Kyoto Machiya Stories — Volume 2: The Story of “Former Muranishi Family Residence（旧村西邸）”
This is an English translation and reprint of part of an article from the “STORIES” section of the Kyoto Machiya Succession Support Net (MATCH YA). “STORIES” introduces examples of how Kyo-machiya, the cooperation of the Kyoto Center for Community Collaboration, are being utilized.
Former Muranishi Family Residence（旧村西邸）
Kyoto Machiya Succession Support Net
This group of experts, drawn from the fields of architecture, real estate, law, financial institutions and government agencies, work together with owners and residents to preserve Kyo-machiya and other traditional buildings.
MATCH YA
A website that connects owners and those who wish to inherit or utilize Kyo-machiya in order to ensure their proper preservation and longevity.
https://kyoto-machisen.jp/matchya/(※Only available in Japanese)
Volume 2: Former Muranishi Family Residence × Rakutabi Co., Ltd.
Kyo-machiya user: Mr. Ryo Wakamura (Rakutabi Co., Ltd.)
Helping tourists in Kyoto so that as many people as possible can enjoy experiencing Kyo-machiya
The former Muranishi family residence is a daibei-zukuri-style building（大塀造り1） constructed in 1932. Its interior is designed like a tea-ceremony cottage, while it has both a Western-style room and a tea room. These are characteristics of a modern machiya. It also has a spacious senzai yard（前栽2） and a warehouse with earthen walls.
*1: Daibei-zukuri building（大塀造り）: Machiya building with a high gate and fences, constructed only for residential use usually by a wealthy merchant
*2: Senzai（前栽）: Front yard of a house
In 2012, this building was restored under the Kyoto Machiya Revitalization Project through cooperation between its owner, Kyo-machiya Saisei Kenkyukai (a nonprofit organization), and the Kyoto Center for Community Collaboration, with financial support from World Monuments Fund based in the U.S.
* For details, please access the website below.
https://kyoto-machisen.jp/wmf-machiya-project/
In 2013, the building was designated as Structures of Landscape Importance and Structures Composing Historical Scenic Beauty by the Kyoto City government. In 2014, it was also given the status of a Registered Tangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government.
In 2013, the building was designated as Structures of Landscape Importance and Structures Composing Historical Scenic Beauty by the Kyoto City government. In 2014, it was also given the status of a Registered Tangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government.
The restored building was initially used as an art museum, but it is now used as Rakutabi Kyo-machiya by Rakutabi Co., Ltd., which is engaged in planning tours and training programs that include experience of Kyoto culture as a feature, holding lectures, and publishing books. This Kyo-machiya is currently utilized for various purposes, such as seminars making the most of its space and workshops on traditional performing arts, as well as a rental space for photo shoots.
Mr. Wakamura, the Representative Director of Rakutabi Co., Ltd., says: “We will utilize this building as our base to pass on the traditional lifestyle and culture related to Kyo-machiya to future generations. We hope to help as many people as possible experience diverse elements of profound Kyoto Culture through our activities. We also hope to assist people in rediscovering the value of Japanese culture and thereby to invigorate Japan from Kyoto.”
*At the exhibition Machiya Vision held by the Kyoto Center for Community Collaboration jointly with the KYOTOGRAPHIE International Photography Festival in the fall of 2020, Mr. Wakamura responded to an interview and talked about the significance of the use of the Kyo-machiya as an office.
Watch a video of the interview.
The Kyoto Center for Community Collaboration, established by the City of Kyoto, is now asking for donations for the Kyoto Machiya Machizukuri Fund, which subsidizes the cost of renovating Kyo-machiya townhouses. Your donations will go completely to the preservation of Kyo-machiya.
Kyoto Machiya Machizukuri Fund
Kyoto Center for Community Collaboration
More about Kyo-Machiya — Machiya Vision
Kyoto City is also calling for donations in order to help hand down Kyoto’s heritage, including Kyo-machiya, to future generations.
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Date：
2022/12/16
Kyoto Revitalization Section - City of Kyoto
The Kyoto Revitalization initiative aims to preserve and nurture Kyoto’s landscapes, traditions, and culture—treasures of Japan and of the world—and to pass them on to future generations, while sharing their value with people across Japan and around the globe.