1.
traditional Japanese townhouse; merchant's house
A traditional wooden townhouse typically found in Kyoto and other old cities, characterized by a narrow street-facing frontage and deep interior extending back from the street. Historically used as both a shop and residence.
京都の町家に泊まった。
I stayed in a Kyoto townhouse.
この町家はカフェに改装された。
This townhouse was renovated into a café.
古い町家を保存する活動が全国で広がっている。
Efforts to preserve old townhouses are spreading across the country.
A distinctive architectural style of traditional Japanese urban houses, most famously associated with Kyoto. Known as "eel's beds" (鰻の寝床) due to their narrow, elongated shape. The front typically housed a shop (店) while the family lived in the back. Many feature inner gardens (坪庭) for light and ventilation.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 京町家: Kyoto townhouse
- 町家造り: townhouse-style architecture
- 町家を改装する: to renovate a townhouse
- 町家{カフェ}: townhouse café
- 町家再生: townhouse restoration
CULTURAL NOTE:
In recent decades, many 町家 have been demolished as owners modernize or sell to developers. A conservation movement has emerged, and many are now converted into boutique hotels, restaurants, and shops. The word 町家 has become strongly associated with Kyoto tourism.