A Former Izakaya with Tea Ceremony Heritage in Takamatsu
This unique property is a traditional kominka (old folk house) located in a back alley near Kawaramachi Station in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture. Purchased during an owner change in the COVID era, the seller originally considered using it for a tea ceremony room or a minpaku (private lodging). The decision to sell now stems from a hope to find a new owner who will cherish its history.
The building has a rich past, having long operated as a popular izakaya (Japanese pub) frequented by locals. Interestingly, it is also known that tea ceremonies and rakugo (comic storytelling) performances were held on the upper floor. The space is currently in a nearly skeleton state following the previous tenant's departure. A charming historical detail is that the kitchen area once featured a small pond, reminiscent of a quaint Kyoto townhouse.
The property is sold as-is (現状有姿) and via public record transaction (公簿売買). The building shows signs of age-related deterioration. Its versatile layout offers numerous possibilities: it could be revived as an izakaya, repurposed to host tea ceremonies and rakugo events, converted into a minpaku with the addition of a simple shower, or transformed into a distinctive private residence.
The surrounding Takamatsu area is the gateway to the Seto Inland Sea. An interesting local fact is that Takamatsu is famous for its udon noodles, considered some of the best in Japan. The city is also home to the iconic Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan's most celebrated historical landscape gardens, located just a short distance away and offering a serene escape with its meticulously designed ponds, hills, and pavilions.
