Kawamichiya Kosho-An is a 110-year-old Kyoto townhouse-turned-restaurant

Kawamichiya Kosho-An is a traditional soba restaurant reimagined by Endo Shojiro Design and td-Atelier

kawamichiya kosho-an soba restaurant kyoto japan
(Image credit: Photography by Matsumura Kohei)

The centuries-old tradition of soba, a type of buckwheat noodle, has been declared an intangible cultural heritage in Japan. This recognition also extends to the establishments that serve them, like Kawamichiya in Kyoto, which has been in operation for over 300 years and is known for its homemade broth and soba noodle dishes that continue to attract visitors.

Step inside Kawamichiya Kosho-An in Kyoto

kawamichiya kosho-an soba restaurant kyoto japan

(Image credit: Photography by Matsumura Kohei)

Kawamichiya Kosho-An is the brand’s newest outpost, opened in a 110-year-old Kyoto townhouse. Designer Endo Shojiro and architect Masaharu Tada from td-Atelier led the renovation process, adding fresh design details while preserving the original features of the 143 sq m building. They note: ‘Soba has been consumed in Japan since ancient times as an easy meal for everyone and a luxury presented to the shogun and lords. Our design of Kawamichiya Kosho-An caters to this beautiful ambiguity.’

kawamichiya kosho-an soba restaurant kyoto japan

(Image credit: Photography by Matsumura Kohei)

kawamichiya kosho-an soba restaurant kyoto japan

(Image credit: Photography by Matsumura Kohei)

The project included restoring lost design elements such as lattice windows and tiled roofs while adding new geometry and functionality to the space. The original tokonoma, a recessed space in a Japanese-style reception room, now serves as a display shield, while the wooden doors and shoji screens serve as walls and dividers.

kawamichiya kosho-an soba restaurant kyoto japan

(Image credit: Photography by Matsumura Kohei)

kawamichiya kosho-an soba restaurant kyoto japan

(Image credit: Photography by Matsumura Kohei)

For those seeking a quick bite, there’s dedicated space accessed directly via the main entrance, following a stone path. Diners seeking a prolonged meal can choose between group dinners on a large tatami-mat floor or the tori-doma zones, featuring intimate two-seater tables.

kawamichiya kosho-an soba restaurant kyoto japan

(Image credit: Photography by Matsumura Kohei)

kawamichiya kosho-an soba restaurant kyoto japan

(Image credit: Photography by Matsumura Kohei)

endo-design.jp

td-ms.com

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Travel Editor

Sofia de la Cruz is the Travel Editor at Wallpaper*. Before joining the team in 2023, she worked for Hypebae and Hypebeast UK, where she focused on the intersection of art, fashion, and culture. Additionally, she contributed to Futurevvorld by covering a variety of sustainability topics.

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