Kyoto Machiya Blog

Kyoto`s nice restaurants, cafes and bars recommended by locals

2012-05-02T06:02:10Z

The weather is getting warmer in Kyoto and we have started seeing a sign of early summer these days. Japan is in the middle of public holiday season called "Golden Week" and lots of visitors seem to enjoy the season of fresh green in Kyoto.

By the way, our guests often ask us for some recommendations of places to eat and have a cup of coffee or tea. We would do the same if we were in other country for sightseeing. To make your Kyoto trip more enjoyable we have created a map for nice restaurants, cafes and bars recommended by Kyoto locals. We are still in the beginning process of listing more places but here is a link to have a look at first. It is also available for anyone to edit and so if you know any nice places let`s share with us!

Just cut and paste the following link to find out more information about places to eat and drink in Kyoto!

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=
214589328194822316601.0004ac9326bd781bae96d

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Machiya Residence Inn Kyoto

Tel： 075－708-5610 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 075－708-5610 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Fax：075－708－5611

Mail: info@kyoto-machiya-inn.com

URL:http://www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com

Twitter:http://twitter.com/KyotoMachiyaInn

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Machiya-Residence-Inn-Kyoto/129207050467744

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2012-03-16T04:01:16Z

Coming up soon..

The weather forecast for tonight

2012-02-17T14:53:52Z

According to the weather forecast it will be snowing all night in Kyoto . This photo was just taken on the Kiyamachi dori street along the Takasegawa river about 10 minutes ago.

Let`s see how much snow we get tomorrow morning!

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Machiya Residence Inn Kyoto

Tel：075－708-5610

Fax：075－708－5611

Mail: info@kyoto-machiya-inn.com

URL:http://www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com

Twitter:http://twitter.com/KyotoMachiyaInn

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Machiya-Residence-Inn-Kyoto/129207050467744

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The Main Purpose of Tsuboniwa garden at Machiya

2012-02-14T17:53:08Z

While the main purpose of Tsuboniwa garden is appreciation of beauty it also brings natural air circulation and light into the house. In summer time, a sense of coolness is created in the house by this natural ventilation system. The following photos were taken at our accommodations to demonstrate one of the typical features of machiya houses.

@Shoubuan Machiya Residence Inn

@ Tokiwa-an Machiya Residence Inn

@Shikokuan Machiya Residence Inn

In summer time this natural air ventilation system creates a sense of coolness in machiya.

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Machiya Residence Inn Kyoto

Tel：075－708-5610

Fax：075－708－5611

Mail: info@kyoto-machiya-inn.com

URL:http://www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com

Twitter:http://twitter.com/KyotoMachiyaInn

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Machiya-Residence-Inn-Kyoto/129207050467744

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"Ochazuke Bar" in Kiyamachi, Kyoto

2012-02-03T10:00:00Z

As some of you have already known, ‎"Ochazuke"is a Japanese family cuisine made by pouring green tea, dashi or hot water over cooked rice with savoury toppings. We often eat ochazuke in the morning or at night and this is one of my favorite Japanese foods. There is a "Ochazuke Bar" in Kiyamachi area in Kyoto where you get to try the real taste of ochazuke with some nice sake! This is a good place to taste some local food in Kyoto! FYI, there are lots of bars and eateries on Kiyamachi and Pontchao Streets and if you want to enjoy your night-out in Kyoto those streets are recommended!

Have a good night!

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Machiya Residence Inn Kyoto

Tel：075－708-5610

Fax：075－708－5611

Mail: info@kyoto-machiya-inn.com

URL:http://www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com

Twitter:http://twitter.com/KyotoMachiyaInn

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Machiya-Residence-Inn-Kyoto/129207050467744

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Information for Tanabata or Star Festival in Kyoto

2011-07-06T07:55:18Z

Tanabata is the Star Festival held on July 7 in Japan.

