The sophisticated appearance of a Kyo-Machiya house, composed of "senbon" (a thousand) lattices, tiled roofs, street eaves, and "mushiko" (insect cage) windows, is based on the rational standardized system of dimensions and materials. 

”Keraba”
The edge of the gable end of the roof is called "keraba". As the Kyo-Machiya is bordered by neighboring houses, the "keraba" is overlapped to prevent rainwater from entering either building. 

"Odo” Sliding Door
The "odo" was used for loading and unloading large items, and the "kugurido" side door on the "odo" was used for daily access.

”Mushiko" (insect cage) window
Until the Meiji period (1868-1912), Kyoto-Machiya houses were built with low floor heights and the lattices on the second floor windows were painted with earth to prevent the spread of fire from across the street. They were called "mushiko" windows because of their appearance. 

Shoki-san 
A small statue of Shoki-san on the eaves of the street.
He is a god protecting people from evil, based on the legend that he drove away the plague in the Tang Dynasty in China.

In order to create and maintain a beautiful cityscape - which its residents love and are proud of - there are  buildings and living　codes to be followed. In particular,  the design of Kyo-Machiya is characterized by the　harmonious interconnectedness between individual houses and the townscape.

A Kyo-Machiya is a single building on a single site, but it is one of the many buildings that make up a town. While the appearance of each building differs in detail, a simple but refine design that avoids disturbing the harmony of the whole has been handed down  in observance of collaborative building regulations.

Subtle differences in the height of the ridge and eaves, the design of the lattice, the sign, and the roofing material of the street eaves create a nuanced aesthetic townscape.

     Kyo-Machiya houses symbolize the landscape of Kyoto refined over a thousand years and represent the city's profound lifestyle and culture. They are a treasure not only for Kyoto but for Japan and the world. Through these Kyo-Machiya houses, we can get a glimpse of the lifestyle aesthetics,  living philosophy, and refined sense of beauty that Japanese people have cherished and passed down from generation to generation.　
     For the preservation of these houses, the city of Kyoto formulated the Kyoto Machiya Revitalization Plan in 2000, and in recent years, Kyo-Machiya houses have been used not only as residences, but also as art, commercial, and cultural facilities. 

The Kyo-Machiya originated in the middle of the Heian period (794-1185), and the prototype of today's Kyo- Machiya was formed in the middle of the Edo period (1603-1868). From the end of the Taisho period to the beginning of the Showa period (1926-1989), the style was influenced by Western-style architecture.

The Heian period (794-1185)
The Kyo-Machiya was a small hut facing the street.

The Muromachi period (1333-1573)
Kyoto-Machiya houses standing side by side

The Edo period (1603-1868)
The prototype of today's Kyo-Machiya was formed.

The Meiji　(1868-1912), Taisho　(1912-1926), and Showa (1926-1989) periods
Changes in second floor height and exterior design

The Heisei period (1989-1991) to the present
The loss of Kyo-Machiya houses and the growing movement to preserve and pass yhem on

Japan Housing Finance Agency Renovation Loan (Seismic Retrofitting) 
​Apply to JHF by mail or at a financial institution. 

Japan Housing Finance Agency (JHF) notifies the result of loan screening 

​Upon construction completion inspection, obtain a certificate of compliance for home improvement work, and submit it to the financial institution handling the project. 
*Submit the "Notice of Grant Decision for Kyoto-type Seismic and Fire Prevention Renovation Support Subsidy Utilizing the Wisdom of Local Artisans" issued by the City of Kyoto at the time of the construction completion inspection for the  of the JHF renovation loan. ​

Kyoto City "Machi no Takumi" Project Subsidies
Apply for the grant to the Kyoto (Miyako) Anshin Sumai Center (Deadline: March 1, 2022) ​

Kyoto City will notify the result of screening. 

This loan is available for those whose are planning seismic retrofitting work for their house.
​*The loan conditions vary depending on the age of the borrower at the time of application. 

