Why The Traditional Homes Of Kyoto Are Disappearing

Machiya are the secret which Kyoto never sought to hide. Remarkably these Traditional houses built back early as the 9th century Heian period, remain somewhere floating below greater public awareness. Almost inexplicably given their position at the center of Kyoto's cultural and historical life. Perhaps it is how they line the streets so modestly, their beauty a kind more often silently appreciated, rather than loudly obvious. Terms like eel bedding and Koshi (lattice work) hint at a distinctive design born not only of aesthetic taste but of necessity as well. When entropy is the norm so rarely is it that architecture remains which is able through its doors to invite us backwards through time, to tell a story of not only where it came from, but why. Through the Machiya this singular experience remains to be found in Kyoto, if we would only look.
To learn more about Machiya and the houses that appeared in this video,
please visit
www.hachise.com/
Rakuen Cafe　tabelog.com/en/kyoto/A2601/A2...
My Patreon | www.patreon.com/davetrippin?t...
My E-book Stone Heart (Horror Drama)
www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1HSDCV
Playlists
Life & Travel : • L I F E & T R A V E L
Food : • F O O D
Teaching : • T E A C H I N G
Gaming Channel
/ @thegreatowls
Snapchat: DaveTrippin
Subscribe: kzbin.info_c...
Twitter: / davetrippinon
Facebook: / charlesdjameson
Contact: [e-mail]
My Website: charlesdjameson.com

[@ponysoldier6770]

This video is underrated, these houses are not only japanese heritage, they are human heritage.

[@DaveTrippin]

Appreciate the kind words.

[@garyabrams218]

Feelings of homesickness, memories of my childhood in Japan of the 1950s swell through my heart.

[@karenstanislaw8912]

How wonderful - and interesting - Gary, that you were raised amongst this. Lucky.

[@michaelcorreia1377]

I remember living in Kyoto and working in a Machiya in Shimogyo-Ku, one of the areas mentioned in this documentary. It was such a unique work experience to be working at a start-up, and seeing business men go upstairs to the tea room to have matcha and discuss business matters. It's a shame that the Machiya are disappearing

[@karmicbabe]

Finally I get to see some real traditional Japanese houses not the depressing loft apartments of Tokyo.

[@soulbasedliving]

I would be so grateful for one of those apartments in in Tokyo, no matter how small.

[@cheronroggen9638]

It really makes me sad that the old Machiyas are not being looked after and preserved. They are such beautiful buildings, and there is definitely a special presence to them. Hopefully more people will come on board to keep them in existence for much longer. Love the video! It really speaks to me on how special they are.

[@JenSavage]

I would be thrilled to have a home like these.

[@michaels7889]

An emotive and compact documentary. After years of banging my head and breaking my heart to get architects (I was also one) to design modern buidings respecting their precedents in historical areas it is sad to see these almost prefect adaptations disappearing. I had really thought that Japanese culture respected itself more. But what is really heartening is that there exist architects with the spirit to take up what is not merely a stylistic exercise and re-interpret it. That is really moving. For over 60 years I have studied Japanese tradtional architecture and landscape design and were I to live long enough to see the end of this, would be deeply saddened. Possibly I write an essay because what needs to be said can't be properly done in the the KZbin context. Sad though it is, it is well that this video draws attention to such an error of judgement.

[@DaveTrippin]

Really appreciate the kind words Michael. Means a lot that someone with your background enjoyed it so much.

[@theeggman85]

Fabulous work as usual Dave. These houses are so important in my mind - such a great distillation of Japanese zeitgeist.

[@A.J_inJapan]

The background music was just so beautiful and so relaxing. It made me feel like I was in Japan. Dave I wish you get more and more and more success in your channel. Thank you for this side of Japan that not so many people talk about. Your ability to show the depressing side with such passion and concern, along with your ability to send a message to the crowd that there is still hope, is just beautiful. I'd say keep it this way.

