露地の奥に息づく
京町家

Kyomachiya Nestled in a Bright Alley in Kitashirakawa

Encountering Tranquility and
Tradition in Kitashirakawa

Nestled in a quiet alley of Kyoto’s Kitashirakawa area, this historic Machiya embodies the essence of time-honored craftsmanship.
Just one step away from the lively streets, you will find this serene and peaceful Machiya - a house that has aged gracefully over the years and carries a unique character shaped by time. While preserving its current form, you can renovate it to breathe new life into the space and create a home that truly reflects your personality.

Experience the Essence of a Machiya

This property follows the classic Machiya layout known as the “one-row, three-room” configuration.
Original architectural details, including beams, earthen walls, and ceilings, remain intact. The Toriniwa passage leads from the entrance to the rear garden, allowing natural light and fresh air to flow through, enhancing the characteristic openness of a Machiya. Ornate elements such as Gorombo beams, Onigawara roof tiles, wooden latticework, and antique fittings add depth to its history, enriching its charm as a home.

A Machiya Designed Your Way

Currently stripped down to a skeletal framework, this property offers endless possibilities for customization while maintaining its traditional Machiya structure.
Imagine a tranquil bedroom with a sloped ceiling or a study incorporating antique fittings - there are limitless ways to bring your vision to life. By blending historical charm with your unique touch, you can craft a Machiya lifestyle that is both authentic and personal.

The 1st floor follows the fundamental Machiya style, with an entrance leading to the Misenoma (front room), Daidoko (kitchen-dining), and Okunoma (inner room). Shoji screen and fusuma sliding doors allow flexible use of space, accommodating various needs. For a modern twist, the partitions can be removed to create a spacious, open-plan living-dining area while preserving the home’s traditional atmosphere.

Extending from the entrance to the rear garden, the Toriniwa is a distinctive feature of Kyomachiya homes. Originally designed for fire prevention and ventilation, it continues to serve as a natural air conduit, ensuring fresh airflow throughout the house. Opening the doors allows a seamless breeze to pass through, while sunlight reaches deep into the interior, creating a bright and airy environment.

The 2nd floor consists of two independent rooms. With the ceiling currently removed, the exposed beams and roof framework showcase the dignified presence of a traditional Machiya. Large east-and-west-facing windows bring in ample sunlight, while opening them invites a pleasant cross-breeze, creating a comfortable living space.

Facade / Alleyway

1F / Garden

2F

間取plan

間取図

With its skeletal structure fully exposed, the home’s core framework - pillars, beams, and foundation - can be thoroughly inspected, ensuring a well-planned renovation process.
The 1st floor maintains its traditional layout, allowing flexible modifications to suit different lifestyles. The Toriniwa passage remains, providing a visual connection from the entrance to the rear garden, highlighting the Machiya's characteristic depth. By adjusting partitions or removing fittings, the space can be reimagined as a blend of tradition and modern openness.
The 2nd floor consists of two independent rooms. With the ceiling removed, the exposed beams and roof structure accentuate the home's historical charm. East-and-west-facing openings allow for ample natural light during the day, and with the windows open, a refreshing breeze enhances the comfort of the space.

エリアマップarea map

石積みの集落の写真

Kitashirakawa, A Harmonious Blend of Nature & Culture

Kitashirakawa is a peaceful residential area offering stunning seasonal landscapes. With famous landmarks such as Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion), the Philosopher’s Path, and Mountain Yoshida nearby, the area invites you to experience Kyoto’s scenic beauty through leisurely walks.
The neighborhood is also home to Kyoto University and Kyoto University of the Arts, fostering a vibrant community of students and artists. Unique cafes and restaurants dot the area, ensuring delightful discoveries around every corner.

For daily convenience, a supermarket is just a 2-minute walk away, while a family restaurant is a 6-minute walk from the property. Additionally, Shirakawa Street, a major thoroughfare, offers city bus services, providing excellent access to various parts of Kyoto. Kitashirakawa offers a well-balanced lifestyle with both natural tranquility and urban convenience.

