About Kinmata
The History of Kinmata
History
KINMATA is pronounced “Kinmata.” We intentionally use two Japanese writings:
近又 for our tatami-room kaiseki experience, and
近また for our counter-seating dining experience. Both represent the same restaurant.
A written record from 1801 remains preserved to this day (the first year of Kyōwa, during the era of the 11th Shōgun, Tokugawa Ienari).
Kinmata began as a regular lodging for medicine merchants from Ōmi Province.
The name “Kinmata” originates from the Edo period: the founder, Matahachi, first operated under the trade name “Ōmiya,” but as many businesses in Kyoto used the same name, the fourth-generation Matahachi renamed the establishment by combining “Kin” (from Ōmi) and “Mata” (from Matahachi), creating 近又.
Today, the head of the house is the eighth generation.
Machiya Introduction
The Machiya
Our building dates to the 1890s (Meiji era) and is a classic example of Kyoto machiya architecture. In 2001, it was registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. We offer six tatami rooms, a tsuboniwa courtyard garden, a rear garden, and our counter-seating space, 近また. This rare machiya in the very heart of Kyoto is filled with the atmosphere of Meiji-era Japan. We invite you to enjoy the essence of Kyoto—its quiet beauty of wabi and sabi.
Six private rooms centered around traditional tatami spaces. In this calming setting, we gently embrace your most important moments.
The Four Seasons of Kinmata
The Four Seasons
A garden where seasonal flowers evoke a refined sense of Kyoto. The stepping stones in the main garden feature red Kurama stone—now difficult to obtain—and are paired with stones from the Kamo River to suggest the river’s upper and lower reaches, creating a layered, thoughtful design. In spring, the house is dressed in spring; in summer, in the spirit of the Gion Festival. Kinmata can be enjoyed in a different mood each season.
Meiji-era Architectural Fittings
Meiji-era Fittings
Throughout Kinmata, you will find beautiful designs crafted during the Meiji era. You can see the fine workmanship of that time up close. We hope you will discover these details during your visit and feel the spirit of Meiji-era Kyoto.
Click the numbers to view Meiji-era fittings.
1F
2F
A Heartfelt Kinmata Kyoto Machiya Wedding
A Heartfelt Kyoto Machiya Wedding at Kinmata
At Kinmata, we offer a memorable wedding reception for couples celebrating their special day. A celebratory kaiseki course prepared with care, and the timeless atmosphere of a Kyoto machiya in every season. Our staff will welcome you with heartfelt hospitality to create an experience to remember.
A Memorial Service to Honor the Deceased
Memorial Dining
In a calm setting, we invite you to spend a warm and reflective time at Kinmata. We prepare seasonal menus that change each month. As this is a memorial gathering, we also serve a small shōjin (Buddhist vegetarian) dish before the first course. Please contact us by phone for details and reservations.
We can also prepare Kinmata’s homemade tsukudani gift set as an offering: chirimen sanshō, shiitake kombu, and roasted sesame. Gift box set: 2 jars ¥3,500 (tax included) / 3 jars ¥5,000 (tax included). Please feel free to order this together with your reservation. We look forward to serving you.