[@xsjadoridersc]

Dave my eyes watered when I saw this. I was in Kyoto years ago and didn’t know the name of these of these beautiful buildings. Thank you! I miss Japan and cannot wait to go back! 🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@chrisdurham5875]

Thank you for raising awareness of this beautiful buildings. When filming could you please consider showing more of the house and just having the voice describe the details rather than having a person usually in the picture, that way we can see more of what you are talking about. That would be great, thanks.

[@DaveTrippin]

Appreciate the feedback. Thanks for watching.

[@weallmakechoices7456]

My thoughts exactly but put much more diplomatically!

[@TheNoisyBoyz]

I loved the video and the editing. Please keep them coming Dave!

[@Aluminatihusker]

This is awesome!! Fantastic job! Great filming Dave!

[@feeniks6404]

Lovely Documentary Dave, such charming places! You really stepped this up for sure, lovely stills and great interview shots.

[@Cardboardbox2090]

Thank you for this Dave. I'm looking forward to seeing this in June!

[@carmenm.4091]

Loved your documentary!! Thank you so very much for making it and showing the world. Hope it will do some good to the awareness of the heritage of Japan’s traditional buildings.

[@Iveseenlovedie]

This was so beautiful Dave, thank you! These are truly the slices of Japan that I love to see, and that are so integral to understanding the depts of this incredible, ancient culture.

[@erikbojay9925]

We need a full version of this! Awesome Documentary !🔥

[@avagrego3195]

Excellent informative video - thank you.

[@Ralesk]

Such a great video! Very informative and educational. Now I'm even more glad that my first stay in Kyoto involved staying in a machiya. And I'm really glad that new machiya can be constructed.

[@nowgaku]

Thank you,Dave. This one is great!!

[@icaruscorp1529]

I've discovered a great channel that answers the questions that I have always wondered about Japan. If I do move to Japan this channel will be the catalyst that gave me that little push to go for it

[@zanychelly]

You did a great job mate. Congrats and thanks

[@malonprischer3121]

Great video with a very interesting and important topic! I would also love to see more videos with Drew! (The video "how 5 years in Japan have changed me" with him was one of your greatest and touching videos!)

[@soniawoolley366]

Excellent presentation - and hope that bringing this to light can save at least some of these great structures !

[@irwinchristopher1243]

Spectacular Dave and Drew! I am heading to Phase III on my little tea house . You inspired me with the kitchens, calmed me with gardens and dreamed me with tokunoma. But, Drew, the Gutted neighbourhood shot at the end was the Reality bomb. Now back to my earthen walls. Thanks for the motivation Guys!! And welcome here bros.

[@hchan3860]

Beautiful Kyoto traditional house, the shape and lines and lights, love it. Thank you for showing.

[@carolinegray7510]

The machiya shows such subtle beauty as well. Spirit is intrinsic to the flow. While watching your video I saw little things that reminded me of my short stay there; a vase of flowers placed by an outdoor sign, windows that framed a view as a painting is framed. Especially, I loved the explanation of the sense of leaving outside upon entering the tea house. It was all a wonderful visit. I wish you all success with your endeavor.

[@f15active]

Really enjoyed this video and I loved that dream house of yours. I think it would be mine too and would love to see it in more detail. Anyway, I'm looking forward to more great stuff like this!

[@joshuaashe7553]

Beautiful and informative.

[@atilamatamoros7499]

Excellent, amusing exposition.

[@brianschwarz]

Great topic!

[@smistu]

Loved machiyas for as long as i can remember and absolutely won over by your sincerity for the cause. Subscribed! All the very best in all your endeavors! :)

[@DaveTrippin]

Appreciate the kind words very much. Thanks for watching.

[@DARESQUAD]

Very insightful video

[@barupens8141]

Great video!

[@LettersfromJapan]

Love it, Dave.

[@Andrew-lo2lk]

Always a good day when Dave posts a new video :)

[@kronniichiwa9909]

The attention to detail is just amazing

[@Ursaminor31]

Wonderful exploration of perfect live work which is highly needed. Ow. Ore than ever. The hierarchy is still relevant.

[@KyotoMachiyascom]

This is a great video the machiya in Kyoto. Thank you for putting it together.

