Living in Traditional Japanese Townhouses: Kyo-machiya

I never thought I'd want to live in an old Japanese house. I've always heard they're creaky and cold. However, I was surprised at how nice and cozy they could be inside. More than that, I really enjoyed how you could go back in history and feel the culture of Japan's old capital city, Kyoto, while staying in one. This video tells the story of what it's like living in traditional Japanese townhouses in Kyoto called Kyo-machiya.
Thanks to Hachise for sponsoring the video. To find out how to live in a Kyo-machiya, please visit bit.ly/2XQADDg.
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[@anne-lottedevries5484]

The older man being so proud of his lil bonsai tree made me so happy

[@youngblood1352]

Wonder what's its age

[@Nookiezilla]

@@youngblood1352 Yes

[@orbitunderground4475]

@@OpiumBride don't be racist.. be glad "these white men " are involved with other cultures... don't be yet another hater.

[@Mira-id8uo]

@@OpiumBride is it bad? Tokyo/Japan gets a lot of tourism for how different and unique it is. I think it's better someone appreciating aspect or little elements of a nation rather than hating it. He may not know the meaning but atleast he doesn't disrespect it or destroy it uniqueness. *The white man comment is very stereotypical and racist* , I'm fairly certain a handful of people that is not Japanese even other Asian would and could use the same approach and have the same mentality.

[@woozispace265]

Vivian Lee im japanese here ! Im actually happy that they like our culture and want to experience something different, all humas want to experience something different, and while the white men experienced it, they liked.

[@aristired6252]

My family is from Kyoto and we still have our *very* old house there. It’s a lot older than most (it’s been in the family for 4 or 5 generations by now) and a lot of people have told us to demolish it as old Japanese houses are not very appreciated by Japanese people. But for me it’s a connection to the family and something that I don’t want to get rid of.

[@InfernosReaper]

If a new house was built, the taxes would be very expensive. It is better to keep the classic house instead.

[@xxmabon_massacarexx707]

You should never get rid of it- And start saving up money to maybe renovate it like they said in the video

[@animekopf]

Never listen to other people (can include me also haha)

[@analidahassenmayer6309]

keep it

[@myrakhalid9918]

It is your connection to your ancestors,keep it

[@TheSnufking]

The renovated kyo-machiya are so good. You get the old aesthetics, and modern benefits like kitchen, bathroom and heating/insulation.

[@ShaferHart]

Yep. I could see myself living in a renovated one. If I wasn't broke of course.

[@0dyss3us51]

Sounds beeeautiful and lovely!

[@theneurochemist5267]

Absolutely agree Snufking. Must be incredible to own one

[@rq9gq]

not getting enough natural light would be a problem

[@PETBOY]

The straight door roof and window style is from the Chinese Tang Dynasty And Korean Baekjae. It may seem cozy because it's a wooden house, but it's a great place to live with huge molds and bugs. and be vulnerable to fire. The same is true for the houses of common people in Southeast Asia and China countryside. As you may know, most of the fungus blooms on the white doors of Japan. It turns yellow quickly. It is very difficult to manage unless it is replaced. Most Japanese are reluctant to live. Most of those areas are tourist destinations. So Many japanese want to live in Tokyo.

[@mariobart1654]

My wife's name was also Masami. She's gone last year, my Angel.

[@beautybrainsbrawn]

I'm so sorry for your loss, Sir.

[@mariobart1654]

@@beautybrainsbrawn That's life. She was so young and....

[@nursejulie3636]

So sorry ❤️

[@mariobart1654]

@@nursejulie3636 Thank You Julie. Here in my comment is a short story that she died. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmfQioGkibChh68

[@vjv9469]

God Bless her Soul with peace 🙏🙏🙏

[@JustMe-uc1lt]

Without nails? Incredible. The Japanese are such extraordinary artisans.

[@tootsownhorn5874]

It works quite well! They opt for wooden pegs. ("Nails" made of wood; ca. 1-2 cm thick and 4-8cm long) Very old houses in germany are also built using this technique.

