Restoring a Piece of Kyoto’s Historic Neighborhoods: MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN Opens ‘Ruikou’, a Former Ochaya Teahouse

Nestled in the historic Shimabara district, one of Kyoto’s oldest and most storied neighborhoods, a former ochaya teahouse has been carefully restored and reopened as Ruikou Machiya House, by MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN Kyoto. Once the city’s most prestigious hanamachi entertainment district during the Edo period, Shimabara was home to tayu, highly skilled female entertainers who performed for the imperial family, court nobles, and aristocracy.

Located within walking distance of UNESCO World Heritage Site Nishi Honganji Temple, Ruikou is built in the traditional ochaya teahouse architectural style characteristic of Kyoto’s historic entertainment districts.

The machiya house comprises 2 private machiya buildings, the omoya (main house) and the hanare (detached building), connected by a central Japanese garden. Ruikou has been carefully restored to maintain its traditional atmosphere, while modern updates ensure a comfortable stay for travelers.

This private machiya house accommodates up to 9 guests and features 4 bedrooms, including 1 Western-style bedroom with a double bed in the omoya, 2 Japanese-style tatami rooms with futon bedding, and a self-contained bedroom in the hanare with 2 double beds. For added comfort, the omoya’s living-dining room features large sliding windows that frame the Japanese garden, while the hanare offers its own living and dining area with a private tsuboniwa garden view.

Additional amenities include 2 full bathrooms with garden views and waterfall shower heads, 2 fully equipped modern kitchens, floor heating throughout, and original artworks created from materials sourced from Kyoto’s temples and shrines. Ruikou is suited for families and groups seeking a private and refined base for exploring Kyoto’s historic districts, with direct train access to Kyoto Station and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Ruikou Machiya House is now accepting reservations.

Machiya House Details

Name: MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN Kyoto ‘Ruikou’
Opening: March 2026
Address: 60-2 Nishishinyashiki Chudojicho Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8816, Japan
Capacity: Up to 9 guests
Access: Direct train access to Kyoto Station and Arashiyama

Official Website:
https://www.kyoto-machiya-inn.com/accommodations/ruikou/

Reservations:
https://go-machiyainnsandhotels.reservation.jp/en/hotels/ruikou/