Kyo no Ie: Noboru
Another beautiful Machiya, located in my favourite area Nakagyo ward (I really do stay in this area a lot!). Restored and renovated by Kyo no Ie (Kyoto House), they have 9 Machiya properties, some dog friendly but all beautifully renewed in more modern, luxury, minimalist vibes. Golden deep hues of light contrast with the stark concrete walls, black hues and natural wood flooring (with wonderful heated floors! perfect in winter!)
One of their smaller properties, Noboru House can sleep up to 4 guests in 2 bedrooms. A wonderful layered machiya of various levels their Ukiyuka ("floating floor") is a minimal space above from the 2nd bedroom where one can relax, read a book , meditate or just enjoy being. If you’re travelling with a larger group, next door is their other Machiya Meguru (also sleeps 4) which has a connecting door to Noboru.
Under 30mins walk are some of my favourite lunching spots in the area, AWOMB, Honke Owariya & Cafe Bibliotic Hello!
With Kyoto sightseeing, one can enjoy a slow walking meander to spots like Byodo-ji, Nishiki Market, Chohoji, the quirky Face House, Mikane-jinja (the famous gold money shrine) and Nijo Castle all within an hour (give yourself a morning/afternoon to leisurely explore, have some lunch, afternoon drink etc)
A LUXURIOUS BATH
I’m always happy that so many newer boutique properties are incorporating such visually relaxing bathing experiences (especially since bathing culture is so important and popular in Japan)
To have a bath with a view, especially a lovely sweet traditional Japanese tsuboniwa garden is wonderful for the soul to reset and recharge after a busy day wandering (and quite possibly exhausting day) around Kyoto.
BREAKFAST DELIVERED EVERY MORNING
If you decide to include it in your booking, one can incorporate a traditional Japanese breakfast/western breakfast (go for the Japanese!) to enjoy every morning.
Wake up to find it just magically there on the table counter fresh & ready for you to enjoy (You do have to heat up the miso yourself, but they obviously prepare everything!)
“Kyo no Ie” staff will silently drop off breakfast in the morning, and pick it up whilst you’re out or after you check out.
Such a perfect way to start the day with a delicious healthy Japanese breakfast (I never choose Western when in Japan haha)
WEB: NOBORU HOUSE INSTAGRAM: @KYONOIE
