Layers of beauty

Gakurin-cho (literally: “school forest town”) is so named because it once hosted a monk's schoolhouse.
Pilgrims have come here since ancient times. There are still many Buddhist temples, and you can feel the history of this place layered with the scents of incense and the sound of bells drifting about the neighborhood.

The temples and ritual implements of Kyoto show a level of quality and skill that has been honed by a long tradition of over 1000 years. They are produced with the combined skills of many expert artisans - woodworking, sculpture, metalworking, and lacquer arts. The layering of history and technology, the firm weight and solemn splendor of layered lacquer and gold - such techniques are the very finest in Japan.

We are located in a 112-year-old refurbished machiya townhouse in the traditional Kyoto style. We have lovingly refurbished this historic building, layering a careful selection of beautiful items, creating a space that brings together the spirit of old Kyoto with human skill.

We have attended to every detail to ensure that your stay is a comfortable one, so relax and enjoy your time with us whilst you experience a way of life nurtured by this ancient city.