About Yorimichiya
A Historic Machiya in Kyoto

Yorimichiya was created for travelers who want to take a little detour from the busy streets of Kyoto.
Here, you can slow down, enjoy a quiet cup of tea, and experience the traditions and
culture of Japan in a historic machiya.
We hope that each visit becomes a memorable encounter, a moment of Ichigo Ichie, or a once-in-a-lifetime meeting.

Our Story

A Little Detour "Yorimichi"  in Kyoto

Kyoto offers countless places to see, things to do, and foods to discover. With so much to experience, it can be easy to move from one destination to the next without taking a moment to slow down.

Yorimichiya was born from the idea of taking a small detour.

We invite travelers to step away from the busy sightseeing routes, take a moment to rest, and discover a quieter side of Kyoto through Japanese culture. More than simply visiting a historic building, we hope to create opportunities for genuine encounters between people, culture, and place.

The Machiya

A Machiya with Over 150 Years of History

Built in the early Meiji period, Yorimichiya is a traditional Kyoto machiya with more than 150 years of history. The building has been recognized by the City of Kyoto as an important machiya, preserving valuable elements of Kyoto's architectural heritage.

The building offers a glimpse into how people once lived in Kyoto, with traditional Japanese rooms, a courtyard, and spaces that have retained their original character.

Inside Yorimichiya

On the first floor, two traditional Japanese rooms open onto a courtyard. The mizuya, a traditional kitchen space used for tea preparation, still features two large traditional cooking hearths.

In the courtyard, a tsukubai stone basin adds another distinctly Japanese element to the view.

Upstairs is the largest Japanese-style room in the machiya, with a view overlooking the Kamogawa River. There is also a Western-style room, offering a small contrast within the traditional building.

One of the most intriguing features of Yorimichiya is the two-story kura, a traditional storehouse that is integrated into the machiya itself. Once used to store belongings and goods, the kura invites us to imagine what everyday life might have looked like here generations ago.

A View of the Kamogawa River

The River That Shapes Kyoto

The Kamogawa River runs through Kyoto from north to south, connecting the mountains and the heart of the city. Its waters and surrounding landscape have been part of Kyoto's geography and culture for more than a thousand years.

The river begins where the Kamogawa's two major tributaries, the Kamo River and Takano River, meet at the famous Kamogawa Delta in Demachiyanagi. From there, it continues south through the city, passing many of Kyoto's historic neighborhoods.

From the second floor of Yorimichiya, you can enjoy a view of the Kamogawa River while taking a quiet break. Take a seat, have a cup of tea, and enjoy a moment to simply watch Kyoto flow by.

Japanese Culture at Yorimichiya

At Yorimichiya, this historic machiya provides a setting for experiencing Japanese culture through traditional arts. From tea ceremony with Uji matcha to Japanese calligraphy, each experience offers a different way to connect with Kyoto's culture.

A Little Detour in Kyoto

There is always something to see, somewhere to go, and something delicious to eat in Kyoto.

But sometimes, the best part of a journey is taking a little detour.

Step away from the busy streets, sit down for a while, look out over the Kamogawa River, and enjoy a quiet moment in an old Kyoto machiya.

That is what Yorimichiya is about.

Company Information

About OHINERI

Yorimichiya is operated by OHINERI Inc., a Kyoto-based company that operates multiple cultural experience venues across the city.

Our experiences are part of the “Way of” series, a collection of cultural experiences designed to introduce visitors to different aspects of Japanese culture. Each venue offers a different way to connect with the traditions, craftsmanship, and everyday culture of Japan.

Yorimichiya is our main base in Kyoto, located at 420 Shimoninomiyacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8132.

Our Local Team

Our team is made up of Japanese staff members who live in Kyoto and have a close connection to the local community.

Together, we are committed to preserving Japanese culture while finding new ways to share and develop it for future generations. We believe that culture is not something to simply preserve in the past, but something that can continue to grow through meaningful encounters with people from around the world.

Our Cultural Experiences