[@nas2817]

In my country we have an old wooden palace also built without nails. Surprisingly still standing despite being almost 100 yrs old. www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/kuala-kangsar/attractions/istana-kenangan/a/poi-sig/1213924/1317181

[@stuffanthings]

Look for Green Oak Timber Framing. My best friend does it I used to make pegs which is how they are fixed in place. It's a dying trade but it's how it was done in England too.

[@_coma]

@@tootsownhorn5874 I thought they were built by creating "locking" mechanisms through doweling and joinery like Chinese architecture? Although I'm not sure

[@tootsownhorn5874]

@@_coma this is also true. Although bot everywhere in japan and only later

[@beeeff6868]

I love, love the traditional Japanese minimalist aesthetic. Its simplicity yet functional design is very appealing and environmental-friendly.

[@robward1798]

Absolutely agree, but i don't think i can live there, it is to claustrophobic for me

[@Valkonnen]

As a designer, I find the designs of Japanese Clothing, Architecture and Art not pleasing to my eye. I prefer the decorative arts of Europe.

[@は私です彼の名前]

Valkonnen just curious, where did you grow up?

[@Valkonnen]

@@は私です彼の名前 Manhattan...Why?

[@smileydog9476]

YEAH ME TOO

[@weixianng]

The disappointment in that man's eyes and voice when he had to show his daughter's messy room 😂

[@fredrikmudas]

Sorry it might not too clean When he opened the sliding door. "Yep"

[@ElisabeteDeMoraes]

I totally undertand him … my daughter is just like his. 😂

[@giorgieleven6804]

Hahahahahaha 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mapatterson173]

✨💖✨A foreign country, a foreign home, a foreign and enriching culture... and kids everywhere still drive their parents crazy.✨💖✨

[@smeagol1210]

Margaret Patterson the struggle is real

[@thepepchannel7940]

01:33 Bryn starts with the most Canadian thing ever to say: "sorry"

[@foxceles]

The words of my people lol

[@m_i_g_5108]

Sorry, but it's so funny because it doesn't make sense! Who in the world starts a sentence by apologizing. It makes no sense 😂

[@dorianphilotheates3769]

The Pep Channel - Sorry, but what’s your point, eh? Sorry... 🍁 🇨🇦 🍁

[@thepepchannel7940]

Dorian Philotheates Sorry eh, I was just messing aboot eh, sorry

[@dorianphilotheates3769]

The Pep Channel - Take off, eh? We don’t say aboot - it’s the Yanks that say a- bow-out; we say it correctly: about. Sorry, eh? No need to be sorry for a bit of messing aboot.

[@akari1605]

Bryn starting his introduction with a “sorry”. A true canadian 😂

[@microbios8586]

What was he apologizing for? 😂

[@D0MiN0ChAn]

@@microbios8586 I think nobody knows really, it's just a Canadian thing 😂

[@MsCherryPop3]

There are not many 'true' Canadians left. :(

[@rivvvers]

Sorry but that’s an English thing

[@rsvos3641]

@@MsCherryPop3 yeah cause the colonizers commited genocide of the natives so you’re right, not many true canadians are left😕

[@heyviolet9434]

I love the mistakes like, fluffed lines and children riding bikes into the cameraman. Please keep the human aspect to the videos. It's perfect.

[@Adelicows]

6:47 lol

[@orro7625]

This is probably one of the best ads I've ever seen. I don't even live in Japan and I'm browsing the properties on Hachise. Good work.

[@theneurochemist5267]

true true

[@ganymede242]

Yep, they got their money's worth from sponsoring the video.

[@joedimagio127]

Yes, that's what they are good at, marketing. So, don't be fooled by it. For example, why would you pay so much for fatty beef that is not healthy for you. Sugar coating everything... with their history, and life.... Even now, not telling the truth about radiation, coronavirus... Abe is leading the country... so what do you expect.

