Consultation on how to renovate a Kyoto townhouse
If you're considering renovating a Kyoto townhouse but don't know any construction companies, or are unsure how to proceed, please consult the Kyoto City Landscape and Urban Development Center. We'll provide advice on renovation methods and other related matters, working alongside experts with extensive experience handling Kyoto townhouses, all registered with Kyoto City.
> Kyoto townhouse consultations
Kyoto townhouse subsidy program (Kyoto townhouse renovation subsidy)
To promote the preservation and transmission of Kyoto townhouses, which are symbols of Kyoto's streetscape, history, and culture, we will subsidize a portion of the costs incurred for renovation work on these townhouses!
The system has been significantly improved since fiscal year 2026.Please see the flyer for an overview of the program.
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> "Kyoto Machiya Renovation Subsidy" flyer (A3 size) (PDF)
> "Kyoto Machiya Renovation Subsidy" flyer (A4 size) (PDF)
This section has been significantly improved since fiscal year 2026!
Regarding the acceptance of applications for the 2026 fiscal year.
Applications will be accepted starting April 1, 2026.
Please note that applications for the 2026 fiscal year will close once the budget is exhausted.
A guide outlining key points for preparing documents related to subsidies.
> Application Guide (April 2026) (PDF)
Subsidy rate/subsidy limit amount
*1 The total amount of subsidies for interior work and equipment installation, etc., is capped at 1 million yen.
*2 The maximum subsidy amount for interior construction and equipment installation is 1.2 million yen each.
What is special exterior construction...?
Exterior construction work on Kyoto townhouses that have few historical form or design elements,This construction project will transform the building's exterior into a model of traditional Kyoto townhouse form and design.This refers to construction work carried out after the completion of the subsidized project in order to designate the Kyoto townhouse as an individually designated Kyoto townhouse.A requirement is that the property be designated as an individually designated Kyoto townhouse after the completion of the subsidized project.
Examples of subsidized construction projects
Application process
※ Please enter into a contract for construction work and commence construction only after receiving the grant approval.
* Applications will close each year once the budget is exhausted. Please contact us as early as possible, as preliminary consultations may take approximately one month.
* By utilizing the proxy receipt system (a system in which a construction contractor authorized by the applicant can receive the subsidy on behalf of the applicant), the applicant's temporary financial burden can be reduced.
Kyoto townhouses eligible for subsidies
A Kyoto townhouse refers to a wooden building constructed before 1950 that possesses a traditional structure and a form or design (such as a flat-roofed entrance) that originated from urban life.
Please check our website for the designation status (individual and district) of Kyoto townhouses.
> Definition of "Kyomachiya"
> List of designated areas
> List of Designated Kyoto Machiya Houses
Requirements for Kyoto townhouse subsidy
* The construction contractor must be a person (including individual business owners) whose head office or principal place of business is located within the city limits (however, this does not apply if the subcontractor is a business located within the city limits).
* You agree to allow the details of the subsidized project to be featured as an example in the city's public relations materials, etc.
* If the Kyoto townhouse eligible for the subsidy is a specially designated Kyoto townhouse, a sign indicating that it is a specially designated Kyoto townhouse must be installed in a location visible to the general public.
* If you receive a subsidy for interior construction work, after the completion of the subsidized project, you should endeavor to make all or part of the subsidized building available for public use, such as as a community exchange center, or to make it public by disseminating information such as photographs about the condition of the building's interior that reflects local life and culture.
Important Notes
* The bank account at the financial institution (note) to which the subsidy will be transferred must be in the name of the applicant.
(Note) This applies only to financial institutions listed in the list of financial institutions using the nationwide interbank system.
* If you do not expect to complete the subsidized project by the deadline for submitting the completion report (February 14th), please contact us by December 1st.
* If the subsidized building is demolished or the subsidized portion is significantly altered within 10 years of the completion of the subsidized project, the recipient of the subsidy will be required to return the subsidy to Kyoto City.
Kyoto City Machiya Renovation Subsidy Grant Guidelines, Forms, etc.
(Please note that the forms used in previous years cannot be used.)
> Guidelines for the Grant of Subsidies for the Renovation of Kyoto Machiya Houses (PDF)
> Renovation Form 1 (Application Form) (Word)
> Renovation Form 2 (Consent Form) (Word)
> Renovation Form 3 (Subsidy Amount Calculation Sheet) (Excel)
> Modification Form 4 (Application for Approval of Changes) (Word)
> Renovation Form 5 (Report on Suspension/Abolition of Subsidized Project) (Word)
> Renovation Form 6 (Performance Report) (Word)
> Renovation Form 7 (Subsidy Invoice) (Word)
> Modification Form 8 (Prior Notification Form for Proxy Receipt) (Word)
> Renovation Form 9 (Power of Attorney for Proxy Receipt) (Word)
> Modification Form 10 (Withdrawal Notification Regarding Proxy Receipt) (Word)
> (Reference) Breakdown of expenses incurred for the subsidized project (Excel)
> (Reference) Confirmation sheet for disclosure requirements in internal construction work (Word)
> (Reference) Questionnaire (Word)
Renovation examples utilizing subsidies
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| Exterior restoration (Provided by: Inoguchi Tatami Shop, Sunao Sekkeisha Kitaoji, Yamasawa Construction) |
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| Restoration of joinery | ||
Kyomachiya Town Development Fund
The Kyoto Machiya Town Development Fund (organized by the Kyoto City Landscape and Town Development Center) supports the preservation, regeneration, and utilization of Kyoto townhouses with the aim of inheriting and developing Kyoto's unique culture of living, space, and town development.Renovation of Kyoto townhouses and other buildings, which are closely related to urban development activities and contribute to the formation of a good landscape and culture.We offer the following two types of renovation subsidy programs:
1. Renovation work to renovate a traditional Kyoto townhouse that will serve as a base for community development activities.
