West Nijo Machiya Restoration Journey
We’re excited to share the start of a renovation project for a traditional machiya located near Nijo Castle, one of Kyoto’s most historically significant landmarks. This property is not for sale, but will be documented here as an example of one of our ongoing restoration projects.
Located in a quiet residential neighborhood within walking distance of Nijo Castle, this machiya reflects the layered architectural history of central Kyoto. The renovation will focus on preserving the home’s original structure and atmosphere, while thoughtfully upgrading it to meet modern standards of comfort, functionality, and long-term durability.
The property sits in one of central Kyoto’s most accessible areas, with convenient access to public transportation, local shops, and daily amenities. The surrounding neighborhood offers a balance of residential calm and proximity to Kyoto’s cultural core.
Before renovation began, the machiya retained much of its original structure, with exposed timber framing, earthen walls, and a layout typical of traditional Kyoto townhouses. While time had left clear marks on the building, these early conditions offered valuable insight into the home’s construction and guided key decisions for the restoration. Documenting the house at this stage was an important step in understanding what could be preserved, repaired, and carefully improved as work moved forward.
Renovation Update August 2025
The renovation is now entering a more defined stage. Exterior framing is in place, new windows have been installed, and the interior is beginning to take shape with staircase framing and tiling well underway. We’re now seeing key spaces like the bathroom and stairwell coming together, with finishes starting to be applied.
The original beams and ceilings are being carefully preserved, and the structure is steadily transitioning from exposed framework to defined rooms. This phase focuses on balancing structural reinforcement with modern functionality — while staying true to the character of the traditional Kyoto townhouse.
Swipe through the latest photos below to follow the transformation from construction site to restored Machiya.
As of December 2025, the renovation of the Nijo Castle Machiya has been completed, and the property is ready to be handed over to its owner.
The project concludes with a carefully restored traditional townhouse that balances the preservation of original architectural elements with modern comfort and functionality, reflecting the final stage of a thoughtful and considered renovation process.
For those interested in learning more about Heritage Homes Japan’s renovation projects, visit our Projects Page. Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable transformation!