In today's Kyoto inn,
Where the boatman once dwelled,
A
quaint old folk Japanese House.
Soaking in the ambience,
in
the fragrant cypress bath.
Kyoto's Historic Traditional Guesthouse
The guesthouse Maisyu is a traditional Japanese house located in Kyoto's Saga-Arashiyama area. It is available for exclusive use, accommodating only one group per day.
The origin of the guesthouse’s name reflects our values: 'Mai' represents traditional Japanese aesthetics, while 'Fune' symbolizes our respect for boatmen and our commitment to guiding guests on a journey through Japanese culture.
You can enjoy views of a Japanese garden while bathing in a hinoki wood bath, and every detail of the house is designed to reflect an authentic Japanese style.
We also offer authentic Japanese workshops, including ikebana (flower arranging), traditional Japanese attire (kimono), and calligraphy.
Conveniently located, the guesthouse is just a 1-minute walk from JR Umahori Station and a 5-minute walk from Torokko Kameoka Station. This makes it an ideal base for exploring Kyoto's famous landmarks.
※()の時間は、JR嵯峨野山陰線馬堀駅から観光名所の最寄り駅までの目安の所要時間。
きょうの宿 船頭すみし 古民家で 風情にひたる 檜風呂かな
The landmark is the "Sugidama,"
A space where traditional charm and modern comfort harmoniously blend.
Three Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, a hinoki wood bathtub, a historic Japanese garden, and a convenient kitchen.
The entrance
Please take off your shoes and enter through the renovated traditional Japanese entrance. In the hallway, you’ll find elegantly displayed items, including a pole used by boatmen of the Hozu River and calligraphy works personally created by the host.
The Japanese Garden
Seasonal flowers and stone lanterns are beautifully arranged, capturing the essence of Japanese beauty. It is a special experience to gaze at and compare the changing views through the hinoki wood bath and the round window in the tokonoma, which shift with the time of day and the seasons.
The hinoki wood bath
The hinoki wood bath is enveloped in natural fragrance and steam, offering a soothing bathing experience while enjoying views of the Japanese garden. You can indulge in relaxation for both body and mind. Towels, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, a hairdryer, and toothbrushes are all provided.
The round window
The round window of Maisyu, which captivates travelers from around the world, is like a frame that captures the passage of time.
Transformative Three tatami rooms
The three Japanese-style rooms can be used together as a spacious area or separated by sliding doors (fusuma). During the day, you can store the futon in the closet, utilizing the space effectively. We provide high-quality Nishijin-weave futons, crafted by traditional Kyoto manufacturers.
Japanese “engawa”
In the engawa, a space traditionally cherished for relaxation and socializing, you can enjoy tea or immerse yourself in a book. You can also play traditional Japanese games like Go and Shogi with authentic sets handcrafted by Kyoto artisans. Kyoto's culture of play is deeply rooted, and even Nintendo originated in Kyoto
A traditional Japanese home kitchen
You can enjoy cooking with fresh, local ingredients from Kyoto. Experience a different side of Japanese living that goes beyond a typical hotel stay. The kitchen is fully equipped with a refrigerator, electric kettle, microwave, induction cooktop, dishes, chopsticks, and more. A washing machine is also provided. If you need anything else, please feel free to ask.
Parking Space Available
For guests arriving by car, we provide a dedicated parking space. It is conveniently located just a few steps from the entrance of the accommodation, making it easy to transport your luggage. During your stay, feel free to use the parking space and enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto using the train or trolleybus.
Location
200 meters to the right from JR Umahori Station, a 1-minute walk.
Address:
1-5-3 Mahori Ekimae, Shino-cho, Kameoka City, Kyoto 621-0828, Japan
By Train:
From JR Kyoto Station → Take the JR Sagano Sanin Line bound for Sonobe or Kameoka (approximately 20 minutes) → Walk 1 minute from JR Mahori Station.
By Sagano Torokko Train:
From Torokko Saga Station → Ride the Sagano Scenic Railway (approximately 23 minutes) → Walk 5 minutes from Torokko Kameoka Station.
By Car:
From Kyoto (R9) → Take the Kyoto Jukan Expressway → Exit at Shino IC → Drive north from Nojo Intersection for 1 minute.
Host
The host is a master of Ikebana (flower arrangement) and traditional Japanese attire.
In the spring of 2017, we opened "Maishu" in Kameoka, Kyoto. Since then, we have been honored to receive the support of many guests.
"Maishu" is a traditional Japanese residence where you can truly experience the essence of Japan. We have thoughtfully arranged our space to allow you to fully enjoy Japanese traditional arts such as tea ceremonies, Ikebana, and traditional attire.
While places like Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari's thousand torii gates are charming, Kyoto also has many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. We hope that you will enjoy a serene journey away from the hustle and bustle, using Maishu as your base.
We are dedicated to helping guests from around the world experience the beauty and depth of Japan and to creating memorable experiences.
We eagerly await your visit with warmth, like the gentle sunlight through a round window.
Letters from Visitors are Treasures of Maishu
Messages and letters from guests in guestbook are our invaluable treasures. We are pleased to share some of the heartfelt words we have received.
Ikebana Experience with Omuro School Instructor
At Maishu, we offer a paid option for an Ikebana (flower arranging) experience class
About Omuro School Ikebana
Omuro School is a historic school of Ikebana. The school combines the transmission of classical techniques with the enjoyment of free expression through a rich sense of aesthetics.
Instructor:
Professor Shogetsu of the Omuro School of Ikebana (Omuro-ryu Kadou Kyoju Nyoka-an Shogetsu)
Fee:¥5,500 per person (includes flowers, experience fee, and tea)
Duration: 90 minutes (60 minutes for Ikebana, 30 minutes for photos and tea)
Reservation:Between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM (Reservation required)
How to Reserve:
Please make a reservation using one of the following methods:
→ Phone: +81 90 6553 3306 (Japanese)
→ Email: (Available in Japanese and English)
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Stay
- Q1: Is it possible to make a reservation on the day of arrival?
- Reservations should be made one day before you would like to stay.
- Q2: Can I leave my luggage before check-in or after check-out?
- This depends on the availability around your reservation dates. Please contact us for more information.
- Q3: Is there parking available?
- Yes, we provide free parking for one car.
- Q4: Do you provide meals?
- We do not offer meals. However, we can recommend nearby restaurants or delivery options. The kitchen is fully equipped, so you are welcome to prepare your own meals.
- Q5: Are pets allowed?
- We apologize, but we do not accommodate pets.
If you have any other questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Inquiry
Reservation
Please provide the required information through the reservation screen. Your reservation will be confirmed once you receive a reply from Maishu.