A Riverside Machiya (町家、Traditional Kyoto Townhouse) – A 400-Year Legacy, A Modern Investment
1. Introduction – Kyoto as a Global Destination
Kyoto is not only Japan’s ancient capital but also one of the world’s most celebrated cities.
It has repeatedly ranked at the very top of international travel surveys. In 2020, Condé Nast Traveler readers named it the Best Big City in the World, surpassing Tokyo. In 2024, National Geographic included Kyoto in its “Top 20 Travel Experiences,” while Architectural Digest placed it among the “Most Beautiful Cities in the World.”