Located in the historic Shimabara district, this property is a former ageya building situated immediately south of Sumiya, the only surviving ageya structure in Japan and a designated National Important Cultural Property. Shimabara is known as Japan’s oldest officially licensed entertainment district, with origins dating back to the late 16th century, and continues to preserve a rich sense of its past.

Facing Shimabara’s beautifully stone-paved main street, the building has quietly observed centuries of daily life and cultural activity in the area. Its presence reflects the enduring character and atmosphere of this historic neighborhood.

The interior comprises eight tatami rooms of varying sizes, originally designed to guide guests into private and intimate spaces. While many original architectural details and design elements have been carefully preserved, the layout also allows flexibility for renovation, making it possible to strike a thoughtful balance between conservation and modern use. The property includes a garden of over 45 square meters, offering excellent potential for beautiful landscaping.

In recent years, the Shimabara area has experienced a revival, with an increasing number of restaurants and accommodation facilities created through the renovation of traditional machiya townhouses. Umekoji Park—home to the Kyoto Aquarium and the Kyoto Railway Museum—is within walking distance, as is the retro Shichijo Center Shopping Arcade. The surrounding area is also home to local eateries that serve fresh seafood and vegetables delivered daily from the Kyoto Central Wholesale Market.

With its deep historical significance and distinctive atmosphere, this property offers a rare opportunity to create a new place of hospitality while honoring and carrying forward Kyoto’s cultural heritage.

Terminology

Ageya: A traditional banquet and entertainment venue used for social gatherings, where tayu and geiko were invited but did not reside

Okiya: A residence that housed tayu and geiko and dispatched them to ageya venues