Kyoto’s Century-Old Machiya “Ajiki Rokujō”: Young People’s Cozy Nests Showcase Creativity

Reported and photographed by You T. Ru / Kyoto

A machiya over a century old has managed to blend old-world charm with modern creativity, becoming a unique cultural hub. Nestled in a Kyoto city neighborhood, the machiya “Ajiki Rokujō” sits down a narrow alleyway. Walking along the lane, within the highly traditional old house, each wooden door on either side—opening into spaces no larger than 10 tsubo—reveals handmade creations by young people from various Japanese cities, alongside their deep appreciation for Kyoto.


▲ Century-old machiya “Ajiki Rokujō.”

Strolling through Kyoto, one often sees rows of such machiya, reminiscent of Taiwan’s traditional courtyard homes where extended families shared the flow of air and life. Built in the late Meiji period, “Ajiki Rokujō” stood vacant for years after enduring a century of weather, with only the house itself quietly remaining in its corner.

“Since we already had this beautiful old house, perhaps we could let more young people who love Kyoto and want to stay here make use of it,” said owner Kumakura Hiroko. In 2004, she began recruiting young people hoping to live in the old residence, exchanging their talents and ideas for residency. “As long as you’re under 30 and have ideas about the place, you can apply.” The simple criteria attracted over 100 applicants, but due to limited space, only seven youths with diverse creativity and skills were selected.


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“When the first residents moved in, the walls and tatami were almost falling apart,” Kumakura Hiroko recalled. The once-abandoned traditional home underwent slow, careful restoration—even the roof tiles and glass were replaced and cleaned—before it could be used again. Introducing the concept of shared housing into the century-old structure, the narrow rooms of “Ajiki Rokujō” expanded from accommodating seven to ten residents. It became home to young artisans working with sweets, hats, shoes, lamps, and dried flowers. Each room’s interior style is vastly different, but besides the hinoki cypress scent wafting from behind each old wooden door, what they all share is a heartfelt devotion to Kyoto.

 
 
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Stepping inside these not-so-spacious interiors, turn right at the narrow entryway to enter a display space filled with handmade crafts. This century-old house has transformed into a creative hub for young people. The existence of “Ajiki Rokujō” leaves a lasting impression—even while walking through the narrow alleys where your arms can touch both sides, you never feel cramped.

“We hope visitors here will treat the place with the respect of entering someone else’s home.” An atmosphere of fun and discovery flows between the houses, mixed with the scents of daily life. Under the eaves, you might even spot clothes drying on bamboo poles—a complete picture of traditional Kyoto life.

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Kyoto Machiya Ajiki Rokujō
Address: 284 Yamashiro-chō, 2-chōme, Kamigoryō-machi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Website:http://ajikiroji.com/(Business hours vary by shop; please check the website for details)