CONCEPT

Experience “totonou” through
our sauna and the historical building and atmosphere

Kyoto is a world-famous city that attracts many tourists and retains Japan’s historical landscape.
“MACHIYA: SAUNA KYOTO” is a renovated 160-year-old Kyo-machiya (traditional Kyoto-style townhouse) located in a quiet alley of Kyoto.

Sauna has been part of Japan’s popular culture for a long time, but it became a big trend in recent years due to a newly appreciated method of repeating the cycle of hot sauna and cold bath, followed by a short break: many Japanese men and women, old and young, frequent sauna houses for the deep relaxation effect.

MACHIYA: SAUNA KYOTO under the “RE: SAUNA” brand, offers a refuge away from the crowded city, where you can experience totonou while feeling the beautiful four seasons of Japan.

We aim to create a space where men and women of all ages can enjoy the sauna together or introduce it to their loved ones who are new to the practice. We hope you enjoy our sauna house and the beautiful building and space.

CONCEPT

Kyoto is a world-famous city that attracts many tourists and retains Japan’s historical landscape. “MACHIYA: SAUNA KYOTO” is a renovated 160-year-old Kyo-machiya (traditional Kyoto-style townhouse) located in a quiet alley of Kyoto.

Sauna has been part of Japan’s popular culture for a long time, but it became a big trend in recent years due to a newly appreciated method of repeating the cycle of hot sauna and cold bath, followed by a short break: many Japanese men and women, old and young, frequent sauna houses for the deep relaxation effect.

MACHIYA: SAUNA KYOTO under the “RE: SAUNA” brand, offers a refuge away from the crowded city, where you can experience totonou while feeling the beautiful four seasons of Japan.
We aim to create a space where men and women of all ages can enjoy the sauna together or introduce it to their loved ones who are new to the practice. We hope you enjoy our sauna house and the beautiful building and space.

This historical machiya was an atelier frequented by celebrated artists, including the famous author Ryunosuke Akutagawa.

The building of MACHIYA: SAUNA KYOTO used to be the atelier of its former landlord Uko Kobayashi, a Japanese painter. Uko had friendships with other celebrated Japanese artists, such as Ryunosuke Akutagawa, Junichiro Tanizaki, Ryusei Kishida, Kansetsu Hashimoto, and Naoya Shiga. His atelier was also a salon where many painters, intellectuals, filmmakers, and politicians from the Taisho to Showa era (1912-1989) gathered.

The ceiling height was adjusted to the millimeters for your perfect sauna experience

It is nice to experience the building’s history, tradition, culture, and art, but the main attraction of MACHIYA: SAUNA KYOTO is our sauna room. The quality of our sauna facility is at the top level and is popular among demanding sauna enthusiasts. It was designed with attention to every detail and thought on what makes you feel good, including humidity, temperature, and air circulation, as well as how to match the quality of the sauna with the unique environment. The temperature is set at 85℃, higher than average, so the guests can enjoy pouring water onto the sauna’s hot stones and use rhythmical towel movements to circulate the fragrant air. You can also adjust the temperature and humidity to your liking with your choice of aroma oil, rosemary, peppermint, or orange, whenever you want.

Enjoy our cypress bath with your senses of sight, hearing, and smell

The bathtub and wall of our cold-water bath are made of fine-quality Japanese cypress wood. It is semi-open-air and overlooks the Japanese garden. Try deep breathing while bathing in a 15°C cold water bath. It is also great to take a hot bath as hot water is also available.

Experience totonou in the unique space of machiya

There are two areas to rest after the cold bath: the Japanese-style room and the open-air space on the porch. It is hard to decide which is better, and you can fully enjoy the concept of totonou in the unique atmosphere.
In the Japanese-style room, you will fall into the world of totonou on the rocking chair while feeling the scent of rushes of the tatami mats. The rocking chairs are designed to continue without pushing. Pillows are also provided if you prefer to lie down on the tatami mats.

Hospitality with high-quality tea and Japanese sweets

We serve green tea (sencha) and Japanese sweets to our guests. The sencha is from Marukyu Koyamaen, a specialty store founded in Kokura of Uji Kyoto during the Genroku era (1688-1704), and the Japanese sweets “Kohaku” from Eirakuya, which is famous for Kyoto confectionery and Kyoto style tsukudani (Japanese salty chutney).

