MACHIYA: SAUNA - A Sauna Inn Renovated from a 160-Year-Old Kyomachiya in a Back Alley

 

 

 

 

Experience “totonou” through our sauna and the historical building and atmosphere
Kyoto is a world-famous city that attracts many tourists and retains Japan’s historical landscape.
“MACHIYA: SAUNA KYOTO” is a renovated 160-year-old "Kyo-machiya" (traditional Kyoto-style townhouse) located in a quiet alley of Kyoto.Sauna has been part of Japan’s popular culture for a long time, but it became a big trend in recent years due to a newly appreciated method of repeating the cycle of hot sauna and cold bath, followed by a short break: many Japanese men and women, old and young, frequent sauna houses for the deep relaxation effect.MACHIYA: SAUNA KYOTO under the “RE: SAUNA” brand, offers a refuge away from the crowded city, where you can experience "totonou" while feeling the beautiful four seasons of Japan.We aim to create a space where men and women of all ages can enjoy the sauna together or introduce it to their loved ones who are new to the practice. We hope you enjoy our sauna house and the beautiful building and space.
This historical machiya was an atelier frequented by celebrated artists, including the famous author Ryunosuke Akutagawa
The building of MACHIYA: SAUNA KYOTO used to be the atelier of its former landlord Uko Kobayashi, a Japanese painter. Uko had friendships with other celebrated Japanese artists, such as Ryunosuke Akutagawa, Junichiro Tanizaki, Ryusei Kishida, Kansetsu Hashimoto, and Naoya Shiga. His atelier was also a salon where many painters, intellectuals, filmmakers, and politicians from the Taisho to Showa era (1912-1989) gathered.
The ceiling height was adjusted to the millimeters for your perfect sauna experience
It is nice to experience the building’s history, tradition, culture, and art, but the main attraction of MACHIYA: SAUNA KYOTO is our sauna room. The quality of our sauna facility is at the top level and is popular among demanding sauna enthusiasts. It was designed with attention to every detail and thought on what makes you feel good, including humidity, temperature, and air circulation, as well as how to match the quality of the sauna with the unique environment. The temperature is set at 85℃, higher than average, so the guests can enjoy pouring water onto the sauna’s hot stones and use rhythmical towel movements to circulate the fragrant air. You can also adjust the temperature and humidity to your liking with your choice of aroma oil, rosemary, peppermint, or orange, whenever you want.
Enjoy our cypress bath with your senses of sight, hearing, and smell
The bathtub and wall of our cold-water bath are made of fine-quality Japanese cypress wood. It is semi-open-air and overlooks the Japanese garden. Try deep breathing while bathing in a 15°C cold water bath. It is also great to take a hot bath as hot water is also available.
Experience totonou in the unique space of machiya
There are two areas to rest after the cold bath: the Japanese-style room and the open-air space on the porch. It is hard to decide which is better, and you can fully enjoy the concept of totonou in the unique atmosphere.In the Japanese-style room, you will fall into the world of totonou on the rocking chair while feeling the scent of rushes of the tatami mats. The rocking chairs are designed to continue without pushing. Pillows are also provided if you prefer to lie down on the tatami mats.
Hospitality with high-quality tea and Japanese sweets
We serve green tea (sencha) and Japanese sweets to our guests. The sencha is from Marukyu Koyamaen, a specialty store founded in Kokura of Uji Kyoto during the Genroku era (1688-1704), and the Japanese sweets “Kohaku” from Eirakuya, which is famous for Kyoto confectionery and Kyoto style tsukudani (Japanese salty chutney).
Both suppliers are long-established stores representing Kyoto and located very close to MACHIYA: SAUNA KYOTO. It would be nice to stop by their shops on your way home. (Koyamaen is right in front of our pr

 

MACHIYA: SAUNA - A Sauna Inn Renovated from a 160-Year-Old Kyomachiya in a Back Alley classifies itself as a 4 star hotel.
N.B. Please note that the star ratings are interpreted generously by the hotels in many countries.

 

N.B. Please note that these are considered correct at the time of publishing, but may no longer be available. If any of the facilities are absolutely essential for you please check when booking. Please do not assume that all are included in the room rate.