A machiya is a traditional wooden townhouse. Staying in one offers more than a base for sightseeing: time spent inside the house can become part of the Kyoto experience. The layout and view differ from one property to another. Some rooms face a garden or courtyard, while others offer a glimpse of greenery through the windows.
In our Kyoto machiya stays, we provide tea from Ippodo Tea, a long-established tea shop in Kyoto. Brewing a cup after returning from a walk offers a quiet pause from the day’s itinerary and time to enjoy the house itself.
Three teas to enjoy in a machiya
Wakayanagi
Wakayanagi is a bancha, an everyday green tea. It tastes light and clean, with a gentle astringency. It is easy to drink when water alone feels a little plain. It brews quickly in just-boiled water.
Gokujō Hōjicha
Hōjicha is green tea that has been roasted. Its toasted aroma is followed by a light finish, with gentle bitter and savory notes.
Gokujō Genmaicha
Genmaicha is green tea blended with roasted rice. Its roasted-grain aroma is balanced by the clean, lightly astringent character of the tea. It pairs naturally with a meal or a quiet break indoors.
A quiet break in the house
A machiya garden does not need to be large. A small courtyard or a glimpse of green outside the window can provide a peaceful setting for tea. Leaving time to return to the house and brew a cup is one way to enjoy Kyoto at a slower pace.
The teas and quantities provided may vary by property and availability. Please check the information supplied after arrival.
Browse our Kyoto machiya townhouses for details about each property.
