I couldn't use online reservation sites, so I made a reservation over the phone. It's what they call a "one-night stay." I finally found this place that caught my eye over ten years ago. It may have inconveniences like shared toilets and baths or curfews, but I think it's a place where you can truly experience Kyoto. For breakfast, I enjoyed a meal with a view of the Takase River, soaking in the atmosphere.

Our accommodation for the day was a traditional Kyoto townhouse. It was a 100-year-old former kimono merchant's residence. Located in the Hoko-cho area of the Gion Festival, the neighborhood is known for its preservation of the festival floats. I once participated as a puller for the Hokkanonin-yama float during the Gion Festival when I was a fourth-year student. The term "katanomachi" refers to a style of lodging where either breakfast or dinner is provided at the inn, a traditional style of staying at a ryokan in Kyoto. The price for one night was 8000 yen, offering a unique charm not found in ordinary business hotels. The renovated bath provides a blend of traditional charm and comfort. Although there is a curfew, returning to a room with a fluffy futon prepared is a cozy touch. The next morning, I enjoyed a refreshing bath, warming up my body and awakening my senses. Stepping outside, I noticed the owner's Renault Catriel parked. The Kyoto morning chill was bracing, and encountering salarymen and office ladies on their way to work reminded me of the bustling city life. I realized I had forgotten to wear socks, feeling the cold keenly. Despite putting on socks, the hallway's wooden floor was still chilly. Heading back to the warm room, it was time for breakfast. While simple, the meal exuded a sense of being in Kyoto. The standout dish was the dried horse mackerel, a delicacy highly prized in Kyoto for its thick and juicy texture, sourced from the Sea of Japan. Enjoying the meal, I felt the essence of Kyoto in staying at a traditional townhouse.