In With the Old: A Stay at Maana Kiyomizu, Kyoto
The magic of Kyoto cannot be denied, and the city is somewhere I never seem to tire of (even after 19 visits!). As people flock to the main tourist hotspots like Fushimi Inari Taisha or the Golden Pavilion, there is an opportunity to discover a different side to the city, one where age-old traditions and effortless charm live on. It’s easy to see why Kyoto is one of the world’s leading travel destinations, and somewhere almost definitely on your next Japan itinerary.
The Story
I was first introduced to Maana Homes by their earlier opening, Maana Kamo. Originally founded by two self-professed creatives, Irene and Hana, the brand was born from a passion for hospitality and a search for a deeper purpose within travel. Now on their third opening, Maana intends to “offer cosy and tranquil spaces, made for slow living and contemplation.” There is an emphasis on Japanese crafts throughout and no stone is left unturned when it comes to design and minimalist spaces.
The Offer
What sets Maana Kiyomizu apart from other machiya guesthouses in Kyoto is the modern approach to design and layout. Designed by local architects Shigenori Uoya and Takeshi Ikei, each of the three guest suites has been created as intimate spaces to enhance the senses; light-filled and meticulously curated. Suites are equipped with queen-size western beds, freestanding bathtubs, Japanese tea sets, and branded Imabari towels.
The Location
As the name shows, the property is close (but not too close) to Kyoto’s iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The central location makes it very easily accessible to Kyoto’s many ancient heritage sites, tranquil gardens, and local coffee shops.
Who is it For?
Maana is definitely for the more design-minded traveller among us. Those looking to bridge the gap between Air Bnb and luxury hotels, but without the sky-high price point would find themselves very much at home at the property. The larger two suites can accommodate up to 4 people so could be perfect for friends for small family, but I would lean more towards couples and solo travellers for the ideal guest.
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Sustainability
A key part of the Maana Kiyomizu complex and community is Kissa Kishin, a modern homage to the traditional Japanese kissaten. With close access to Kyoto’s local farms, on-site cafe Kissa Kishin offers dishes celebrating fresh local ingredients, picked daily by the property’s dedicated farmers. These include organic eggs and vegetables used in the daily breakfast dishes. The compact size of the three-room hotel helps to keep the carbon footprint down, and guests are encouraged to support local businesses and dine out in the local area.
Cultural Connection
The third element of the Maana Kiyomizu trio is POJ Studio, fine purveyors of Japanese handicrafts, from hinoki wood tableware to unique tie-dye indigo wall hangings. Pretty much everything you see in Maana can be purchased from the retail and gallery space, and guests are invited to experience authentic Japanese artisan techniques at one of their signature craft workshops including kintsugi and incense making.
Getting Around
For those heading directly to Kyoto, the closest airport is Osaka's Itami Airport, about one hour by bus from central Kyoto. Most likely you will be arriving in Kyoto from Tokyo and the best and quickest way is via the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. Nozomi trains take around 2 hours 10 minutes to reach Kyoto from Tokyo, and Hikari trains take about 2 hours 50 minutes. The latter can be used freely with a JR Rail Pass. Regular priced fares cost around 28,000 yen round trip for a reserved seat, the same price as a 7-day JR Pass.
427-18, Myohoin Maekawacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0932
Find out more via maanahomes.com/kiyomizu
Photography & words by Ben Richards
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