Kamo
Deep wabi-sabi minimalism. Dim lighting, exposed original clay walls, dark timber, and tatami throughout — deliberately 'visually silent.' No ornamentation. No clutter. The kind of space where you'll hear yourself think for the first time in months.
The tatami guest room's shoji screens frame seasonal foliage outside — ask when you book if autumn leaves or spring cherry blossoms are the priority, as timing matters
Why It Matters
Shortlisted for a Dezeen Design Award in 2020. Featured in Condé Nast Traveler, Monocle, Architectural Digest, T Magazine (NYT Style), Travel + Leisure, and Vogue. Selected by both MICHELIN Guide and Tablet Hotels. One of the most design-forward machiya conversions in Kyoto — the original building was found covered in vinyl wallcoverings and broken floorboards; what emerged is a near-museum-quality space.
Maana Kamo is a 100-year-old machiya townhouse in Kyoto's Higashiyama district, gutted and reborn by architect Uoya Shigenori into something that reads less like a guesthouse and more like a living installation. The whole 83 sqm, two-story home is yours alone — two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a communal living space anchored by an oversized onsen-style soaking tub that gazes out onto a small zen garden. Dark wood, exposed clay walls, tatami floors, and an urushi-lacquered kitchen island: every surface is intentional, every detail earned.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
Machiya House (Whole Home)
The full 83 sqm, 2-storey property booked exclusively — two bedrooms, two bathrooms, open-plan living and kitchen, and the central showpiece: a dramatically oversized onsen-style soaking bathtub that opens toward the zen courtyard garden. Urushi-lacquered kitchen island, exposed original clay walls, and original wooden beams throughout. Sleeps up to 5. The whole structure sits within its original machiya frame, now stripped to its bones and rebuilt with restraint.
1 Queen + up to 3 Futons · 83 sqm
Master Bedroom
Second-floor private bedroom with a queen bed set on a low platform. Wood-paneled walls, pendant lighting, and a calm, pared-back aesthetic. Accessed via an open wooden staircase with iron railing.
QueenTatami Guest Room
A traditional washitsu with tatami flooring that sleeps up to 3 guests on futons. Shoji screens open to frame seasonal garden views — cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, whatever the season brings. When futons are stowed, the room converts into a yoga or meditation space. Features a tokonoma alcove with ceramics and branch arrangements.
Futon (up to 3)The Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Make your own art panel using Tsuchikabe — traditional machiya wall material made from clay, rice straw, sand, and seaweed. The same material you'll see exposed on Maana Kamo's own walls. Held at Maana Atelier.
Create a tea blend using foraged and farmed ingredients that reflect the current microseason. Includes additional tea tastings with sweets. Held at Maana Atelier.
Hands-on natural dyeing workshop using tea, held at the Maana Atelier. Bookable separately from accommodation.
The Kamo River is right on the doorstep. A flat riverside walk through seasonal foliage — cherry blossoms in spring, deep green in summer, fire-colored leaves in autumn, and bare minimalism in winter. No booking needed.
Make two seasonal pantry staples using traditional Japanese fermentation and preservation techniques. Held at Maana Atelier.
Start the morning in a private tea house with tea master Eriko, who leads a traditional Japanese tea ceremony paired with a traditional breakfast. Held at a private tea house, bookable separately.
Summer-only evening experience at a private tea house: traditional tea ceremony followed by a seasonal meal. One of the more atmospheric ways to spend a Kyoto summer evening.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Stocked with drip coffee bags from a local Kyoto coffee shop, organic green tea from Kirokuen, and bottled water.
A small enclosed Japanese garden visible from the soaking tub and living area through glass sliding doors. Stone path, greenery, and a stone lantern. Private and fully enclosed.
Open-plan kitchen with urushi-lacquered island, fridge, toaster oven, microwave, electric kettle, stovetop, and full kitchenware including ceramic tea sets and tableware.
No on-site parking available. Nearest subway station (Gojo-Kiyomizu) is a 5-minute walk.
The architectural centerpiece of the property. A dramatically large Japanese-style soaking tub positioned in the open-plan living area with a direct view of the courtyard garden through glass sliding doors.
BUILD YOUR MAANA KAMO PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning