Kyo-Machiya Houses in the "Roji" Alley

What Are Kyo-Machiya Houses in the "Roji" Alley?

Kyo-Machiya houses stand side by side facing the passage of the alley.
In the alleyway, a step away from the main street, the passage becomes part of the outdoor living space.
It can also serve as a safe, car-free playground for children. This is where people lead a peaceful life, caring for each other and their neighbors.  Many Kyo-Machiya houses can be found in such alleys.

A secluded alleyway with stone-paved streets
*When entering the alley, try not to disturb the residents.

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The First Floor Layout
① Entrance earthen floor
② Passage garden
③ Front room
④ Kitchen ( middle room )
⑤ Tatami room ( back Room)

​A Kyo-Machiya house facing an alley:
This is a relatively small, single-row, three-room house but has all the Kyo-Machiya elements.

Space in the Alleyways

Alleyways are an important living space.
The alleyways are cleaned and sprinkled with water by the residents so that everyone can pass through comfortably and pleasantly.

Potted flowers and greenery are placed under the eaves facing the alleyway, creating a peaceful, quint atmosphere with the lattice windows and palm bamboos.

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The Design of a Kyo-Machiya House in the Alley

Kyo-Mchiya in the alley
Stepping away from the bustle of the main street and going inside, you will find a row of Kyo-Machiya houses across the passage. You can feel the warmth and coziness of these houses, where people live in harmony.

A front reception room, where sunlight streams in through the latticed windows. A screen and flowers welcome guests.

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The view of the garden from a tatami room
The soft sunlight tells that spring is around the corner.

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The three-tatami-mat kitchen
Behind the dark-brown sliding doors, on the right side is a storage space, and  on the left side are the stairs to the second floor.

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The atrium fire escape filled with light from high windows.
A talisman for " Fire Safety" guards the Kyo-Machiya.
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A well-tended small garden with "wabisuke-tsubaki" (camellia japonica), "yamabuki"  (Japanese rose), and a washbasin in a small garden, surrounded by a wooden fence. 

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A steep staircase. Sometimes, it is hidden in a closet.

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A tatami room on the second floor
This room is furnished with quaint furnishings and has a relaxed atmosphere.

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