[@DaveTrippin]

Many thanks it's a subject I'm quite passionate about. It was great working with Hachise real-estate to make it.

[@toshis1933]

OMG What a fantastic video this is. I am so proud of people who try to preserve old treasure regardless of Japanese or not Japanese, It is our(human) treasure. Thank you so much Dave.

[@adamburns1077]

Fantastic film, it’s so interesting seeing all the different uses of these buildings and I certainly hope they don’t go into extinction. Shared on twitter also! ;)

[@avatarLT]

wonderful documentary

[@mokoniix]

Those beautiful Machiyas keep the spirit of Japan, it's live culture and you can take a glimpse of the way they used to live and all the values that were not only hold by the person/family but also in the structure of their home, the way the design it to welcome and make you feel like home is just beautiful. Amazing job Dave!

[@kwasimoto2008]

1 month ago Lovely Documentary,REALLY GOOD WORK. YOU ARE BECOMING A PRO PRODUCER/DIRECTOR

[@JapanQuestionsAnswered]

Lovin these Machiya, baby. I think the government best step up and preserve these puppies.

[@MasterMetaphysician]

Exquisite presentation of the restoration of the heart of beauty of the traditional married with the sleek lines of the contemporary which captivates Japanese simplicity of design. Thank you so much for this work and posting this progress!!!!

[@DaveTrippin]

Thanks for watching. Appreciate the kind words very much.

[@rankamarx]

Hahaha, I love how tall you are in your dream kitchen! They'd have to lower the floor for you otherwise your back would hurt so much from hunching over when cookin'. I love your heartfelt passion for these machiya, thank you so much for sharing these beautiful homes

[@smartassist9700]

Those special abodes really harmonizes the soul while touring via video. I cannot imagine actually visiting or living in one. I would take it over any other style home. If I could afford it... I would buy one there but also have one built here in USA.

[@andreagrumpeenlate5813]

Wonderful. And Drew broke me at the end. I hope there is a change of hearts about these in the future. I know that land is a premium in Japan but so was the coliseum in Rome, if you know what I mean.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

So that's what they're called! You always see these sort of houses in anime featuring a prominent household, the characters, especially the matriarch or patriarch, still wearing kimono in a modern era and walking from room to room often from a wide veranda. By the way, speaking of which...for the first house you showed us, if it's raining, is there an overhang to protect the person when traversing between the first building and the second? And since your shoes are removed at the genkan, are there shoes sat near the door for the garden to get to the other building?

[@HingLaw]

My apologies if I sound kinda harsh with this clip. Don't get me wrong. Those machiya's featured in this video are fabulous and inspirational while the topics well covered as well as narration informative. Yet, the viewer expects to see more of those townhouses, e.g., what kind of space layouts, architectural details, connections with the residents or even the neighborhood, etc. On that regard, I may say the viewer is disappointed. We only see more the with the first and the later Omotenashi House get better coverage on what they really look like. The rest simply have the host in front of the camera blocking much if not most of the view. Here's my speculation on why machiya seldom puts a vegetable garden in the patio. Generally the niwa gets nudged in a small spot surrounded by high walls, making little sunlight hitting the ground through the day. And most vegetables desire full sunlight, technical over 6 hours a day. That's why most plants in niwa's are shade loving.

[@CookingwithYarda]

Beautiful !!

[@SiriusYellow131]

Fantastic video. Almost comes off as a short documentary. Keep up the great work.

[@DaveTrippin]

Almost?

[@SiriusYellow131]

When I compare it to 90-120 minutes lol

[@louisesemrani6860]

These buildings should never be pulled down they need to be preserved for future generations 🤩

[@cheguevara5560]

Fascinating documentary , that meaning of tea room and tea ceremony just blow my mind away '' everyone is equal in that room and everything is left behind '' We need more '' tea rooms '' in this world so people can coexist better , Those Japanese builders and carpenters were master's of they trade , they left not only those amazing Machiya houses behind but they legacy and man's life without legacy have no meaning

[@tciesla]

So nice!

