A renovated machiya inn called "Kaya" (暇家 KAYA) is set to open on May 1, 2026 (Friday) along the Chirimen Kaido in the Kaya district of Yosano-cho, Kyoto Prefecture. Produced and operated by Kyoto Tango Kikaku Co., Ltd., the property is owned by Kondo Construction Co., Ltd. (KS Group Holdings Co., Ltd.).
Concept: A Moment of Unhurried Leisure
The inn's name draws on the Japanese word "itoma" (暇), meaning a leisurely, unhurried stretch of time. The Kaya district sits close to Amanohashidate and was once Japan's largest silk textile producing area, blessed with abundant water and humid seasonal winds suited to weaving. The historic streetscape of the Chirimen Kaido—where the legacy of Tango crepe silk production still lingers—provides the backdrop for this stay.
Stepping through the entrance past the garden plantings, guests are greeted by the steam of a sauna and the distinctive aroma of locally grown hops. The open-floored earthen workspace that once served as a weaving hall is now home to a craft beer tap, and evenings unfold with unhurried depth after enjoying the sauna and a meal of steamed dishes.
Hop-Infused Experiences
At Kaya, the aroma and flavor of hops are woven throughout the stay. In addition to enjoying draft beer from a tap inside the inn, guests can experience hop aromas through a sauna löyly session (the act of pouring water on hot sauna stones) and hop water drinks after the sauna, allowing hops to be savored in multiple dimensions beyond simply drinking beer.
The sauna is not designed to be stimulating, but rather to serve as a time for deep breathing and gradual unwinding within the calm setting of the old townhouse. Wrapped in the fresh, gentle fragrance of hops, the senses gradually settle — a stay with lingering resonance.
Food: Steamed Dishes and Breakfast
An optional steamed dish course is available during the stay. Designed to be gentle on the body after the sauna while delivering satisfying flavor, it is best enjoyed slowly alongside a cold glass of beer.
Breakfast consists of a soft okayu (rice porridge) that draws out the savory richness of chicken — a quiet, restorative bowl fitting for a morning in this small town. The inn also has a counter kitchen, so guests can bring in ingredients purchased locally and cook for themselves.
A Historic Streetscape Passed Down Through the Generations
The Chirimen Kaido in Yosano-cho's Kaya district is a historic area where buildings that flourished alongside the Tango crepe silk industry still stand. The humid climate suited to silk weaving and the gentle air flows unique to this land once supported local industry and daily life. Kaya aims to carry on the accumulation of that history within the inn itself.
The building is a carefully renovated machiya (traditional townhouse) available for whole-building rental. While preserving the atmosphere of life and craftsmanship that once filled this town, it has been brought up to the level of comfort needed for a contemporary stay. Through lodging here, guests can experience not just the streetscape, but the quiet character and open spaces of the land itself.
Facility Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Facility Name | 暇家 KAYA (Kaya) |
| Address | 1088-1 Kaya, Yosano-cho, Yosa-gun, Kyoto 629-2403 (Former Hosokawa Residence) |
| Opening Date | May 1, 2026 (Friday) |
| Facility Type | Whole-building rental accommodation (renovated machiya) |
| Capacity | Up to 8 guests |
| Rate | ¥88,000 (subject to seasonal variation) |
| Check-in | 4:00 PM |
| Check-out | 10:00 AM |
| Main Facilities | Sauna (with hop aroma löyly), beer tap, and more |
| Access | By car: 15 minutes from Miyazu-Yosa Road "Yosa-Amanohashidate" IC / By train: Kyoto Tango Railway Miyoho Line "Yosano" Station, take Tankai Bus to "Chirimen Kaido" stop, then 5 minutes on foot (approx. 10 minutes by taxi) |
| Parking | Available (4 spaces) |
| Reservations | https://www.chillnn.com/19d4425b5cc291#hotelMenu |
| https://www.instagram.com/kaya_itomanoie |
