Gion Kyuraku – Timeless Machiya Elegance in Kiyomizu ＆ Gion District in Kyoto!

Welcome to Gion Kyuraku! - An Authentic Kyoto Machiya Residence Restored for the Modern Era

__________________

About Your Hosts
__________________

Born into a family that has lovingly cared for a traditional Kyoto ryokan for decades, I was immersed in the spirit of hospitality from an early age and naturally came to appreciate its essence.

Wanting to share this warmth in my own way, I opened Gion Kyuraku in 2012, with the support of my family and the wisdom of local artisans.

Nestled near Gion in Kyoto, Gion Kyuraku is a private machiya vacation rental that offers the beauty of a traditional Kyoto home along with the comfort and privacy of a personal retreat. Unlike a ryokan, our space allows guests to experience Kyoto at their own pace, feeling as if they are living here, even if just for a little while.

For my family and me, preserving Kyoto’s rich history while welcoming guests with warmth and care is something truly special.

We hope that your time at Gion Kyuraku becomes a cherished part of your journey—one filled with peace, discovery, and beautiful memories of Kyoto that stay with you long after your visit.


Rieko & Family



________________________________________________________

An Elegant Heritage Home in the Historic Kiyomizu-Gion Neighborhood
________________________________________________________

Gion Kyuraku is a meticulously restored Kyo-Machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse) located in the culturally rich Gion/Kiyomizu district. Originally constructed nearly a century ago as the residence of a tea master, the property has been thoughtfully renovated to preserve its historical character while incorporating the comforts and conveniences expected by today’s discerning travelers.
_____________________________________________

A Garden by an Acclaimed Landscape Artist
_____________________________________________

We had the distinct honor of collaborating with Mr. Sano, one of Kyoto’s most respected landscape architects, in the design of our garden. Mr. Sano was recognized in the prestigious publication Contemporary Japanese Gardens: 100 Gardens by 100 Japanese Landscape Architects, released in December 2014. We are deeply grateful that our garden was selected as one of the featured works in this distinguished collection.
________________________

An Exceptional Location
________________________

As the saying goes, the three most important aspects of a property are: Location, Location, Location — and Gion Kyuraku truly exemplifies this.

• Gion at Your Doorstep

Situated in the heart of Kyoto’s historic Kiyomizu & Gion district, guests can sometimes catch glimpses of Maiko (apprentice Geisha) and Geiko (Geisha) gracefully walking through the streets in our neighborhood.

• A Short Stroll to Kyoto’s Cultural Icons

o Kenninji Temple – 2-minute walk
o Yasaka Pagoda (Hokan-ji Temple) – 5-minute walk
o Kiyomizu-dera Temple – 10-minute walk
o Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple – 1-minute walk
o Numerous other cultural and heritage sites within close proximity

• Unmatched Convenience

Located just 5 minutes from Hanamikoji Street, one of Japan’s most historically significant avenues. Nearby amenities include local grocery stores (one just a minute away), a 24-hour supermarket, artisanal bakeries, and a wide range of dining options—from casual eateries to Michelin-starred establishments and traditional Kyoto Ryoriya.
_______________________________

Authentic Architectural Features
_______________________________

Gion Kyuraku upholds the essential characteristics of a true Kyo-Machiya, including:

• Tsuboniwa – traditional courtyard garden
• Tsuchikabe – earth and straw plaster walls
• Koshi Kabe – wooden lattice façades
• Inuyarai – protective bamboo fencing

In addition to these core elements, the residence also features:

• Ajiro ceiling – finely woven wood panels
• Hari ceiling – exposed structural wooden beams
• Shirakabe – elegant white plaster walls
• Antique lighting fixtures – restored from the Taisho and Showa periods
• Shigaraki ware – traditional ceramics from Shiga Prefecture
A particularly noteworthy architectural highlight is the main support beam: a single Japanese cedar timber measuring 4” x 15” x 16 feet, which spans the entire width of the structure. This impressive beam has been intentionally left exposed to showcase its craftsmanship.
_____________________________________________

A Thoughtful Blend of Tradition and Innovation
_____________________________________________

The renovation of Gion Kyuraku was made possible through the expertise of highly skilled artisans—including Kyo-daiku (traditional carpenters), plasterers, garden designers, and other craftspeople—who worked to preserve its historical integrity while enhancing functionality.

The result is a refined and welcoming space that caters to:

• International guests seeking an authentic cultural experience
• Families desiring a traditional yet comfortable stay
• Travelers who prefer a more distinctive alternative to standard hotel accommodations
________________________________________

We Invite You to Experience Gion Kyuraku
_________________________________________

At Gion Kyuraku, guests are offered a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of Kyoto while enjoying the comfort and sophistication of a thoughtfully modernized residence.

_____________________________________________________________________

Flower Arrangement Lesson & Tea Ceremony Experience at Gion Kyuraku
_____________________________________________________________________

Japanese Flower Arrangement lessons and Simplified Tea Ceremony Experience for our guests staying at Gion Kyuraku are available.

We appreciate, a licensed master instructor, Ms. Satake's kindness in offering these special moments for our guests.

Flower Arrangement and the Tea Ceremony are two traditional Japanese arts that have been practiced for centuries.



Japanese flower arrangement, IKEBANA, is one of the traditional Japanese art, which has been practiced for centuries. Unlike Western flower arrangements, which often strive for symmetry and fullness, ikebana emphasizes minimalism and asymmetry, with an emphasis on negative space.

The goal of IKEBANA is to create a beautiful arrangement that balances the natural beauty of the flowers with the container and other elements in the environment.



The tea ceremony, also known as "SADO" is a traditional Japanese ritual that involves the preparation and serving of matcha tea. The ceremony is steeped in symbolism, and each step of the process, from the preparation of the tea to the serving and drinking, is carefully choreographed to create a sense of harmony and tranquility.


＜RATE＞

13,000 yen for 2 guests (6,500 yen per guest)
18,000 yen for 3 guests (6,000 yen per guest)
22,000 yen for 4 guests (5,500 yen per guest)


RATE: 5,000 yen per guest for tasting & making tea experience
(500 yen off per person for a group of four or more)

Minimum Number of Participants: 2

*** Tea ceremony experience is approximately one hour long.

*** Please note that we cannot guarantee your tea ceremony experience due to the availability of the master instructor of tea ceremony, Ms. Satake, until confirmed.


We look forward to welcoming you!