This is based on a Chinese legend in which Altair (the star of the herdsman) and Vega (the star of the weaver-princess), though separated on opposite sides of the Milky Way, meet once a year on this day.

People write their wishes on on strips of tanzaku which they hang on a special bamboo tree as a way of praying for good relationships and romantic encounters.

Here are a couple of events to be held on the day of Tanabata in Kyoto.

-Kibune Water Festival at Kibune Shirne

(During this ritual prayers are offered the the Deity of Rain.The night time illumination is created with lanterns in the shrine precinct)

-Mitarashi Festival and Tanabata Festival at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

(Many stalls related to the deity are set up in front of the shrine. A special Tanabata dance to be preformed as well)

-Tanabata Festival at Jishu Shrine

(The home for the Deity of Love. People visit this shrine to write their wishes on on strips of tanzaku which they hang on a special bamboo tree as a way of praying for good relationships and romantic encounters. )

(Quoted from Kyoto Visitor`s Guide issued for July)

Have a good Tanabata day!

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Machiya Residence Inn Kyoto
Tel：075－708-5610
Fax：075－708－5611
Mail: info@kyoto-machiya-inn.com
URL:http://www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com
Twitter:http://twitter.com/KyotoMachiyaInn
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Machiya-Residence-Inn-Kyoto/129207050467744

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Yasaka Pagoda, a symbol of the Higashiyama district

2011-04-17T09:59:36Z

One of the recommend places to see when you visit Kyoto is "Yasaka Pagoda". This five-tier pagoda is also known as "Ho-kanji Temple" and this is a symbol of the Higashiyama district. It is said that the pagoda was established by Prince Shotoku in the second year of Emperor Sushun`s reign in 589. Three Buddhist relics were collected for the establishment of this temple and a prayer is made for stability of the nation.

The pagoda is 46 meters in height and was last built in 1440 by Ashikaga Yoshinori, making it the oldest pagoda in Kyoto. The roofs are "honkawara-buki"style and its unique shape was designed to protect the pagoda from the rain and strong wind.

Once you go inside the building you will see a long pillar that goes all the way up to the top. This pillar is only held by a foundation stone on the ground and a pagoda finial on the top, keeping the whole pagoda in balance. Three Buddhist relics were buried inside a foundation stone here.↓

Religiously, this pillar is like a "artery" that connects three Buddhist relics with a pagoda finial which is believed as Buddha`s grave.

Other recommended places to see or go around the pagoda include;

- Kiyomizu Temple

-Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka and Ichinenzaka

-Nene-no-michi or Nene Road

-Ishibe-koji or Ishibe Path

-Kodaiji Temple

-Entokuin Temple

Access from Kohakuan (Approximately 12 minutes)

1.Take the Bus 202 or 207 from Sennyuji-michi Bus Stop
2.Get off at Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop
3. Walk to Yasaka Pagoda

Access from Shikokuan
-Walk towards the east for 20-25 minutes

I hope this will help to explore the Higashiyama area. Have a good day!

Machiya Residence Inn Kyoto
Tel: (81) 75 708 5610
Fax: (81) 75 708 5611
Email: info@kyoto-machiya-inn.com
Web: http://www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KyotoMachiyaInn
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Machiya-Residence-Inn-Kyoto/129207050467744

Plum-blossom viewing

2011-02-10T16:14:49Z

February is a time for plum blossom viewing to celebrate the Coming of Spring. There are a number of places where you can see plum flowers blooming. Some recommended spots would be Kyoto Imeprial Palace, Nijo Castle and Kitano Temmangu Shrine.

Baikasai or plum blossom festival is going to be held at Kitano Temmangu Shrine on February 25th. You will see Geiko or Maiko (apprentices of Geiko) hosting an outdoor tea ceremony called "Nobate" under the plum trees.

This is one of the biggest events of this month and attracts many visitors. If you are in Kyoto around this time I recommend you purchase a pre-paid ticket from the shrine to experience this seasonal event! (The ticket for Nobeta is sold for 3,000 yen per person)

Next month cherry blossom!!

