By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, reported by Chen Guanxin
For cities, landmark buildings often shape our impressions, but every nostalgic structure has its own personality and story. Take historic Kyoto, for example. Beyond the well-known Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nijo Castle, there are buildings in the city center such as the Juu Building, the 1928 Building, and the Sakuraka Building. From their former trendy days to their current nostalgic charm, these old spaces showcase the memories of the era and the progress of history. Simply walking down the street allows you to feel the cultural depth of Kyoto.
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When visiting Kyoto, don’t forget to explore the city’s old houses to experience the unique character of this ancient capital. (Photo provided by Monocle Editorial Department)
The Juu Building — Nostalgia Recalling the Past
Located not far from the intersection of Kyoto’s bustling Shijo Street and Kawaramachi Street, the Juu Building is just a 3-minute walk east along Kawaramachi Street from Exit 2 of Hankyu Railway’s Kawaramachi Station. Built in 1927 (Showa 2), the Juu Building is one of the rare white brick structures among Kyoto’s nostalgic architecture. Its simple design has a classical sense of balance, and the grand arched decorative panel above the main entrance is quite impressive. The wooden handrails on the stairs and the partition boards of each shop or workshop all bear the traces of past use.
The five-story Juu Building features high ceilings on each floor. To take the elevator, you need to follow the elevator signs all the way to the back of the building, exit the Juu Building into the neighboring structure to access the elevator, and then cross back via an overhead walkway when you reach your desired floor. This is the building’s way of improving convenience without altering its existing structure. Each shop, restaurant, and gallery in the nostalgic building has its own operating hours. The worst day to visit the Juu Building is Thursday. Except for minä perhonen, all other facilities are closed on this day. Unless you have no other time, it’s best to avoid visiting the Juu Building on Thursdays.
Address: 251-2 Ichinomachi, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Shijo-dori, Kawaramachi-dori
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The arched decorative panel at the entrance of the Juu Building is quite impressive. (Photo provided by Monocle Editorial Department)
Chukyo Post Office — Old Western-Style Building with a New Feel
The Chukyo Post Office, built in 1902 (Meiji 35) in the Neo-Renaissance style, was originally used as a government facility. The Sanjo Street area in the early 20th century was the financial center of all Kyoto, and the Chukyo Post Office certainly looked...
...quite imposing. A closer look inside reveals that it is also an example where the exterior has been preserved while the interior has been completely renovated.
Address: 30 Hishiya-cho, Higashi-doin-dori, Sanjo-dori, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City
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The over 100-year-old Chukyo Post Office was originally used by government agencies. (Photo provided by Monocle Editorial Department)
Kaname Tokeiden — Historic Flavor in a Modern Building
Although Kaname Tokeiden, which was established in 1871 (Meiji 4), has moved to the bustling Shijo Street, this red brick building, completed in 1890 (Meiji 23), now houses a Japanese-style clothing store. The two-story structure of its exterior still shows the former mixed-use residential and commercial architectural style, and it is also one of Kyoto’s earliest commercial Western-style buildings.
Address: 25 Nakanochō, Tomikōji-dori, Fuyochō-dori, Sanjo-dori, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City
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From the building of Kaname Tokeiden, you can catch a glimpse of the character of Kyoto’s earliest commercial Western-style buildings. (Photo provided by Monocle Editorial Department)
Bunchū Building — A New Life for a Wooden Structure
Originally used as a trading company, the Bunchū Building was built in 1920 (Taisho 9). Western-style buildings made of wood are relatively rare in Kyoto. Its current appearance was redesigned and planned by its owner, architect Hisakazu Kowa, who preserved the main structure while incorporating many modern architectural elements, giving it a sense of stability and comfort. Like many owners of nostalgic buildings, Hisakazu Kowa carefully selects the shops that occupy the space, so each shop here has its own distinct character and quality.
Address: 79 Mikuracho, Kamikoromon-dori, Karasuma-dori Nishi-iru, Sanjo-dori, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City
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Wooden Western-style buildings are quite rare in Kyoto. (Photo provided by Monocle Editorial Department)
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