This website is a study project concerned with the traditional town houses of Kyōto, Japan. 
The main purpose is to make clear what these so called machiya are and what makes them special. 

Clicking on "What are Kyō-machiya?" will lead you to an introduction to the history of the traditional town houses in Kyōto and the current situation of them. Furthermore, the characteristic layout of kyō-machiya as well as lucky charms and guardian deities who are believed to protect the houses from fire and evil are introduced.

"Architecture" will lead you to a collection of different types of machiya, as well as some special architectural features these houses have both on the inside as well as the outside. The purpose of every feature will be explained, and, where possible, pictures help to visualise them.

The tab "Where to find them" provides seven areas which I recommend visiting in order to see some very well preserved and beautifully redone machiya as well as some specific houses that can be – and are worth to be – visited.