Five carefully renovated machiya houses in Kyoto
Kyoto's historic townhouses, machiyas, are increasing being renovated and turned into everything from hotels to perfume stores. Here, we collect five of the best examples.
Nazuna Kyoto Higashihonganji by Studio Aluc
This 100-year-old machiya house was turned into a short-stay hotel by Japanese firm Studio Aluc, which "deliberately retained traces of past craftsmanship".
The studio exposed the original timber framework and earthen walls of the 600-square metre property, which is located in front of the Higashi Honganji Temple in central Kyoto.
Find out more about Nazuna Kyoto Higashihonganji ›
The latest of Kyoto's renovated machiyas is Toune, a holiday home designed by architect Keiji Ashizawa to showcase the historical building while still having a contemporary feel.
"I think much of the appeal [of machiyas] comes from the materiality and human scale that are difficult to find in contemporary architecture today," Ashizawa said.
Le Labo flagship store by Schemata Architects
Tokyo-based Schemata Architects combined Japanese and Western design touches inside this house in Kyoto's Kiyamachi area, which is now a flagship store for perfume brand Le Labo.
The ground floor has a more Western feel and resembles other Le Labo stores worldwide, while the first floor, which houses offices, a craftsman room and a "fragrance organ", has a more traditional atmosphere.
Issey Miyake store by Naoto Fukasawa
Fashion house Issey Miyake's Kyoto store is eminently suitable for the city, located inside a 132-year-old machiya that was given a refresh by designer Naoto Fukasawa.
He sought to create a "tranquil and elegant atmosphere" in the old townhouse, whose traditional storeroom area – known as a kura – was turned into a small gallery space.
Find out more about the Issey Miyake store ›
Perhaps the most unusual renovated machiya on this list is Challe cafe, a Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant that has a bold, all-red interior.
The cafe in Kyoto's Kamigyo Ward serves speciality coffee, Japanese tacos and churros.
"We imagined a fusion of modern Mexican and Japanese style," UNC Studio founder Keiji Kadota said.
Find out more about Challe cafe ›
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