Five renovated machiya houses in Kyoto showcase adaptive reuse
Kyoto's historic machiya townhouses are increasingly being renovated into hotels, stores, and cafes. Dezeen highlights five notable examples: Nazuna Kyoto Higashihonganji by Studio Aluc (a 100-year-old machiya turned hotel, retaining original timber and earthen walls); Toune by Keiji Ashizawa (a holiday home blending historical materiality with contemporary design); Le Labo flagship store by Schemata Architects (combining Japanese and Western interiors in Kiyamachi); Issey Miyake store by Naoto Fukasawa (a 132-year-old machiya with a kura turned gallery); and Challe cafe by UNC Studio (a Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant with bold red interior in Kamigyo Ward). These projects demonstrate the versatility of machiya renovations, preserving traditional craftsmanship while adapting to modern uses.
Key facts
- Nazuna Kyoto Higashihonganji is a 100-year-old machiya turned hotel by Studio Aluc, located in front of Higashi Honganji Temple in central Kyoto.
- Toune is a holiday home designed by Keiji Ashizawa, showcasing historical building with contemporary feel.
- Le Labo flagship store in Kyoto's Kiyamachi area was designed by Schemata Architects, combining Japanese and Western design.
- Issey Miyake store is located in a 132-year-old machiya refreshed by Naoto Fukasawa, with a kura turned into a gallery.
- Challe cafe in Kamigyo Ward is a Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant with all-red interior by UNC Studio.
- Studio Aluc deliberately retained traces of past craftsmanship in Nazuna Kyoto Higashihonganji.
- Keiji Ashizawa emphasized the appeal of machiyas comes from materiality and human scale.
- UNC Studio founder Keiji Kadota described Challe as a fusion of modern Mexican and Japanese style.
Entities
Artists
- Keiji Ashizawa
- Naoto Fukasawa
- Keiji Kadota
Institutions
- Studio Aluc
- Schemata Architects
- UNC Studio
- Issey Miyake
- Le Labo
- Dezeen
Locations
- Kyoto
- Japan
- Higashi Honganji Temple
- Kiyamachi
- Kamigyo Ward
Sources
- Dezeen —