Artisan machiya hideaway
Sunlit courtyards connect three serene suites with hands-on kintsugi workshops and an artisan craft studio along a quiet residential lane.
“The handsome complex comprises three suites, a retail shop, and a café within a row of splendidly refurbished machiya townhouses.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Interiors showcase exposed takekomai woven bamboo screens, Hatano Wataru washi panels, and handcrafted Shigaraki ceramic bathtubs.
Remarkable
On-site kintsugi workshops at POJ Studio pair with siphon-brewed kissaten breakfasts highlighting seasonal Kyoto farm produce.
Notable
Four century-old wooden machiya townhouses preserve their original rooflines, structural timber framing, and exposed roof beams.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
Maana Kiyomizu is an impecably tasteful modern update of a row of restored classic machiya houses, resulting in a tiny but perfectly crafted three-suite boutique hotel.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Tucked into southern Higashiyama, the compound borders Toyokuni Shrine and sits a short walk from Sanjusangen-do and the Kyoto National Museum.
The rooms
Suites feature earthen plaster, exposed bamboo framing, and custom Shigaraki ceramic soaking tubs framing private rock gardens or shrine greenery.
Restaurant
Kissa Kishin
Siphon-brewed coffee and warm koji bread are served along light ash wood tables under glowing paper lanterns.
Renovated by Kyoto architects Shigenori Uoya and Takeshi Ikei, the spaces are contemporary and minimalist, with smooth textures, soft curves and a light-toned palette.
How it began
Architect Shigenori Uoya restored four derelict teahouse machiya in 2022, cutting contemporary light wells into the century-old timber framework.
“Maana Homes, meanwhile, is an elegant collection of machiya townhouses with a spartan minimalism that showcases each structure’s architectural bones…”
Good to know
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Maana Kiyomizu
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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.