HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi: Stylish Stay Near Heian Shrine – Perfect for Catching the Jidai Matsuri Festival

Your Home Base in Kyoto: HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi

Located in Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district, HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi is a luxury apartment-style hotel nestled along Sanjo-dori — one of the city’s most charming and culturally rich streets. The surrounding neighborhood is full of Kyoto’s signature charm, with traditional architecture and a timeless atmosphere.

Each room is designed as a spacious apartment, complete with a fully equipped kitchen and a washing machine, perfect for extended stays, workations, or travelers who simply want to settle in and relax. The hotel’s interior blends modern design with traditional Japanese aesthetics, offering a refined yet cozy setting that feels less like a hotel and more like actually living in Kyoto.

Stay Off the Beaten Path in Kyoto’s Historic Higashiyama

Once the heart of Japan for over a thousand years, Kyoto remains a world-famous destination where history and tradition are deeply woven into everyday life. Among its many districts, Higashiyama stands out for preserving the essence of old Kyoto with its classic townhouses, ancient temples and shrines, and streets full of cultural significance. It’s also one of the best places to experience Kyoto’s seasonal beauty, from cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant leaves in autumn.

HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi is nestled in a quiet corner of this historic area — off the beaten path, yet still close to major sights. Just a short stroll away, you’ll find the striking torii gate of Heian Shrine, one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. The hotel offers a calm, serene atmosphere, perfect for travelers looking to enjoy Kyoto at a more relaxed pace.

How to Get to HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi

Arriving at HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi

When you arrive, the front desk staff can assist you in Japanese and English (some may use translation devices). The reception is open from 8 AM to 10 PM. If you get there after 10 PM, you’ll use the self-check-in system.

The lobby is simple yet beautifully reflects Kyoto’s unique style, so take a moment to look around and soak in the atmosphere. The floor design is inspired by traditional stone paving, while the hallway is softly lit by square lanterns called roji andon — the traditional lights that have long illuminated Kyoto’s narrow alleys.

The front desk itself features a design inspired by kumiko, a delicate Japanese craft where thin wooden pieces are joined without nails or glue to create intricate geometric patterns. It’s a subtle touch of Kyoto’s artistry that welcomes you as you check in.

The lobby ceiling features Nishijin-ori fabric, one of Kyoto’s most famous traditional crafts. Nishijin-ori is a luxurious silk textile produced in the Nishijin district in northwest Kyoto, known for its rich colors, intricate patterns, and elegant sheen.

Looking through the shoji screens at the front of the lobby, you’ll find a charming tsuboniwa — a small Japanese garden that’s typical in Kyoto. These tiny gardens are enclosed by fences or walls and were originally designed to bring light and fresh air into traditional Kyoto townhouses.

While you’re in the lobby, be sure to enjoy a free cup of coffee from Ogawa Coffee, a beloved Kyoto coffee shop founded in 1952. The coffee service is available from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, perfect for a relaxing break.

As you walk down the hallway from the lobby to the guest rooms, you’ll see a stunning mural called ‘Waves and Cloud Brocade’ by Hideki Kimura (known as Ki-Yan), a renowned mural artist active both in Japan and internationally.

The waves represent the ‘four seas,’ symbolizing the whole world, while the mandarin ducks and swallows stand for peace and harmony. The ‘cloud brocade’ depicts cherry blossoms as clouds and autumn leaves as beautiful woven fabric (brocade), expressing a peaceful, calm feeling throughout the seasons.

This elegant yet powerful mural carries the heartfelt wish that every guest would enjoy a peaceful, restful stay.

You can enjoy more of Ki-Yan’s artwork in the elevator. The mural features cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, representing Kyoto’s beautiful seasonal changes. Since it’s painted directly on the elevator walls, you can really feel the energy and see the brushstrokes up close as you ride.

Stay in One of 15 Rooms with Keyless Number Locks

HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi has fifteen rooms, divided into three main types: Aka (Red), Ao (Blue), and the more luxurious Kirameki (Sparkle) and Kagayaki (Shine) suites.

All rooms use a numbered lock system for easy, keyless access. Every room comes equipped with a kitchen and a washing machine, making longer stays super-convenient. Families with children under six can have little ones share a bed with their parents.

Room cleaning is done once every three days unless you request otherwise. Since amenities and towels are provided for the entire stay, you can relax without worrying about staff visits during your time here.

Aka — The Most Casual and Comfortable Stay

The Aka room (4-bed Suite)

The Aka type features a modern Japanese design inspired by the iconic red torii gate of Heian Shrine. There are two room types: 2-bed (about 40 sqm) and 4-bed (about 45 sqm).

The name ‘Aka’ refers to the vibrant red color, which has long been believed in Japan to ward off evil spirits. In addition to shrine gates, you’ll see the color in shrines’ main halls, festival costumes, and other sacred places.

Inside these rooms, the red theme is balanced with bright whites and natural wood tones, creating a calm and inviting space. For entertainment, the 2-bed units offer Netflix and YouTube, while the 4-bed units have YouTube available.

HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi

Behind the bed, the red wallpaper is made from Japanese washi paper, featuring a traditional chrysanthemum pattern. In Japan, the chrysanthemum is considered a lucky flower that wards off evil and brings longevity. It has long been cherished as an auspicious motif symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.

The kitchen features a bright, wood-grain design and shares the same amenities as the Ao type rooms. The cooking area is equipped with an induction range, refrigerator, microwave, and electric kettle. You’ll also find all the essentials for cooking comfortably, including knives, cutting boards, frying pans, pots, bowls, basic seasonings, plates, glasses, and cutlery.

