A collection of restored machiya townhouses forming a lantern-lit alley — immersive, atmospheric, and one of Kyoto’s most unique ryokan experiences.
Why We Chose It
Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St. is one of the most visually and conceptually distinctive stays in Kyoto — a luxury ryokan created from a row of over 100-year-old machiya townhouses arranged along a narrow, lantern-lit alley. The result is less like a traditional hotel and more like stepping into a preserved, reimagined Kyoto streetscape. Each of the 20+ rooms occupies its own townhouse, with layouts spread across multiple levels and designed around natural elements such as water, stone, and bamboo. All rooms include private semi-open-air baths, allowing for a fully private onsen-style experience. Interiors balance traditional materials — wood, paper, tatami — with modern comfort and thoughtful detailing. The atmosphere is immersive and transportive, especially at night when the alley is softly lit by lanterns. While the property offers more scale and energy than Nazuna Nijo-jo, it still maintains a strong sense of privacy and calm. Located near Shijo and central Kyoto, it provides easy access to major sights while feeling removed from the city’s busiest areas. This is a design-driven, experiential ryokan stay — ideal for travelers who want something memorable, atmospheric, and distinctly Kyoto.
What Stands Out
- Entire street of restored machiya townhouses
- Lantern-lit alley creates a unique atmosphere
- Private semi-open-air bath in every room
- Multi-level, design-driven room layouts
- Central location with quiet, tucked-away feel