Machiya Residence Inn Kyoto

Tel: (81) 75 708 5610

Fax:(81) 75 708 5611

Email: info@kyoto-machiya-inn.com

Web: http://www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/KyotoMachiyaInn

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Machiya-Residence-Inn-Kyoto/129207050467744

Finding Waldo- Buddha Style!

2011-01-28T12:13:04Z

A surfing Buddha, a Buddha doing a handstand or how about a saxophone playing Buddha- these are just a few examples of the rakan or stone statues displayed at the Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Buddhist temple in Arashiyama.

Unlike your traditional temple, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji has more than 1200 of these humorous statues in the main hall.

The temple, which was originally built in the middle of the 8th century by Emperor Shotoku, has survived floods, fires and typhoons.

The rakan sculptures were part of the restoration project that was completed in 1981. Under the careful guidance of renowned sculptor, Kocho Nishimura, hundreds of amateur and professional sculptors carved these statues from stone, creating the colorful mix of statues that range from the silly to the downright scary.

It has now become a tradition for visitors to find the rakan that best resembles themselves. With hundreds of these little figures, it's a bit like finding waldo- Buddha style!

Getting There:
From Kyoto station, take the Bus 72 to Otagidera Mae. From Hankyu Arashiyama station, take the Bus 62 or 72 to Otagidera Mae. If you know Arashiyama, go to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji and follow the walking path north. You willl come to Otagi in about 10 minutes.

Machiya Residence Inn Kyoto

Tel: (81) 75 708 5610

Fax:(81) 75 708 5611

Email: info@kyoto-machiya-inn.com

Web: http://www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/KyotoMachiyaInn

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Machiya-Residence-Inn-Kyoto/129207050467744

Get a First-hand Glimpse of Japanese Film Industry

2011-01-16T14:08:29Z

The majority of Japanese samurai movies and historical dramas are filmed right here in Kyoto at Toei Uzumasa Eigamura. Lined with traditional Japanese buildings and streets, the movie sets bring ancient Kyoto back to life. Actors dressed as geishas draped in elegant kimonos or courageous samurai warriors can be seen when filming is taking place.

Various performances such as a ninja show and other attractions including a haunted house are also within the park. Visitors can even choose to dress up from over 30 different attire including a samurai, geisha, or ninja. If you're a film buff or have kids, be sure to visit Toei Uzumasa Eigamura to get a first hand glimpse at the Japanese film industry.

The Toei Eigamura is just a 5 minute walk from Uzumasa Station on the Keifuku Arashiyama Line or a 15 minute walk from JR Hanazono Station (10 minutes, 190 Yen from Kyoto Station).　

Machiya Residence Inn Kyoto

Tel: (81) 75 708 5610

Fax:(81) 75 708 5611

Email: info@kyoto-machiya-inn.com

Web: http://www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/KyotoMachiyaInn

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Machiya-Residence-Inn-Kyoto/129207050467744

Visiting a registered tangible cultural property

2011-01-08T07:44:34Z

One of our winter specials offers you entrance to registered tangible cultural property, located in the western side of the city near Arashiyama, Sagano Bamboo Forest and Katsura Imperial Villa. This is a private house for a family who has lived here since The 17th century.

The house of over 150 years old was once used as a village hall and now is only open to the public when there is a special exhibition or event.

There was a lot of snow on Dec 31 2010...

This area is called "Doma" which was once used as a workplace for farmers.

There is an old kitchen and the spring water is still drinkable. The pure soft water tastes really nice.

This is called "Okudosan" , an old-fashioned rice cooker from the old days. It still works fine.

This is the main guest room which has a view of the garden.

In spring

In summer

In autumn

In winter

There are two tea rooms on the premise.

Walking through the garden to get to the second tea room.

It is a great opportunity to see what life was like in Kyoto before the advent of modern conveniences.

