“Kami Benten-cho,” the neighborhood whispers stories of old. Here stands the BenTen Residences, a testament to Kyoto’s enduring charm. These residences are a nod to Benten. Benten is the goddess of wealth, happiness, wisdom, and music.
Once, a group of friends journeyed to Japan. They grew weary of impersonal hotel rooms. They dreamt of a Kyoto home, a place to share when they weren’t there. They saw the wooden townhouses, the Kyo-machiya. These gave the city its soul. But they were vanishing, replaced by modern structures.
Two such machiya, a century old, stood in Higashiyama. Their owner passed in 2013. The friends learned of their impending demolition. They bought the land. They collaborated with traditional architects. They restored the houses with great care. Thus, the BenTen Residences were born.
The owners, being foreigners, sought Japanese expertise. They involved local designers and craftsmen. Every detail showcased Japanese aesthetics. It was a home made in Kyoto for the world.
This passion continues into Shimaya Stays’ next venture. Two plots in Gion beckon. Gion is known for geishas and traditional architecture. These plots face each other. This allows Shimaya to innovate. They will build machiya with communal spaces. Guests can mingle with residents. They can experience Kyoto like the founders did. So let us consider the BenTen Residences. They embody Kyoto’s past and present.