[@qllams]

On one hand, I agree. On the other, I wish it was more clearly stated: it took me some time to find the warning :(

[@ketal6055]

Joe Dimagio Right! Marketing is the same just about anywhere. You need to be astute and study or know the product and services being advertised or sold to you. And the same could be said for Trump, Putin, the Chinese government and many other world leaders as far as not telling the truth.

[@strasbourgeois1]

These multinational families living in beautiful homes just makes me smile. 😊

[@andrew_hmar]

The canadian guy literally introduced himself with "sorry" lol😂

[@Rishabh_Sachdev]

I came to the comments section to say this too 😂

[@Leeon_King]

LMAO!!!

[@katherandefy]

Lol

[@wengyap268]

What was that aboot?

[@mrandmrswilsoncanada]

@@wengyap268 Canadians are known for apologizing for everything, it is said they even apologize for apologizing... hope I had helped if that's what you were asking for.

[@joanofarc33]

Its interesting that its foreigners falling in love with & renovating these traditional homes.

[@PaithanNL]

Yes I noticed that too; all were foreigners. Or were married with foreigners. I understand it, I would live in one too!

[@javierpacheco8234]

Yeah that got me wondering, why locals don't want to live in these houses.

[@ganeshreddy2623]

@@javierpacheco8234 , I heard Japanese don't like old things.

[@javierpacheco8234]

@@ganeshreddy2623 probably the new generation but the old like traditional homes.

[@leonagahan9539]

@@ganeshreddy2623 Who'd you hear that from? I spent 2 weeks over there almost exclusively being taken from Old Thing to Old Thing in Old Place to Older Place

[@jaadul8695]

For me though, the most breathtaking part about kyo-machiya is the garden. I would have sit there for a long time especially when it's raining . Where you can see the rain falling beautifully on the bonsai. Just imagine it makes me so happy🤩😆

[@julieabot4154]

Its cold

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

And in the center of a busy urban environment! Imagine coming home and entering that private haven...or should I say "heaven!"

[@DanielYe-jg7uh]

yes, i would do that too

[@highfleet]

Not to blow things out of proportions, but the man has a family crest.

[@shashanksetty8110]

Sasukeeeeeeeeeeee

[@Psychol-Snooper]

Most western families have crests associated with their names.

[@arthurpenndragon6434]

They do?? @@Psychol-Snooper

[@Psychol-Snooper]

@@arthurpenndragon6434 If you type a family name followed by "family crest" or "coat of arms" you will find some crests associated with those families.

[@highfleet]

@@Psychol-Snooper Maybe for some old families that can trace their genealogy. Most western families don't have a crest or coat of arms. Or maybe you are refering to a certain country.

[@bridgetownforge4255]

Lived in a machiya in Kyoto for 5 years, some time ago. It was a great house, and I still miss it.

[@someavailablehandlename]

The Older couple looked so content and proud of their house and what they have accomplished, almost teared me up a bit in awe. I wish to be like them one day..

[@horseenthusiast1250]

I didn't know you could stay in some guest houses for a month at a time! One of my goals is to travel to Japan and spend around three months there at least (one month in Kyoto, two or more months touring the rest of the country), and I've always wanted to stay in a very traditional house there. I'm so glad it's feasible!!

[@Stierenkloot]

You can say indefinitely anywhere

[@FirefoxisredExplorerisblueGoog]

1:33 That's the most Canadian introduction I've ever heard.

[@marycandullo526]

I LOVE YOUR NAME: so apropos!

[@namsayn3179]

Sorrrrry bud but your absolutely correct...sorry

[@Syn]

I want to move to Japan even more now. I'm making my Animal Crossing island based off Japan and the gardens inside of the homes was a good source of inspiration, thank you!

[@YummyYue]

damn good to see you again i used to watch you back in the days for the pixel gun mods lol

[@verlax8956]

nice

[@houdachhadie4336]

Did you move to Japan?

[@contactsan12]

Yes first what the movie the house the Kid ghost

[@lsophial]

Go and never come back.

