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We stay in a converted Kyoto townhouse filled with traditional charm and overwhelming hospitality

We spend a couple of nights soaking in some wa.

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Beautiful Starbucks in Kyoto blends into its traditional landscape in more ways than one

Beverages taste better here, when you can drink in Japanese scenery like this.

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Beautiful Kyoto Hard Rock Cafe, and we stopped by to try its exclusive signature burger【Photos】

And check out the cool Kyoto-themed merch, of course.

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Hard Rock Cafe opening in Kyoto in beautiful machiya townhouse building【Photos】

Music-themed restaurant doesn’t want to rock the boat and instead incorporates local cultural into its design and food items.

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Kyoto book cafe serves up cute cat parfaits in traditional Japanese machiya townhouse

Now you can enjoy all the delights of a cat-shaped dessert while immersed in the traditional culture of Kyoto.

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  • Aug 14, 2013

Enjoy Kyoto (Part 1) — Stay in a restored traditional machiya house!

The ancient Japanese capital of Kyoto is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan for foreign and Japanese travelers alike, and with good reason — there’s a whole lot to see, feel and eat in this beautiful, historic city. Yes, Kyoto is a city that definitely provides a feast for the senses. I was fortunate enough to have the chance to visit the city recently, and while you’re sure to find an abundance of tourist information on Kyoto from numerous sources in a multitude of languages, I thought I’d share some interesting aspects of the city I experienced during my trip that may not necessarily be part of a typical visit to Kyoto. Here’s the first article in our three-part series on some new and original ways to enjoy this picturesque city that is full of magnificent temples, gardens, works of art and, of course, exquisite foods.

But first things first. Once you have your plane and train tickets to Kyoto booked, you’ll need to think about where you will be staying. Now, I’m sure there are plenty of accommodation options in Kyoto, but if you’re tired of staying in a regular hotel, why not try staying in a restored old machiya house that combines history and function?

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