[@NewCreation1681]

This was very interesting. I think the story you told was a bittersweet one. As with the population of Japan,there have been a lot of changes. I hope your voice is heard in Japan where it is needed most. A beautiful country should preserve its culture and history. 💔🙏🏻

[@ReviewsAndMore9]

I lived in a machiya style home in Minoh growing up. I remember the tatami mats, the paper shoji doors, the long, wide storage unit at the end of the hall where my sister and brother and I played together. I remember poking holes in the paper doors whenever my mom planned to replace the paper. I remember walking with my mom down the dirt road with the famous cherry blossom trees on both sides making a gorgeous pink tunnel of blossoms. I am very sad to see the machiya disappearing because Japan is losing an important part of their culture - what makes them Japanese. Sad. Wish I could buy one and restore it and have as a second home, but I’m too old now to make the trip. I enjoyed your video and it was like taking a trip back to my childhood.

[@cooliipie]

Incredible place 🤯😍😍😍 The middle garden is so beautiful. But looks difficult to have AC running throughout it

[@richardsigler4722]

Excellent job. I was not aware given long history of Kyoto the Machiya is in danger. Thank you.

[@saltyp553]

i was thinking of coming to Japan and staying somewhere like this would be great im def going to check it out, this video aged very well speaks to the quality of your work i watched it and thought it was done this year lol

[@DaveTrippin]

Appreciate it man. Maybe the work I'm most proud of.

[@Nynke_K]

a beautiful video and a fascinating topic! I realize this video is a year old and I don't know how much documentary narration you have done since (I'm new to this channel and have a lot of exploring to do!), but if I may give you one tip: please narrate for listeners, not readers. Long sentences with complicated word order and inserting 'then' in the middle of a clause may add gravitas, but they are also significantly more difficult to understand and they end up distracting listeners from your message. And that's just a shame!

[@craigkeller]

Excellent!

[@DaveTrippin]

Thanks so much Craig! So glad you enjoyed this video, tucked away in the corner of the internet.

[@kristinab1078]

Thank you for such an informative documentary! I've admired Kyoto machiya for a long time, and I've looked online at Hachise's listings in the past. I've noticed that some listings say that once the existing buildings collapse or are torn down, you cannot build any architectural structure on the site. I've wondered what that means and the implications of the buyers of machiya. Does the land not belong to the owners of the building? Does insurance compensate for the loss? How can an apartment buildings be rebuilt in the place of machiya and who benefits? Perhaps it's part of city planning decisions? I would be interested in knowing if anyone has knowledge on the subject.

[@stvsueoka1]

This was so good dude. Let's buy one!

[@DaveTrippin]

I'd love to one day man.

[@TedByars]

If I could live in Japan, I would love to live in one of those houses. They have so much character. Great video.

[@DaveTrippin]

They're certainly beautiful buildings. Not a bad idea.

[@jamesdoble7580]

Beautiful homes, I hope they save them.

[@yomommastupid]

In South Osaka you can find Machiya's being renovated and reused by new boutique shops...

[@zavaneki1273]

I’m planning on living in Kyoto in five years I have to save up first :)

[@miriamgomez275]

Beautiful houses

[@amysbees6686]

Thank you for a stunning example of how valuable our vernacular architecture is to that culture! There does seem to be a quiet revival of interest in vernacular architecture in parts of Europe. Hopefully Asia will be right along with that!

[@DaveTrippin]

Thanks for watching.

[@Edgar-Friendly]

Well, costing more than $400,000 for a ruin that need another $200,000 in restoration would be a start.The reason why I never bought one when I lived in Kyoto, and why I am not shopping now, is the costs are astronomical. Unless there is a website that lists $40,000-$50,000 machiya, the city will have to rely on trendy millionaires.

[@hezekiahthompson6817]

What music tracks are you using? They're so fitting! I wish more KZbinr would use this Ambient music as background.

[@DaveTrippin]

Appreciate the kind words. Honestly since it was a year ago its difficult to remember. But I do take extra care when selecting music for something like this.