[@marcuspvxea]

These traditional homes also brings alot of peace and stress realse to you, it also looks extremely comfy and neutral colors that would help with the first. So in a sense its more of just a home and I'd def be interested in one myself since i'm in love with these traditional houses from a start

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

It's the warmth of the natural materials that appeals to me - the woods, the fabrics, the way light is filtered, the incorporation of a tiny bit of nature (the small personal garden) into the design. The only issue that would give me pause would be the soundproofing - I don't want to live in a place where the older building materials/techniques are unable to filter out the modern level of sound we inflict upon ourselves and each other.

[@loudmarble8751]

These houses are so beautiful, I especially love the one owned by that french gentleman and his wife

[@rachelcosta2099]

Me too.

[@jasygirl]

I recommend this channel to my geography teacher when we were doing Japan.

[@jellypopcorn]

I visited Japan for the first time two years ago. I loved how rich the culture was everywhere you go. It worries me the trade of these kinds of things are being slowly forgotten as the cookie cutter homes come in.

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

It's the same everywhere - young generations look forward, not back. Align yourself with preservation groups, wherever you live, and fight to retain some of the unique flavor of the places you live in. We're letting development turn us all into vast cookie cutter metropolises that are indistinguishable no matter where you are. I've traveled a lot in my job, and more and more often, I find you can check in to your hotel, drop your stuff and head out for a walk, and, unless the population is visibly different, you can't even tell what part of the world you are in, much less what city.

[@addiomondo4493]

Once this pandemic is over I am heading and visiting Japan. I am in my 40s I have kept postponing it because of the distance, even though I have always felt attracted by this country. Now I am done. Once the vaccine is available and we all are safe, I’ll visit Japan. I am too interested in their history and culture! See you soon, Japan (fingers crossed) Greetings from Milan

[@cestmoi5702]

I’ll go with you! I’m your neighbor in France!

[@simik4981]

I’ll send my son with you two :) He’s American but has a Japanese soul.

[@lunalea1250]

Gooooo as soon as possible and best wishes!🥳✈⏳

[@googiegress]

Kyoto is beautiful, and very walkable. I hope you have a great time :)

[@majac493]

1 year ago. Did you do it? Did you visit japan? ❤😁

[@Sunnyso24]

Why don’t they build new ones to look traditional in every way possible but still meet current building standards? That way they can still preserve the architectural culture. I know it’s not the same but it’s much better than a soulless modern build (in my opinion).

[@shirinkriklava8447]

lol my mom is doing that in europe

[@totalmadnesman]

Probably cost.

[@shanellaj]

That's awesome

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

He did explain a bit, that the younger Japanese people want their country to be modern, and they want to live with all the modern conveniences and looks and not as throwbacks to the past. Like all of us, they won't know what they've got 'til it's gone.

[@KantoCafe715]

They do

[@arasharfa]

Kyoto is the most beautiful place i've ever been to.I often pinch myself because it felt like a dream being there. It actually was the first time I had been excited about life in years. I have a new understanding for material and space now.

[@farisasmith7109]

Love the natural light and the warmth. The garden in the middle give it that outside on the inside feeling. Very peaceful and uncluttered.

[@jeromeclemente3672]

coming from a tropical country, That heater in 5:59 is my MVP when I wen to Japan during early Spring.

[@divergence_tiffanyramos4337]

I'm enamored with the kyomachia homes featured in this video. 🏯 They're becoming precious, and rare jewels within the city. I'm pleased to know that people are trying to preserve the history of these homes. It would be a dream come true to own one. They're absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing such a beautifully done video.🌱

[@kennethyeo4165]

so nice to live in a place with such a rich history and culture, a dream home for me, perhaps in my next life

[@deannakinsman6790]

I love the simplistic peaceful calming designs...and the gardens are fantastic. The culture calls to me!!

[@cyberponiez]

This video is so professionally made and is absolutely beautiful and informative. Thanks for another great watch

[@axomiyabonggal4075]

I love your videos ♥️ they give such a beautiful insight about Japan and it's culture from a non-japanese perspective.

