A Modern Observatory in Kyoto's Historic Core

This property, known as "The Observatory of Elements" (素を視る家), is a renovated Kyoto townhouse located in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. It sits down a small alley off Omiya-dori, offering a private retreat from the surrounding city. The interior is a single, open 1R space with no partitions, designed as a personal observatory to appreciate the textures of raw materials through the five senses.

The space features a long, black kitchen counter that draws the eye to the back of the room. The bathroom area is softly separated by a curved, earthen wall with a plaster finish, creating a gentle boundary. A key design element is the exposed "bamboo lath" (竹小舞) wall, where the structural frame is left visible as an aesthetic feature, showcasing the building's skeletal beauty. A small tatami alcove in the corner of the large room serves as a cozy spot to sit and view the garden.

The property has been fully renovated by Hachise as of March 2026. All water fixtures (bathroom, kitchen, toilet, washbasin) are new, along with new exterior and interior fittings, new flooring, and the installation of floor heating. The garden has also been replanted. It is a single-story wooden structure with a loft space. The total floor area is approximately 41.10 square meters (about 12.43 tsubo). The building's age is unknown, but the closed registry indicates a record from 1897 (Meiji 30). The property is located in a semi-industrial zone. It is available for immediate move-in and is currently vacant.

Located in the Kamigyo Ward area of Kyoto, the property is about a 13-minute walk from Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai Line and a 14-minute walk from Marutamachi Station on the Karasuma Line. A city bus stop, "Horikawa Marutamachi," is approximately a 4-minute walk away. The neighborhood is a mix of long-established shops and modern cafes, all within walking distance. The property cannot be used for guesthouses or accommodation facilities.