Keiji Ashizawa Design renovates 120-year-old Kyoto machiya into Toune holiday home

Japanese studio Keiji Ashizawa Design has transformed a 120-year-old machiya in Kyoto's Shimogyo Ward into a holiday rental named Toune. The renovation preserved the original layout, including the raised entrance (agari kamachi), tori-niwa indoor passage, and timber framework, while adding contemporary touches. The 90-square-metre, three-bedroom house features a double-height central space linking the ground-floor kitchen and dining area to the upstairs living room. Existing cedar and pine elements were retained, with new hinoki cypress details added. Materials such as plaster, washi paper, stone, and iron were used. The ground floor has a darker palette to complement the ageing patina, while the first floor is lighter to enhance natural light. Modern furniture and lighting from Karimoku Case and Santa and Cole were introduced. The project was led by Keiji Ashizawa and Nanako Inoue, with construction by Nishinihon Setsubi and styling by Yumi Nakata. Photography is by Tomooki Kengaku.