WUZ Kamogawa

“At the entrance to the west corridor the blossoms of the red weeping cherry trees suddenly made one feel spring had indeed arrived. The scarlet double flowers were blooming all the way to the tips of the slenderest weeping branches. It would be more fitting to say that the flowers were borne upon the twigs than to say they were simply blossoming there.” – Yasunari Kawabata, The Old Capital,

concept

River breeze — / wearing pale persimmon / in evening cool - Matsuo Basho

With this quintessential double story historical townhouse that looks out to the Kamo River, the renovation is kept minimal in order to best preserve its authenticity, especially the courtyard where light enters. The wooden structure, partial wall, entryway, and the garden stones are some of the original elements that are conserved while the roofing tiles, wooden windows, and paper doors have since been replaced. The translucence is throughout the house we see and experience now.

This is Wuz House.

ABOUT

River breeze — / wearing pale persimmon / in evening cool

- Matsuo Basho

SPACE

In the mornings, shimmers of sunshine from the courtyard fill the room; fresh dews from the night decorate the green moss. A meditative moment taken from Junichiro Tanizaki’s In Praise of Shadows. The change of time is the most dramatic yet subtle occurrence within the space.

NEIGHBORHOOD

Thousands of temples and shrines are scattered around the corners of this old capital. The coexistence of historical and contemporary shapes the city’s poetic scenery.

ACCESS

A ten-minute car ride from Kyoto station; or a short walk from the heart of the city, Hayaocho is at the intersection of Gojo-Kawaramachi. The journey to Wuz House is a short and breezy one by foot, bike, or public bus.

BOOK NOW

Staying at Wuz House means you may begin your exploration of Kyoto from the heart of the city, or  a mind and body relaxation as you read in a bath surrounded by hinoki.