Kamikinoshita CUBE

Like a Toolbox
for Grown-ups

Just a 6-minute stroll south from Subway Kuramaguchi Station, down a narrow lane, you’ll find this building with its perfectly square box-like form topped with a roof.

Step inside, and you’re immediately immersed in a world of possibilities. Thanks to its steel-frame structure, the wide-open floor without columns is perfect for hobbies you can’t fully enjoy in a typical home.

Maintain your beloved motorcycle, display collections of travel memorabilia, vinyl, or books, or host gatherings with friends.
This home is, in essence, a giant toolbox with a roof.

So, what shall I do today?

Line the room with your favorite furniture and collectibles, and it becomes a calming private retreat. Spend the entire day maintaining your bike or bicycle, or dive into DIY projects. Its compact size makes it ideal for hands-on creativity.
Fill the space with what you love, and enjoy the luxury of time surrounded by your passions.

When I need a break,
I go for a walk.

If you get tired of working indoors, step outside for fresh air.
Leisurely stroll along your favorite walking paths - the soft sunlight filtering through the trees of Seseragi Park, the gentle sound of the Kamo River, and the aroma of coffee drifting from local cafes. Immersed in these everyday pleasures, inspiration naturally flows back.

Here’s the layout!

This two-story steel-frame home, tucked away at the end of an alley, offers open spaces free of obstructing columns. The south-facing garden brings natural light into the Doma earthen floor, creating a bright and welcoming first floor. Turning the outdoor space into a garden or terrace could also be a fun project.

Each floor is about 32sqm, compact but practical. With water facilities already in place, you can add your own touches through DIY renovations. For example, use the first floor as a hobby room, or create a living-dining space and bedroom on the second floor.
The simple square shape makes it easy to arrange furniture and establish a comfortable flow. Its quiet alley location creates a calm atmosphere, perfect for a hidden retreat where you can truly unwind.

Imagine your own plan!

1st Floor: A bright workspace for maintaining your motorcycle, illuminated by sunlight from the garden. Divide it into a work zone indoors and a refresh zone outdoors.

2nd Floor: An open, wall-free living space, divided loosely with furniture instead of partitions. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining and bedroom areas, creating a generous, connected atmosphere.

①An Exterior That Sparks Joy

The exterior features faux brick walls and pendant lights, giving it a stylish, bar-like vibe. The original concrete texture is also preserved, creating a sleek yet warm facade. Walking down the narrow alley and spotting this building is bound to make your heart race with anticipation. It’s a facade full of personality that makes you eager to step inside and explore a space crafted with passion.

②A Space to Immerse in Your Passions

The first floor is your workshop: a room for bikes, collections, or creative projects. The exposed steel and concrete of the ceiling and walls add an industrial charm, making the space uniquely yours. Without interior walls or partitions, the large open room offers freedom in how you use it. Built-in shelves allow for ample storage, and when opened, they even serve as a functional workbench, perfect for hands-on hobbies or DIY projects.

③A Living Space for Meeting Friends

The second floor can become a cozy living area, complete with a small bar counter for enjoying drinks with friends.
Beds are surrounded by clever storage, and furniture is used to create gentle divisions, maintaining an open and airy feel. Without walls to block sightlines, the space feels expansive. Every corner reveals carefully chosen lighting, tables, sofas, and décor, making the room feel alive and inviting - a place where socializing and relaxing seamlessly blend.

What’s Around Kamikinoshita CUBE?

The property sits in the Horikawa-Shimei area, home to Kyoto University of Education’s affiliated schools and Otani University. The neighborhood blends youthful energy with characterful shops - cafes inside old bathhouses, specialty roasters, and unique small businesses along Kuramaguchi Street. Supermarkets are within walking distance, making daily life convenient.

Nearby, Shimei Seseragi Park runs along the median of Shimei Street, with a stream flowing from Lake Biwa through it since 2009. Lined with Ginkgo trees, it transforms into a golden walkway in autumn.

Subway Kuramaguchi Station is just approx. 5 min. walk away. By the station is the local favorite Kurara Howdy supermarke, while Aeon Mall Kitaoji (approx. 15 min. walk) offers broader shopping options.

Charming Spots♪

Subway Kuramaguchi Station

approx. 6 min. walk/433m

From Kuramaguchi Station, you can reach Shijo Station in about 7 minutes and Kyoto Station in about 11 minutes by Subway, both without transfers. With such direct access to the city center, it’s an exceptionally convenient location. Around the station, you’ll find restaurants, supermarkets, and a quiet residential neighborhood.

Kamo River Park

approx. 14 min. walk/1102m

Stretching along the banks of the Kamo River, this park offers grassy fields, sports areas, and beautifully maintained landscapes. Jogging paths and tree-lined walking trails make it a favorite for daily strolls. On weekdays, it’s popular with students enjoying lunch, while weekends see families and friends gathering to relax.

Shimei Seseragi Park

approx. 7 min. walk/551m

Set along the central green median of Shimei Street, this park is surprisingly lush with greenery despite its urban setting. The highlight is autumn, when rows of Ginkgo trees turn brilliant gold, creating a dazzling carpet of leaves that colors the entire park.

Kulala Howdy Supermarket

approx. 7 min. walk/530m

Just a one-minute walk from Kuramaguchi Station, this supermarket also houses a drugstore and 100-yen shop, making it easy to get all your shopping done in one stop. Perfect for errands on the way home from work.

Kissa Prangipani

approx. 7 min. walk/422m

A beautifully restored Kyomachiya turned into a cozy cafe. Though it’s only two minutes from the station, the traditional exterior makes you feel worlds away. Its calm and soothing atmosphere invites you to linger for hours.

Manaia Coffee & Things

approx. 6 min. walk/425m

Run by a couple with roots in New Zealand and Melbourne, this cafe serves authentic espresso, herbal teas, and more. It attracts a wide range of visitors from locals to international guests, and is the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.

Easy Access

The nearest station, Subway Kuramaguchi Station, offers excellent access: only about 8 minutes to Shijo Station and about 11 minutes to Kyoto Station.
From Karasuma Oike Station just three stops away, you can transfer to the Subway Tozai Line for convenient access toward Nijo or Yamashina. At Shijo Station, you’ll also find a direct connection to Hankyu Karasuma Station, making transfers to the Hankyu Railway smooth and easy. From there, Osaka-Umeda can be reached in about 45 minutes without changing trains.
With such convenient connections to Kyoto’s city center and even to Osaka, you’ll enjoy the freedom to explore and move about with ease.

A Day in the Life of Kamikinoshita CUBE

Here’s a glimpse into the weekend routine of a man who usually lives in another part of Kyoto but spends his free time at Kamikinoshita CUBE.
A motorcycle and bicycle enthusiast, he enjoys being surrounded by his beloved collection that no longer fits at his main residence. His weekends here are filled with leisurely strolls, favorite local shops, and riverside walks along the Kamo River. On weekdays, he sometimes uses this house as a base for remote work, then recharges on weekends with hobbies and neighborhood explorations.