Trajectory of Old Town House ”Machiya” Revival
We are operating a luxury ryokan (traditional Japanese hotel) in a traditional townhouse that has been refurbished with funds from volunteer investors. It is operated as a luxury ryokan .
About Machiya/Kyomachiya RinnPremium’s Machiya
Machiya are traditional wooden townhouses built before 1950. Stroll through the ancient streets lined with these charming wooden machiya houses, each telling a story of centuries past. Rinn Premium is a ryokan renovated from the authentic machiya townhouses that embody Kyoto's elegant atmosphere. Experience the timeless beauty of Kyoto, where tradition and modernity seamlessly blend in a tapestry of culture and history. Kyoto is not just a destination; it’s a journey through time, captivating all who wander its picturesque streets. If you want to experience Kyoto as if you were one of its residents, please visit Rinn Premium's machiya houses.
Current Status of Machiya
The number of Kyomachiya, traditional residences and iconic symbols of Kyoto‘s landscape and cultural lifestyle, is declining at a rate of about 800 per year. While it is crucial to halt the decline of these machiya houses to preserve the landscape, history, and culture of one of the world’s premier tourist destinations, many of these structures have deteriorated to the point of being unhabitable and are often left vacant.
*This photo was taken at an undisclosed location within Kyoto city. It is not of a Rinn Premium Machiya.
Reviving Machiya Legacy
Rinn Premium's endeavor extends beyond the preservation of the historic aesthetic of the ancient former capital - we also strive to curate an immersive experience for our visiting tourists, enabling them to truly embrace the unique lifestyle of a machiya. We are committed to sharing Kyoto's allure with a global audience.
These photos are of Rinn Premium Hiun.
With funds from investors who supported our Kyoto Machiya Restoration Project, we have been able to acquire and breathe new life into a deteriorating machiya. Working hand-in-hand with skilled local artisans, we respectfully integrated comfort and livability into the original structure, thereby creating a distinctive ryokan that beautifully harmonizes tradition with modern necessities.
Machiya Features
Kyomachiya has a narrow frontage and is long in the back (also known as a bed of eels).Rinn Premium townhouses are built with this feature in mind.
One of the features of the house is a garden called "Okuniwa" or "Tsuboniwa. The garden in Kyomachiya serves as a space to enjoy nature and to bring in wind and light, even though it is located in an urban area*.
The exposed beams and rugged pillars are left as they were in the original machiya, which has been lived in for many years.
Kyomachiya may seem unsuitable for modern living, they are equipped with Japanese appliances, underfloor heating, and cypress-covered bathrooms to recreate the comfort of a machiya. The appearance of Kyomachiya from that era has been utilized to blend in with the streetscape. Staying in Rinn Premium machiya, you will feel as if you are a resident of Kyoto. Step inside and you will find a renovated modern space and experience the best of old and new.
* Rinn Premium Nijo-jo kita does not have a tsuboniwa (small garden), but it has a long structure in the back (called "eel bed") with a full-length glass bath at the end of the structure, providing a different experience of a machiya.
Before and After
