Kyoto Machiya


Revitalization


Project


京町家再生プロジェクト

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Global Support for Kyoto Machiya

京町家保全への国際的取り組み

concept

  The Kyoto Machiya Revitalization Project which involved international cooperation between Kyomachiya Council, Kyoto Center for Community Collaboration (KCCC) and World Monuments Fund (WMF) based in the U.S. Its aim is to preserve Machiya in Kyoto, a traditional wooden urban housing that helps define the historical landscape in Kyoto.

  The project started these programs to restore the Kamanza-cho Cho-Ie and Old Muranishi Residence after the Kyoto Machiya were included on the 2010 and 2012 World Monuments Watch. This project stems from a discussion by Japanese and American specialists about the preservation and revitalization of historical cities, included WMF, particularly featuring Machiya proposed by Dr. LIMBON, the Ritsumeikan University professor, and organized by KCCC and Japan Society NY, to New York in Nov. 2008. With the restoration of Machiya, this project was provided with several other components including a photo exhibition, seminars and symposiums, and production of educational tools, such as a restoration book and DVD.

  With increasing urbanization, stakeholders in heritage preservation across the globe are commonly facing the need to harmonize with the social and economic needs in their communities today. This is true in Kyoto and it is the utmost challenge we face in preserving and revitalizing machiya. Kyoto Machiya still live in peoples’mind not only as tradition but also as environment friendly modern housing. Through this photo exhibition, we hope to introduce the restoration process of the Machiya and its culture, along with the traditional architectural skills applied.

  On this occasion, we would like to reiterate our sincere appreciation to all people concerned with the survival of Machiya, and for the continuous support they have provided to this project. We fervently hope that this Machiya revitalization support network will expand further among all those visiting the Machiya.

"Machiya Townhouses" Project Overview by World Monuments Fund

About Kyoto Machiya

京町家について

  The original prototype for Machiya dates to the founding of Kyoto, during the Heian Period (794-1192) and the Machiya that we see today are based on a prototype that was developed by Kyoto’s growing merchant class and artisan traditions during the Edo Period (1603-1868).

  Machiya, however, have been gradually and relentlessly disappearing over the decades in post-war Japan. Currently there are about 28,000 and 48,000 Machiya left in the Kyoto metropolitan area and the greater Kyoto City area, respectively, but they are disappearing at a pace of about 1.6% annually.

Restoration Projects

これまでの支援プロジェクト

Projects

ONGOING PROJECT

2016

Shijo Ofune-hoko Float Machiya

2012

Old Muranishi Residence

2010

Kamanza-cho Cho-ie

PHASE-3 2016

/ ONGOING PROJECT

Shijo Ofune-hoko Float Machiya

四条町大船鉾会所

  To conserve and restore Machiya in Kyoto, “Kyoto Machiya Revitalization Project - Phase 3” received a grant from World Monuments Fund to repair, develop, and raise awareness of Shijo Ofune-hoko Float Machiya as a traditional and ritual hub of Gion Festival. After a 150 years hiatus, the tradition of Ofune-hoko returned to the Ato Matsuri Yamahoko-junko, the second float procession in the Gion Festival, once again in 2014. The enthusiasm of the Shijo-cho residence to protect and preserve such tradition resonated with both domestic and foreign supporters. The collaborative restoration project is led by Shijo-cho Ofune-hoko Preservation Society, Kyomachiya Council and Kyoto Center for Community Collaboration. Kyomachiya Architects is working on the design and implementation of the project.

  The restoration efforts are lead and enforced by a public foundation corporation know as Shijo-cho Ofune-hoko Preservation Society, Kyomachiya Council, as well as Kyoto Center for Community Collaboration. In addition, the layout and construction of the repairs are handled by a general corporation named Kyomachiya Architects.

  Once restored, in addition to a storage facility of the float, Shijo Ofune-hoko Float Machiya will serve as the centerpiece of a community cultural center throughout the year, demonstrating the role Machiya play in preserving the historic cityscape and living culture which is symbolized by the Gion Festival in Kyoto.

  During the off season, the machiya functions as a place for activities of the Shijo-cho Ofune-hoko Preservation Society such as practicing Gion Festival musical performance and gatherings, and as a office space of the Junior Chamber International Kyoto.

* The project was made possible with the generous support of The Freeman Foundation (USA)

About Shijo Ofune-hoko Float Machiya

Location:

Kyoto, Shimogyo-ku Shijo-cho 355

Owner:

Shijo-cho Ofune-hoko Preservation Society

Summary of Building

Two-story building built in the year 1933 (Information according to the owner)

Timeline

August, 2016

Commencement of restoration

September/October, 2016

Study tour, etc.

March, 2017

Completion of restoration

July, 2017

In accordance with the Gion Matsuri Festival, the completion of restoration will be showcased.

「四条町大船鉾会所」について

所在地:

京都市下京区四条町355
(新町通四条下る西側)

所有者:

公益財団法人四条町大船鉾保存会

建物概要:

2階建, 1933年築(昭和8年)※所有者情報

改修スケジュール

2016年 8月

修復工事着工

2016年 9、10月

見学会など

2017年 3月

修復工事竣工

2017年 7月

祇園祭に合わせて修復完成披露会を予定

PHASE-2 2012

Old Muranishi Residence

旧村西家住宅

Restoration of Old Muranishi Residence was supported by World Monuments Fund (USA) with the cooperation from the Freeman Foundation and the Reynard’s Run Charitable Fund (USA).

About the Old Muranishi Residence
Restoration Project
More

PHASE-1 2010

Kamanza-cho Cho-ie

釜座町町家

Restoration of Machiya at Kamanza-cho Cho-Ie was supported, in part, by the World Monuments Fund, USA (www.wmf.org) with the cooperation from the Freeman Foundation.

About Kamanza-cho Cho-Ie
Restoration Project
More