Billionaire’s Kyoto villa blends home and nature
Discover how a billionaire’s Kyoto villa seamlessly blends historic craftsmanship with modern luxury, creating a nature-inspired retreat.
When Yusaku Maezawa learned a historic bettei—a traditional secondary residence—was for sale in Kyoto’s Nanzen-ji district, he acted quickly. “It wasn’t really a choice,” he said. “I decided immediately.” The founder of ZOZO, Japan’s largest online fashion retailer, has become known for bold moves. He once purchased a Jean-Michel Basquiat painting for $110.5 million. Now, he owns Chisui-an, a 19th-century villa that combines careful craftsmanship with modern comfort.
A Seven-Year Renovation Rooted in Tradition
The property covers about a third of an acre and includes a 4,000-square-foot villa, a separate teahouse, and a garden designed to complement the architecture. Maezawa aimed to maintain the estate’s character while adding subtle contemporary touches. He brought together specialists for the seven-year project, including architect Hiroshi Nakamura and Ueyakato Setting, a 178-year-old gardening firm led by eighth-generation president Tomoki Kato.
Design followed the principle of teioku ichinyo, meaning “harmony between the house and garden as one.” A central pond features a small artificial island shaped like a turtle, symbolizing longevity, connected by a stone bridge that appears to float. Kato arranged the landscaping with precision, placing Japanese red pine and cherry trees to frame views from inside.
Rules prevented expanding the structure, but modern updates were added without drawing attention. Underfloor heating and air-conditioning were installed, and an outdoor timber deck was built with a Shirakawa stone open-air bath. The living room’s sunken hearth was replaced with silk carpeting, and midcentury furniture from Maezawa’s private collection—including pieces by Isamu Noguchi and Jean Royère—now fills the space.
Art as Part of the Living Space
Maezawa’s art collection shapes Chisui-an’s atmosphere. “I always want contemporary art to be part of the space,” he said. “A collection kept in storage loses its meaning.” Artworks rotate seasonally, keeping the villa feeling fresh rather than fixed. Each piece’s placement was planned during renovation, reflecting his view that art should be experienced daily, not just observed.
Despite modern additions, the property stays connected to its past. The original carpentry firm, Nakamura Sotoji Komuten, worked on both the initial construction and the recent updates. “Anything that has lasted this long carries lasting value,” Maezawa said. “No matter how much technology advances, some things remain beyond AI and machines.”
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Walking through Chisui-an feels like moving through nature. The seamless blend of architecture and setting creates this effect. Trees and water features are positioned so every view from the house appears deliberate.
A Collector’s Responsibility
Maezawa views himself as a caretaker, not the final owner. “I know my role is to protect it for those who come after me,” he said. The villa’s lasting appeal comes from its traditional craftsmanship, which he believes outlasts technological progress.
His idea of luxury differs from common expectations. “It’s not about everything being perfect and new,” he explained. “I love these mud walls and how they’ve aged.” That approach shaped the renovation, ensuring the villa kept its original feel while becoming livable today.
The result is a place where past and present exist together. Seasonal garden changes and the rotating art collection create an environment that feels both enduring and dynamic. For Maezawa, the project was never just about owning a historic home—it was about safeguarding cultural heritage while making it personal.
Restoring such a property required patience.
Similar care goes into preserving historic homes in London, where balancing tradition and modern needs is equally important.
