A Craftsman's Legacy: The "Ryozanpaku" Residence
Nestled in the serene Kamogawa Delta, where the Kamo and Takano rivers gently converge, this location is cherished by Kyoto residents for its pleasant riverbanks and majestic scenery. Just a seven-minute walk from Demachiyanagi Station, on the west side of Yoshidayama, stands the dignified residence "Ryozanpaku," a former two-Michelin-star Kyoto cuisine restaurant beloved by many cultural figures.
Built in 1993 on the site of the owner's family home, the project took a decade to find the right master carpenter to realize the dream of creating a gathering place. The encounter happened serendipitously in Yoshino, leading to a collaboration filled with joy and craftsmanship. The property currently uses the first floor as a shop, the second floor as living space, and the basement as an event hall.
The garden welcomes visitors with lush plants, while the interior is defined by a stunning central pillar and a high coffered ceiling. To create a large, unobstructed space within the wooden structure, pillars were assembled in a torii-gate style for increased strength. The stone-paved entrance hall features seating, and a large counter kitchen allows for serving guests face-to-face. The central pillar uses knot-free cypress, and room doors are finished with ancient Jindai cedar. The tatami room features karakami paper on fusuma sliding doors, with sunlight reflecting softly off the mats to highlight the patterns. Private rooms with sunken kotatsu and hearths offer versatile spaces for various ceremonies. The basement hall can host about 50 guests, and the sunken garden, designed to draw in natural light, features massive rocks transported using traditional manual methods. A 7-meter concrete foundation provides robust earthquake resistance.
Equipment includes electricity, water and sewer systems, and city gas. Special notes indicate the property is in a Quasi-Fire Prevention Zone and a 15m Category 2 Height District, with a building-to-land ratio of 60% and a floor area ratio of 200%. The land is zoned Category 1 Residential. Remarks note that a setback of approximately 22.80 sqm is required for rebuilding, and chattels shown in photos are not included in the sale price. The handover date is negotiable.
