A Historic Machiya with Dual Street Frontage in Kamigyo, Kyoto
This distinctive Kyoto machiya, located in the historic Kamigyo ward, offers a rare combination of traditional charm and thoughtful modern renovation. Positioned directly opposite the expansive grounds of Sokokuji Temple and Jishoin, the property faces both the vibrant Karasuma-dori street to the east and a quieter, cafe-lined back street to the west, providing a uniquely refreshing living experience with access to two different neighborhood atmospheres.
According to Japanese agent notes, the property is a used Kyoto machiya (京町家（中古住宅）). The building structure is wooden with tile roofing (木造瓦葺2階). The exact construction date is unknown, but records indicate it was built before 1907 (明治40年以前). The total land area is 66.45 sqm, with a registered building area of 81.34 sqm (first floor: 54.02 sqm, second floor: 27.32 sqm). The layout is 4DK plus a garden (間取り4DK＋庭). The property fronts a public road: approximately 6.6m onto the ~22m wide Karasuma-dori on the east, and approximately 6.6m onto a ~4.4m wide public road on the west. Utilities include electricity, water and sewer, and city gas (設備電気、上下水道、都市ガス). The land use zone is a neighborhood commercial district (近隣商業地域). The current status is vacant (現況空家). Legal restrictions include a quasi-fire prevention zone and a 20m Category 4 height district (準防火地域、20m第4種高度地区). The building-to-land ratio is 80% and the floor area ratio is 300%. The land is classified as residential (地目宅地). The land right is a leasehold (借地権). The terrain is flat (地勢平坦). The property is within an urbanization promotion area (都市計画市街化区域). The transaction method is seller (取引態様売主).
Important remarks (備考) include: application for Kyoto Machiya Profile is pending; as the sale is exclusively entrusted to another company, a brokerage commission is required upon purchase; the property cannot be used for lodging facilities or heavy restaurant businesses. Details on the leasehold (借地について): monthly ground rent is 43,857 yen; contract type is ordinary leasehold (普通借地契約); lease term is 20 years (ending October 26, 2045); renewal is possible; renewal fee is calculated as (lease area x road frontage value x 3.5%); construction consent fee is required; transfer consent fee is included in the sale price; lessor is the General Incorporated Foundation Mannenkai. Consent from the lessor is required for transfer, sublease, renovation, extension, or rebuilding.
The property was renovated in 2009, expertly reimagining the original tea master and cat-loving owner's lifestyle. The innovative layout retains the soul of the original machiya, featuring a 4.5-tatami tea room immediately upon entry, a spacious genkan that also serves as a waiting area, and a tatami room overlooking a mossy tsuboniwa courtyard. Light floods the home from morning to evening, with gentle breezes flowing through. The second floor offers a private retreat with expansive views of the sky to the east and west.
The area is rich with character, situated between Kuramaguchi and Imadegawa subway stations. A short walk north from the Kyoto Imperial Palace reveals a delightful array of Italian restaurants, local Chinese eateries, and aromatic cake shops. A major nearby landmark is the Kyoto Imperial Palace, a vast park and former residence of Japan's Imperial family, offering serene walking paths and a deep connection to the nation's history.
