Although machiya vacation rentals are our main game, Shiki Properties is much more than just an accommodation company. We’re an ever-expanding, international collective of local residents with a passion for showcasing Kansai’s diverse and timeless beauty. Offering some of the best traditional Japanese homes in the region, insider access to experiences not available in the mainstream travel market, and an opportunity to connect both with locals and the broader traveling community, staying with Shiki is the key to unlocking the real Kyoto and Osaka.

Haru is a stunning home with an unmistakable Kyoto style and classic machiya ambiance; it retains all of its old-world charms while providing guests all the amenities they need for a fun and comfortable stay. Big enough to house five and with an interior that feels like a trip back in time, it’s the perfect spot for those who want to fully embrace the Kyoto way of life. The house features textured, earthy colored walls, shoji sliding paper doors, tatami mat bedrooms, and warm wooden flooring throughout. While the home is overflowing with style and traditional Japanese elegance, it still feels tidy, spacious, and effortlessly livable. Each room of the house is flooded with a soft, glowing, diffused light and is the ideal retreat after a long day of sightseeing. Haru boasts 82 square meters of space, spread across two floors, with the first floor designed for living and the second designed for sleeping and relaxing. With all the elements of a modern villa and traditional machiya rolled into one, Haru is the ideal harmonious balance.

Haru is ideally positioned in the heart of Kyoto. It’s located within walking distance of the city’s many attractions but is nestled in a quiet backstreet, ensuring complete peace and tranquility. Less than a 10-minute walk east from Haru sits Kyoto Imperial Palace and the stunning surrounding Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, which season in, season out offers spectacular natural views and is the perfect location for a late-morning stroll. Situated in an excellent position for those who want to explore the city by bicycle – which is highly recommended – from Haru, it’s about a 10-minute ride to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nijo Castle and a 20-minute ride north to Kinkakuji, Kyoto’s iconic golden temple. Peddle 10 minutes to the east, and you’ll also reach the more northern end of Kyoto’s iconic Kamo River, the main waterway of the city, and an area home to plenty of excellent dining establishments.