A stones throw from Kyoto’s famed Daitojuki Temple, this unique Sukiya-style Machiya is an authentic stay for both families and couples.

Private, charming and well-located for those seeking an authentic ‘local’ stay in Kyoto, Karigane is a two-story architecture and design-led guesthouse ideal for couples or families of up to five, also enabling them to learn about both traditional Sukiya and Machiya architecture by living amongst it. 

With the whole house to themselves, guests at Karigane have the very rare experience of living amongst a Sukiya-style Machiya build, impeccably executed with precise detail. Charming and unpretentious, this guesthouse is warm and inviting, curated and authentic in its approach, spearheaded by its owner-operators, couple Rika and Shimo.

After spending 18 months abroad traveling around the globe, Rika and Shimo envisioned to start a guesthouse together in Kyoto and looked for a traditional property to renovate. Whilst traveling, they saw that the beauty of a traditional building is not only charming but something to be revered. In relation to its context, it is an experience only possible in that destination. One particular experience whilst traveling the world stayed in their minds most, Shimo explains,“What I remember the most is the Casa in Cuba. A kind of homestay. The Cuban government encouraged people to change their homes into a homestay, and the couple we stayed with were my inspiration”. 

Once back in Kyoto, Rika and Shimo began their search for an area in Kyoto that really spoke to them. Exploring the Kita Ward, it is a very ‘local’ area, where daily life in Kyoto can be experienced through the eyes of locals living there.

Walking distance to Daitojuki Temple 1 minute away, it was walking by this current site that they saw their opportunity. Previously a cafe, Rika and Shimo worked to renovate the two-story build with a friend, commissioning professional plasterers and carpenters to work on restoring the building to its former glory with traditional joinery and carpentry. A friend, also a traveller and carpenter, came to Kyoto and met Shimo by chance, coming on board to help complete the build with him. Changing the ceiling, floors, kitchen and bathroom, they tried to keep a traditional atmosphere as much as possible in every part of the house. Tatami floors and a tiled bathroom were keys parts of the restoration, and once staying at the property, more design detailing can be discovered through time and observation. 

Japanese architecture and design is found within the Sukiya and Machiya architecture which Karigane uniquely blends. Sukiya is architecture based on tea house aesthetics, whereas Machiya is a traditional Japanese townhouse design in form. Karigane combines the two, making its elements more delicate than a traditional Machiya.

The work of craftspeople can be seen at every turn. Traditional Taisho-era glass, handcrafted Earthen walls and Washi-clad cupboards are just some of the Japanese artisanal crafts found within the house. 

Using natural paint throughout the house, traditional persimmon-dye was used on wooden floors, acting as an anti-termite protectant because of the smell. They also mixed persimmon juice with charcoal to avoid termites and other pests. Aiming to use all Japanese timber, the sweet-smelling Hinoki is found in the bathroom, Chestnut is found in the kitchen due do its strong resistance against water. Japanese Cypress was also used throughout the house as is bamboo detailing.

The traditionally-tiled bathroom was painstakingly constructed with handmade tiles from Gifu, with the design by Rika creating a typical Kyoto scene able to be enjoyed through the art of bathing. It took 9 months to make and its a rarity to find such a traditionally-tiled bathroom with modern appliances even in a luxury hotel.

It’s easy to understand why guests prefer to enjoy the house for the entire duration of the stay without ever wanting to leave. 

Karigane runs the guesthouse with utmost hospitality, creating an experience to remember. 

More than just a hotel stay, the guesthouse goes above and beyond for guests with recommending Kyoto’s hidden gems, which their guests gratefully visit. On arrival to the Machiya, owner Rika prepares a tea ceremony with Uji-grown matcha and locally-made wagashi (traditional Japanese sweet) for guests to welcome them into the house (which Rika describes to guests as “your home”). “About 80% of our guests are from a foreign country, we have a lot of guests from England or Asia” explains Karigane owner Shimo and through this, they have learnt what makes a magical stay for both local and international guests. 

Traditional Japanese furniture in the house adds to the authentic stay, with a soaking-tub in the evening and futon bedding on tatami flooring at night. 

A fully-equipped kitchen with filtered water and bathroom with full set of amenities, ensures Karigane has it all. Easy-to-use step-through bicycles are also available for guest use, ideal to explore the local area and nearby temples. 

A very special stay in Kyoto for those seeking an authentic experience combining architecture, design and the Japanese temple experience within walking distance. 

KARIGANE KYOTO
52-2 Murasakino Shimomonzen-cho,
Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Japan

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Text: Editorial Director Monique Kawecki
Images: Champ Creative©