Gojo Samurai Machiya

FULLY LICENSED Gojo Machiya is a traditional Japanese townhouse built before 1897 (last known record). It has been fully renovated and features luxurious modern facilities.

Thanks to its convenient location, it is the ideal place to stay for a visit to Kyoto and to experience the traditional lifestyle of the people of Kyoto in full modern comfort.

Redesigned by the famous Japanese architect Mr. Yoshihiko Mamiya, special attention was paid to the atmosphere of the place for the enjoyment of our guests.

Our concept is “Old Traditional Machiya with Modern Luxury Comfort”. Yes, traditional Machiya are actually very cold in winter and quite hot during the summer. We paid particular attention to the insulation of the walls and the ceiling, have installed floor heating around the ground floor, a radiator in the Western-style bedroom and the laundry room, and a heater/dryer in the bathroom. Of course, all the rooms have air conditioning. Also, to provide a pleasant bright environment around the ground floor (traditional Machiya are often quite dark), we created a light pit above the staircase and restored the original “Hibukuro”. The whole place has been decorated with various old traditional Japanese art-crafts.

The fully renovated townhouse features one traditional tatami mat bedroom (sleeping on a futon) and one Western-style bedroom with two single beds, two toilets (one per floor), sliding wooden doors (some are old original ones), “Shôji and Fusuma” paper doors, modern cypress bathroom, and a traditional "tsubo niwa" (courtyard garden).

In the living/dining area, we have a wood dining table with 6 chairs. During the cold winter, you will appreciate the heat coming from the floor both in the living/dining area and the Japanese living space. The house is also equipped with a fully automatic All-In-One Washer/Dryer.

The fully equipped modern kitchen will please anyone who wants to cook at home. A large selection of cooking utensils, one induction cooktop, microwave oven/oven, all kinds of appliances such as rice cooker, toaster, blender, electric kettle, regular coffee machine, and dishes, plates, glasses for six. The setting is particularly convenient for people who stay for a longer period and those who also eat at home. And of course, you'll find all the basics such as salt, pepper, oil, sauce, soja, etc.

The place is very conveniently located for easy access to all sightseeing sites around Kyoto, and with over 70 m2, it is adequate for a larger group (planned and spacious enough for 6 people).

And of course, our guests have unlimited access to superfast (optical fiber) internet access via Wi-Fi throughout the house as well as unlimited Netflix, Youtube, etc. on the flat-screen TV.

If this Machiya is not available for your preferred dates, be sure to check out our other places -- go to our profile to find them!

As our guests, you'll have all the Gojo Machiya for yourselves and have access to everything it has to offer, traditional lifestyle with modern comfort (with the exception of a closet reserved for housekeeping).

We offer 24/7 concierge services (within reason), luggage storage and we're always available for any help necessary for information, preparation, restaurant reservation, suggestions, advice, etc. Our staff is always available by email or phone and we even provide our guests with a local cellphone. We love Kyoto and like to share our interests with our guests. We also have a dedicated website (mykyotomachiya) full of information and pictures to enable our guests to fully explore and enjoy this wonderful city.

The house is very conveniently located in Higashiyama, in a quiet residential area near a number of interesting places.

Miyagawacho Geisha district is a mere five min away

Hanami Koji: Gion Kobu Geisha district: 15 min

Kenninji Zen temple: 15 min

Toyokuni Jinja shrine: with markets held on 8, 18, 28th of every month: 5 min

Sanjusangendo Temple: famous for its amazing 1001 statues of Kannon: 7 min

Kiyomizu Dera Temple: one of the most famous temples in Kyoto: 20 min

Kyoto National Museum: great source of culture: 7 min

Kamo River - a great running course by the river: 3 min

Honmachi Koen, a nice little park great for kids, is a mere 1 minute from the house.

We are located just behind the Gojo Post Office, less than 20 min away on foot from Kyoto station and the JR lines.

Kyomizu-Gojo station (Keihan line) is a few minutes away.

Gojo subway station is 18 minutes away.

In addition, several Kyoto Bus stops are a mere few minutes away from the house.

And there are always taxis available around.

We have decorated the house with old traditional Japanese art crafts such as old authentic Samurai armor, traditional wedding Kimono, Japanese dolls, Noh mask, protective Gods against fire (Hotei-san), etc., for a more refined atmosphere. You'll experience the traditional way of living of the people of Kyoto and enjoy a unique cultural experience, with all the modern comfort you can wish for.