Licorice House: A Renovated Kyoto Machiya Sharehouse with a Multinational Flair
Licorice House is a beautifully renovated machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse) sharehouse located just a 10-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station. The property, built over 100 years ago, has been transformed into a modern living space while retaining its historic charm. The name "Licorice" comes from the medicinal herb "kanzo" (licorice root), a nod to the building's history as a pharmacy run by the owner's grandfather during the Taisho era.
The renovation thoughtfully blends Japanese tradition with international design elements. The entrance features an antique door from the UK, Vietnamese tiles, and Indian-style wallpaper with an oriental elephant motif. Another wallpaper pattern is from Romania, creating a welcoming, multinational atmosphere designed to make residents from any country feel at home. The sharehouse layout includes two rooms on the first floor and three slightly larger rooms on the second floor. Each room has a distinct character, with the first-floor rooms featuring vibrant earth tones and the second-floor rooms offering varied styles, including one with a traditional Japanese aesthetic.
Common areas are designed for community interaction. The living room contains memorabilia from the building's past, including a photo of the original "Maruhei Pharmacy" and the owner's grandfather's pharmacist license. A particularly striking photo shows a torchbearer from the 1964 Tokyo Olympics passing in front of the building. The kitchen, situated in the space that once housed the traditional "hibukuro" (smoke escape) of the machiya, is envisioned as a central hub for residents to connect. The sanitary spaces have also been tastefully updated.
The surrounding area is rich with Kyoto's cultural heritage. An interesting local fact is that the nearby Shimogyo ward, where the property is likely situated, was historically a major center for the textile industry and is now a vibrant mix of traditional shops and modern amenities. The closest major landmark is the iconic Kyoto Tower, just a short distance from Kyoto Station, offering panoramic views of the ancient city.
