Immersed in the Air of a Machiya: A Restored Kyoto Townhouse
This property presents a fully renovated, compact Kyoto machiya (traditional townhouse) located in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. It is part of the "Jiyu" (Self-Free) series, designed with a philosophy of not fixing the lifestyle, leaving it to the residents to decide how to use each room. The exterior has been restored to the original machiya form, while the interior preserves the charm of classic Kyoto townhouses. The first floor was partially reduced to create a tsuboniwa (courtyard garden), reconstructing a comfortable, deep space where light and wind pass through. The second floor, with its open southern views, features newly installed windows, creating a bright space filled with soft sunlight.
The layout is a 3DK plus a garden. Despite its compact size, the space is maximized with two rooms on the first floor and a Japanese-style room (which can serve as a living room or guest bedroom) and a DK (dining-kitchen, Western-style room) on the second floor. The floors use solid natural wood, offering warmth and a unique character not found in veneer or composite flooring, finished with minimal adhesives and additives for an environmentally friendly home. The property includes a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, toilet, and washbasin, all newly installed, as well as underfloor heating. The exterior walls have been repaired and painted, and the fittings (both external and internal) have been renewed.
Critical Agent Notes Translated: The property's facilities include water and sewerage, city gas, and electricity. Important remarks: This property does not meet the road frontage requirements under the Building Standards Act, therefore it is NOT eligible for rebuilding. Movable property shown in the photos is not included in the sale price. This property will be traded in its current condition "as is."
The area is steeped in history and culture, within the Kitano and Kamishichiken district. An interesting local fact is that the famous Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, a major shrine dedicated to the god of learning, Sugawara no Michizane, is about a 9-minute walk (680m) away. The shrine is renowned for its beautiful plum blossoms in early spring. The location offers convenient access to supermarkets, drugstores, and public transport connecting to central Kyoto.
