One of the main draws of visiting Japan has always been experiencing its rich history. Given the fact that the one-of-a-kind tradition unique to this incredible country is especially visible in the Kansai region, cities like Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara are often the top destinations for anyone looking to peer into traditional Japan whilst still having access to the modern metropolis. Many visitors opt for a more hands-on, historically accurate experience and go for a walking tour down the Tokaido Road, a once-important trade route connecting Kyoto and Tokyo during the Edo Period. But just like the merchants and pilgrims of the day – and even if you decide to go by the Tokaido Shinkansen – you’re bound to stay overnight at its many designated stops before you can accomplish such a feat.
So, why not reward yourself a little bit earlier by staying at Inase Otsu Machiya Bed & Breakfast, a traditional-style inn located at the very last stop of this historic route only half an hour away from Kyoto by train? We recently met with the team behind this incredible spot, and we couldn’t wait to share what they had to say with all of you. Read on to learn more about your potential detour spot and its most notable accommodation!
Firstly, can you briefly introduce yourself and your role at Inase Otsu Machiya?
My name is Yoichi, the director. My job means that I am in charge of planning and managing the Otsu Machiya Inn Inase.
Go back in time in this well-preserved traditional accommodation – Photo Credit: Inase Otsu Machiya
Can you please tell our readers about Inase Otsu Machiya?
Inase is a guesthouse that was renovated from a rice shop built in the early Showa period and has been designated as a registered tangible cultural property. It is within a 10-minute walk of Mitsui-dera Temple, Otsu Port, and Keihan Biwako Hama Otsu Station, (making it easy to get to and from Kyoto) and a quiet place to stay.
I understand that Inase was renovated in 1933 from a townhouse that was once used as a local rice shop. Could you tell us which parts of the original building were preserved and which parts were changed or updated to become the current Otsu Machiya no Yado Inase?
The renovations began when a proposal was made to tear down the building and turn it into a parking lot. However, our owner decided to buy it to save it and turned it into an inn.
The main building has been left untouched, and the mud walls and floor plan have been preserved. To make it into an inn, toilets and washbasins have been installed in each guest room to make it easier for guests to spend time there, and on the first floor, a community space has been set up to meet the diverse needs of travelers and allow guests to interact with each other. The room called “Bansho” in the annex has been renovated while preserving the beams. We also built a storehouse to replace the one that previously existed on the premises.
A Japanese-style tatami room – Photo Credit: Inase Otsu Machiya
Inase has seven rooms, each with its own distinct name. Can you briefly point out the unique characteristics of each room?
The rooms are named after the eight most beautiful spots in Omi. As mentioned previously, the main building has been renovated to retain the original atmosphere of each room and now has washbasins and toilets. There is also a shared bathroom, shower room and laundry on the first floor, as well as a common space facing the garden.
We opened one detached room that ensures privacy and two rooms in the new “Kura” building, which is equipped with a mini-kitchen for long-term stays, in August of 2023. In each room, we have explanations of the eight scenic spots of Omi using the names of the rooms, and the lighting and furniture are also from the early Showa period, so we hope you will enjoy the retro atmosphere while learning about the history.
Inase is surrounded by an abundance of picturesque spots, but Inase itself shines with its beautiful historic architecture. What’s the most scenic spot at the inn where guests might relax and unwind?
By far, this has to be the courtyard and garden that can be seen from the community space. You can relax on the veranda and take in the beautiful view.
The main building of Inase has been designated as a registered tangible cultural property of Japan. To ensure this, we have used the same materials as when the building was first constructed, and have preserved it as much as possible in its original state. You can feel the atmosphere of a traditional Otsu townhouse no matter where you look.
In addition, from the community space overlooking the courtyard, you can enjoy the changing scenery of the four seasons while staying indoors. We invite you to find your own favorite spot in the calm space of the Otsu townhouse.
Relax in the shared living room with a cup of tea and perhaps some homemade sweets – Photo Credit: Inase Otsu Machiya
Inase serves a delicious and plentiful Japanese breakfast. What’s usually on the menu?
We serve a homemade Japanese breakfast every morning, including miso soup made with our own vegetables and miso, and other dishes. Please enjoy your morning in a homely atmosphere to start your day.
We heard that you offer cultural experiences in addition to your services as an accommodation. What kind of services do you offer?
We have a wonderful traditional tea ceremony service with Inase’s tea master. Now, we hold tea ceremonies with a tea master. (Advanced reservations required) We also hold casual tea parties for the purpose of international exchange.
You can also enjoy your book at the shared counter space – Photo Credit: Inase Otsu Machiya
Otsu is overflowing with must-visit historical sites – including Inase itself which was designated a Tangible Cultural Property in 2017. Which places do you always recommend? And are there any hidden gems that most people would miss but you as a local think are worth visiting?
Here are some places we suggest that are also popular among the locals:
- Nyoigoe, which connects Daimonji Mountain and Miidera Temple, is perfect for trekking.
- Rokasennsuisou (Kionji) was built as a villa for the Japanese-style painter Yamamoto Shunkyo and is designated as a nationally important cultural property. Advanced reservations are required for visits.
- The Karahashi Bridge in Seta is one of the eight famous views of Omi and is the location that appears in the poem “Seta no Yūshō”. It is a historic bridge in Japan, and the name of the room in the Inase is taken from the Seta no Yūshō. The date of the renovation is written on the bridge’s giboshi, making it one of the places where you can truly feel the history of the area.
Not only places, but Otsu boasts many distinct festivals, food specialties, and folk arts & crafts. What experience and/or souvenirs can guests only get by visiting Otsu?
There are many things to see and do while in the area, but here are two suggestions we think you definitely can’t miss. Chajo Fujimura, located near Ishiyama-dera, is a Japanese sweets shop where you can eat freshly made Japanese sweets, and there is also take-out. For those looking for more physical activity, Otsu Machiya no Yado Inase is a place that you can get to by cycling along the shore of Lake Biwa, so you can feel the nature of the season.
Old games casually lying about add to the inn’s retro atmosphere – Photo Credit: Inase Otsu Machiya
Lastly, what kind of experience or impression do you want your guests to be left with after staying at Inase, and Otsu in general?
Otsu City is close to Kyoto and is a base for visiting tourist attractions, but unlike Kyoto, it is a place where you can relax and spend your time in a leisurely manner. It is also very close to Lake Biwa, making it easy to go for a stroll. We would like you to stay at the Otsu Machiya Inn Inase, a traditional Japanese-style house, and experience everyday life like never before.
Thank you again for sharing all about your beautiful inn and the surrounding city of Otsu! I’m sure our readers wouldn’t miss the chance to stay at an actual machiya, in a region known especially for its rich history and lingering traditional atmosphere.
Wander through time down the traditional hallways – and into rooms that still fulfill your modern needs – Photo Credit: Inase Otsu Machiya
With only seven rooms available at any one time, make sure to book one of Inase’s special rooms in advance for your equally special trip to Otsu, nearby Kyoto, or perhaps your journey back in time down the ever-scenic Tokaido Road.
Check out Inase Otsu Machiya at the following:
Website: https://www.inaseotsu.com/en/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/inase_otsu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/%E7%B2%8B%E4%B8%96-inase-Otsu-Machiya-Bed-Breakfast-155534281592404/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCan9JMjh5f2-I1DiMg8Sscg
Featured Photo Credit: Inase Otsu Machiya.
