A Unique Machiya on a Quiet Y-shaped Alley in Kita, Kyoto
This property is a distinctive Kyoto townhouse (machiya) situated at the end of a small Y-shaped alley just off Kuramaguchi-dori in Murasakino Nishifujinomori-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto. Originally two separate houses built side-by-side, they have been internally connected into one single residence. The west side features a chushinikai (a low-ceilinged second floor typical of machiya built from the Edo to Meiji periods, originally a custom to avoid looking down on samurai from above), while the east side boasts an open, soaring roof height, creating two distinctly different atmospheres within one home. Parking spaces are located on both the east and west sides of the building, offering an open, airy feel. From the second floor on the east side, windows frame views of the lush green Mt. Funayama, with no obstructions, providing a surprising sense of openness. Breezes and bright sunlight flow in from windows on the east, west, and south, giving the home a refreshing feel reminiscent of a mountain villa in a summer resort. The first floor takes advantage of the interesting trapezoidal shape of the land, offering potential for a layout that feels spacious and deep. Removable walls could be taken down to create one large space, or half the house could be used to realize a dream of opening a small shop. The low-ceilinged chushinikai on the west side has the charming atmosphere of a secret attic room. The corrugated iron-roofed doma (earthen floor) area could be reduced to create a garden, providing a healing private space under the open sky. The property is located south of Daitoku-ji Temple, the mecca of the tea ceremony, and is a 3-minute walk from Mt. Funayama, celebrated in the Hyakunin Isshu poetry anthology, and the majolica-tiled Funao Onsen. The neighborhood of Murasakino Nishifujinomori-cho still retains a streetscape lined with machiya. Kuramaguchi-dori, less than 50 meters away, is lined with wonderful shops for daily life, including a large supermarket, a famous coffee shop, a local bakery, and a long-established tofu shop. A large hospital is also within walking distance, making this a reliable home for long-term living. The property is sold as a skeleton (スケルトン), meaning it is a blank canvas ready for renovation. It has electricity, water, sewer, and city gas. The building structure is wood with a tile roof, and it is two stories tall. The land area is 71.33 sqm, and the current building area is approximately 106.08 sqm. The property is currently vacant and can be delivered immediately. Notes: A Kyoto Machiya Profile has been obtained. This is 2 units of a 3-unit row house. When rebuilding, a setback of approximately 7.4 sqm will be required.
