Staying at Omihachiman Machiya Club
Staying in a Meiji-era Storehouse
After arriving at Omihachiman Station, I took a taxi to my hotel. I stayed for two nights on this trip at Omihachiman Machiya Club.
It’s a unique lodging that makes use of a traditional machiya townhouse, with five distinctive guest rooms. This time, I stayed in the room called Kura no Ma.
Separate from the main building with the check-in counter, there is another building called Bettei KOLMIO, and that is where this room is located.
This building was constructed between the Meiji and Taisho periods and was once used as a soy sauce storehouse.
How could I not be excited to stay in a room converted from that old storehouse? It’s not just that the kura itself has been preserved—the lighting that beautifully highlights the structure is wonderful too.
Now, let’s head inside.
A Lovely Log Cabin–Style Interior
The outermost door of the storehouse is fixed open, and the sliding door behind it serves as the actual entrance to the room.
The guest room has two levels: the sink, bath, toilet, and refrigerator are on the first floor, while the bed, TV, and table are upstairs, which is where I spent most of my time.
Unlike the imposing feel of the storehouse entrance, the interior has a charming log cabin–style design. The upper level is fairly elevated, so be careful not to tumble down if you’re groggy…
The sink area was spacious and easy to use,
and the bath was a familiar modern style.
The toilet was roomy as well.
There was also a small heater in the toilet, which I really appreciated. Maybe because it used to be a storehouse, the air—especially on the first floor—felt quite chilly.
Complimentary Tea
In the shared area by the storehouse entrance, there was free tea available, along with glasses and cutlery.
Breakfast at the Attached Café
A Warm, Inviting Space
I also had breakfast at the hotel. It was served in the café inside the same Bettei KOLMIO building as my guest room.
That said, the spaces aren’t connected from inside the building, so you have to step outside first and then enter the café.
This was another renovated machiya space, with a lovely warm atmosphere. Drinks were offered self-serve style, so I could help myself freely.
Day One: Thick-Cut Ham
Now for breakfast. I started with burdock potage. So comforting.
On the morning after my first night, breakfast was thick-cut ham and a fried egg. Thick-cut ham seems to be a standard local ingredient in Omihachiman.
I was happy to see a nice variety of side dishes and vegetables too.
The yogurt was stylish, haha.
Day Two: Omelet
Since I stayed for two nights, here’s a quick look at my second breakfast as well.
This day also started with soup,
and the main dish was a Spanish omelet.
Thank you for the meal!
The next article is about enjoying the night in Omihachiman!
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