KABUKIYA

Overview

Kabukiya is a traditional Japanese machiya with nearly 100 years of history, located in the northern ward of Kyoto. Overflowing with unique style and charm, Kabukiya is your perfect home away from home. With dark-colored wood finishes, stylish antiques, and elegant Japanese decorations throughout, Kabukiya provides an authentic experience of a genuine traditional Kyoto residence. Along with the heavy traditional influences one would expect in a home recently renovated by Naito Architecture, a group specializing in the renovation of machiya, Kabukiya features all the modern amenities required to ensure a comfortable stay. As such, this 93 square-meter, two-story, five-person-capacity home is the perfect choice for your trip to Kyoto.

While machiya can be found throughout Japan, they are quintessentially Kyoto, hence the specific term kyomachiya. These are generally long wooden homes featuring a courtyard or garden called tsuboniwa. Traditionally, the front of these kyomachiya would be utilised as a shop space while the remainder of the house would be reserved for living. Kabukiya was recently renovated and, as such, the entirety of the house now acts as a living space, but it maintains all of the traditional grace of a kyomachiya.

If you’re looking for an authentically ‘Kyoto’ experience, then booking a stay at Kabukiya won’t disappoint. It comes complete with a relatively large Japanese-style garden and both western and traditional (futon) bedding options. The home’s blend of western and Japanese elements means guests can embrace Kyoto style without forgoing any additional comforts.

Location

Located in Kyoto’s northern ward, Kabukiya offers peace and quiet not easily found in Kyoto’s more central areas. However, with Kita-Oji Station being only 10 minutes away, Kabukiya still allows for easy access to central Kyoto via the Karasuma Subway Line.

Kabukiya is a wonderful choice as a base for taking in the traditional scenery that Kyoto has in abundance. With a beautiful Japanese-style zen rock garden, nearby Daitokuji – one of Kyoto’s true hidden gems – is only a six-minute walk from the house or just a few minutes by bicycle. Looking a bit further, Kinkakuji to the west and the Kyoto Imperial Palace to the south are both UNESCO World Heritage sites within about 15 minutes by bicycle. From the Imperial Palace, it is only a few minutes further to the famous Nijo Castle.

The northern ward of Kyoto was once filled with traditional machiya. Although machiya are far fewer in number in the present day, the surrounding neighborhood of Kabukiya is as good a place as any to enjoy the historical ambiance for which Kyoto is famous.

Description

Modern comfort with traditional charm would be the best way to describe the ambiance of this cozy, but spacious, traditional Kyoto townhouse.

The home can accommodate up to five guests with bedrooms spanning across the first and second floor. Kabukiya features one living room on each floor. The first floor living room is more of a relaxing space where you can enjoy a warm cup of tea while reading a book, or alternatively for gathering with your group, whereas the second floor living room has a TV and a large selection of classic DVDs for your viewing pleasure. The first floor also features a well-equipped kitchen for whipping up quick meals, a spacious dining area, a traditional bathtub and a Japanese-style tatami room to be used as a bedroom. Aside from the living room, the second floor features two bedrooms, both with two semi-double beds.

The pièce de résistance of Kabukiya is Kabuki-en: the large traditional Japanese-style garden behind the house. A serene oasis offering quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, you will surely enjoy spending your evenings relaxing here. The white rocks symbolize a flowing river, while the moss is representative of land and bridges crossing the river. The stone lantern, called tourou, looms over the garden providing exquisite lighting upon nightfall. The pot in the center of the rock garden was crafted by Yoh Tanimoto, a famous Iga potter in Mie prefecture. To the side of the garden opposite the lantern stands a beautiful Japanese maple.

The long-time owner of the house, Masako Araki, was born in 1929 in the northern ward of Kyoto and lived until 2020. At a young age, she became fascinated with dance and began to practice traditional Japanese dance, social dance, and modern ballet. After the war, with Japan being a male-oriented society, women were barred from teaching dance. However, by learning a style of dance colloquially referred to as “male step”, Masako was able to obtain her license. Later on, she began to focus solely on traditional Japanese dance, performing until 50 years of age. After retiring from performances, she continued to instruct others until she was 88 years old. The kimono and fans displayed in the house were used by Masako during her dance performances.

From Kansai International Airport

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

From Kyoto Station to Kabukiya

Take the Karasuma Line from Kyoto Station to Kita-Oji Station (7 stops; 13 mins). From there it is a 10 minute walk to Kabukiya.