Maana Homes Kiyomizu Suite: Luxury Stay in Kyoto with Culture & Cuisine (Kyoto, Japan)

Maana Homes’ Kiyomizu Suites offer apartment-like accommodations in a peaceful neighborhood at the heart of Kyoto. Maana Kiyomizu stands out as a hidden gem, surrounded by numerous ancient heritage sites—including the renowned Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple, just a 20-minute walk away—along with serene gardens and charming cafes.

During my stay in Kiyomizu Suite 3, I was struck by its harmonious blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and minimalism, seamlessly integrated with modern design sensibilities. The suite is a spacious, with peaks of natural light from the skylights around the duplex-style retreat set up like a luxurious two-bedroom apartment. One of the bedrooms had been converted into a serene meditation room, adding to the suite’s tranquil ambiance.

The main floor features an open-plan living and dining area, anchored by an impressively long dining counter that doubles as a workspace—perfect for relaxing, working, or gathering. Their beautifully minimalist ceramic tableware and teaware sets that were available to use are available for purchase with their partner POJ Studio that is located next door. The bathroom is a standout, with its large walk-in shower, deep soaking tub, and the ultimate indulgence: heated flooring.

Adding to the charm of the location is their delightful cafe called Kissa Kishin, just down the street, serving a glorious three-course breakfast. It begins with your beverage of choice—I enjoyed an impeccably brewed siphon coffee, while my friend had a rich matcha latte. This is followed by a small bowl of their seasonal soup, velvety pumpkin soup and a thick slice of toasted Japanese milk bread, which was utterly delicious. For the main course, we both opted for the omelet, a wonderfully creamy and custardy dish accompanied by perfectly seasoned sauteed vegetables and pickled vegetables. Although we had to take dessert to go to make it to Kiyomizu-dera temple, the slices of Jérôme Basque cheesecake were small yet absolutely superb—perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, indulgent without feeling overly heavy.

Beyond the accommodations, Maana Homes offers curated retreats that allow guests to experience the best of Kyoto’s rich culture. These retreats vary with the seasons, focusing on themes such as food, architecture, and traditional craftsmanship. In early December, they will host a 5-day culinary retreat that includes visits to local Kyoto farms, interactions with skilled knife and pottery artisans, and hands-on cooking sessions in the idyllic countryside. It’s a wonderful way to delve deeper into Kyoto’s culinary and cultural heritage.

Maaana Homes’ Kiyomizu Suite 3, coupled with the thoughtful experiences Maana Homes provides, is more than just a place to stay—it’s an invitation to connect with the artful simplicity and beauty of Japanese living.