The bathroom consists of a bathtub, shower, and wash area. It’s stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and body soap for your convenience.

HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi

The washroom includes a washing machine, along with detergent and hangers for your laundry. Amenities like toothbrushes and hairbrushes, as well as towels, are provided in quantities matching your stay. Pajamas are one-piece style for comfortable lounging.

Ao — Your Serene Escape

The Ao room

The Ao rooms are designed to evoke the calm, vast blue of the ocean. Each room is spacious — over 45 square meters — with three different layouts. Among them, the three rooms featuring hanging chairs are especially popular.

The kanji ‘Ao’ means the deep, peaceful blue of the ocean. True to its name, these rooms offer a relaxing, tranquil space to unwind.

Behind the bed, the wallpaper is made from Japanese washi paper featuring a flowing, curved pattern inspired by water currents. This calming wave design is similar to the traditional Japanese pattern called Seigaiha, which symbolizes eternal peace and happiness, making it a lucky and meaningful motif.

The kitchen features a calm gray color scheme and offers the same size and amenities as the Aka rooms.

The bathroom and washbasin facilities are the same as in the Aka rooms, with similar spaciousness, though the exact layout may vary slightly depending on the room.

One-of-a-Kind Suites: Kirameki and Kagayaki

HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi

The Kirameki and Kagayaki suites are inspired by light reflected on water. Both have the same layout and offer spacious 90-square-meter rooms where you can relax comfortably.

The main difference between the two lies in their interior color themes. Kirameki features calm, glossy blacks and grays, while Kagayaki is decorated in soft whites and silvers. Both rooms beautifully capture a refined, Japanese-inspired expression of gentle light in an elegant setting.

HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi

Compared to the Aka and Ao rooms, these suites come with upgraded features throughout. The kitchen is an island-style setup, and there are four double beds. The bathroom includes a jacuzzi with a TV.

Pajamas are two-piece sets, and bathrobes are also provided. For entertainment, the TVs support both Netflix and YouTube.

HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi

The kitchen also comes equipped with a microwave oven, rice cooker, toaster, and coffee maker. Whether you want to cook a full meal or have a small gathering in your room, you’ll find everything you need.

(Photo: LIVE JAPAN Spot #lj0013841)

From the terraces of the Kirameki and Kagayaki suites, you can enjoy a front-row view of Kyoto’s traditional Jidai Matsuri parade.

Jidai Matsuri is one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, held every year on October 22nd (postponed if it rains) at Heian Shrine. The highlight is the grand parade, featuring about 2,000 people dressed in costumes representing various eras from the Heian period to the Meiji era, marching through the streets of Kyoto.

This event is so popular that paid viewing seats are set up for it, but from the suites’ terraces, you can relax and watch the spectacle in comfort, a unique perk of staying at HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi.

Add a Special Touch to Your Stay

(Photo: HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi)

In the rooms, the hotel offers a complimentary decoration service upon request. While the exact decorations are chosen by the hotel, they might include towel art shaped like swans, flower petals, balloons, and more.

It’s a great option for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion during your stay.

Pamper Yourself with an Exclusive Oil Treatment in Your Room

Relaxation Salon Yasashii Heya Atte

For a special stay, we recommend the exclusive body care services from our partner salon, Relaxation Salon Yasashii Heya Atte. They offer oil treatments and massages, available only to hotel guests and performed right in your room.

You can book treatments at the front desk. Please note that services are available for women only or mixed-gender pairs.

In-house Services Tailored to Meet Your Needs

What makes HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi special is the freedom it offers as an apartment-style hotel. There’s no excessive staff interference, so you can truly relax and feel at home.

At the same time, if you want, attentive services are available. The staff can help with things like recommending nearby spots or booking events and activities — services you don’t often find at typical apartment hotels.

They also offer luggage services, including shipping, receiving, and storage. You can store your bags for free starting the day before check-in, or for a small fee of 500 yen per day before that. After check-out, luggage storage is free until 10 PM, so you can explore Kyoto without carrying your bags.

Things to See and Do Near HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi

The Higashiyama area is rich with traditional sightseeing spots. Here are some great places you can easily explore on foot.

Make Your Kyoto Stay Truly Your Own at HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi

HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi is an apartment-style hotel where you can experience Japanese aesthetics while enjoying a stay that truly feels like your own. The staff maintain a comfortable distance — offering helpful service when needed but without being intrusive — which is one of its biggest appeals. The hotel’s convenient location for exploring Kyoto, along with its well-equipped facilities for longer stays, has earned it high praise and many repeat international guests every year.

We hope you enjoy a Kyoto stay that feels more like living than just visiting at HOTEL MASTAY Jingumichi.

(Please note: This information is accurate as of April 2025. For the latest details, be sure to check the hotel’s website.)

Written by:

A travel writer and book writer with 8 years of experience. I contribute travel and outing articles to more than 10 magazines, books, and web media, and also provide photos for TV programs and books. Under the concept of “Solo female travel is fun!”, I introduce attractive spots across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, with a focus on Nara. My specialties include transportation travel such as trains and overnight buses, accommodation experiences in inns and hotels, and ways to enjoy temples and shrines. I have a love for Japan’s ancient history and traditional culture, and I exhibit my enthusiasm through hobbies such as Ikebana, Kodo (the way of incense), poetry, classical literature, and Japanese mythology.