Kyomachiya Just East of Kyoto Imperial Palace

Experience Daily Life Deeply in a City of Learning and Culture

Nestled between the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Kamo River, this Kyomachiya awaits inside a narrow alleyway. Passing through its tunnel-like entrance, you’ll discover a quietly hidden retreat.

AREA

This property is located in a quiet, refined neighborhood where everyday convenience harmonizes with the charm of traditional Kyoto. Around the nearest station, Keihan Jingu-Marutamachi Station, you’ll find a delightful mix of long-established shops and trendy favorites. The area is dotted with coffee stands, pastry shops, natural food stores, and secondhand bookstores, offering a lifestyle rich in both ease and character.

Within walking distance are the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Kamo River, offering a rare privilege of enjoying the changing seasons and rich natural surroundings while living in the heart of the city. Just nearby, you’ll also find the Former Residence of Joseph Hardy Neesima, founder of Doshisha University, as well as the Kyoto City Library of Historical Documents. The opportunity to have such historic architecture and cultural institutions as part of your daily strolls is a unique charm of this neighborhood.

Tucked away in a back alley just off the main street, this Kyomachiya stands quietly, offering a retreat from the city’s bustle and the gaze of passersby. It is a home especially perfect for those who cherish a mindful lifestyle.

PLAN

The exterior is finished with blackened cedar(Shou Sugi Ban), offering the natural texture of its material harmoniously combined with a simple design for a calm and refined presence. Stepping through the entrance, you are greeted by an open atrium that takes advantage of the high ceiling. With a floor plan that feels seamlessly connected, the home allows light and air to gently flow throughout.

Inside, historic pillars and earthen walls have been preserved, blending harmoniously with bright natural wood and plaster to create a comfortable balance of old and new. The water facilities are designed with a simple yet refined aesthetic, combining functionality with beauty. Throughout the home, retro patterned glass catches the light with a quiet shimmer, adding depth and character to the space like works of art.

The second floor maintains a connection with the first floor while offering a more private atmosphere. Part of the railing facing the atrium has been designed as built-in shelving, ideal for storing books and small items. With sliding doors to subtly conceal everyday clutter, it combines practicality with thoughtful design. A skylit space with a built-in closet further enhances functionality, making it perfect as a bedroom, a study or hobby room.

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