Restored machiya heirloom
A private merchant townhouse where blonde timber interiors open past a central courtyard to a quiet detached reading pavilion.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Blonde-timber interiors by Yoshifumi Nakamura paired with Akira Minagawa furnishings and a detached garden library pavilion.
Remarkable
A restored 150-year-old merchant townhouse organized around an interior courtyard garden with a century-old plum tree.
Notable
Inhabited Kyoto machiya living featuring traditional tatami rooms, an inner courtyard, and residential Nakagyo neighborhood rhythms.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Architects Yoshifumi Nakamura and Akira Minagawa have revamped the interiors of this distinctive two-story merchants’ house, resulting in a warm, airy collection of blonde-wood rooms.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Tucked along a quiet residential lane in Nakagyo Ward, the townhouse sits just a few blocks from historic Nijo Castle.
The rooms
Original roof beams frame the second-floor bedrooms, while the ground level features an egg-shaped soaking tub carved from fragrant hinoki cypress.
How it began
Wacoal restored the 150-year-old wooden townhouse to preserve traditional Kyoto craftsmanship before eventually returning the structure to community use.
Good to know
Stay here
Kyo No Ondokoro Kamanza Nijo #2
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.