. Unlike most machiya, which are long, narrow, and often dim, this townhouse was bright and airy. Even more extraordinary, one entire side of the home overlooked the private gardens of Kenninji, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, founded over 1,000 years ago. From its windows, we could gaze upon nature and culture intertwined, a rare privilege in the heart of the city.

We knew we had found something extraordinary—a place where our guests could experience Kyoto’s culture at its most authentic. The location, light, and layout of the house were ideal. Yet years of neglect had left it in need of care and restoration. To breathe new life into this historic home, we entrusted the project to world-class experts, ensuring that its beauty and heritage would be preserved for generations to come.

The Restoration of Machiya Maya

Once we had found the perfect machiya, the next step was assembling the perfect team. We partnered with a family-run business that has been building and restoring homes and temples in Kyoto for over a century. Through them, we gathered a team of master craftsmen, including miyadaiku—specialist carpenters renowned for their skill in restoring Kyoto’s shrines and temples using time-honored tools and techniques.

Our vision for the restoration was clear: to preserve the old while embracing the new. Living in the past alone was never our goal, nor was creating a static museum piece. Instead, we sought to achieve a delicate balance—a living fusion of tradition and modern comfort. This philosophy remains at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that Machiya Maya is both a celebration of Kyoto’s heritage and a welcoming space for today’s traveler.

A Result Beyond Our Expectations

The work of our team exceeded even our highest hopes. The restoration brought together the comforts of modern living—Western-style kitchens, contemporary appliances, and luxury washrooms—with the timeless beauty of a traditional Japanese home. The miyadaiku craftsmanship shines through in every detail, inviting you to pause and admire the artistry at every turn.

Machiya Maya Gion became the perfect home in the perfect location: a place where your Japanese cultural journey continues even after the day’s sightseeing ends. Within the privacy of your own machiya, in the very heart of Kyoto, discoveries never stop—you remain surrounded by the essence of Japan’s true cultural capital.