Muroga Residence: A Pre-War Cultural House in Kyoto's Yamashina Ward
The Muroga Residence is a remarkable pre-war "bunkajutaku" (cultural house), a hybrid Japanese-Western architectural style introduced in the early 20th century as part of Japan’s wooden modernist movement. Built in January 1938, this property features the traditional "mushiko-mado" (insect cage window) often found on the second floors of machiya and kominka, alongside an old Western-style room and doors that have been in place since its original construction in the 1930s. Due to its historical significance, rarity, and innovative design for its time, it has been designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government.
The property consists of a main house with a total floor area of 175.08 sqm (1F: 138.47 sqm, 2F: 36.61 sqm) and a single-story 3.96 sqm storage shed with a well. The layout is a spacious 7LDK+S, offering seven rooms plus a living, dining, and kitchen area and a service room. It sits on a generous 817.24 sqm plot of land, which includes a spacious garden. The land consists of lot numbers 36-5 (residential land) and 37-6 (farm field). Part of the main house (1st floor 110.76 sqm + 2nd floor 36.61 sqm) is a nationally designated cultural property and is subject to specific regulations during any repair and renovation work. Utilities include public water, public sewer, propane gas, and available electricity. Parking spaces are available.
Although the surrounding area has transformed into a residential neighborhood over time, the house retains a tranquil location atop a suburban hill, offering beautiful views and opportunities for scenic walks at the foot of the mountains. In terms of accessibility, Oiwake Station on the Keihan Keishin Line is a 10-minute walk away, while JR Yamashina Station is a 26-minute walk. Kyoto Station can be reached within 30 minutes by public transportation or car. The area is part of Kyoto's rich historical tapestry, with the famous Daigo-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning five-story pagoda and extensive temple grounds, located a short distance away, offering a profound connection to Japan's cultural heritage.
