All About Machiya‘Tate-Shige Shoji’ – Machiya House Features
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Many tatami rooms feature ‘shoji,’ traditional sliding doors or windows with wooden lattice frames called ‘kumiko’ covered in translucent paper.
You’ll notice the one pictured has a pattern of vertical rectangles, a style especially popular in the Kansai region, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. This is called the tate-shige shoji style, in accordance with the vertical rectangles this shoji design features.
So why did the tate-shige shoji become so popular? Besides making the room feel taller and more spacious, its many vertical sections give it a sense of strength and stability. While the shoji doesn’t actually support the building, its design adds a refined and elegant quality to the overall atmosphere of the space.
When these shoji have seven or more vertical slats and are finished in black lacquer, they’re called “tanzaku shoji.” The name refers to “tanzaku,” which are narrow paper strips traditionally used for writing Japanese poetry like waka and haiku.
Next time you stay at one of our machiya accommodations, take a closer look at the shoji to appreciate the subtle details like here at ‘Hinaya Gojo Ichi’ Machiya Holiday Home.
This Kyoto machiya features sleek dark grey tatami mats as well as tate-shige shoji for a traditional yet contemporary style.
Located with great access to both Kiyomizu Temple and Gion area, HInaya Gojo Ichi is the perfect accomodation to enjoy Kyoto city.
Relax after a day of exploring Kyoto in the modern bathroom with dark stone tiles.
This holiday house features a kitchen, perfect to prepare snacks and light meals during your stay.
Able to accommodate up to 4 guests, this machiya home has 2 futon beds as well as 2 Western style beds.
For larger groups of up to 8, you can also reserve the neighboring machiya house.
Did you enjoy learning about this unique Japanese house (machiya) feature? If you’d like to experience these traditional elements in person, stay in a private, authentic machiya holiday house on your next visit to Kyoto, Japan.
Take a look at the official MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN website, where there are over 70+ renovated machiya holiday houses for you to choose from!
