A Meditation Journey in a Traditional Machiya House 

—Maana Kiyomizu

 Traveling is an experience. It involves filling a travel itinerary with iconic landmarks, immersing oneself in the local culture while traversing through cities and rural areas, connecting the dots of personal understanding and interpretation of unique local characteristics, and finally creating an exclusive map. In the midst of a non-stop urban exploration, accommodation becomes a condensed storybook of the city.

 Maana Homes is a series of modern accommodations founded by Hana and Irene, offering a unique way to experience the cultural capital of Kyoto. During their stay in this ancient city, they were deeply inspired by the old buildings, shrines, temples, and the rich artistic and cultural heritage that has been accumulated over thousands of years. By incorporating their interpretation of the Kyoto lifestyle into the spatial foundation of the traditional Japanese machiya architecture, Maana Homes aims to offer a contemporary perspective on the city's history and culture. The term "Maana" means "perception", which opens up the senses and arouses curiosity, guiding people to immerse themselves in the ancient Kyoto culture. The term "Home" is used to refer to accommodation that can provide a serene and comfortable living environment. It embodies a peaceful and harmonious space that combines simplicity and elegance. Time seems to pass slowly here, allowing for contemplation and meditation during one's journey. This concept reflects the Japanese aesthetic consciousness of Wabi-sabi.

Photographs by Iyeya

Photographs by Amy Tang | Room Type 3

Photographs by Amy Tang | Room Type 3

Photographs by Amy Tang | Room Type 3

Photographs by Iyeya | Room Type 3                                              

Photographs by Amy Tang | Room Type 3

Photographs by Iyeya |  RoomType3

 Maana Kiyomizu is one of the accommodations in the Maana Homes series, situated near the Kyoto National Museum, which houses a collection of historical artifacts. It is also close to the Gion geisha district, known for its flower and art culture, and the Kiyomizu-dera temple, which is one of the oldest and most renowned temples in Kyoto, making it steeped in rich cultural heritage.  Most Japanese people believe that modern urban living cannot be reconciled with the traditional style of machiya townhouses. However, Maana Kiyomizu, designed by Shigenori Uoya and Takeshi Ikei, preserves the elements of a century-old Kyoto machiya and seamlessly integrates them into a slow-paced life steeped in the traditions of the distant past, exuding a sense of tranquility and understated elegan. The accommodation seamlessly combines three different types of suites, including Stay (lodging), Shop (store), and Dine (restaurant), all of which are dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Kyoto. Additionally, the first physical storefront of POJ Studio (Pieces of Japan), a handmade craft shop that also focuses on the heritage of Kyoto, is located within the accommodation. As for dining, Kissa Kishin interprets Japanese kissaten culture and daily visits local farms to harvest the freshest seasonal produce, offering light and delicate Kyoto cuisine.

Photographs by Iyeya

Photographs by Iyeya

                                        Photographs by Iyeya

Photographs by Iyeya

                                                  Photographs by Ben Richards

                       Room Type 2

                                      Photographs by Iyeya

                         Room Type 2

Photographs by Amy Tang | Room Type 2

                                                  Photographs by Ben Richards

                       Room Type 2

                                                    Photographs by Ben Richards

                         Room Type 2

Photographs by Iyeya | Room Type 2

Hana and Irene believe that Kyoto is not just a symbol of traditional vocabulary, but a simple and humble way of life. When they first took over the machiya, the condition of the building was not ideal. However, they had a clear idea, which was to open up the wall currently serving as the side of the café and adopt an open attitude towards the streets and alleys. The interior design combines traditional and modern styles with a minimalist approach, preserving the original beams and columns. The walls are painted with a low-saturation, soft beige color, creating an uneven paint finish that highlights the warm and rustic texture of the old house. Each of the three room types has its unique features, and in Room Type 1, people can engage in a dialogue with the historic Toyokuni Shrine while resting, sitting, or taking a bath.  Looking up, the interweaving arrangement of wooden beams and window frames creates a moment where time seems frozen in several centuries ago. Stepping into the large, integrated bathtub next to the window, surrounded by greenery, with the interplay of light and shadow, one can experience a serene and thought-provoking atmosphere. Upon entering through a secluded entrance, one arrives at "Room Type 2", a two-bedroom and one-living room apartment. The curved elements break the strong lines of the original architecture, allowing ample light and ventilation to flow through, while antique items are displayed in the built-in cabinet. The bedroom is surrounded by a bamboo screen (Takekomai Bamboo Dance), commonly used in Japanese architecture to reinforce walls made of clay, and here the technique is released as an element of aesthetics, allowing more subtly ambiguous light to penetrate through the shielding medium. In the bedroom of "Room Type 3", one can find exquisite handmade Japanese washi paper crafted by artisan Hatano Wataru, from ceiling to floor. Relaxing in the Shigaraki bathtub situated in the private garden, one can gaze up at the blue sky and greenery, allowing the mind to be deeply cleansed once again.

                                                  Photographs by Ben Richards

                       Room Type 1

Photographs by Hana Tsukamoto | Room Type 1

Photographs by Iyeya | Room Type 1

                                                  Photographs by Renee Kemps 

                     Room Type 1

Photographs by Renee Kemps Room Type 1

  In every corner of the lodging, one can find finely crafted handmade items ranging from practical objects such as towels and containers, to decorative ceramic figurines, all made by Kyoto artisans. All the items seen and heard can be purchased at POJ studio, where they attempt to incorporate the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship into modern life. In addition to being able to order items such as indigo-dyed screens and lanterns, there are also workshops where visitors can participate in traditional Japanese cultural activities.

*Machiya: A traditional style of Japanese townhouse which combines a residence and a shop in a row building.

Photographs by Iyeya | Room Type 1