Travelers who visit Kyoto want the ultimate “Kyoto” experience, but staying in a traditional ryokan without modern comforts and especially sleeping on the floor can create a little unease.

Many visitors will look into accommodations with worldwide brand recognition, and there seem to be an endless supply of luxury hotels opening up in Kyoto since the city’s tourism boom. Before being the seduction of a romantic ancient capital, there were barely any foreign tourists in Kyoto, or even domestic tourists! Native Japanese had the idea that it was an old sleepy city, full of old folks, kimono shops and geisha. Thanks for the efforts by Japan’s tourism boards and government, Kyoto has quickly metamorphosed into a stylish and creative cultural destination, recognized globally. At its peak, the city had close to an astounding 88 million visitors just before the pandemic.

Maana Kyoto (Photo: Mitsuru Wakabayashi)

Most people go to Kyoto and see the top few tourist must-see’s and stay in a western hotel. That is actually the worse way to experience Kyoto. Kyoto is not a fast-paced, ultra modern city, like Tokyo, New York or London, for example. It is actually a very unique place that only reveals its nature with time… through immersive experiences. I was fortunate to have studied in Kyoto in University, and then going back many times in my professional life to spend long periods of time there, seeing how the city evolved over twenty years.

As a luxury travel designer, I have stayed in whole range of accommodations in Kyoto (and all of Japan). One of my recent, very memorable stays was with the Maana Homes group. The concept of Maana Homes is to allow guests to experience ancient Kyoto in a modern way, creating intimate, interactive and mindful moments to “tap into Japan’s lost arts and wisdom”. Staying in a traditional style merchant house, guests can have a sense of place and experience how local Kyotoites may have lived, while not having to give up western comforts. My stays were very memorable, especially due to the location of the houses, which were in quiet residential streets, yet close to the heart of the city. The luxury amenities and minimal interior design were a plus. I enjoyed the tranquility and my privacy while interacting with the locals.

Through a friend’s introduction, I interviewed Irene Chang, cofounder of Maana Homes, via email.

HHW: How did the concept for Maana Homes come about?

IC: Hana and I traveled alot together since childhood, and we were always deeply inspired by how travel helps us understand ourselves better and also the world around us. Maana Homes is our curious endeavor to explore what it means to live well, drawing from traditional and cultural wisdom in Japan. It's our mission to redefine luxury travel as a state of mind.

Maana Kiyomizu (Photo: Mitsuru Wakabayashi)

What is the difference between the three distinct Maana Homes locations? And why did you choose these areas?

Maana Kyoto offers a local lifestyle away from tourist crowds, Maana Kamo captures the riverside's natural beauty, and Maana Kiyomizu is a secluded sanctuary in the heart of Kyoto, each location chosen for its unique environment and experience.

Maana Homes founders Irene Chang and Hana Tsukamoto

What are the roles and specific responsibilities between you and Hana Tsukamoto, the co-founders?

I lead our company's vision, strategic development, and operations, ensuring alignment with our vision, while Hana leads the creative aspect, shaping the aesthetic and experience of Maana Homes.

How do you see Maana Homes different from a boutique hotel or an airbnb rental?

Maana Homes stands out by offering a personalized, slow-living experience that combines the comfort of home with the luxury of mindful design, distinct from the impersonal style of boutique hotels or the inconsistency of Airbnb rentals.

Kyoto has seen an enormous surge in tourism over the last ten years, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. The crowds can be overwhelming during peak season. Where do you take a break or holiday in Japan?

For breaks, we love to explore the serene outskirts of Kyoto, enjoying forest hikes, craft villages, onsen towns, and architecutre all within 1-2 hr drive.

Are there other Maana Homes in the works?

Yes, we are excited to be expanding the Maana Homes experience with two new projects in development this year.

Contact us to book a Tailomade stay package with Maana Homes HERE

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Maana Homes Kyoto and Mindful Hospitality

Travelers who visit Kyoto want the ultimate “Kyoto” experience, but staying in a traditional ryokan without modern comforts and especially sleeping on the floor can create a little unease.