For more information please visit http://www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com/special-offer/ or email us anytime.

Have a good day!

Machiya Residence Inn Kyoto

Tel: (81) 75 708 5610

Fax:(81) 75 708 5611

Email: info@kyoto-machiya-inn.com

Web: http://www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/KyotoMachiyaInn

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Machiya-Residence-Inn-Kyoto/129207050467744

Thank you 2010 and hello 2011

2010-12-31T09:57:05Z

It is 7:00pm on the 31st of December 2010 in Kyoto.

We had the very first snowfall this morning and it is still snowing right now...

I would say this year was a pretty good year for us . We opened Kohakuan, the first machiya accommodation in August and met a lot of people from different countries.

Shikokuan, our second machiya will be opened early next year. This machiya is located near Kawaramachi Station, a prefect location for sightseeing and shopping. You can always check our website (http://www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com), facebook site (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Machiya-Residence-Inn-Kyoto/129207050467744) or twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/KyotoMachiyaInn) to receive our updated information. There will be more machiyas coming up next year and so we will keep you posted.

I would like to thank all the guests who stayed with us this year and all the people who support Machiya Residence Inn . Next year we will continue to entertain more people and make your trip to Kyoto a memorable one!!

Have a happy new year!!!

Kyoto Central Station

2010-12-19T14:56:20Z

No matter which transportation you use, the first place you visit in Kyoto is Kyoto Central Station. It is a train station attached to the hotel, department stores, cultural facilities such as an art gallery and theater. There is also a bus terminal in front of the station, which is the starting point for visiting various sightseeing spots in Kyoto. Furthermore, a new shopping mall called Aeon Mall has been opened since this year. This is located a 5 minute walk from　the Hachijo Exit.

Looking at the station from the Karasuma Street Exit

At the station building there is a wide range of restaurants available and so if you are not sure what to eat for dinner you will see many choices there. This is just another travel information for you. Enjoy!!

The backstreet of Kyoto

2010-12-04T12:27:17Z

As the old Capital of Japan, there are many cultural heritage sites that remain in Kyoto.

I know visiting shrines and temples is one of the "must do" things when you are in town but one day of your stay I recommend you take a walk to some of the backstreets of the city to explore the undiscovered faces of Kyoto.

Stone-paved streets near Kiyomizu Temple

Old houses by Shirakawa river

A private registered cultural property in the backstreet in the western side of the city

souvenir shops in Ninen-zaka

Old green tea store in Uji

Geishas in Gion area

I hope you will find your own favorite backstreet of Kyoto!

The oldest Zen Temple in Kyoto

2010-11-15T14:17:18Z

Today I visited Kenninji Temple, Kyoto`s first Zen Temple located in Gion. Zen Buddhism in Japan is divided into three major branches; Rinzai, Soto and Obaku. Kenninji belongs to the Rinzai sect founded by the priest Eisai in 1202. Eisai, the founder of the Rinzai sect is also known for bringing　knowledge about the cultivation and consumption of tea from China. The origin of Japanese tea culture is related to his influence.

Kenninji is also famous for possessing many important works of art.

One of them is the ceiling paint of souryuzu (twin dragons). This masterpiece (11.4m x 15.7m) was drawn to commemorate the 800 year anniversary of the temple. This is so amazing..

Another remarkable art is a ceramic replica of the Wind and Thunder Gods. The original work is stored in the Kyoto National Museum. As I got closer, I was very impressed by how precise it is.

Although you can enter the temple through the back entrance located at the end of Hanamikoji street, known for the street of geisha houses I recommend you enter through the chokushimon gate on Yasaka street to appreciate the landscape of the Zen temple precincts.

To get to Kenninji from Kohakuan take the city bus no 202 or 207 from Sennyuji Bus Stop and get off at Higashiyama Yasui Bus Stop and walk there. It takes about 10 mins.

To get more Kyoto`s travel information check out our website http://www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com/travel-guide/

Have a happy day!!