Tohkasaikan

Tohkasaikan is one of Kyoto’s finest surviving commercial buildings designed by William Merrell Vories. Completed in 1926, it stands at the western end of Shijo Bridge overlooking the Kamo River and has become one of the city’s most recognizable examples of early twentieth-century architecture.

Originally built as a commercial facility associated with the Daimaru department store, the building now houses the renowned Chinese restaurant Tohkasaikan. Its elegant white-tiled façade, graceful arched windows, and refined interior make it one of Kyoto’s architectural treasures.

Perhaps its most famous feature is the historic manually operated Otis elevator, one of the oldest working elevators of its kind in Japan.

History

The building was completed in 1926 and designed by William Merrell Vories, the American-born architect responsible for many of Japan’s finest schools, churches, residences, and commercial buildings.

After serving its original commercial purpose, the building became home to Tohkasaikan, one of Kyoto’s best-known Chinese restaurants. Thanks to careful preservation, many original architectural features—including the entrance hall, grand staircase, decorative ceilings, and historic elevator—remain intact.

Today, the building is registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan and is regarded as one of Vories’ masterpieces in Kyoto.

Highlights

Designed by William Merrell Vories

The building reflects Vories’ elegant yet welcoming architectural style, blending Western design with a human scale that remains inviting nearly a century later.

Historic Manual Elevator

The original manually operated Otis elevator continues to serve guests today, making it one of Japan’s oldest operating elevators.

Elegant Interior

Marble staircases, decorative ceilings, stained glass, and refined detailing preserve the atmosphere of an upscale Taisho-era commercial building.

Prime Riverside Location

Standing beside Shijo Bridge, the building enjoys magnificent views of the Kamo River and the Higashiyama mountains, especially beautiful at sunset.

A Landmark of Vories Architecture

Together with Amherst House and Daimaru Villa, Tohkasaikan ranks among Kyoto’s most important surviving buildings by William Merrell Vories.

Visit Tips

Dining at the restaurant is the best way to experience the building’s historic interiors. Be sure to ride the manual elevator and admire the original architectural details throughout the building.

The surrounding area—including Shijo Bridge, Pontocho Alley, Gion, Yasaka Shrine, and Minamiza Theatre—makes this one of Kyoto’s most rewarding neighborhoods for an evening stroll.