Moral Turgeman and Braulio Sotomayor

Maana Homes

  • Where:
  • Why:In-Person Kintsugi lessons. Yes, please!
  • When:January 2023
  • Who:Just us

"A design lover's home away from home"

AT A GLANCE: Perched in a traditional wooden townhouse, Maana Homes is a micro guest-house in Higashiyama Ward, a charming residential street surrounded by numerous ancient heritage sites and green refuge and a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of central Kyoto. With an emphasis on tradition and locality, a stay here is bound to be memorable. This budget-friendly, design-focused property also offers breakfast not to be missed. Swipe the images below to discover.

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Maana Homes We've been curious about MAANA for some time and are excited to experience it firsthand

We've been curious about MAANA for some time and are excited to experience it firsthand

Maana Homes Everything on display is a labor of love; the woven walls pictured here are proof of the intention and time behind each detail

Everything on display is a labor of love; the woven walls pictured here are proof of the intention and time behind each detail

Maana Homes Our very own two-story design loft in Kyoto. A dream we didn't even know was possible

Our very own two-story design loft in Kyoto. A dream we didn't even know was possible

Maana Homes The natural materials chosen for the interiors seamlessly flow into the exterior and back again

The natural materials chosen for the interiors seamlessly flow into the exterior and back again

Maana Homes A tatami room lined with handmade washi paper created by artisan Hatano Wataru

A tatami room lined with handmade washi paper created by artisan Hatano Wataru

Maana Homes After long exploratory walks in the neighborhood, we often made use of this inviting reading room on the ground floor

After long exploratory walks in the neighborhood, we often made use of this inviting reading room on the ground floor

Maana Homes This bathtub was one of the breathtaking elements of the space. Handcrafted by Shigaraki ceramic sculptors for this particular unit

This bathtub was one of the breathtaking elements of the space. Handcrafted by Shigaraki ceramic sculptors for this particular unit

Maana Homes Minimal, simple design throughout with just the right balance of natural and soft artificial lighting

Minimal, simple design throughout with just the right balance of natural and soft artificial lighting

Maana Homes Nothing here is random or unintentional

Nothing here is random or unintentional

Maana Homes The property is also home to MAANA's own design studio and shop, open to guests and the lucky passerby

The property is also home to MAANA's own design studio and shop, open to guests and the lucky passerby

Maana Homes POJ Studio invited us to learn about the art of Kintsugi, a fascinating and unique practice of reverence and preservation

POJ Studio invited us to learn about the art of Kintsugi, a fascinating and unique practice of reverence and preservation

Maana Homes Instantly fell in love with our teacher Momoko who led an incredibly informative and engaging workshop

Instantly fell in love with our teacher Momoko who led an incredibly informative and engaging workshop

Maana Homes A golden hour back at our room was not to be missed; the textures and finishes revealed something new each time

A golden hour back at our room was not to be missed; the textures and finishes revealed something new each time

Maana Homes The kitchenette held a small fridge, water, coffee, and tea. The design-forward tea container was a work of art!

The kitchenette held a small fridge, water, coffee, and tea. The design-forward tea container was a work of art!

Maana Homes The morning meditation tatami room transformed into our travel logistics center at night

The morning meditation tatami room transformed into our travel logistics center at night

Maana Homes MAANA Kiyomizu is a row of restored machiya houses encouraging self-care and pause

MAANA Kiyomizu is a row of restored machiya houses encouraging self-care and pause

Maana Homes Japanese breakfast is served daily at Kissa Kishin using farm-fresh ingredients sourced from local farms. Five stars!

Japanese breakfast is served daily at Kissa Kishin using farm-fresh ingredients sourced from local farms. Five stars!

Maana Homes Pictured here is Keiko-San, whose genuine passion for hospitality inspired us to stay way beyond breakfast

Pictured here is Keiko-San, whose genuine passion for hospitality inspired us to stay way beyond breakfast

Maana Homes The cafe concept is a modern take on a traditional coffeehouse or kissaten

The cafe concept is a modern take on a traditional coffeehouse or kissaten

Maana Homes Our last night in Kyoto was in this beautiful loft, our hearts full after a spectacular visit; it is here where we dreamed of our return!

Our last night in Kyoto was in this beautiful loft, our hearts full after a spectacular visit; it is here where we dreamed of our return!

Highs & Lows

  • The location is discrete and unassuming; it felt like walking into my own neighborhood

  • Check-in at the front desk meant walking through POJ Studio, where intimate curated workshops take place

  • The experience of entering the reconsidered traditional machiya home feels reminiscent of an art gallery, thoughtful and spacious

  • No room service, but actually it was not a downside, as our Kyoto food list is hard to conquer

Maana Homes MAANA Kiyomizu is a row of restored machiya houses encouraging self-care and pause

The Barometer

  • Design
  • Location
  • Future Forward
  • Night's Sleep
  • Service
  • Amenities
  • Takeable Treats
  • Refer a Friend
  • Overall Value
  • Life Changing
Total: 49/50
Maana Homes Pictured here is Keiko-San, whose genuine passion for hospitality inspired us to stay way beyond breakfast

Important Bits

  • Type

    Guest House

  • Vibe

    This is not your usual hotel experience; it feels more like an art residency with no room service

  • Location

    Higashiyama Ward in Kyoto

  • Rooms

    Only three

  • Pre-Arrival & Arrival Experience

    Exciting, like the first day at summer camp!

  • Future Forward

    Hospitality where the offering with an emphasis on tradition and locality

  • Music

    The Awakening, Jessica Boston, Desert

  • Year Opened

    2022

  • Designed By

    Hana Tsukamoto and Irene Chang

  • Health & Wellness

    A short walk to the magnificent Rengeoin Sanjusangendo temple, a treat to the soul

  • Food

    Better than any room service, hostess Keiko-san at Kissa Kishin serves a Japanese breakfast that is wow!

  • Bar, Events & Nightlife

    Take a brisk walk over the Kamo River and dive into several local haunts

  • Minibar & Retail

    POJ Studio inspires the artist within, showcasing deeply considered Japanese craftsmanship

  • Accessibility

    Yes, the ground floor provides everything, no need to ascend the narrow steps to the loft

  • Pet Friendly

    Not here

  • Children

    Yes

  • BEST TIME TO STAY

    Anytime you feel creative and need a quiet hermitage

  • Price

    $$

  • Tel.

    +81 75 253 6876

  • Website

    Visit website

Maana Homes

Maana Homes

427-18 Myōhōin Maekawachō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan

Hokan-Ji Temple

Hokan-Ji Temple

Hōkan-ji Temple, 388 清水八坂上町 Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan

Azuma Sushi

Azuma Sushi

Azuma Sushi, Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan

Rengeo-in (Sanjusangendo)

Rengeo-in (Sanjusangendo)

Rengeo-in (Sanjusangendo), 657 Sanjūsangendōmawari, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan

In the Area

Hotel Location 427-18 Myōhōin Maekawachō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan

Manna Kiyomizu is a stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of central Kyoto, nestled quietly on a residential street surrounded by numerous ancient heritage sites and green refuges — the perfect base camp for exploring the temples and zen gardens on this side of town.

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