UTAHI A 100-years-old Kyoto machiya

I absolutely loved my stay at Utahi! It was such a special experience and unlike anywhere I've stayed before! I was travelling alone and looking for somewhere peaceful to stay, and Utahi was exactly what I was hoping for. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, and struck the perfect balance between making me feel looked after and giving me space to enjoy a quiet stay. They also took the time to share their knowledge of Kyoto's culture and recommended places to visit, which made my trip even more memorable. The house itself is beautiful! It’s a traditional Japanese townhouse, with tatami floors and shoji screens still carefully preserved. Sitting by the window overlooking the herb garden, with a gentle breeze drifting through the house, really made me feel connected to the quieter, more traditional side of Kyoto. One of the highlights of my stay was definitely the breakfast! They serve a traditional rice porridge breakfast inspired by meals served at Zen temples. Alongside the porridge was a selection of beautifully prepared small dishes, allowing me to try a variety of traditional Japanese flavours. It was all delicious and a lovely way to start the day! Breakfast is normally at 8am or 8.30am, but as I wanted a lie-in, I asked for 9am instead. They were more than happy to accommodate this, which I really appreciated. The bathroom is shared with the host family, but apart from cleaning times and dinner hours, it can be used freely. I never found this inconvenient at all, and chatting with the host family from time to time became one of my favourite memories from the stay. If you're looking for more than just a place to stay, I can't recommend Utahi highly enough. The combination of the beautiful traditional house, the warmth of both the host family and the staff, and the opportunity to experience Japanese culture and hospitality made it feel like so much more than just somewhere to stay.

Nothing. Everything was perfect!

Staying at UTAHI, a 100-year-old Kyoto machiya, was one of the most unforgettable experiences of our trip to Japan. From the moment we arrived, Shewko-san, the owner from Sione Ceramic Shop, welcomed us not as guests, but almost like family. There was something deeply special and peaceful about this place — a true connection between people, tradition, art, and soul. Every morning felt like meditation. The quiet atmosphere, the beauty of the old wooden machiya, the soft light, the details of handmade ceramics, and the incredible breakfast created a sense of calm and harmony that is hard to describe. This was not simply accommodation — it was an experience of authentic Kyoto living. The breakfast was absolutely wonderful: beautifully prepared, thoughtful, healthy, and filled with care. You could feel love and intention in every detail. Conversations with Shewko-san and the warm human connection we shared became one of the most meaningful parts of our journey. UTAHI is not just a place to sleep — it is a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself. If you want to experience the real spirit of Kyoto, this magical machiya is beyond perfect. Thank you, Shewko-san, for your kindness, warmth, and unforgettable hospitality. We will carry this experience in our hearts forever.

its a magic experience, we come for a retreat, and we are inspired. go slow. take morning walks.. we came in the sakura season. and in the morning the philosophy road is all yours.

nothing..

J’ai adoré l’ambiance magique de cette maison traditionnelle à Kyoto, ainsi que l’accueil chaleureux de l’hôte, qui rend l’expérience unique. Le petit déjeuner japonais était délicieux et la séance de méditation le matin a été un vrai moment de calme et de connexion, particulièrement appréciable dans une ville très touristique.

Honnêtement, rien de particulier à signaler, tout était à la hauteur de l’expérience proposée.