Stay in a nostalgic Machiya to experience the real charm of Kyoto

▲ The Japanese-style room with an engawa (veranda) is the most popular. (Photo / fromGuest House Kazariyawebsite)

Text byKyoto City Taiwan Promotion Office

Kyoto, Japan, with its millennia-old culture, is home to countless historic landmarks, but nostalgic-style Machiya townhouses are especially beloved by travelers. Located on Gojo Street, Guest House Kazariya is a nostalgic Machiya from the Taisho era. Originally a pharmacy from the Edo period, it still retains the pharmacy sign “Kameda Risaburo Pharmacy” and the medicine sign “Rokushinmaru,” adding to its timeless charm.


▲ Lift the red cloth banner with the name Kazariya and open the door, as if stepping through a time portal. (Photo / fromGuest House Kazariyawebsite)

Lift the red cloth banner with the name Kazariya and open the door, as if stepping through a time portal, and you’ll find yourself in the Taisho era. The interior is entirely vintage and nostalgic, with a strong sense of bygone times lingering in the air. Many small corners house carefully preserved retro items that have aged gracefully, gaining a warm, textured charm over the years.


▲ Many carefully preserved retro items. (Photo / fromGuest House Kazariyawebsite)

Although it’s a traditional Machiya building, the wooden floors, white walls, and small kitchen tiled in ceramic create a subtle Western vibe that blends seamlessly with the overall architecture.

The courtyard garden, an essential feature of a Machiya, is also full of character. In addition to the essential greenery, plants, and stone pathways of a Kyoto-style garden, it features charming patches of moss, resembling a soft green carpet that contrasts beautifully with the dark stones, adding a lively touch.


▲ Essential greenery, plants, and stone pathways of a Kyoto-style garden. (Photo / fromGuest House Kazariyawebsite)

Kazariya doesn’t have many rooms—three Japanese-style rooms that can accommodate 2–4 people, ideal for families or friends traveling together. For those who aren’t used to sleeping on futons spread over tatami mats, there’s also a cozy Western-style twin room (one double bed) for a more familiar sleep experience.


▲ Kazariya doesn’t have many rooms. (Photo / fromGuest House Kazariyawebsite)

But the most unique option is their dormitory room, which is women-only and features Western-style bunk beds. While this might be disappointing for male fans, it’s great news for female travelers, offering a safe and comfortable stay.


▲ The dormitory room is for women only. (Photo / fromGuest House Kazariyawebsite)

Room rates vary by type, ranging from about 2,500 to 4,500 yen. But the most popular, of course, is the Japanese-style room with an engawa. Especially since the popularity of the drama “Even if I’m a Freeter, I’m Alright,” many guests want to sit on the engawa like the female lead, gazing at the garden’s changing seasons while relaxing—or even rolling around freely.

Another highlight of Kazariya is its shared kitchen, which is simple yet fully equipped with pots, pans, utensils, and various seasonings. Guests are encouraged to buy ingredients and cook their own meals at Kazariya.


▲There is a shared kitchen available for use. (Photo / Courtesy ofGuest House?yaWebsite)

The toilets and bathrooms (shower type) at ?ya are shared among all guests. Although they are available 24 hours a day, fans who enjoy soaking in a bath may also consider visiting a nearby sento (public bath), which is just a 5-minute walk away. However, towels and yukata (casual kimono) are not provided and must be purchased or rented if not brought along. The front desk is unstaffed between 9:00 PM and 8:00 AM the next day, and the entrance will be locked during this time. Guests who plan to return late or check in late are advised to inform the staff in advance.

▲Courtyard. (Photo / Courtesy ofGuest House?yaWebsite)

Although a machiya (traditional townhouse) may not compare to modern hotels, the traditional Japanese atmosphere at ?ya offers a more "homey" feeling and a closer connection to everyday life. It may not be as luxurious or comfortable, but the simple, unpretentious sense of security has a unique charm that lingers.

More travel information about Kyoto can be found at<Kyoto City Taiwan Promotion Office>

Supporting Organizations:Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau

Guset House?ya
■ Website: http://www.kazari-ya.com/index.html
■ Check-in time: 16:00–21:00
■ Check-out time: 11:00
■ Online reservation: http://www.kazari-ya.com/reservation-j/reservation.html
(Reservations open four months prior to the booking date)
■ Email reservation: mail@kazari-ya.com
■ Phone reservation: 8:00–21:00 (not accepted 11:00–13:00)
■ Address: 184, Tōya-chō, Nishi-iru, Muromachi-sagaru, Gojō-dōri, Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto
■ Transportation:
From Kyoto Station
① On foot (approx. 12 minutes): Head north on Karasuma-dōri from the main entrance of Kyoto Station. Turn left onto Gojō-dōri and walk west for 100 meters. After passing through Muromachi-dōri, you will see it.
② By subway (approx. 2 minutes): Take the Karasuma Subway Line (bound for Kokusaikaikan) and get off at "Gojō" Station. Exit from Exit 4 and walk for about 2 minutes.
③ By Kyoto City Bus (approx. 10 minutes, 3rd stop): Take Bus No. 5, 26, 57, or 101 from the Karasuma Central Exit bus stop at Kyoto Station and get off at "Karasuma-Gojō." Walk for about 2 minutes.