[@ubuntuber1619]

मुझे भी dey.

[@argo12]

I'm just so glad there's so much Japanese history and culture content on KZbin. It's been nearly five years since my first visit and it left a lifetime impression. We spent one day with a lovely tour guide in Nara, saw some great sites in Kyoto and Osaka, and basically took the trains to crowded places in Tokyo. I would love to go again for a few months and soak it all in. First trip was 10 days, just not enough time!

[@user-ew5mu9ny2t]

I love Kyoto! Clean and tidy streets, ancient buildings still remaining and a large number of ancient temples. In the winter of 2018, I lived in Kyoto for three days. I hope I can go to Kyoto again after the epidemic, and I want to live for three months or more

[@jama211]

I miss it so much 😭

[@Big-Wonka]

When I was just in Japan 2 weeks ago I stayed in one of these houses while in Kyoto. My friends and I stayed in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima and this style in Kyoto was by far all of our favorite house. We still aren't sure if it was two houses before because it was skinny but kind of long with two separate full bathrooms, washers, and kitchens. The rooms almost mirrored each other lengthwise and were separated by a peaceful garden in the middle. But a hallway connected the two halves. Either way, this style house was awesome and if I ever move to Japan like I want to then I'll definitely look for this style house in Kyoto Edit: 3:55 he answered my question lol

[@xuan1632]

they're all so beautiful!

[@neilcuevas5787]

I really love and fascinated by the culture of the Japanese. Hoping to go there very soon and visit some Kyo-machiya ❤️

[@WinstonWilliamsofficial]

These houses look amazing, the design is impeccable, cozy, and calming.

[@Redwater_media]

There's something so comforting about traditional Japanese architecture.

[@tomtucjr]

Dear God those renovations are gorgeous

[@allgoo1964]

tomtucjr says: "Dear God those renovations are gorgeous" == I'd prefer no renovation. I would go to end of the world to find a traditional craftsman to repair it in the original way as possible as it can be.

[@menmentantan5591]

@@allgoo1964 As we have a plenty of Old Wooden Buildings, it is not difficult to find a Skillful Carpenter in Japan. So no need to worry about maintenance and reform and Renovations. (They would provide you some skill with reasonable cost) But Before purchase Kyoto House, I shall strongly recommend you to 'Rent' and experience Mid. Summer and Winter. When I was a college student I spent first 2 years with Room Share in Machiya House. and were really annoyed with in convenience and Hot Summer and COLD winter. Then escaped to normal condo and stayed the remaining 2 years.

[@allgoo1964]

@@menmentantan5591 says: "and were really annoyed with in convenience and Hot Summer and COLD winter." == I was born in Japan and grew up in Japan till 25 yr old. 4 out of those 25 years in non-traditional Japanese house(college dormitory, concrete building) No problem. We even had more problems you probably didn't have in country side. Mosquitoes. Our backyard was directly facing bamboo forest and behind the forest was a wetland and a river made it perfect for mosquitoes to grow. Kaya(mosquioto net) was a necessity of life. And Kincho katori-senko(Mosquito swirl) www.google.com/search?q=Japanese+mosquito+net+Kaya&client=firefox-b-1-d&sxsrf=ACYBGNRsOrhpTfAptlBDBDP2YQIht4oPyw:1569298194538&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiDhbqry-jkAhUDPK0KHRQ0DvgQ_AUIESgB&biw=1276&bih=948 encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTvYfH2fFGxUZPblbE44GeXiFJkdeLUe3tccalrw1NCZnPvRyGL Annoying? No. It was just part of our life.

[@menmentantan5591]

@@allgoo1964 OK , You are suppose to be a type of person who could enjoy some (In convenience) as a (Cultural feature). Please help old house in Kyoto to survive and enjoy.

[@allgoo1964]

@@menmentantan5591 says: "Please help old house in Kyoto to survive and enjoy." == I have no interest. Which part of Japan do you live, by the way?

