壺 ノ 居
TSUBONOI A Residence for Makers, Artisans & Researchers
Kyoto Shijo-Omiya — A Small Private Machiya Stay
A Study You Can Stay In
TSUBONOI is a small 29-square-meter Kyomachiya townhouse, designed to feel like a quiet private study.
To preserve as much as possible of the building’s original character as an ordinary townhouse from its time, we renovated it together with architecture students from Kyoto, using traditional materials and techniques as the foundation.
While retaining the distinctive layout of a traditional machiya and original architectural elements such as aged wooden beams and pillars, TSUBONOI is equipped with a dedicated workspace and the modern amenities needed for everyday life. It was created as a place where each guest can quietly connect with Kyoto and spend time at their own pace.
Soft light filters into the small inner courtyard, gently changing throughout the day. In this quiet space, we hope to offer you the experience of staying in Kyoto as if you were living here.
A Machiya Renovated Together with Aspiring Carpenters
The renovation took more than a year and was carried out together with students and instructors from a vocational architecture school in Kyoto.
We carefully repaired the house while preserving as much as possible of its original features, including structural elements such as the wooden posts and beams that have remained since the building was first constructed, as well as traditional machiya features such as the hibukuro—an open vertical space that connects the floors—and the washroom overlooking the inner courtyard, or tsuboniwa.
We place great importance on natural materials and traditional techniques. Solid cedar and cypress were used for the posts and flooring, while the walls were built using traditional bamboo latticework and plastered with a mixture of earth and rice straw that we gathered ourselves from the surrounding mountains.
The students who took part in the renovation have since gone on to work as carpenters and architectural designers, contributing to the preservation and future of architecture in Kyoto and throughout Japan.
For Those Who Want to Create, Research, and Explore in Kyoto
This stay was created not to accommodate large numbers of guests, but to give each person a quiet place to connect with Kyoto and spend time at their own pace.
Surrounded by the warmth of natural materials such as wood and earth, this peaceful space is ideal not only for those who want to take their time experiencing Kyoto, but also for anyone looking to focus on creative work, writing, research, or making.
With a kitchen, washer-dryer, and a dedicated workspace with Wi-Fi, the space is suited to everything from a few days of sightseeing to longer stays, allowing you to experience Kyoto as if you were living here.
Stay in Kyoto Like a Local
Easy Access to Central Kyoto and Famous Sights
The Shijo and Nijo area is an ideal base for exploring Kyoto.
Nijo Castle is within walking distance, while Shijo-Karasuma, Gion, and Arashiyama can all be reached directly by train without changing lines.
Well-Equipped for Long Stays.
This stay is equipped with the essentials for a comfortable long-term stay, including a washer-dryer, induction kitchen, and refrigerator-freezer.
A spacious desk and unlimited Wi-Fi provide a comfortable environment for focused work. The traditional character of this century-old Kyoto machiya, with its authentic details and atmosphere, inspires creativity and helps you stay focused.
The Character of a Traditional Machiya, with a Functional Workspace
Choose Your Stay
Standard Booking (Airbnb)
From short visits to extended stays, you can book TSUBONOI according to your travel plans.
Reservations are available up to six months in advance. You can also check availability here.
For Makers and Researchers
TSUBONOI supports craftspeople, artists, researchers, and those aspiring to pursue these paths during their stay in Kyoto. We offer exclusive benefits, including special discounts, early booking opportunities, and support in planning a stay tailored to your needs.
Already Have a Reservation?
How to Unlock the Door
Facilities & Equipment Manual
Emergency Contact Information
Before You Book
In renovating TSUBONOI, we preserved as much of the original machiya structure as possible and used traditional techniques and natural materials such as wood and earth. Because of this, please keep the following points in mind before your stay:
There is a steep staircase. The stairs may be difficult to use for young children, older adults, and guests with mobility limitations.
The walls are traditional earthen walls made of earth and straw. The surface may chip or come away if objects rub against or strike the walls.
The toilet is located in a semi-outdoor space facing the inner courtyard. There is no air conditioning in the toilet.
The bathroom is a shower booth. There is no bathtub.
The property retains its original old windows and doors. Some may not open or close as smoothly as modern fixtures.
TSUBONOI is part of a traditional row-house structure and shares walls with neighboring homes. Please keep noise to a minimum, especially at night.