Less than 3% of Kyoto's machiya avoid demolition
A recent attempt by Kyoto City to save its historic machiya townhouses has only resulted in 5 out of 170 properties avoiding demolition. Back in 2016, a survey found that as many as 800 traditional machiya townhouses in Kyoto were being demolished each year. With an estimated 40,000 machiya in the city, they could vanish within the next 50 years, leaving no trace of the city’s merchant past.
Gucci holds 100-yr anniversary exhibit in historic Kyoto machiya
To celebrate Gucci’s 100th anniversary, three special exhibitions are being held in Kyoto City. One of those exhibitions is taking place in the historic Kawasaki Residence near Sanjo Street. This large machiya is, or was, on the precipice of demolition just two years ago.
Kyoto may have no surviving machiya townhouses by 2066
Kyoto’s traditional merchant townhouses (machiya, or kyo-machiya) form an integral part of the historic city’s charming streetscapes and culture, yet are being demolished at a shockingly fast pace.
Owner ignores heritage listing, plans to demolish significant Kyoto machiya
On February 1, Kyoto City issued a warning to the owner of a city-designed historic home after learning about plans for its sale and demolition or relocation. This is the first time the city has had to issue a warning to a property owner.
Keihan Real Estate to develop machiya guesthouses in Kyoto
On December 6, Keihan Real Estate announced plans to enter the machiya guesthouse business in Kyoto City. The company, along with Tokyo-based real estate flipper Intellex, plans to invest 2 billion Yen (approx. 18 million USD) in restoring 10 guesthouses over the next year.
FrancFranc to open store in historic townhouse in Gion, Kyoto
Home goods store FrancFranc will open their Masterrecipe branded flagship store in a traditional townhouse in Kyoto’s Gion district today.
Kyoto Nijo Castle Machiya Project
Follow our journey below as we renovate a traditional machiya townhouse in Kyoto. The renovated machiya has since sold. Read more