Since the 2020 fiscal year, the city of Kyoto has been implementing the “Kyomachiya Rental Model Project.” This initiative involves leasing traditional Kyoto townhouses (Kyomachiya) from their owners and subleasing them to private businesses for renovation and use. The project aims to leverage private sector resources to preserve and utilize these historic buildings. Recently, a more than 100-year-old Kyomachiya in Shimogyo Ward has been selected as the third project under this model. It will be renovated and used as a combined lodging facility and company housing.
This particular Kyomachiya is located in Kamitamanazuyacho, Shimogyo Ward. Although the exact construction date is unknown, records show it existed as early as 1876, making it at least 147 years old. The building has a total floor area of 94.86 square meters and is situated within the Honnoji-Kyomachiya Preservation and Inheritance District, as designated by the Kyomachiya Ordinance. Originally built as a single-story structure in the Meiji period, it was used as rental housing for many years. However, it has been vacant and deteriorating for several years since the previous tenant moved out. The lease agreement is for a fixed term of 20 years, after which the property will be returned to the owner in a usable state and is expected to continue being used as a rental property.
Under this model project, the Kyomachiya will be subleased to a private business and used as a combined lodging facility and company housing. It will be integrated with a former lodging facility on an adjacent property, with the Kyomachiya serving as an annex and the adjacent building as the main facility. Additionally, part of the Kyomachiya will be used as company housing by Nazuna Corporation, one of the project collaborators. Young employees living in the house will help invigorate the local community as residents. During the renovation, progress updates focusing on “carpentry and woodwork” will be shared on social media to foster the next generation of Kyomachiya carpenters. Post-renovation, the space will host events to facilitate interaction among local residents, tenants, guests, and stakeholders, aiming to enliven the entire Monzenmachi area.
The objective of this model project is to preserve and pass down Kyomachiya that lack custodians by having the city lease them and sublease them to private businesses for renovation and use. By utilizing these buildings as residences or offices and promoting their charm on social media, the project aims to cultivate new custodians for Kyomachiya. Additionally, it seeks to raise awareness and understanding of the various ways Kyomachiya can be utilized, thereby fostering momentum for the preservation and inheritance of unused Kyomachiya. The city of Kyoto leases Kyomachiya at a minimum amount equivalent to 1.5 times the fixed asset tax and city planning tax. This amount is determined based on the conditions proposed by the project participants. The same amount is charged for subleasing, and the private businesses bear the renovation and maintenance costs.
