Heritage Hotels in Kyoto's Machiya District

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, cherishes its history. Here, the past is not only remembered but lived. Perhaps nowhere in Kyoto is more connected to its cultural roots than Gion in the Higashiyama district, which is known best for its classic machiya townhouses and geishas.

Machiya townhouses are traditional wooden homes found throughout Kyoto. With their signature narrow facade and deep interiors, these townhouses were once residences and shops where merchant families lived and conducted their trades. Their design reflects an authentic Kyoto way of life that has been around for centuries.

Today, visitors to Kyoto are fortunate enough to step back in time amid many of these wonderful machiya townhouses, which have been beautifully preserved and repurposed as hotels. Guests can enjoy modern life's comforts while the hotel’s history speaks through its wooden beams and tatami-mat flooring.

In this guide, we explore some of the best heritage hotels in Kyoto’s machiya district, highlighting what makes each one so special and why you should consider staying there on your next trip to Kyoto.

Ryokan Motonago, nestled along the stone-paved streets at the foot of Kodai-ji Temple in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, is a retreat into the city’s historical heart. Surrounded by many iconic sites, such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the winding streets of Gion, it offers a serene haven amid Kyoto’s most prominent landmarks. 

Established in 1905 as a traditional machiya townhouse, Motonago has been thoughtfully updated to combine its historical ambience with hospitality. Its 11 guestrooms, adorned with traditional and relaxing furnishings, offer views of a tranquil garden that will bring complete calm to even the busiest soul.

Traditional room service

At Ryokan Motonago, guests can expect an exquisite experience where traditional Kyoto cuisine is served right in the privacy of their rooms. The dinner experience features a kaiseki course, which is made up of around 10 small dishes that showcase seasonal specialties and the art of Japanese culinary presentation. The hotel's Japanese breakfast menu includes dishes like yudofu (hot tofu), grilled fish, rice, and miso soup.

Nestled near Kyoto’s Nanzen-ji Temple, Nanzenji Yachiyo radiates the serenity of traditional Japanese architecture, where each season’s unique charm is elegantly on display. Amid the bamboo’s lush green and rustic hues throughout the shifting seasons, guests can find the beauty of wabi-sabi — appreciating beauty in imperfection and nature’s cycles.

This ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) presents a unique stay in each room of the main building, overlooking exquisite gardens by renowned Japanese landscaper Ogawa Jihei.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed in true ryokan fashion and provided with slippers to navigate the beautifully laid out tatami-floored rooms. The experience is steeped in tradition, from the staff’s kimono attire to guests donning yukata robes in both their rooms and the common areas, evoking a Japan of the past.

Several rooms at Nanzenji Yachiyo feature private tubs, offering guests a luxurious, intimate space to relax while enjoying the views of the tranquil Japanese garden that envelops the property.

Kyoto-style cuisine

At Nanzenji Yachiyo’s restaurant, Kyoto Garden Ryokan Yachiyo, guests can indulge in an exquisite Kyoto-style kaiseki course. This quintessential Kyoto culinary experience celebrates the beauty of seasonal ingredients through multiple small plates and courses. This dining style is the epitome of Japanese culinary artistry, offering a journey through the flavors of each season.

The restaurant also provides a special opportunity to enjoy traditional Japanese dishes like sukiyaki, which features thinly sliced wagyu beef cooked in a sweet and savory broth with various fresh vegetables.

The entire dining experience is elevated by the restaurant’s commitment to genuine Japanese-style hospitality, with attentive service staff dressed in traditional Japanese attire, ensuring a memorable stay beyond the accommodation.

Situated in the serene yet historically rich Gion district, Kyoto Ryokan Sakanoue Hotel offers a peaceful escape amid Kyoto’s heritage streets. The inn is renowned for its traditional Japanese architecture, showcasing craftsmanship and a deep passion for cultural preservation. Despite its central location, the tranquility within Sakanoue is profound, offering guests a quiet urban retreat.

Each room, adorned with tatami mats, paper windows, and carefully selected furnishings, echoes the sophisticated essence of Japanese aesthetics. There are several room types to choose from, including a 12-square-meter Japanese room and a 42-square-meter modern twin.

Nearby attractions

Kyoto Ryokan Sakanoue is perfectly positioned for guests to explore Kyoto’s rich heritage, just steps away from the heart of the Gion district. Notable nearby attractions include Yasaka-jinja Shrine, an iconic symbol of Kyoto’s spiritual landscape; Kodai-ji Temple, known for its beautiful gardens and historical significance; and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering breathtaking views over the city. Each of these sites embodies Kyoto's deep cultural and historical essence, making them must-visit destinations for those staying at Sakanoue.