[@agroheritageculturetourismtalk]

சிறப்பு வாழ்த்துகள் தோழமைகளே

[@rachelruthfrankle3905]

It would be sad if Japan were to lose the Machiya as they are part of their history and culture so would be a shame if they didn’t have them. I like the renovated ones with the mix of traditional and contemporary. I am looking forward to visiting Japan end of May

[@ingejustavanderhelm5208]

Hi Dave, the renovated machiya is so beautiful. The renovators honoured the original craftsmen. Very moving to see. Just one thing I did not like: the wood-stove. The unhealthy wood-smoke in a crowded locality is not wise to do, because it can go nowhere. I wish city councils would forbid it. Thanks for a wonderful video Dave. Groetjes from Amsterdam :)

[@DaveTrippin]

Hello! Thanks for the kind words and interesting perspective.

[@trevorrandom]

Fantastic ☺ ♥ 🇯🇵

[@ronisworld2916]

any video tour on those renovated newly build machiyas?

[@chetmyers7041]

The fire marshals were probably glad to see the wooden structures replaced.

[@hikkipedia]

Beautiful place

[@tdzignsart]

Nice video, would have liked to see more of the architecture, the camera was too focused on the presenters than the surroundings. Very informative though

[@DaveTrippin]

Thanks for checking it out. Appreciate the feedback.

[@tdzignsart]

@@DaveTrippin Thanks for the video.

[@LOOKA.B]

SUPER:)

[@agroheritageculturetourismtalk]

Congratulations 🎉

[@bonniecolon7680]

He broke out the Japanese, this deserves a subscribe.

[@normaharrod5337]

I wish homes in America were like machiya with the nicw air flow and natural light.

[@chappiescollectables]

Yo Dave have you been to Otsu before? They restored some Machiya homes and they are gorgeous.

[@DaveTrippin]

I've not. Have to check that out.

[@salahuddinmuhammad3251]

I hope to purchase one in Kyoto. home and dojo.

[@felixferrer4030]

House number two is perfect...

[@HealthyFather]

Got dammit Dave, you get better with every video.

[@replicants1]

I'm a day late, dang it. Also do you know if the word "Machiya" is from the Kanji "machi (町)" for town and "ya (家)" for house? That's the first thing I thought of when I saw the word, literally "town-house." EDIT: Also, Drew's Japanese is crazy good, wow

[@chuckwilliams6261]

6:55 Built to the highest standards, of the finest materials, zashiki were totally fronting.

[@blahblah24681357]

i want one. id take good care of it 🥺

[@emc8633]

I have one question since im from germany and 16 years old my one and only wish is to live in japan and in a minka house is something like that possible if I have a budget of 80 million yen? One more question is it possible to build a minka house for that price in Japan maybe in Osaka or Kyoto?

[@jiunhaoneoh3482]

Love the machiya. My family has renovated several into modern yet traditional guesthouses. If you're interested in taking a look message me.

[@DaveTrippin]

Hi, Jiun. I'd certainly be interested in filming a traditional machiya renovated as a guest house. Are these located in Kyoto?

[@jiunhaoneoh3482]

@@DaveTrippin yes they are. We enlisted a Kyoto architect to design and renovate them. I'll send you an email

[@bobtornton1436]

I'm currently looking to buy one and restore it if necessary but as a foreigner it is super hard to get a loan ... If a japanese banquer is wishing to help, you can answer this message ^^

[@thomasr3805]

It is interesting what items and segments of culture are kept and desired throughout time. One would think the Japanese people would be obsessed with preserving these buildings, but the Japanese people appear to value innovation and evolution rather than returning to ancient ways, with respect to housing. Remarkable architecture. It is no wonder Frank Lloyd Wright tried so hard to revitalize the layouts and stylistic elements in his creations.

[@glens18account]

they need to allow new Machiya to be build, the earthquake regulations seem a bit under thought.

[@tasteapiana]

The one at 16:50 is just stunning in every way. I would consider that my final place, even if I were a multi billionaire.

[@DaveTrippin]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.

[@carolinekaplan542]

How much do these cost to buy, remodel, and furnish with antiques from the era in 2021? Can one own property in Japan as an American?