2. Restoration of historical townscapes through integrated efforts involving multiple buildings.
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"Before renovating a Kyoto townhouse."
As part of efforts to preserve and pass on Kyoto townhouses, and to promote renovations that make the most of the charm of Kyoto townhouses, we have created a booklet titled "Before You Renovate a Kyoto Townhouse" (created by the Kyoto City Landscape and Urban Development Center) which summarizes points to keep in mind during design and construction, and we are distributing it free of charge.
This booklet incorporates the opinions of practitioners who have worked on numerous renovations of Kyoto townhouses to suit new lifestyles and uses. We hope that businesses, designers, and contractors involved in the renovation of Kyoto townhouses will find it useful as a reference.
* This information is available on the Kyoto City Landscape and Urban Development Center's website and is also distributed at the center and the Kyoto City Machiya Preservation and Inheritance Office.
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"Kyoto Machiya's Things to Do"
In Kyoto City, the "Kyoto Machiya What You Can Do" guide has been created with the aim of ensuring the smooth and appropriate preservation and utilization of Kyoto Machiya by clearly outlining what can be preserved and utilized in accordance with the Building Standards Act, clarifying areas where there may be confusion regarding the application of the Building Standards Act, and explaining appropriate renovation methods and procedures that can be carried out based on the current Building Standards Act. It is intended to be useful for a wide range of people, including owners, designers, and builders, so please make use of it in order to continue using Kyoto Machiya while making necessary improvements.
Dispatch of earthquake resistance inspectors for Kyoto townhouses
※ Applications accepted via the internetWe are doing this.
This applies to Kyoto townhouses whose construction began before November 22, 1950.Free dispatch of earthquake resistance assessment specialistsFurthermore, we conduct seismic assessments to evaluate the safety against earthquakes. After the assessment, we provide advice and information on seismic retrofitting based on the assessment results.
In addition, a seismic diagnosis specialist will create a basic plan (excluding floor plans, interior design plans, etc.) that will serve as a reference for future seismic retrofitting.(Self-payment of 20,000 yen)。
<Application deadline for fiscal year 2025>
Friday, December 26, 2020
> Dispatch of seismic diagnosis specialists for wooden houses and Kyoto townhouses (This link will take you to the Kyoto City Information Center)
> Application form for dispatching earthquake resistance assessment specialists (This will take you to an external website)
If Kyoto City confirms that the project qualifies as a "full-scale seismic retrofitting," you can utilize the Japan Housing Finance Agency's "Renovation Loan (Seismic Retrofitting Work)."
> Home renovation loans (earthquake-resistant renovation work) from the Japan Housing Finance Agency
We wanted to carry out a large-scale renovation while preserving the Kyoto townhouse feel.
1. Support Project for Formulating Large-Scale Repair and Remodeling Plans for Kyoto Townhouses
To preserve the charm of Kyoto's alleyways while improving disaster prevention capabilities in the many alleyways remaining in densely populated urban areas, we support the planning (planning and design) for large-scale repairs or renovations to improve the seismic and fire resistance of Kyoto townhouses located at the back of alleyways.
> We will support the development of plans so that large-scale repairs can be carried out on the machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouses) located in the back alleys (This will take you to the Kyoto City Information Center).
2. Preservation and utilization of historical buildings (exemption from the Building Standards Act)
When attempting to add extensions or change the use of historical buildings such as Kyoto townhouses, it is necessary to comply with the current Building Standards Act, which can make it difficult to continue using them while preserving their landscapely and culturally valuable designs and forms.
Therefore, our city is working to maintain and improve the safety of buildings, thereby exempting them from the application of the Building Standards Act and ensuring they are passed on to future generations in good condition.
> What is the preservation and utilization of historical buildings (exemption from the Building Standards Act)? (This will take you to the Kyoto City Information Center)
"Machi no Takumi Plus" Kyoto Machiya and Wooden House Earthquake and Fire Prevention Renovation Support Project
In Kyoto City, we are further promoting earthquake-resistant construction of houses and buildings, and in order to realize Kyoto as a safe, secure, and disaster-resistant historical city, we are supporting earthquake-resistant construction by owners.
This program provides subsidies for earthquake-resistant and fire-resistant renovation work on Kyoto townhouses, such as repairing earthen walls and installing wooden fire-resistant shutters. It can be used in conjunction with subsidies for designated Kyoto townhouses (however, the work must be carried out on separate sites).
<Application period>
From April 14, 2025 to January 31, 2026
<How to apply>
Bring or mail the necessary documents to the Kyoto Safe Housing Center.