Non-Profit Organization "The Kurashiki Machiya Trust"
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The City of Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture is famous for the unique townscape of traditional Japanese style townhouses which are called machiya in Japanese. These townhouses covered by clay tile roofing and storehouses with thick plastered walls are the symbol of this city. These buildings and townhouses were mainly constructed from the Edo to the Meiji era(17th to early 20th century). A 13.5 hectare section of the Kurashiki-Gawa riverside area called "the Bikan(lit. aesthetic) Historical Quarter" was selected as "an Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings" by the Government of Japan in 1979. |
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The object of "the Kurasihiki Machiya Trust(KMT)" establishment
The historic machiya style buildings and machiya located by Kurashiki-Gawa riverside form precious aesthetic scenery. Because of difficulties maintaining original architecture, vacant houses and parking lots are increasing. Many citizens are afraid of losing traditional Japanese style townhouses and also culture itself.
To preserve traditional culture and lifestyle, non-profit organization "The Kurasihiki Machiya Trust(KMT)" was established in 2007.
About KMT
- Members
- 230 persons and 37 companies (as of the end of March 2008)
- Source of Funds
- admission fee, townhouse charges, subsidy etc.
- Research Activity
- Field research of present situation in "the Bikan Historical Quarter" such as houses (vacant or not) and parking lots etc.. In 2006 KMT got a subsidy of about 6 million yen by Cabinet Office, Government of Japan
The first reconstructed townhouse
"Honmachi Onsaka no Ie (The townhouse on Onsaka slope)" is the first townhouse reconstructed by "Kurashiki Machiya Trust". Unlike staying in a hotel or Japanese style ryokan, guests of this townhouse have the use of their own house. Although this townhouse is small, guests can enjoy the whole machiya.
