A Century-Old Machiya Masterpiece in Kyoto's Historic Center
This registered tangible cultural property, formerly the Takeda family residence, is a rare Kyoto townhouse (machiya) that showcases the pinnacle of craftsmanship from the Tango region. Built over 100 years ago by carpenters from Maizuru and Tango, the property features two unique wooden spiral staircases—an exceptional design rarely seen in Kyoto machiya. The residence was originally used as a dye wholesaler's home and retains traditional elements such as a showa-style lattice facade, a small inner garden (tsuboniwa), and a traditional hearth (hibukuro). The attention to detail is evident throughout, from the octagonal ceiling in the bathroom to the intricately designed window lattices that appear differently from inside and outside.
The property spans a total floor area of 213.40 square meters across two floors, with a layout of 9DK plus a garden, storage room, and a shed. It includes two air conditioning units as residual fixtures. The building is a two-story wooden structure, located in a commercial district of Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City. The property is currently occupied and requires advance notice for viewings.
The neighborhood is steeped in history: the street in front is part of the route for the Gion Festival's return procession, and a stone monument marks the site where Zen master Dogen passed away. The area is lined with narrow alleys and stone-paved streets, offering a traditional atmosphere. Public transport is convenient, with Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line a 9-minute walk away and Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Line a 12-minute walk. The property is offered for rent at 300,000 yen per month for residential use or 330,000 yen for business use, with a 10-year fixed-term lease. Pets, musical instruments, and smoking are not permitted.