There are two types of loans: 
(1)　Renovation Loan (Seismic Retrofitting) 
(2)　Renovation Loan (Seismic Retrofitting): Special Repayment Provisions for the Elderly

Use of funds: Funds required for certified earthquake-resistant renovation or earthquake-resistant reinforcement work on a house. 
*Funds can be used not only for your own residence, but also for your relative's residence, second house, vacant house, or house leased to a third party. 
Maximum Amount: 15 million yen (100,000 yen or more, in increments by 10,000 yen) 
*The upper limit is the construction cost of the housing portion.
*The loan amount may be reduced for those who receive subsidies from the national or local government for renovation work. 
Interest Rate: The interest rate at the time of application is applied for the entire term (fixed interest rate).
*The interest rate of the loan will vary depending on the type of group credit life insurance. 
​*For details on loan interest rates and the latest interest rates, please refer to the Japan Housing Finance Agency website.
Repayment Period:  Within the shorter of the following (1) or (2) (in one-year increments) 
(1) 20 years
(2) Maximum repayment period based on age: "80 years old": Either the age at the time of application for the loan (rounded up to the nearest 1 year) of the applicant or the person whose income is combined (*1)(*2). Whichever is older is applied.
*1 When the amount of income to be combined exceeds 50% of the income of the person whose income is to be combined. 
*2 The age of the successor in the case of parent-child relay repayment. 

Use of funds: Funds required for certified earthquake-resistant renovation or earthquake-resistant reinforcement work on a house. 
Maximum Amount: Whichever is lower of the following (1) or (2) 
(1) 15 million yen (100,000 yen or more, in increments by 10,000 yen) 
*The upper limit is the construction cost of the housing portion.
*The loan amount may be reduced for those who receive subsidies from the national or local government for renovation work. 
(2) Maximum amount guaranteed by a guarantor approved by JFH
*The Foundation for Senior Citizens' Housing is the guarantor organization approved by JFH.
Interest Rate: The interest rate at the time of application is applied for the entire term (fixed interest rate).
​*For details on loan interest rates and the latest interest rates, please refer to the Japan Housing Finance Agency website.
Repayment Period:   Until the death of all applicants (including joint guarantors)​

Feature 1: The repayment period is limited to the time of death of all applicants (including co-debtors), and the monthly payment is limited to interest only. This repayment method reduces the monthly burden compared to the regular repayment method (equal repayment of principal and/or interest).
Feature 2: The principal of the loan is to be repaid in a lump sum by the heirs upon the death of all applicants (including joint debtors) through the sale of the loaned house and land, refinancing loan from JFH, or personal funds. 
*​ The total repayment amount when using the special repayment method for the elderly will exceed the total repayment amount when not using the method. 

Full-scale seismic retrofitting and repair work 
Repair costs:  
Seismic retrofit costs + Repair costs (e.g. plumbing) ⇒ 10 million yen
​Financial planning: 
"Machi no Takumi Jigyo" subsidy for  full-scale seismic retrofitting (*3) ⇒ 1.2 million yen　
Japan Housing Finance Agency renovation loan (seismic retrofitting) ⇒ 8 million yen
Personal funds ⇒ 800 thousand yen
​ (*3)This is an example of a construction project of less than 120 m² that complies with the current earthquake resistance standards.

Japan Housing Finance Agency (JHF)
The following two loans are available.
*Please refer to "The Outline of JHF Reform Loan (Seismic Retrofitting)" for details.
​1. Renovation Loan (Seismic Retrofitting)(Sample Estimation)
Loan amount          : 8 million yen
Repayment period : 20 years
Interest rate           : 1.13% per annum (as of September 2021)
Fixed interest rate for the entire term/Equal repayment of principal and interest/No bonus repayment/Group credit life insurance (New Organization Danshin) coverage 

<Only for those 60 years of age or older>
​2. Renovation Loan (Seismic Retrofitting): Special Repayment Provisions for the Elderly
(Sample Estimation)
Loan amount          : 8 million yen,
Repayment period : until the passing away of all applicants (*4).
Loan interest rate  : 0.78% per annum (as of September 2021)
​Fixed interest rate for the entire term

Monthly payment (interest only) : 5,200 yen ​

(*4) The principal of the loan is to be repaid in a lump sum by the heirs upon the death of all applicants. Please note that the conditions differ from those for ordinary renovation loans (seismic retrofitting), so be sure to check "The Outline of JHF Reform Loan (Seismic Retrofitting)" for details. 