[@olliepopAMV]

The Canadian starts his sentence with “sorry” 😂

[@OlObuffalo]

no he didn't ;)

[@Luca-tg4ly]

@@OlObuffalo he did

[@ChucklePottery]

I'm impressed when I heard the owner had a family Crest

[@goodnightmyprince6734]

Anyone can have or make a family crest. I have one to but don't use it cuz my white ancestors were slave owners.

[@Jobe-13]

Goodnightmyprince * Don’t want people thinking you’re a closeted Klansman or something. 😂

[@spmamabear]

I grew up in Finland and studied structural engineering and architecture, and there's a shared love between the two cultures for simple, natural materials, and a certain curated minimalism that makes the people living in the space the focal point, rather than the busy space they live in. The shape of the machiya dictating how the house is laid out is part of its charm. The confines of the available lot and the need to arrange rooms in relation to direct street access led to a house style that's unique to old urban Japan.

[@beautywinsfails8867]

Thank you for this! I love Kyoto and traditional Japanese homes. I have only been to Japan twice, but I had a strong desire to stay long-term each time. There is something beautiful and magical about Japan…I just cannot explain it.

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

you are right about that

[@brianmiller4207]

Oh, I think I'm coming close to the end of my life, I always dreamed of going to Japan. Thank you for your videos, they make me happy.

[@puddleglummarshwiggle4236]

I hope you have assurance of where you're going when that time comes. The Bible is free to listen to here on yt and the creator has a plan for why he made each one of us! Much love to you and your loved ones.

[@marywall5262]

My Japanese mother survived the Atomic bombs at age 9. Her family’s home in Tokyo was this traditional style. These homes are in her family’s pictures, and they are absolutely a gem.

[@gfdsa2866]

0:27 I love the front yard. It's so cozy.

[@SuperUlzzang77]

The grudge memories are just flooding back

[@tmdavidson1478]

I have such admiration for traditional Japanese craftsmanship. I hope more of these homes can be preserved.

[@servancastillo986]

beautifully renovated homes, and preservation and respect of their history.

[@Zimonov]

Well since the video wished that we share what the area we live in across the world looks like i'd be happy to oblige! I actually live in a fairly traditional Swedish apartment nowadays in an area called Hushagen that was built to house workers for the local steel mill SSAB in Borlänge, Dalarna prefecture. After the 1910's it was made into apartments for regular citizens of the town that had sprung up around the mill. The architecture is traditionally swedish with wood houses, painted in coppersulfate red dye from the local mines with white cornerplanks and windows. The windows are two piece, dual windows with midsections and the roofs are covered with orange ceramic tiles. Each house consists of between two to twelve apartments surrounded by trees and a lot of outhouses that were probably used both for toolsheds, carriages, woodstorage and lavoratories. The apartment houses are a bit away from eachother with green lawns and gravel roads inbetween. The residents of the apartments have full control and responsibility for the gardens outside as well so that's a great plus.

[@lilianalimon301]

Hi Cecilia that's really cool that Mexican women was amazingly happy to live in japan I'm from Jalisco Mexico

[@waterandsand4845]

Liliana Limon my dad is from Jalisco!!!

[@mahribeneda6462]

Liliana Limon .Mexican women is happy to live anywhere But Mexican . Not that MEXICO is not beautiful .But Mexican cartel they creat hell from paradise and corrupt police .

[@israelruelas5756]

Mahri Beneda yes, but it’s not all of Mexico. Mexico is so beautiful, but some areas are so damn corrupt and it ruins everything. My father is from Durango and we have family in Monterrey.

[@Sunnyso24]

What I’d give to live in a traditional town home like that! It’s absolutely stunning!

[@drew8235]

I have never slept as well as I did when I was in Japan sleeping on a tatami mat and futon. Got rid of my mattress when I got home and ordered a setup. Also pretty sure I was on one of these streets lol.

[@Antony_Oscar]

I would totally live in a renovated kyo-machiya. So much character!

[@scottyg9167]

Omg. This was so amazing! These machiya resonate with my soul. Thanks for the info on how to experience the wonder of them.

