What is Machiya?

Machiya is a townhouse developed over time in Kyoto. A typical Machiya is a two or three story wooden building with baked clay roof, built before World War 2. The wooden structured architecture has formed the townscape of the historical city.

They are usually long and narrow and stand very closely to the next buildings and face the street. Offering work and residential environment, they have represented, and still do, the culture of urban living and traditional working styles. Gardens, especially small open space called Tsubo-niwa, brings a sense of the nature and seasons into the house.

Machiya is also known for several remarkable elements, such as beautiful Degoushi (lattices), Mushikomado (insectcage windows) and Inuyarai. We can sense the wisdom of Kyoto citizens in Machiya.