Maneki Machiya

08/02/2026

It hasn’t snowed much this year, but there was snow here today!❄️

30/01/2026

Planning a visit to Japan's sacred sites? 🇯🇵✨
Here is your essential guide to visiting Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples!

While they may seem similar, shrines and temples belong to different traditions with unique rituals. Check out the infographic above for a step-by-step guide on how to pay your respects correctly at each one.

What's the difference?

⛩️ Shinto Shrines (Jinja): These are the dwelling places of "Kami" (Shinto gods/spirits). Visiting is about purifying yourself and connecting with these spirits, often associated with nature or ancestors.

🏯 Buddhist Temples (Otera): These are places dedicated to the teachings of Buddha. They house statues of Buddhas or Bodhisattvas and are focused on achieving inner peace and enlightenment.

Everyone is Welcome! One of the most beautiful things about visiting these sites is that they are open to everyone, regardless of your faith. You are warmly welcomed to visit, appreciate the atmosphere, and offer a prayer, as long as you do so with respect. 🙏

💡 Key Etiquette Tips to Remember:

Walk on the Side: When entering a Shinto Shrine through a Torii gate, make sure to walk on the left or right side of the path (Sando). Why? The center of the path is considered the passage for the gods, so we walk on the side out of respect.

Offering Comes First: Before you ring the bell, clap, or say your prayer, always gently toss your coin into the offering box (Saisen-bako) first. This act serves as an offering to the deities to show your gratitude and respect before asking for anything.

Save this post for your future trip to Japan and enjoy the serene experience!

22/01/2026

Byodo-ji, or Inaba-do, is a lovely little temple in central Kyoto city. Cat lovers will enjoy the many cat themed amulets and good luck charms.🐱The temple is associated with healing, especially cancer.

21/01/2026

The new adds a great new vegan choice, as well as gluten free! Perfect comfort on these cold winter days.🍜✨

02/12/2025

It’s Giving Tuesday, and our rescue cats rely not only on the guesthouse income but also on donations.❤️ If you are able, please pitch in today and double your impact🙏✨Thank you!

25/11/2025

Today is the final day of the plum wine festival at Kitano Tenmangu and also the monthly flea market there. It’s a great chance to try a wide variety of umeshu, and find a favorite. The leaves are bright, the wine is sweet, and air is crisp!🍂🍁

23/11/2025

“Instead of visiting aquariums, where fish are held captive, why not watch them in their natural habitat instead?”

01/07/2025

Very near us 😊

A hidden gem in Kyoto is opening its doors this summer!

Tenkyuin Temple, a nearly 400-year-old temple usually closed to the public, will welcome visitors from June 7 to August 31. Located inside the Myoshinji temple complex, Tenkyuin features beautiful gardens and historic artwork by famous artists Kano Sanraku and Kano Sansetsu.

It’s just a 5-minute walk from Hanazono Station, and since it’s away from the city center, you can enjoy a peaceful visit without big crowds. Tickets are 2,500 yen and must be reserved online in advance.

Don’t miss this rare chance to explore a secret part of Kyoto!

22/04/2025

Part-Time Support Staff Wanted for our Guest House and Rescue Cat Cafe in Kyoto🧹✨🧺 Full time position available, with competitive salary and visa sponsorship, based on experience and performance🌟15 minute walk from JR Enmachi station🚊

Are you looking for a flexible, hands-on job in a cozy, unique environment? We’re a small guest house and cat cafe in the heart of Kyoto, and we’re seeking dedicated part-time support staff members to help with cleaning, laundry, and general organization. These are physically active roles with a variety of tasks, and we’re looking for team members who are reliable, hardworking, and love animals.

Job Responsibilities:

Cleaning guest rooms and common areas
Laundry and linen management
Organizational tasks around the guest house and cafe
Ensuring a clean, comfortable, and welcoming environment for guests

Position Details:

Hourly Wage: ¥1250
Private accommodation may be available as partial compensation (conditions apply)
Flexible hours, part-time position
Availability between the hours of 11:00 and 15:00 is often (but not always) needed

Requirements:
*Physically able to perform time limited cleaning and organizational tasks
*Responsible and detail-oriented
*Friendly, with good communication skills
*Previous experience in hospitality or customer service is a plus
*Love for cats and animals is preferred

If you’re interested in being part of a friendly, community-oriented team, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your resume or a brief introduction to [email protected]
**rescue cat care volunteer opportunities available as well for those interested🫶

22/04/2025

Toei Kyoto Studio Park is only 1.5 kilometers from Maneki Machiya 🥷✨The Ninja Extreme Party runs from April 12-June 29
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BTv1Yvn6d/?mibextid=wwXIfr

18/03/2025