As the former imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto holds a special place in Japanese history and architecture. During WWII, it was one of the few cities spared from the intense firebombing because it was recognized as an important cultural asset.  Because of this, numerous old-fashioned temples and shrines, raked pebble gardens and private teahouses still dot the Kyoto landscape. One distinct type of architecture that particularly stands out is the Kyoto Machiya or townhouse. 

These simple wooden structures reflect the unadorned beauty representative of traditional Japanese architecture. Made from stone, wood, clay, bamboo and paper these houses provided both a workspace and living area for merchants and artisans during Japan's Meiji period (1868-1912).

Though once prevalent throughout the city, these machiya are now in danger of disappearing. But one conservation organization is breathing life back into these fading cultural treasures. Iori, refurbishes machiya and rents them out to visitors hoping to enjoy these ancient works of art. Currently, the company has successfully restored 10 machiya with most of them having been constructed more than 100 years ago.

The townhouses have been renovated in such a way that the original structure is preserved. Machiya are affectionately nicknamed "unagai no nedoko," or where eels sleep because of their narrow but long design.  This design is said to have originated as a way of avoiding paying high taxes since the property was taxed based on the amount of street frontage the building occupied.  The more space the dwelling took up in width, the steeper the taxes were. Because of this, machiyas ended up being narrow, long houses.

Every one of the 10 properties that Iori rents out has a unique history behind it, adding to its mystique.  One home previously belonged to a local physician while another was once the residence of a noted geisha. Although the townhouses were originally constructed a century ago, staying in one is by no means an uncomfortable experience.  Each machiya has been updated with such modern amenities as heated floors, fluffy futons, heat and air conditioning, broadband Wi-Fi and a small but well- equipped kitchen. Some of the cedar and cypress wooden baths or spacious stone baths even overlook a Japanese style garden, which is illuminated at night. The house's surrounding areas also offer picturesque views and glimpses into the traditional culture of Kyoto. The Kamo River, which runs through the heart of the city, and Higashiyama mountains can bee seen from the newly restored Minoya-cho machiya while the Gion Shinmonzen machiya offers direct access to the shops and restaurants of Gion, the most famous of Kyoto's geisha districts.

This mix of modern day comforts found in the old world environment of a restored machiya offers the visitor to Kyoto a unique opportunity to experience first-hand Japan's cultural capital. To learn more about renting a machiya from Iori please refer to www.kyoto-machiya.com. The prices will depend on the location of the machiya, the number of guests, and the season that the rental takes place.         

Written By Erika Wiseberg