Hidden Kyoto Homes Machiya Culture Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1

  Tondaya is a beautifully preserved Kyoto machiya townhouse that offers a glimpse into traditional merchant life. Visitors can explore elegant tatami rooms, inner gardens, and seasonal decorations while learning about Kyoto’s customs, festivals, and daily life passed down through generations. It provides an authentic and intimate cultural experience in the heart of the city.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 2

  Hachikuan is a beautifully preserved Kyoto machiya townhouse where visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture in an intimate setting. The house features classic wooden architecture, tatami rooms, and a peaceful inner garden that reflects everyday life in old Kyoto. At Hachikuan, guests can enjoy hands-on cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies or seasonal workshops, offering a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s refined aesthetics and hospitality. Its quiet atmosphere provides a perfect escape from the city’s bustle and a rare glimpse into traditional townhouse living.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 3
  Nishiki Market Shopping District

  Nishiki Market is a lively shopping street in the heart of Kyoto, often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” Stretching over 400 meters, the market is lined with shops selling fresh produce, traditional sweets, pickles, seafood, and local specialties unique to Kyoto cuisine. Visitors can enjoy tasting street food, browsing artisanal ingredients, and experiencing the everyday food culture that has supported Kyoto life for centuries. It’s an ideal place to enjoy lunch and immerse yourself in the flavors and atmosphere of the city.

  1 hour • Admission ticket free
• 4

  Sugimoto Residence is one of Kyoto’s largest and best-preserved traditional machiya townhouses, offering a rare glimpse into merchant life of the Edo period. Once home to a prosperous kimono wholesaler, the residence features elegant tatami rooms, inner gardens, wooden architecture, and seasonal decorations that reflect Kyoto’s refined lifestyle. Walking through the house feels like stepping back in time, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere, aesthetics, and daily rhythms of historic Kyoto. This facility is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. If you would like to visit on other days, please go elsewhere.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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