These traditional wooden townhouses are being restored and transformed into unique places to visit
1. Pass the Baton
Inspired by upcycling, Pass the Baton is worth a visit for its setting alone. A stone bridge over a river leads to the entrance of the former machiya, which has undergone a makeover by cult Tokyo-based interior designer Masamichi Katayama.
2. Blue Bottle Coffee
A sleek renovation of a 100-year-old machiya – designed by Jo Nagasaka of Schemata Architects – recently opened its doors in the heart of Kyoto as the city’s first Blue Bottle Coffee. The café offers single-origin coffee in a minimal, modern setting.
3. Kyomachiya Hotel Shiki Juraku
This atmospheric hotel is made up of 10 historic machiya. Here, you’ll find original design features and curated Mid-Century furniture balanced by modern Japanese design touches – from wooden sandals by Drill Design to textiles by Kyoto artist Haruka Nomura.
Singapore Airlines flies to Osaka three times daily. From there, Kyoto is just 15 minutes away by bullet train. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com
SEE ALSO: In Kyoto, traditional heritage is inspiring modern design
This article was originally published in the July 2018 issue of SilverKris magazine.
