A Living Century-Old Kominka in the Heart of Uji, Kyoto
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a living piece of history in one of Kyoto's most famous cultural destinations. This kominka (traditional Japanese house) is located in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, and is estimated to be nearly 100 years old. The property is being offered for sale by the owner's niece, as the elderly owner lives far away in the Kanto region and can no longer manage it. Until February 2026, the house was lovingly maintained and inhabited by the seller's sister and her husband for nearly 20 years, ensuring it is not a derelict ruin but a cared-for and functional home.
The property is situated in a prime location for tourism, within walking distance of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Byodoin Temple, and close to Ujibashi Street. It is also conveniently near JR Uji Station. The land is particularly valuable as it is located in a limited commercial zone within Uji City, with a high building coverage ratio of 80% and a floor area ratio of 400%.
The house is a two-story wooden structure with a tiled roof. The first floor offers 96.85 square meters of space, while the second floor provides 26.11 square meters, for a total building area of approximately 122.96 square meters. The land size is a generous 238.61 square meters (about 72.17 tsubo). The property faces a municipal road on its east side, which is approximately 8.32 meters wide (partially about 6.60 meters). The sale is intended for someone who can effectively utilize the building as a kominka while appreciating the land's inherent value.
The seller explicitly notes that the transaction will be conducted on an "as-is, where-is" basis regarding remaining items (subject to consultation) and with a disclaimer of liability for non-conformities (defect warranty exemption). Given the building's age, repairs and maintenance to address deterioration over time are considered essential. The seller is open to discussing the buyer's business plans and circumstances and is flexible regarding the handover timing.
The area of Uji is globally renowned for its historic temples, its pivotal role in the Tale of Genji, and as the birthplace of premium Japanese green tea. An interesting local fact is that Uji's tea cultivation methods were perfected in the 13th century, and the city remains the epicenter for high-grade matcha production. The closest major landmark is the iconic Byodoin Temple, a stunning example of Heian-period Pure Land Buddhist architecture featured on the 10-yen coin.