Both suppliers are long-established stores representing Kyoto and located very close to MACHIYA: SAUNA KYOTO. It would be nice to stop by their shops on your way home. (Koyamaen is right in front of our property.) Take a luxurious break with tea and sweets after the sauna.

Spacious 2nd-floor living room

The second floor, which was originally Uko Kobayashi’s atelier, has been turned into a spacious living room in a modern Japanese style. Our machiya is also a fully equipped accommodation facility. The guests can also enjoy Netflix or Youtube on the large 4K screen.

How to Enjoy Japanese Sauna

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, relax your body while feeling nature in a place unrelated to crowds.
Realizing such a special experience in the city. That is what we aim for in a sauna.

Take a sauna

After washing your body, we recommend that you soak in the sauna for about 5 to 10 minutes, as long as you can comfortably do so. Aroma Rouryu further enhances sweating effect.

Cool down in a cold bath

After pouring hot water, take a cold bath. Depending on the temperature, we recommend soaking it lightly for about 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to let it cool too much.

Relax at outdoor space

Relax by lying down while staying hydrated. Just feel the flow of time while feeling a fluffy sensation.

3hour Sauna plan

Timetable

1st session

9:00 - 12:00

2nd session

12:30 - 15:30

3rd session

16:00 - 19:00

4th session

19:30 - 22:30

※Irregular closing days will be announced on our SNS and website.

Rate

Weekdays

8,000yen / person

Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays

9,800yen / person

Maximum Capacity

2-6 people

※It is possible for a single person to use the facility for the charge of two people.

Payment

Advance payment by a credit card is required at the time of reservation.
*Please refer to the reservation page for details.
Optional services are to be paid at the property by credit cards or various QR/electronic payment apps.

Amenity & Rental

Rental for 500 yen each
Poncho / swimwear for women & men

Free flow soft drinks
(only for 3 hours)

Watching video streaming services
on the 2nd floor

2 bath towels and 1 hand towel
per person

Luxury Skincare
(skin lotion, cream, etc.)

Poncho (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only)

Rental Items
(Swimwear , Sauna hat)

Stay Plan

We offer a simple overnight stay plan.The sauna is available for use at all times as the whole building is reserved.
Please check the price on the reservation page.

Check In

16:30 - 20:30

OUT

11:00

Check In

20:00

OUT

7:30

Check In

20:00

OUT

11:00

※Please refer to the accommodation reservation page for details of amenities and facilities.

Access

〒604-8277
561 Nishinotoin-cho Sanbo, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
5 minutes’ walk from Karasuma Oike Station

Cancel Policy

No-show : 100% of the fee at the time of reservation
The day before the reservation date : 80% of the fee at the time of reservation
From 7 - 2 days before the reservation date : 30% of the fee

*Please contact us by phone (+81-90-9838-9637) if you wish to change or cancel your reservation within 7 days before the reservation date.
*If you wish to change or cancel your reservation 8 days in advance or earlier, please go to the “Manage Reservation” menu in the reservation details confirmation email.
*Please note that we cannot receive phone calls outside business hours.
*The above change/cancellation fees are applied only for the 3-Hour Sauna Plan. Please check the reservation site for overnight stay plans.

Information

No-show : 100% of the fee at the time of reservation
The day before the reservation date : 80% of the fee at the time of reservation
From 7 - 2 days before the reservation date : 30% of the fee

*If you wish to change or cancel your reservation or earlier, please go to the “Manage Reservation” menu in the reservation details confirmation email.
*The above change/cancellation fees are applied only for the 3-Hour Sauna Plan. Please check the reservation site for overnight stay plans.

FAQ

For cancellation policy,please refer to the website.
In principle, we only respond by phone. You can also send us a DM on SNS, but it may take some time to reply, so if you are in a hurry, please be sure to contact us by phone.
Please be sure to contact us by phone if you wish to change the number of people. Please note that a cancellation fee will be charged if the cancellation fee is applicable.
Men's swimsuits are common sea pants. Click here for women's swimwear.
We have a variety of amenities available for you to use freely. Please refer to the website for details.