In recent years, Kyoto has seen a surge in hotel construction to accommodate the growing number of inbound tourists. As a result, many new hotels have sought to express a sense of “Kyoto-ness” in their design. But what truly defines the essence of Kyoto? This question lies at the heart of a remarkable renovation project that transforms a 100-year-old machiya townhouse into a boutique hotel.

Rather than relying on surface-level expressions of tradition, this project aims to capture the deeper essence of Kyoto by embracing the accumulated passage of time and history embedded in the building itself. The intention was not to create something new that merely looks traditional, but to design a space where the spirit of Kyoto naturally emerges from the building’s long-standing presence.

The approach centered on preserving the machiya’s original structure, materials, and colors wherever possible. Existing features such as wooden beams and fittings, weathered by time, were left untouched to let their aged beauty speak for itself. In contrast, newly introduced elements were designed in a subdued black-and-white monotone, deliberately understated so as not to overshadow the original materials.

These modern additions, while minimalist, were carefully crafted with attention to texture, shadow, and form—creating a sense of depth and dimension within the space. The result is a quiet yet immersive spatial experience, where the new and the old coexist in harmony. Rather than clashing, they complement each other, bringing out the unique character of the building.

By limiting renovations to what was necessary and avoiding excessive decoration, the project also succeeded in minimizing costs. More importantly, it allowed the historic charm of the machiya to take center stage, offering guests an authentic and timeless Kyoto experience.

This renovated traditional house 'MACHIYA' stands as a thoughtful response to the question of how Kyoto should share its cultural identity in the age of mass tourism—by preserving and honoring the real, lived history of its spaces.