Residential and Commercial Machiya in Shimogamo, Kyoto
This property is a traditional Kyoto Machiya (townhouse) located in the historic Shimogamo area of Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. It is situated approximately a 10-minute walk from Kitaoji Station on the Karasuma Subway Line, offering convenient access along the subway corridor. The location also provides a rich natural living environment, being just a 5-minute walk (approx. 370m) from the Kamo River. The property is within walking distance of major Kyoto landmarks, including the UNESCO World Heritage site Shimogamo Shrine (approx. 12-minute walk, 959m) and the Kyoto Botanical Gardens (approx. 10-minute walk, 723m).
According to agent notes, the building was previously used as an izakaya (Japanese pub). The first floor retains interior features suitable for a food and beverage business, including a kitchen and a tatami room. The second floor has three Japanese-style rooms. The exterior has a subdued color that blends with the environment, maintaining the characteristic appearance of a Machiya. The agent notes specify that the building has deteriorated and requires repair for use. All transactions are for the property 'as-is'. Personal property items shown in the photographs are not included in the sale price.
The property is in a quiet residential neighborhood, just off the major Kitaoji Street. The surrounding area is a cultural and academic hub, home to Kyoto Prefectural University, the Kyoto Prefectural Library, Archives, and Museum (Kyoto Bunka Hakubutsukan, Kyoto Prefectural General Museum), and the Kyoto Concert Hall. The neighborhood boasts a charming mix of stylish cafes, bistros, and shops, complemented by the student population from nearby institutions. The area is famous for Shimogamo Shrine, one of Kyoto's oldest Shinto shrines and a UNESCO site, known for its serene forest, the Tadasu no Mori. A major nearby attraction is the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, Japan's oldest and most comprehensive public botanical garden, featuring seasonal floral displays and a large greenhouse.
