Kyoto Machiya Blog

Kyoto Machiya Blog tag:www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com,2010-06-29:/blog/1 2012-12-17T10:01:21Z Movable Type 4.261 WINTER SPECIAL OFFER 1, 2 & 3 tag:www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com,2012:/blog//1.39 2012-12-17T01:04:09Z 2012-12-17T10:01:21Z

Hiro

Kyoto in the winter offers you a rare glimpse into another side of the majestic city that cannot be experienced at any other time of the year. Historic temples and ancient shrines that date back nearly a thousand years are draped in a veil of glistening snow, adding grace and serenity to the picturesque landscape. You can also enter cultural sites that are normally not open to the public during this time of year.

To celebrate this special season, Machiya Residence Inn Kyoto is offering guests who stay between Dec 15 2012 and Feb 28 2013 one of three special offers. Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity by spending this winter with your loved ones, friends or family at our quality machiya townhouse and immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of Kyoto.

Special Offer 1-

Free admission ticket to Kiyomizu Temple, one of the most popular temples in Kyoto and a registered World Heritage site. The impressive temple miraculously does not contain a single nail and is supported by large interlocking pillars, something unique to Japanese architecture. It also offers a breathtaking view of the city from the famous lookout called "the stage of Kiyomizu".

Special Offer 2 -

Free admission to a private registered cultural property that is 150 years old. This property is usually not open to the public and offers you an opportunity to experience what life was like in Kyoto before the advent of modern conveniences. You can view the tea room, a traditional kitchen and take a stroll in the garden.

Special Offer 3 -

Free one day pass for the Kyoto City Bus. The bus is the most convenient way to travel around Kyoto and this pass will take you to most of the famous sightseeing spots.

For reservations or inquiries

Please send an email to info@kyoto-machiya-inn.com and inform us your check in/out dates and preferred machiya townhouse. We look forward to hearing from you!

- Kohakuan

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

- Shikokuan

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

- Tokiwa-an

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

- Shoubuan

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

- Suoan

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

Terms and conditions:

- This offer is available from Dec 15 2012 to Feb 28 2013

- This offer applies to only for booking made after Dec 15 2012.

- Minimum stay of 2 nights required

- If one offer is not available for any reason an alternative offer will be provided

]]> JIDAI MATSURI (Festival of the Ages) tag:www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com,2012:/blog//1.38 2012-10-21T11:39:22Z 2012-10-23T11:47:57Z

Jidai Maturi, one of Kyoto`s three biggest festivals was held on Oct 22. The festival first began in 1895 to celebrate the 1,100th anniversary of the capital being transferred to Kyoto (Heian-kyo).The highlight of this festival is to see the...

Hiro Jidai Maturi, one of Kyoto`s three biggest festivals was held on Oct 22. The festival first began in 1895 to celebrate the 1,100th anniversary of the capital being transferred to Kyoto (Heian-kyo).The highlight of this festival is to see the parade of approximately 2,000 people dressed in traditional costumes ranging from the Heian Period to the Meiji Period. They leave from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, parade the streets of Karasuma, Oike and Sanjo to go toward the Heian Jingu Shrine.

This is another interesting event to feel the tradition of Kyoto in October!

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Machiya Residence Inn Kyoto

Tel：075－708-5610

Fax：075－708－5611

Email: 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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]]> Kyo-no-tanabata Festival tag:www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com,2012:/blog//1.37 2012-08-11T15:21:14Z 2012-08-11T16:19:25Z

Hiro

Kyo-no-tanabata Festival has been held in Kyoto now. The main events have been taking place in the Horikawa and Kamogawa river areas. You will get to see beautiful night-time lightups featuring stunning bamboo artwork, from 7PM to 9:30PM each night.

What is Tanabata?

http://www.kyoto-tanabata.jp/global/en/index.html

Information about events and artwork in the Horikawa river area

http://www.kyoto-tanabata.jp/global/en/horikawa.html

Information about events and artwork in the Kamogawa river area

http://www.kyoto-tanabata.jp/global/en/kamogawa.html

We hope you have a great time in Kyoto!

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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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]]> For your sento experience in a local community tag:www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com,2012:/blog//1.36 2012-07-19T15:09:36Z 2012-08-20T14:04:56Z

One of our machiya townhouses, Tokiwa-an is a cozy machiya located in a tiny little side street of a peaceful neighbourhood, offering you to experience the atmosphere from the good old days and the lifestyle of the local residents in...

