Kanazawa Machiya Kenroku

A Journey to the Heart of Japan — A Message from the Owner My name is Hitty, and I am the owner of Kanazawa Machiya Kenroku. Now in the second half of my life, I have returned to my hometown, Kanazawa, to share with travelers the cultural and spiritual richness of this remarkable city. Why do we travel across cultures? For some, it is curiosity. For others, a search for meaning, or a need to pause and reflect. I too traveled abroad in my youth, longing for freedom and new perspectives. And I came to realize something important: Kanazawa is not just a destination—it is a place where people can reconnect with something essential. You have visited Kyoto. But Kanazawa is where Samurai lived not as warriors, but as thinkers and poets. Stay here is not just a night. It is a moment of silence between centuries. Kanazawa is a city where the samurai spirit still breathes quietly in the streets, architecture, and minds of its people. You will find Kanazawa Castle, the daimyo’s garden Kenrokuen, traditional crafts like kimono and pottery, and refined performing arts such as geisha and Noh theatre. But what makes this city profound is not only what can be seen—it is what can be felt. The samurai lived with discipline and clarity. Guided by Zen, they practiced simplicity, mindfulness, and detachment from the unnecessary. Their world was shaped by the spirit of wabi-sabi—a beauty found in imperfection, impermanence, and quiet grace. In many ways, they were the original minimalists. Today, in a world overflowing with noise and speed, perhaps what we seek is not more—but less. Not distraction, but depth. Not luxury in things, but meaning in moments. Kanazawa offers this. In our inn, a preserved 150-year-old townhouse, you may feel the presence of those who came before. Here, you are invited not just to stay—but to slow down, breathe, and reflect on the path you’ve walked—and where you wish to go next. I welcome you to Kanazawa, and to a quiet journey inward. — Hitty

●Step into history. Welcome to a home where the spirit of the samurai and the charm of old Japan still live on. This old house has been designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property by the national government. It is now used as an inn. Its name is Kanazawa Machiya Kenroku. “Machiya” means a traditional Japanese townhouse. This house was built over 150 years ago. The interior still retains the beauty of late Edo to early Meiji period townhouses. Samurai perished at the end of the Edo period. Western countries were colonizing much of Asia at the time. To protect Japan’s independence, the leaders of the samurai decided to carry out a revolution that would change the era. This is called the Meiji Restoration. Although our ancestors lost their jobs in the end, they left behind a small trace of the samurai era. This house is one such remnant. You’ll find features such as plaster walls, steep staircases, old tin walls, sliding doors made with washi paper, ceilings made from precious wood, a small garden, and even a ladder. Like a ninja house, the stairs are very steep and the ceilings are low, which creates an exciting atmosphere. Inside the house, there is a long corridor that we call Touriniwa. At night, Touriniwa is beautifully lit, and the shadows cast on the walls create a magical scene. There are no beds—please sleep on traditional Japanese futon. This small heritage home is filled with elements that make you feel, “Ah, this is how Japanese people used to live.” While we have inherited the authentic atmosphere of a traditional machiya, we have also installed modern facilities to make your stay comfortable. This inn is limited to one group per night. Please enjoy a stay that is uniquely yours, in this cultural heritage house.

●It is only 5-minute walk from JR Kanazawa Station. It is convenient if you come by Shinkansen. ●Kanazawa's main tourist areas are concentrated within 2 km radius of Kanazawa Station. ●There are many buses going to each tourist area from the bus terminal in front of the station. ● Omicho Fish Market and the Samurai District are also about a fifteen minute walk from the station. ●You can walk around Higashiyama and Kenrokuen Park. ●There are many restaurants, convenience stores, coin parking, etc. around the station, which is the most convenient for sightseeing in Kanazawa. ●Kanazawa Station is your perfect hub ｗith bullet trains to Tokyo, express trains to Nagoya and Kyoto, and buses to Shirakawago , Takayama,Noto and Kaga Onsen.