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The Enviroment:
JAPAN - Kyoto Machiya
Contribute to preserving Kyoto’s Traditional House for future generations
Due to it's concentration of old temples and traditional architecture, Kyoto was deemed an internationally important cultural asset, and thereby mostly spared from destruction during WWII. Since then, while temples and shrines have generally been preserved, traditional homes in the city have been disappearing at an alarming rate. It is our hope that through the restoration and preservation of these historic properties for visitors to stay in, we may provide a model that will contribute to preserving Kyoto's Machiya for future generations.
In the last few decades, the traditional cityscape and machiya townhouses of Kyoto have been disappearing at an alarming rate. Meanwhile, rural villages throughout the country suffer from depopulation and a lack of sustainable means of livelihood. The preservation of Japan's natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations will require substantial investment, the devoted efforts of many supporters, and a sustainable business model to serve this end.
The Kyoto Machiya evolved over hundreds of years to suit the lifestyles of Kyoto townsfolk. Machiya were designed for both functional use of limited street frontage for commerce, as well as comfortable residence in the rear areas of the home. In old ;achiya (sometimes called "unagi no nedoko", or eel bedrooms, due to their narrow but deep footprints), a tori-niwa breezeway corridor often stretches all the way from the street entrance back to the living area. The tori-niwa traditionally boasts high open ceilings exposing magnificent timber construction. The breezeway was designed to house the okudo-san brick oven with plastered walls, beneath a high skylight window which served not only as a chimney, but to allow natural light into the cooking area. Gardens are generally small, and called tsuboniwa (gardens the size of two tatami mats), although larger machiya sometimes have grand and multiple inner gardens).
Being Responsible
Discover the heart of Kyoto's traditional culture with an Iori Machiya Stay: Traditional Townhouse Stays. Kyoto Machiya are characterized by distinctive wooden lattice facades and mushiko slit windows, along with tiled roofs and white plaster walls. Use of natural materials in machiya construction, such as clay walls and washi Japanese paper sliding doors, help regulate humidity levels inside the house. Machiya can be modified to suit the season simply by replacing the summer sudo bamboo doors with more substantial fusuma sliding doors. Staying in an Iori Machiya is a great way for visitors to gain an insight into the traditional way of life in Kyoto.
There are many other opportunities to experience a Machiya Traditional, Townhouse for example during a Mountain Responsible Tours.
How you will reside
-Ebisuya-cho Machiya This home is located within a few minutes walk from the Ishifudono-cho and Sujiya-cho townhouses, along with the Iori main office and Origin Arts.
-The Oldest: The Sujiya-cho Machiya While this townhouse has the most classical layout of all of Iori's machiya, it also features modern conveniences and antique Asian art. The Origin Arts Practice Hall and Iori's main office and concierge staff are located in a converted warehouse directly behind the residence.
-Nishioshikoji-cho Machiya The beautiful beam work, passageways, and multiple inner gardens make this one of our most architecturally picturesque homes. Accommodating 14 people comfortably, it is ideal for large groups and family reunions.
-Ishifudono-cho Machiya The cozy atmostphere in this machiya is perfect for couples or close friends. This home features a small inner garden, with a comfortable living room and a cypress wood bath.
-Nishirokkaku-cho Machiya Sunlight streaming through the mushiko windows (slits cut into the plaster walls) on the second floor illuminates a living room with deep, comfortable couches.
-Izumiya-cho Machiya With views of the Kamo River and the Higashiyama mountains from its private deck, this machiya offers an idyllic setting from which to savour the hanging seasons of Kyoto.
-The Gion Shinmonzen Machiya Located on Kyoto's "Art street", this machiya offers quiet and privacy, with two peaceful inner gardens, as well as ready access to the shops and restaurants of Gion.
-Zaimoku-cho Machiya Featuring a deck overlooking the Kamo river, the Zaimoku-cho townhouse is very rare in its hidden privacy at the heart of central Kyoto.
-Sanbo-Nishinotoin Machiya Downstairs, an enormous cedar bathtub looks out over a private garden enclosing a small household shrine. With spacious living areas, this house is ideal for entertaining guests or relaxing over a book.
-Minoya-cho Machiya The longtime home of the local physician, Minoya-cho is our newest restoration, and largest riverfront townhouse. Built by the leading local craftsmen of the time, this beautiful home boastslarge open spaces, elegant detail, and expansive views from the first and second floors.
-Isa-cho Machiya This house is attached with a textile studio, so you will hear and see the real Kyoto craftsmanship while you are staying with us.
How you will eat
Kyoto is famed for its wealth of traditional and modern dining options. Iori staff will book a table or order in dinner from a choice of Kyoto’s top Kaiseki Restaurants, allowing the clients to enjoy the finest local cuisine served on lacquer trays in the comfort of our room. Kyoto’s traditional entertainment districts of Kiyamachi, Ponto-cho, and Gion are just outside the door. Many old Machiya have been remodeled as restaurants and bars. Stroll through Gion and the other active geisha districts, where in the early evening apprentice maiko depart for bookings at private teahouses.
Amenities
While Iori owners take great care during renovation to respect and maintain the original structure and decorative details, the aim is not to preserve these houses as museums, but to bring them into the modern age as living homes with the latest technologies. This combination of the best of old and new characterizes the Iori experience. Broadband wireless internet (bring your own laptop); Towels; Heat & air conditioning; Linens; Japanese bath (cypress, cedar, or stone); Hair dryer; Coffee maker; Western style toilets; Tableware; Body soap; Goose down quilts; Shampoo; Beds (depending on the house); Conditioner,
Experience the roots of Traditional Japanese Arts The Origin Program offers an unparalleled experience of traditional Japanese arts, taught in such a way that participants can appreciate the spiritual wisdom underlying the arts. Through hands-on practice of a selection of core arts in succession, guests are able to look past the differences of each art form and understand the principles essential to them all. Our arts programs have been developed working closely with leading masters to provide the richest possible experiences for our guests. The programs we offer in Kyoto and Tokyo include a choice of the following arts:
Noh Drama; Calligraphy; Kyogen; Waraku Martial Arts;Tea Ceremony; Zen Meditation; Chabana Flowers; Pottery Archery; Nihon-buyo dance; Shinto Misogi Ritual; Aikido.
About People
In January 2004, Alex Kerr, Hideki Kajiura, and Yoshiko Negishi founded Iori, a company with a new concept for Kyoto: to acquire old machiya, restore them beautifully, and offer them to visitors to stay and experience traditional Kyoto living. In this way Iori is able to preserve old houses that might have been destroyed or irrevocably altered, and in the process give visitors a chance to experience Kyoto in a way they otherwise never could. Iori is runned by a team that is knowledgeable and passionate about Kyoto and its culture.The attentive Japanese and international staff will provide detailed information about the neighborhood, and are committed to making guests' stay a comfortable and memorable one.
Please note in Kyooto was made:
The Kyoto Protocol wxhixh is a plan created by the United Nations for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change that tries to reduce the effects of climate change such as global warning. The plan says that countries that adopt (follow) the Kyoto Protocol have to try to reduce how much carbon dioxide (and other "greenhouse gases" that pollute the atmoshere they release into the air.
Suitable For
Honeymooners, Ecofriendly tourist, Arts and Architecture Travellers, Heritage Sustainable Programs | 