[@llamallamadingdong9900]

Outstanding content, Greg. And glad that your sponsorship made the development of this video, even better for you. Will definitely look at a stay the next time we go to Kyoto. 😊😊👍🏻❤️🇯🇵🇨🇦

[@nathanjon8879]

I love how Bryn the Canadian first word in the video is Sorry

[@misslawlesss]

It reminds me of Tudor-houses from 1600s. Soo beautiful!

[@s.mohsenmousavi2541]

This video took me back to many Japanese shows and movies and anime I've seen in my childhood! lovely people, lovely houses, lovely culture, lovely sceneries... LOVE FROM IRAN! :)

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

I think that Japan can thank the popularity of its anime culture around the world for this love of Japanese esthetics and design outside of Japan. The generations of non-Japanese children that grew up outside Japan but immersed in anime are grown up now, and they (we!) carry on the appreciation of the culture that produced it.

[@douma_700]

hello i have waited for a very long time to watch your video u have told everything in Japanese thank you I like to learn the tradition of your country

[@timhieuvisanewzealand]

If it is possible, could you please make a video about the life of a student in Japan?

[@badwolf7367]

The irony is that Kyo-machiya and old traditional Japanese homes are more appreciated by foreigners than the Japanese. I can't explain it, but whenever I asked a Japanese why they prefer to live in a "modern" or Western-style house instead of a traditional style Japanese home, their typical answer is, " are too old fashion." And when I follow up with, "And old fashion makes it bad?" I get this blank stare and they have no answer.

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

Like Joni Mitchell reminded us, "You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone!"

[@loading...8512]

I love that family of 4s place I love all of their homes honestly

[@woniur]

"The Vancouver housing market is terribly unaffordable" Torontonians: Well imagine how tired we are

[@sylvialehman]

I am in love.Promise to myself, I will live in a Machiya (I already live in Japan) . All the families are so cool and Cecilia is enchanting and brave. All of them are my inspiration.

[@JesusHernandez-lv4rx]

Cool! What do you do to support yourself as a foreigner there? I’d love to live in Japan someday. You’re living the dream ;)

[@MsStack42]

Beautiful places to live ! They remind me a bit of ancient Roman city houses, with the shop fronts and the open courtyard gardens.

[@entasis704]

Mexica girl knows her stuff, gj from France.

[@MeghanandQuincy]

Love this! We stayed in a traditional apartment and it took us a while to get used to the shower! Such a cool place with amazing culture and history.

[@eduahpeteschwenk8453]

Traditional houses where I'm from are made out of redwood planks and also made with no nails ! I would like to make one of these homes for myself.

[@1000-8-]

Cecilia: Creo que es una excelente idea el renovar para aceptar turistas, tipo airbnb, a mi me encantaría poder quedarme alguna vez en un lugar así. Saludos.

[@T_1.5]

Old houses are way more fun to live in, you feel more connected to it than a new house. I grew up in the same house my mother did, which my grandfather built. Having three generations of memories in one home is something I’ve always thought of as very special

[@kagaminek]

I hope that they'll preserve the houses. They look so beautiful!

[@appleblossom5019]

Lovely video. 😊 It’s very sad to hear these houses are declining. 😭 May the people of Japan preserve them.

[@Mimi-sf5sq]

I had never heard of these before. How interesting and very cool. I like the idea of heated floors too.

[@tm502010]

Please do more about these extraordinary houses. They are truly lovely.

[@seraphinaeyukine]

Kyo-machiya is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Japan. (My boyfriend thinks of cars and Initial D Lol) I didn’t know these house were made without nails and whatnot and that they had to be made before the 1950’s too. This is what I like about your videos the most, they show the Japanese way of life on a different view that other bloggers that live in Japan. Not to say that those other people make bad blogs, that’s not the case. You explain everything well, the editing is perfect, and the people you interview look genuinely excited to share. I love showing your videos to my boyfriend so we know what we can expect when we do eventually go to Japan. I just really want to thank you, Greg for all this wonderful work you do.

