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Nostalgic architecture and vintage charm in Kyoto’s old buildings

Published: 2026-09-25 👁 100 views

Last updated 2026-09-25 — For cities, landmark buildings often shape our impressions, but every nostalgic structure has its own personality and story. Take the ancient city of Kyoto, for example—apart from the well-known Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nijō Castle, within the city area...

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, reported by Chen Guanxin

For cities, landmark buildings often shape our impressions, but every nostalgic structure has its own personality and story. Take the ancient city of Kyoto, for example—apart from the well-known Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nijō Castle, within the city area, structures such as the Juuban Building, the 1928 Building, and the Sakuraka Building showcase the transition from past trendiness to today’s vintage charm. With their classic spaces, they reflect the memories and progress of the times, allowing pedestrians to feel the cultural depth of Kyoto just by walking down the street.

When visiting Kyoto, don’t miss the chance to experience the unique character of this ancient capital through its old city buildings. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)

Juuban Building — Nostalgia Recalling the Past

Located not far from the intersection of Kyoto’s bustling Shijo-dori and Kawaramachi-dori streets, the Juuban Building is a three-minute walk east along Kawaramachi-dori from Exit 2 of Hankyu Railway’s Kawaramachi Station. Built in 1927 (Showa 2), the Juuban Building is one of the rare white brick structures among Kyoto’s nostalgic buildings. Its simple design carries a sense of classical balance, and the arched decorative panel above the main entrance exudes grandeur. The wooden handrails on the stairs and the partition boards of each shop or workshop all bear traces of past use.

The five-story Juuban Building features high ceilings on each floor. To take the elevator, you must follow the signs all the way to the back of the building, walk out to the neighboring structure to access it, and then cross back via an overhead walkway to reach your desired floor. This design enhances convenience without altering the original structure. Each shop, restaurant, and gallery in this nostalgic building has its own operating hours, and the worst day to visit is Thursday. Except for minä perhonen, all other facilities are closed that day. Unless you have no other choice, it's best to avoid visiting the Juuban Building on Thursdays.

Address: 251-2 Ichinomachi, Kamigyo-ku, Kawaramachi-dori, Shijo-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto

The arched decorative panel at the entrance of the Juuban Building is quite imposing. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)

Chukyo Post Office — A New Experience in a Historic Western-Style Building

Built in 1902 (Meiji 35) in the Neo-Renaissance style, the Chukyo Post Office was originally used as a government facility. In the early 20th century, Sanjo-dori was the financial center of all Kyoto, and looking at the Kyoto Chukyo Post Office from that period, it indeed

conveys a strong sense of authority. Take a closer look inside, and you’ll notice that this is also an example where the exterior has been preserved while the interior has been completely modernized.

Address: 30 Hishiyanouchō, Higashi-dōri, Naka-dōri, Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto

The over-century-old Chukyo Post Office was initially used by a government department. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)

Ikenaka Building — A Historical Flair in a Modern Structure

Although founded in 1871 (Meiji 4), the Ikenaka Building, located in the central commercial district of Kyoto, features a red-brick structure completed in 1890 (Meiji 23). Even though it now houses a traditional Japanese clothing store, the two-story exterior construction reflects the former mixed-use residential and commercial architectural style. It is also one of Kyoto’s earliest commercial Western-style buildings.

Address: 25 Nakachō, Tomikōji Higashi-iru, Sanjo-dori, Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto

The Ikenaka Building offers a glimpse into the early architectural styles of commercial districts. (Photo credit: Moleskine Editorial Department)

Bunchō Building — A New Life for a Wooden Structure

Originally used as a trading company, the Bunchō Building was built in 1920 (Taisho 9) and is a rare example of a wooden Western-style building in Kyoto. Its current appearance was redesigned and planned by its architect owner, Hisashi Kosuke, who retained the main structure while incorporating many modern architectural elements, resulting in a blend of stability and comfort. Like many owners of nostalgic buildings, Hisashi Kosuke carefully selects the shops that occupy the space, so each store here has its own distinct character and quality.

Address: 79 Mikuramachi, Kamigyo-ji Uramachi-iru, Sanjo-dori, Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto

Wooden Western-style buildings are quite rare in Kyoto. (Photo provided by Moleskine Editorial Department)

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