Colorful ‘noren’ entrance curtain hang in front of our traditional Japanese homes. Do you have something similar in your country?
The word “noren” first appeared during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) alongside Zen Buddhism. Originally, ‘noren’ meant a warm + bamboo curtain. Bamboo screens covered with a cotton cloth hung over the entrance to Zen halls to protect them from the winter cold.
As time went on, the noren came to be attached to the eaves of stores as a sunshade or screens. When the noren was put up, it was used to let people know that a store was open for business. It also came to serve as a sign with the store’s name and family crest dyed on it.
Pictured is the noren curtain at ‘Hatoba-an’ Machiya House in Kyoto City, Japan.
Hatoba-an Machiya House, a traditional Japanese house in Kyoto, has traditional architectural features such as the black latticework, unique roof tiles and vertical "mushi ko mado" windows.
The front room and entrance to this Kyoto house is reminiscent of a traditional Japanese shop front.
Shoji doors and a wood-panelled ceiling characterize the living room of this traditional Japanese house.
You can enjoy beautiful workmanship and texture in the traditional wickerwork featured on the 2nd floor.
This Kyoto house, located near downtown Kawaramachi area, can accommodate up to 6 guests.
The sloped ceilings and wooden featured in the western style bedroom of Hatoba-an Machiya House create a serene space to relax.
Looking for the best place to stay in Kyoto? Stay in a traditional Japanese house (machiya) during your next visit to Kyoto, Japan. With MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN, you can rent a private traditional Japanese house – a great alternative to a Kyoto hotel that is perfect for short or long stays!
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