Historic clay walls and 100-year-old wooden beams form the backdrop to this peaceful Kyoto rental’s interiors, whose moody interiors play with shadow and light.

Japanese architect Uoya Shigenori oversaw the machiya’s transformation, removing peeling vinyl and ceiling tiles to reveal the historic elements beneath. He’s left these weathered materials to shine through, pairing them with traditional Japanese pieces, including tatami mats, lacquered kitchen surfaces, and paper-covered sliding screen doors.

Visitors can enjoy their own private onsen experience in the home’s extra-deep tub, which looks onto an enclosed courtyard garden.

Shigenori has also added an inky new palette, using dark timber panelling and floorboards – and black tiles and walls in the bathroom – to cocoon guests. The entire guesthouse is clutter-free, with a minimum of decorations and plenty of hidden storage.

Maana Kamo is located in the city’s historic Higashiyama District, sleeps six, and starts at $1,159 per night.

Sou Fujimoto revitalises a shuttered Maebashi ryokan