  • 白川疏水道の写真

    Shirakawa Canal Path(5 min walk/370m to Nishi-Iori Bridge)

    A beautiful tree-lined walking path follows the Lake Biwa Canal, leading toward the Philosopher’s Path near Ginkakuji Temple.

  • 哲学の道の写真

    Philosopher’s Path(20 min walk/1.6km to Ginkakuji Bridge)

    This iconic walkway along the Lake Biwa Canal was frequented by philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who found inspiration here. In spring, cherry blossoms blanket the water’s surface, creating breathtaking scenery.

  • 詩仙堂丈山寺の写真

    Shisendo Temple (Jozanji)(15 min walk/1.15km)

    Once the retirement retreat of Tokugawa-era scholar Ishikawa Jozan, this Soto Zen temple features a meticulously designed garden that showcases Kyoto’s beauty throughout the seasons.

バーチャル内覧virtual tour

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物件概要details

Property Price 17,800,000 JPY (Approx. USD *1JPY= USD)
Type & Conditions Used House (Kyomachiya / One of 2-terraced houses)
Location 17-9 Kitashirakawa-Higashiioricho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
Transportations approx. 4 min. walk from Kyoto City Bus "Kamihatecho / Kyoto University of the Arts Stop"
approx. 8 min. walk from Eizan Electric Railway mainline "Chayama/Kyoto-Geijutsudaigaku Sta."
Land Area 【Registered】70.28sqm
【Actual/Measured by surveyors】approx. 63.58sqm /
(Private street)approx. 6.70sqm ※not included in the above land area
Floor Area 【Registered】1F: 28.26sqm, 2F: 24.26sqm, Total: 52.52sqm
【Actual/Tape measured】1F: 32.73sqm, 2F: 25.60sqm 
Total: 58.33sqm (approx. number)
Building Structure Two Storey Wooden House
Building Date Unspecifiable ※The earliest record in the closed registry is 1947
Size 5 Rooms + Kitchen + Garden (currently in skeleton status)
Adjoining Street Street Width: 2.83m (Not a road in law), Frontage: 5.30m, Direction: West (approx. number)
Public Utility Electricity, Water Plumbing In/Out, City Gas
Land Use District Category 1 Low-Rise Exclusive Residential District
Legal Restrictions The minimum size of land area is regulated as 100sqm when divided, 10m / Height Control District, Piedmont Building Special Preservation and Improvement District, Distant View Preservation Zone, Outdoor Advertisement Category 2 Regulatory District, Residence Attraction Area, Established Urban Area, Housing Land Development Construction Regulated Area
Handover Immediately
Current Situation Vacant
Building Coverage Ratio 50%
Floor Area Ratio 80%
Land Category Residential Land
Geographical Features Flatland
Land Tenure Title
Notification According to National Land Utilization Law Not Required
Elementary School Kitashirakawa Elementary School (approx. 7 min walk/539m)
Junior High School Konoe Junior High School (approx. 26 min. walk/2080m)
City Planning Act Urbanization Promotion Area
Remarks ※This property is unrebuildable. You cannot rebuild any architectural structure on this land when the existing one is demolished or collapsed.
» Check here for more about rebuilding prohibited lands
※Renovation work is required due to it's aged deterioration.
※The property will be handed over as is.
※This property has obtained Kyo-machiya profile.
※The main roof was rethatched in Nov. 2024.
※This property is designated to be purchased through garDEN Inc.'s brokerage. The Buyer therefore is required to pay agent commission when concluding contract.  
Transaction Terms Hachise as a Seller (Broker is designated. Agent commission required when concluding contract)
Sales Representative Yuki Fujihara
Information Updated Mar. 10, 2025
Information will be Updated Mar. 24, 2025