行程詳情
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 have survived to the present day. More importantly, however, Kanazawa has long fostered a culture of preservation and reuse rather than demolition and replacement. Instead of viewing historic buildings as relics of the past, the people of Kanazawa have continuously adapted them to meet changing lifestyles and evolving needs.
Kanazawa Machiya are traditional wooden townhouses built before 1950 that embody the history, culture, and way of life of Kanazawa. The term encompasses merchant houses, samurai-related residences, and early modern Japanese homes that have been carefully preserved and thoughtfully adapted for contemporary use.
This tour offers rare access to a carefully curated selection of private buildings that are not normally open to the public. Each property reflects the craftsmanship, architectural harmony, and lifestyle of a different period in Kanazawa's history, providing a unique glimpse into the city's rich architectural and cultural heritage.
Most of Kanazawa's machiya were built between the late Edo period and the early Shōwa era, representing more than a century of architectural evolution. Many feature the characteristic narrow and deep floor plan known as the "eel's bed" (unagi no nedoko), lattice-fronted façades, inner courtyards that bring natural light and ventilation into the home, and deep eaves designed to withstand the region's heavy snowfall and rainfall.
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 thoughtfully transformed into cafés, restaurants, galleries, boutique hotels, shops, offices, and contemporary homes adapted to modern lifestyles.
This exclusive tour invites you to explore Kanazawa's unique machiya culture alongside an architect who has played an active role in their preservation and renewal. Discover the architectural ideas and local wisdom embedded within these historic buildings, and learn how they can be adapted for contemporary living while remaining true to their original spirit.
Through the eyes of an architect, you will gain insights that extend far beyond ordinary sightseeing, revealing the stories, design principles, and craftsmanship that have shaped Kanazawa's architectural heritage and urban culture.
Along the way, you will also encounter inspiring examples of collaboration between architects and local artisans—including ceramic artists—who have worked together to breathe new life into historic machiya through sensitive and innovative renovation projects.
Rather than simply preserving old buildings as monuments of the past, Kanazawa has embraced a philosophy of celebrating their beauty while allowing them to evolve for contemporary life. Experience the distinctive culture of Kanazawa machiya, where tradition and innovation continue to coexist in remarkable harmony.
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
行程詳情
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
最低成行人數*
最高成行人數*
2
8