BISHO

Overview

Striking the perfect balance between authentic rustic Kyoto charm and contemporary elegance, traditional Japanese home Bisho is a magnificent property that never ceases to amaze. This double-story, five-person-capacity home features strong, cozy, exposed wooden beams, soft, organic-feeling tatami mat flooring, and a tranquil Japanese garden, encapsulating the essence of Kyoto. 

For all its traditional charm, Bisho doesn’t forgo contemporary luxury. It offers homely comforts like western-style bedding upstairs and a spacious kitchen ideal for preparing home-cooked meals for those who want to take advantage of the nearby Nishiki Market.

While its bathroom is stylishly modern in its cool grey concrete finish and brutalist charm, the rest of the house emanates a delicate softness, thanks in large part to its vintage fusuma (sliding doors) and large windows that retain privacy while still bathing the home in a softly diffused natural light. A top choice for those wanting to enjoy Kyoto’s authentic machiya culture, Bisho’s ability to embrace and preserve its heritage is definitely one of its many drawcards.

Location

This delightful retreat is well-positioned to offer easy access to the heart of Kyoto while still maintaining peace and quiet. Bisho is also located just 600 meters west of the famous Kamo Gawa River, Kyoto’s main artery, and an excellent spot for an evening stroll. Also, running along Kamo River is an endless selection of shopping, dining, and drinking options, so you’ll never be too far from the action. 

Bisho is located in one of Kyoto’s most exciting neighborhoods, dotted with many excellent hangouts, like ＆PAPERS(アンドペーパーズ), a trendy cafe popular with locals. Less than a 10-minute walk south, and you’ll come upon Walden Woods, one of Kyoto’s most popular cafes. A little to the west also sits Lorimer, home to some of the best breakfasts in Kyoto. For a little after-dark fun, Rocking Chair one of the city’s most authentic bars, is just a casual 10-minute stroll north.

Looking a little further, from Bisho you can also reach some of Kyoto’s most famous tourist destinations, best accessed by rental bicycle. The world-famous Kiyomizu Temple is just two kilometers away, and the iconic Nijo Castle is an accessible two and a half kilometers away.

History

Bisho was built about a century ago. It was intended to be a house for the finance officer of the kimono company that was once owned by the house’s next-door neighbor. At the time, the owners of Bisho owned many beautiful machiya in the area. The house gets its name from the kanji for Bisho which was found on the wall of the house and is the name of the man the home was built for.

Description

Thanks to its size, artful design, and ideal position in the heart of the city, Bisho is a wonderfully adaptable home for a variety of travelers. Its generous size and room adaptability mean that it could be perfect for families and small groups of friends, or potentially two couples looking for an unforgettable retreat. With a private study and excellent kitchen, it also makes a great home away from home for remote workers or those looking for a workcation destination. It’s a dream destination to set up a home base for an extended period while you get into the rhythms of Kyoto life. 

Bisho has the potential to be a three-bedroom home or a two-bedroom home with a generous first-floor living space. The layout has been carefully considered and is incredibly adaptable. Bisho offers guests the ultimate privacy, with the garden and bathroom accessible via the main floor living space or via a corridor if the space is being used as a bedroom. If guests want to turn the living space into a bedroom, Shiki will provide thick comfortable futon mattresses and sheets. 

From the entrance, the guests are led to the living and dining space, complete with designer furniture and a 55-inch TV for those cozy nights in. The dining area then opens up onto the multi-functional tatami mat room, which flows effortlessly onto the peaceful Japanese rock garden. Nestled to the left of the garden are the generously sized bathroom and bathtub. 

The second floor of the home, accessible via the dining-living space, is simple but elegant. On this second floor is where you’ll find the two main bedrooms, divided by fusuma sliding doors again, in classic traditional Bisho fashion. The rooms feature western style beds (one double and two singles), also wrapped in comfy 100% cotton sheets. Accessible via the second bedroom is one more additional surprise, a simple but cozy study with garden views, ideal for a little private time or a workcation style office away from the office.

From Kansai International Airport

The easiest way to get to Kyoto Station from the airport is the JR Haruka Limited Express Haruka Line. It takes 1 hour and 18 minutes. Kyoto Station is the fourth stop.

From Kyoto Station to Bisho

From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Line north to Gojo Station (1 min; 1 stop). From there, take exit 1 and walk 400m east. Turn left down the alley just past the shop called B.Ball and the house is on the left.