Living in Traditional Japanese Townhouses: Kyo-machiya 

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

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

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

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.

the original purpose of the "box stairs" was not to utilize space but a way of avoiding taxes - at one point in Japan's history, they levied a tax on how many stairs and floors you had so they hid the stairs by putting chests of drawers together - kind of a great dodge if you ask me....LOL

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

I married my wife who is from Japan and I was so nervous about how my life would be if I move to Japan. I have binged so much of your youtubes. I now have no fears to move there, I now need to move to Japan. I want my family to grow in such a beautiful culture and country. Thank you for making such beautiful work. That educates and promotes the beautiful Japanese culture.

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

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.

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

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

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..

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🤩😆

16:26 look how clean this is. Everywhere i went japan was so clean. You see it with total diffrent eyes when you come from europe.

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!!

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

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

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

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

4:06 gorgeous instrument, I replayed that like 100 times

I lived in a Japanese House built in the late 40's OMG we were always cold with only a small pot belly stove for heat ..don't get the tatami wet as it smells like a wheat field on a farm when wet

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.

These are so beautiful. And I hope that more people will be able to help preserve these areas

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

An excellent video once again lovin your work ☺ ♥ 🇯🇵

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

Something I really like about kyo-machiya is that it doesn't feel like turning them into a business or cafe isn't really a shame, like it can be for old houses in the west or even non-machiya traditional homes in Japan, because they were always intended for that purpose.

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!

I’m an architect and loved the way you showed the houses. Thank you!

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).

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.

I'm just so glad there's so much Japanese history and culture content on RU-vid. 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!

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

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.🌱

1:14 that street looks like heaven. It is so painful to watch how BEAUTIFUL JAPAN is! OMG

Most new Japanese houses look way more modern and bland than the new European ones. They need to improve Japanese design, not adopt the western one instead.

The Canadian starts his sentence with “sorry” 😂

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

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

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

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

they're all so beautiful!

The use of space, materials and light is soo cool with any type of old building. I love how these are traditional buildings but because Kyoto has always been a dense city that they had to find solutions to problems we still have today.

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

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

Thank you for doing this! My dream house is just like this!

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

There's something so comforting about traditional Japanese architecture.

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

Kyo machiya is so beautiful, renovated inside while keeping the structure, maintain the aesthetic of traditional Japanese house.

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

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

Dear God those renovations are gorgeous

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.

I love Japanese traditional homes and architecture. Want to build my own..

The grudge memories are just flooding back

I’m from Brazil and will be there for 22 days visiting. I arrive in May, 1st! Thanks for all your travel tips! It really helped me a lot planning the whole thing.

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. 😊😊👍🏻❤️🇯🇵🇨🇦

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

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.

The aesthetics of these homes is amazing. Love the wood, and the organic look of everything. The exposed beams are lovely!

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

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

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

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

Stellar work!!! Maybe we can come back and see how the renovation has progressed? Or are it when it’s completed?

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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

These places are beautiful. It's like the home got a soul to it.

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

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

i want to live in one so bad!! they look so cozy and peaceful.

Love those traditional style homes!

Mexica girl knows her stuff, gj from France.

I really appreciate LWIF videos, and this one is especially great. I love learning about things that are more "traditional" Japan. Japanese people put so much thought into the details designs, which is evident in these traditional style houses. Please keep up the great work!

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

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

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.

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! :)

It just brought a big smile on my face... Old houses do also house the soul of past in it and should be preserved Thank you ;)

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.

This has always been intensely fascinating to me, I love everything about traditional Japanese houses! I would love to see traditional country homes on a video!

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

One of my favorite video along with the School lunches, great job Greg

What a brilliant video showing us a different perspective 👍

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

These have been my dream homes since I ever learned about Japan in the early 2000s and no one understands why. Even I can't explain why. These types of houses are just.... perfect.