Last month, when I
blogged about the World Monuments Fund's decision to add Kyoto's machiya to their 2010 watchlist, I overlooked a polished website that offers an opportunity to spend the night in one of ten tastefully restored machiya sprinkled throughout the heart of Kyoto. Iori is a company co-founded by Alex Kerr, a well known observer of Japan and long time resident, which seeks to preserve Kyoto's architectural heritage via a viable business plan that offers tourists an opportunity to live like a character in Ozu's
The End of Summer. The less I say now at this point, the better. Go to their website and check out the interiors of these machiya and start planning your dream trip to Kyoto. It is available in
English and
Japanese.
If you don't get too absorbed, come back and let me know which one would be your first choice. I think my vote is
Gion Shinmonzen.
Great link. The machiyas look so beautiful. There is a problem, but a good one. You can get too absorbed.
ReplyDeleteThey all look great, and many have great history - one used to be an artist atelier. How cool is that? I wish I were an artist and had a Kyô-machiya to use as a studio.
ReplyDeleteOne problem: They're insanely expensive. I don't know who Iori's clients are, but I don't think I will ever be able to afford a stay in one of their Kyô-machiya.
On the other hand, the company is involved in restoration projects in Kaga-shi (Ishikawa-ken) and on a small island in Nagasaki (I forget the name), which Mr Kerr says should be more backpacker friendly in their pricing.
I would definitely say that I would love to stay at Izumiya-cho. I love the view to the outside and the little narrow pathway looks so neat.
ReplyDeleteI like the one in Gion. Gion is my of hangouts anyways. The others are nice and have a blend with the new and old. However, the sofas has to go. It just does not look right at all.
ReplyDeleteChaari, I hear you with the price, but relative to a high end ryokan, they at least seem within reach even if only for a one night treat. For example, the normal rate for Sanbo Nishinotonin ranges from 40 000-70 000 yen a night on a weekday for 1-6 guests. Nearby Hiiragiya Ryokan, which is known for hosting Kawabata Yasunari, would cost 30 000 yen per person, per night, at minimum. Sure it includes two meals, but it would still come in at almost double the rate for two nights. That said, Yuhara Ryokan, at 4 200 yen per person, is far better suited to my budget.
ReplyDelete