Tour Overview
Explore the Past, Present, and Future of Kanazawa Machiya with an Architect
Kanazawa is one of the few cities in Japan where a remarkable number of traditional townhouses, known as machiya, still survive today.
Because the city escaped much of the destruction caused by war and large-scale redevelopment, many historic buildings remained. More importantly, however, the people of Kanazawa have long embraced a culture of preserving and reusing rather than replacing. Rather than treating old buildings simply as historical artifacts, they have continuously adapted them to suit changing lifestyles and new needs.
Kanazawa Machiya are traditional wooden buildings constructed before 1950 that embody the history, culture, and way of life of Kanazawa. The term includes merchant houses, samurai-related residences, and early modern Japanese homes that continue to be preserved and adapted for contemporary use.
The tour include rare access to carefully selected private buildings that are not usually open to the public. Each property reflects the craftsmanship, spatial harmony, and way of life of a different historical period
Most of Kanazawa's machiya were built between the late Edo period and the early Showa era, spanning more than a century of architectural history. Many feature the characteristic narrow and deep floor plan known as the "eel's bed" (unagi no nedoko), lattice facades facing the street, inner courtyards that bring light and ventilation into the building, and deep eaves designed to cope with heavy snowfall and rain.
The architecture of Kanazawa machiya reflects both the refined culture of the samurai class and the practicality of merchant life. Their understated elegance and exceptional craftsmanship can still be found in countless architectural details throughout the city.
Today, these historic buildings continue to evolve. While preserving their original character, many machiya have been transformed into cafés, restaurants, galleries, boutique hotels, shops, offices, and contemporary homes suited to modern lifestyles.
This special tour invites you to explore Kanazawa's unique machiya culture alongside an architect who has been directly involved in their preservation and renewal.
What architectural ideas and local wisdom are hidden within these buildings?
How can historic structures be adapted for modern life while preserving their original spirit?
Through the eyes of an architect, you will discover stories and perspectives that go far beyond ordinary sightseeing and gain a deeper understanding of Kanazawa's architectural heritage and urban culture.
There are also examples of collaborations between architects and local artisans, including ceramic artists, who have worked together to breathe new life into historic machiya through thoughtful renovation projects.
More than simply preserving old buildings, Kanazawa has embraced a philosophy of revealing and enhancing their beauty while allowing them to evolve for contemporary life.
Experience the unique culture of Kanazawa machiya, where tradition and innovation continue to coexist.
Highlights
• Guided by an architect involved in actual machiya preservation and renovation projects
• Enjoy rare access to selected private machiya not usually open to the public
• Discover architectural evolution from the late Edo period to the early Showa era
• Learn about the distinctive "eel's bed" layout unique to Japanese townhouses
• Experience traditional architectural elements such as lattice façades, earthen floors, courtyards, and deep eaves
• Visit examples of machiya successfully transformed into cafés, hotels, shops, and creative spaces
• Ideal for architecture enthusiasts, designers, and those interested in urban regeneration and cultural heritage
Tour Details
105,000 yen/ 2 persons
*105,000 yen is up to 2 persons. An additional fee of ¥5,000 is charged for each additional person.
*There is an additional charge of 15,000 yen for guides in languages other than English.
◎Schedule
<Ex.>
8:55 Meet
-9:30 Traditional Machiya
-10:00 Modern Machiya 1
-11:00 Modern Machiya 2
*We can arrange the schedule as per your request.
◎Payment Method : By Credit Card / PayPal
＞Payment and Cancellation Details
Number of guests required for this tour/experience to take place
Minimum number of guests*
Maximum number of guests*
2
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