Kyoto City Housing Supply Corporation
​Kyoto Anshin Sumai Center 
Hours: 9:45 - 16:30
Tel: 075-744-1631 
(Excluding Wednesdays, national holidays and year-end and New Year holidays)

Kyoto City Urban Planning Bureau Building Guidance Department
Building Safety Promotion Division
Tel: 075-220-2013
Hours: 8:45 - 17:30
(Excluding Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and year-end and New Year holidays) 

Japan Housing Finance Agency Kinki Branch 
Regional Cooperation Group 
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Tel: 06-6281-9261
​(Excluding Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and year-end and New Year holidays) 

When carrying out "full-scale seismic retrofitting" of a Kyo-Machiya house using Kyoto City's "Machi-no-Takumi Jigyo," you can use the Japan Housing Finance Agency's "Renovation Loan (for Seismic Retrofitting)." ​Other repair works such as barrier-free work and installation of system kitchens, toilets and bath units are also eligible for the loan. 
* Kyoto City's "Machi-no-Takumi Jigyo" refers to the "Kyoto earthquake-and-fire-prevention-renovation support project utilizing the wisdom of the city's artisans." ​

The maximum subsidy amount varies depending on the type of construction work:
<For full-scale seismic retrofitting of Kyo-Machiya houses>(*1) 

• Construction work to bring existing buildings into compliance with current earthquake resistance standards: 1,200,000~3,000,000 yen(*2) 
• Construction work to secure a certain level of earthquake resistance: ​600,000 yen 

(*1) Wooden houses built in Kyoto using the traditional construction method before November22nd, 1950, are eligible for the subsidy. Seismic diagnosis and design of seismic retrofitting are required.
(*2) For buildings with a total area of more than 120㎡, the maximum subsidy amount will be increased by 10,000 yen per square meter of the excess area, up to a total of 3 million yen. An additional ¥400,000 is provided for buildings of landscape importance. 

The Kyoto City Office will dispatch a registered earthquake resistance assessment specialist to carry out a free diagnosis of your Machiya house. 
Deadline: Applications must arrive no later than Tuesday, 28 December 2021.

​Buildings Eligible for Subsidies:
Kyo-Machiya houses
*As for houses that also serve as shops, the floor area of the living area must be at least 1/2 of the total area.
​Deadline:  Applications must arrive no later than Tuesday, 1st March 2022. (Completion Report Deadline: Tuesday, 15th March, 2022)

Full-Scale Seismic Retrofitting:
Construction works to improve the overall seismic resistance of the building above a certain level, based on the seismic retrofit design 
​Maximum amount: 3.4 million yen
​*The maximum amount varies depending on the total floor space and other factors.

Simplified Seismic Retrofitting:
Construction works to improve earthquake resistance by reducing the weight of roofs and installing earthquake resistant shelters.
Maximum amount: 500,000 yen 
​*The maximum amount is set for each repair work.

Fire Prevention Renovation:
Construction works to improve fire prevention by fireproofing the eaves or installing seismic breakers, etc. 
Maximum amount: 600,000 yen 
​*The maximum amount is set for each repair work.

Note: There is also a support project to promote the removal of dangerous block walls, etc. (Maximum amount: 150,000 yen). 

Contact: Kyoto Anshin Sumai Center
Tel: 075-744-1631 
Operating hours: 9:45~11:30, 13:00~16:30 (Telephone: 9:30~17:00) 
Excluding Wednesdays, national holidays and year-end and New Year holidays (29 December to 3 January)