Humitsubaki Building

TheHumitsubaki Building is one of Kyoto’s finest surviving Taisho-era commercial buildings. Completed in 1920, the reinforced concrete structure reflects the growing influence of European architecture on Japan’s rapidly modernizing cities.

Although its architect remains unknown, the building displays elegant Secession-style details, including tall windows, restrained ornamentation, and balanced proportions. Today, it has been thoughtfully restored and houses cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries, allowing visitors to experience historic architecture in everyday use.

History

Built in 1920 during Kyoto’s period of commercial expansion, the Humitsubaki Building originally served as office and retail space along Sanjo Street.

Its architect has not been identified, but the building adopted reinforced concrete construction and contemporary European-inspired design, reflecting the architectural trends of the Taisho period.

Having survived wartime destruction, the building has been carefully restored and adapted for modern commercial use, becoming an outstanding example of successful architectural preservation in Kyoto.

Highlights

Taisho-Era Commercial Architecture

The building is one of Kyoto’s best-preserved commercial buildings from the Taisho period, reflecting the city’s modernization in the early twentieth century.

Secession-Style Design

Elegant vertical windows, geometric ornamentation, and refined proportions reveal the influence of the Vienna Secession movement.

Adaptive Reuse

Historic interiors now house cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries, allowing visitors to experience a century-old building in active use.

Historic Sanjo Street

The Humitsubaki Building stands alongside other important modern landmarks such as The Museum of Kyoto, Nakagyo Post Office, Kyoto Damascene Company, and ART COMPLEX 1928.

Taisho Atmosphere

Original staircases, architectural details, and historic finishes create an authentic early twentieth-century atmosphere throughout the building.

Visit Tips

Step inside to appreciate the preserved architectural details while enjoying a meal or browsing the boutiques. Looking beyond the storefronts reveals many original features from the building’s early years.

The Humitsubaki Building is also an excellent stop on a walking tour of Sanjo Street, where several of Kyoto’s finest modern historic buildings can be explored within a short distance.