Hiro One of our machiya townhouses, Tokiwa-an is a cozy machiya located in a tiny little side street of a peaceful neighbourhood, offering you to experience the atmosphere from the good old days and the lifestyle of the local residents in Kyoto.

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

In Japan, almost every neighbourhood has a public bath called sento and it is known as a place for Japanese people to retreat from the pressures of their busy lives and refresh themselves in a relaxing atmosphere . "Hakusan-yu" is a popluar public bath among locals and is located in a few minutes' walk from Tokiwa-an.

Name: Hakusan-yu (白山湯）

Location map: http://www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com/tokiwa/nearby/

Opening hours:

3:00PM-0:00AM (weekdays)

7:00AM-0:00AM (Sat., Sun. And holidays)

Closed: every Wednesday

Price: JPY410 (adult) and JPY150 (children) with jacuzzi and sauna
Shampoo and body soap are provided. Just take your towels from Tokiwa-an and bring them back when you come back!

Here are few tips when entering a public bath;

1. In changing room, take off your clothes and put them in the basket provided.
2. Sit on a little wooden or plastic chair and begin by washing your body
3. Enter in a bath tub slowly and you may want to say "shitsurei shimasu" or excuse me if others are already in a bath.
4. Do not put your towel in the water but put it on the edge of the bath or wrap it around your head, If you have a long hair keep it out of the water too.
5. Relax and enjoy the sento experience!

Take advantage of staying at our machiya townhouses to experience the local atmosphere of Kyoto!

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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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]]> Kyoto Mahciya Blog tag:www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com,2012:/blog//1.35 2012-06-27T12:43:33Z 2012-06-27T14:30:07Z

Though Kyoto is known as the old capital of Japan and still maintains the traditional townscape in many areas of the city approximately 1,000 machiya townhouses are demolished and replaced by new buildings every year due to maintenance being difficult...

Hiro

Machiya Residence Inn endeavors to combat such a degenerate trend by refurbishing the machiya townhouses that are about to be demolished and reviving them into life as accommodation facilities for Kyoto visitors.

Exterior at Shoubuan Machiya Residence Inn

Bedroom at Kohakuan Machiya Residence Inn

Living room at Tokiwa-an Machiya Residence Inn

Bathroom at Suoan Machiya Residence Inn

A view of the Japanese garden at Shikokuan Machiya Residence Inn

All of our machiya townhouses are fully renovated and equipped with kitchen, washing machine, cloth dryer, computer and complimentary Internet access, making it suitable for both short and long-term stay. By obtaining an official accommodation license, we offer you quality machiya accommodations!

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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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]]> Kyoto`s nice restaurants, cafes and bars recommended by locals tag:www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com,2012:/blog//1.34 2012-05-02T06:02:10Z 2012-05-02T11:32:08Z

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...

Hiro

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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]]> tag:www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com,2012:/blog//1.33 2012-03-16T04:01:16Z 2012-03-16T04:02:33Z

Hiro The weather forecast for tonight tag:www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com,2012:/blog//1.32 2012-02-17T14:53:52Z 2012-02-17T15:00:39Z

Hiro

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 tag:www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com,2012:/blog//1.31 2012-02-14T17:53:08Z 2012-02-14T18:13:27Z

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...

Hiro

@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 tag:www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com,2012:/blog//1.30 2012-02-03T10:00:00Z 2012-02-03T10:08:50Z

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...

Hiro

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 tag:www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com,2011:/blog//1.28 2011-07-06T07:55:18Z 2011-07-06T08:29:05Z

Hiro

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 tag:www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com,2011:/blog//1.27 2011-04-17T09:59:36Z 2011-04-17T12:52:43Z

Hiro 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 tag:www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com,2011:/blog//1.24 2011-02-10T16:14:49Z 2011-02-11T06:27:45Z

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...

Hiro 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! tag:www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com,2011:/blog//1.23 2011-01-28T12:13:04Z 2011-01-28T12:30:08Z

Hiro 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 tag:www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com,2011:/blog//1.22 2011-01-16T14:08:29Z 2011-01-16T14:36:13Z

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...

Hiro 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

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