[@RaphaelCh]

Can't say I blame your boyfriend. Lmao

[@pathetic.2108]

your boyfriend has a great taste

[@safetyfirst5917]

Lol I’m with your boyfriend. Cars and drifting ftw

[@saltymonke3682]

Good boyfriend Bunta approved

[@humza5842]

DEJA VU

[@hollygrosshans3529]

Everyone should have a tsuboniwa (indoor garden). Makes you feel calm - simplicity is beautiful.

[@mithuraveendran8699]

I am so fascinated by the streets. The reak narrow cute streets. Wow.

[@CharmEng89]

I loved this video! Here in Singapore (and also some other areas in Asia, like Malaysia) we have shophouses that are very similar in terms of purpose and layout. I can't quite remember, but the design was possibly introduced by the colonial masters at the time. The ground floor was the shop, and you lived upstairs. The houses were also long and narrow, for the same reason - tax of the width of the house. There was usually an airwell in the centre to let in light and air, just like the little garden space. You also enjoyed a high ceiling. These days, it is hard to buy one because they are expensive and not easy to conserve/ maintain, but they are very beautiful! The floors are often creaky and the stairs often steep, but like these Kyo-machiya, they have that cultural spirit which is much sought after. I remember going on a tour of a typical Peranakan shophouse. On the second floor, there was a small square hole in the floor where you could peer into the corridor below (the second floor would overhang a passageway joining the fronts of the houses) to see who is at your door! I really wish I could afford one.

[@libertyprime7911]

Thank you for this comment.

[@kickicat628]

My dream is to have a house like that, sitting on a porch and drinking a beer just relaxing ☺️

[@highnoon9333]

Traditional Japanese carpentry (with no nails) is so incredibly impressive. I can watch so many videos on youtube of traditional Japanese carpentry/joinery. Very calming.

[@fernandoveiga1848]

This houses look so cool, like a very unique and calm place

[@ry_ry__]

These homes are beautiful! Well done on this again.

[@Kittie28]

Was disappointed no price range was given for the homes. Seems like that would be an obvious detail

[@sallykiruri3339]

Me too! Price??

[@mariblue72]

@@sallykiruri3339 www.hachise.com/buy/list.html These are the ones currently available from the website / real estate group talked about in the video. :)

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

We bought our home in Japan for sell $30,000

[@AngeloSantos-pc2hw]

i really like japanese home. to traditional to modern with a mix of traditional. very beautiful. one day im gonna learn how to design and build. very helpful video thank you :)

[@KyotoMachiyascom]

Glad to see a video online focusing on these timeless beauties of Kyoto. Thank you for putting it together.

[@HopefulGaijin]

These remind me of “shotgun” houses in New Orleans! They were also skinny but are 1 floor. They were built like that to fit more houses and they are easier to cool!

[@catgang]

Great video. I love Kyoto. I've been once and I was fascinated by it's cultural heritage.

[@ainsleyharriott2209]

I would love to live in one of those houses with an infinite food and drinks supply and never have to interact with a person again. That would be the dream. That guy with the beard is really lucky to have scored such a perfect home.

[@ilegalalien]

I’m an aspie too!

[@RainAngel111]

They are so beautiful! And as you said, so iconic. I would love to own a house like this...

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

You can own the house like this for sure in Japan

[@JonnieR]

Look at how pristine that street is!!!

[@andrizarefinaldi298]

Everything in this video is so clean

[@N.F.L.A.G]

I fell in love with Japanese language by listening to few words you just said.💕👍 and buildings, soooo cool👌💯✅

[@chipmunkkk3]

When I was in Kyoto with my husband we stayed in a Kyo-machiya. We knew we really wanted to experience staying in one when we were in that city. We really enjoyed staying in a place so traditionally Japanese. It was nice after staying in tiny airbnbs in Tokyo and Osaka.

[@antoniafoster8264]

The homes are unique and the people are so interesting and welcoming. Thank you.

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

It’s nice to see what traditional life is like in Japan compared to modern day