The Shijo Karasuma Residence: A Modern Home in Kyoto's Historic Heart
Located at the prestigious intersection of Shijo-dori and Karasuma-dori, The Shijo Karasuma Residence offers a rare opportunity for contemporary urban living in the very center of Kyoto. This 10-story, 38-unit condominium building, completed in September 2023, blends traditional Japanese architectural aesthetics with modern design and amenities. The property features a striking, deeply overhanging roof and an entrance hall infused with a subtle Japanese ambiance, complete with a tsuboniwa (courtyard garden). A key design feature is the use of interior corridors for enhanced privacy, leading to all-corner units with three-sided openings for excellent light and ventilation.
Critical agent notes must be considered. Approximately 90 meters east of the property, Daiichi Kotsu Sangyo Co., Ltd. is constructing an 11-story building tentatively named "Grand Palace Kyoto Myodenjicho," scheduled for completion on March 31, 2027. This construction may affect the views, ventilation, and lighting of east-facing units and may generate noise, vibration, and dust during the construction period. Furthermore, approximately 60 meters southwest of the property, Broad Japan Co., Ltd. has a planned condominium development. As of October 2025, this plan has not received building confirmation under the Building Standards Act, and details regarding scale are undetermined; the plan may also be altered or cancelled. Should it proceed, it may similarly impact the views and ventilation of southwest-facing units and cause construction-related disturbances. The balcony area is 10.80 sqm. Building confirmation numbers are: No. ERI-21037816 (dated November 30, 2021), No. ERI-22028521 (dated August 3, 2022), and No. ERI-23023228 (dated August 21, 2023). The seller is a member of the (Public Interest Incorporated Association) Metropolitan Real Estate Fair Trade Council and the (General Incorporated Association) Real Estate Association.
Unit interiors are designed for comfort and efficiency, featuring high-quality finishes. Kitchens come with melamine non-combustible panels behind the cooktop, slide-out dishwashers, spice cases, and natural stone countertops. Bathrooms include large unit baths with underfloor heating and drying systems. Other notable features include walk-in closets, Osaka Gas Eco-Jose high-efficiency water heaters, 24-hour ventilation, double-reinforced seismic walls for earthquake resistance, and security cameras in common areas.
The surrounding Shijo-Karasuma area is the commercial and transportation hub of Kyoto, offering unparalleled convenience. An interesting historical fact is that this district lies within the ancient "Dan no Ji" area of Heian-kyo (old Kyoto), which was subject to strict urban planning and aesthetic codes that have influenced architecture for centuries. The closest major landmark is the historic Nishi Hongan-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site located just over 1 kilometer away, renowned for its stunning examples of Momoyama-period architecture and vast wooden structures.
