Gekkou-an Hotel Kyoto: A Stay in a Machiya Inspired by Local Tradition

Design Hotels

May 9

Gekkou-an Hotel Kyoto: A Stay in a Machiya Inspired by Local Tradition

Staying in a traditional Machiya in Kyoto and experiencing first-hand the Japanese historical and cultural heritage through architecture and design is what travelers can indulge in at Gekkou-an Suites hotel. It offers a unique Kyoto experience in a peaceful and well-connected residential neighborhood in the city, one of the best central areas to stay.

Experience the city AS a local in a recently renovated traditional-style Kyoto townhouse with over a hundred years of history converted into a small hotel that blends tradition and modernity.

Gekkou-an Suites welcomes guests to their traditional Kyoto Machiya, housed in two exclusive neighboring properties with distinct personalities, the East Building Garden Suite and the West Building Luxury Suite.

Shin, the property manager, and the team will take care of every detail to offer an outstanding experience to conscious travelers who aim to enjoy an authentic travel adventure in Kyoto and its surroundings.

Personalized recommendations, mindful details, traditional Japanese breakfasts, and off-the-beaten-path routes tailored to individual preferences will make for an unforgettable travel experience in Kyoto at Gekkou-an Suites.

MACHIYA'S HISTORICAL RELEVANCE IN KYOTO

Kyoto is recognized worldwide for its historic Machiya townhouses. The Gekkou-an Suites property, with a history spanning over 130 years, is officially categorized by Kyoto City as a Heritage Site and designated as a Kyo-Machiya. This term describes traditional Kyoto-style townhouses—wooden structures with an attached shop—built using antique techniques. Often called eels' beds, or unagi no nedoko in Japanese, these buildings feature narrow facades and long, elongated shapes.

Gekkou-an Suites was established following a special ordinance by Kyoto City, which allowed the construction to operate as a hotel with a unique license. The main challenge facing Kyoto’s traditional Machiyas is that about 2,000 are lost each year, mainly due to costly maintenance and related difficulties. To address this, alternative regulations were approved to help preserve them. Without such measures, experts warn that Kyo-Machiyas might vanish entirely within the next decade. Today, these historic structures must undergo specific restorations and inspections to meet the standards to operate as hotels in Kyoto.

INTERIOR DESIGN AND COMFORT IN A CENTENARY MACHIYA

Gekkou-an Suites exemplifies the unique elegance and simplicity of Japanese interior design and architecture. They offer guests an exceptional experience of comfort in Kyoto’s central district by showcasing a blend of traditional and modern elements. This includes effortless beauty, calming tones, soft lighting, and distinctive interiors, all while emphasizing simplicity and functionality.

With over a century of history, the building's interior combines ancient construction techniques with a focus on safety and well-being. The walls, made with Juraku clay sourced from Kyoto, possess antibacterial, deodorizing, humidity-regulating, and fire-resistant properties.

The Machiya buildings at Gekkou-an Suites feature a small tsuboniwa, a traditional Japanese courtyard garden. As 'Tsubo' translates to 'pot,' a tsuboniwa is a garden enclosed in a tiny space. The shoji screens are the iconic sliding doors in Japanese architecture, known as Yukimi shoji. They consist of thick, translucent paper on a wooden framework, allowing guests to enjoy garden views from inside, especially during cold or warm weather.

The Suites at Gekkou-an embody a refined Kyoto aesthetic with thoughtfully designed interiors. They also showcase unique artworks created by renowned artists, including papercrafters, potters, and gold leaf artisans. A striking painting of the Happiness Lotus by prominent artist Hideki Kimura is displayed at the entrance of the East Building Garden Suite. The hanging paper scrolls in the room, painted in the 1800s by the third abbot of Shokokuji Temple, were given to the Gekkou-an Suites’ owner as a gift from the temple.

EXPERIENCE KYOTO LIKE A LOCAL

After exploring the city and its surroundings, there’s nothing quite like relaxing in a unique hotel that captures Kyoto’s serenity and authentic spirit while offering functionality and convenience.

Waking up in the comfortable sleeping environment designed by Gekkou-an Suites is an experience in itself. A traditional Japanese breakfast featuring seasonal specialties, delivered each morning to the Machiya’s entrance by a long-established Kyoto catering company, is one of the best ways to start the day.

Guests can enjoy a special weekend breakfast inspired by old Samurai cuisine. This cuisine reflected their close relationship with nature and commitment to sustainable principles, focusing on seasonal and local ingredients.

Travelers can feel at home while enjoying their first meal of the day in the living room, sitting under the warmth of a Japanese heated table called horigotatsu, on handmade silk cushions for extra comfort. They are also welcome to prepare their morning tea or coffee ritual in the in-house kitchen, which offers all the necessary appliances.

In the evening, after soaking in all Kyoto has to offer, returning to the hotel becomes even more delightful. Traditional Japanese pastries and tea will be waiting for guests daily, almost like a small gift, along with a detailed weather forecast for the upcoming days and a personalized note from the staff wishing a relaxing evening at Gekkou-an.

Situated in one of Kyoto’s best areas for accommodations, Gekkou-an Suites is just a short walk from Nijo Station in the city’s center. Major sights, including Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, and the city center, are easily accessible by foot or a quick train or subway ride.