Kyoto Renovation for Foreigners

English-supported renovation in Kyoto • In-house team • Since 1921

Kyoto Renovation for Foreigners

English-supported renovation services in Kyoto.

Free Estimate English Support Before/After Case Studies Kyoto-based Team

Who we are & what we do

We are a renovation company based in Kyoto, supporting foreign homeowners and buyers with clear communication in English. We handle renovations for old houses (akiya), apartments, and traditional Kyoto homes — from consultation to construction.

Tip: Share a few photos and your goals. We can suggest realistic options, budget ranges, and the next steps.

Why renovation in Kyoto is difficult

Kyoto renovations often involve older structures, hidden damage, and local constraints. Without careful planning, budgets and schedules can change after demolition.

Old structures & hidden issues

Moisture damage, outdated wiring, and uneven floors are common once demolition starts.

Communication & quality gaps

Clear scope, drawings, and checkpoints reduce misunderstandings and rework.

Why choose Tsuji Kenzai

  • Established in 1921 — over 100 years of experience in Kyoto construction.
  • In-house construction team — consistent quality and accountability.
  • English support — scope, schedule, and decisions stay clear.
  • Kyoto-based — local knowledge for older homes and renovation constraints.

Renovation services in Kyoto

Interior renovation

Flooring, wall/ceiling finishes, layout updates, and custom carpentry.

Kitchen & dining improvements

From simple built-in counters to custom wood kitchens and dining spaces.

Roof & waterproofing

Durable solutions to protect older houses from wind, rain, and moisture.

Akiya / old house renovation

Risk control, realistic budgeting, and step-by-step renovation for older properties.

Renovation case studies

Case 01 — From Tatami Room to Dining Space

Renovation work in progress converting a tatami room into a dining space in Kyoto
Before: Traditional tatami room during renovation work.
After renovation of a tatami room into a dining space with solid wood flooring and kitchen in Kyoto
After: Dining space with solid wood flooring and a custom solid wood kitchen.

A traditional tatami room was transformed into a dining space with solid wood flooring and a custom-made solid wood kitchen.

Case 02 — Full Renovation of a Damaged Tatami Room

Before renovation of a damaged tatami room in Kyoto
Before: Tatami room with damaged walls, flooring, and ceiling.
Renovation work in progress on a tatami room in Kyoto
During renovation: Structural repair and preparation of walls and ceiling.
After renovation of a tatami room with new tatami mats and white walls in Kyoto
After: Japanese-made tatami, white painted walls, and new ceiling finish.

Full renovation completed with Japanese-made tatami mats, plywood reinforcement on walls with white paint, and a renewed ceiling finish.

Case 03 — Typhoon-Damaged Roof Rebuilt with Galvalume Steel

Before renovation of a typhoon-damaged tile roof in Kyoto
Before: Old tile roof severely damaged by a typhoon.
Roof renovation work in progress replacing tile roof with metal roofing in Kyoto
During renovation: Removing the old tile roof and preparing the structure.
After roof renovation with galvalume steel roofing in Kyoto
After: Upgraded roof finished with durable galvalume steel.
Drone view of a house in Kyoto with newly installed galvalume steel roof
Aerial view: Completed galvalume steel roof providing improved durability and weather resistance.

Typhoon damage repair and upgrade from tile roofing to galvalume steel for long-term durability.

Our renovation process

  1. Consultation — goals, timeline, and budget range.
  2. Site survey — check structure, moisture, and utilities.
  3. Proposal & estimate — scope, materials, and schedule.
  4. Construction — clear checkpoints and updates.
  5. Completion & support — handover and after-support.
Kotaro Tsuji discussing renovation plans in English with a client in Kyoto
Communication phase: Kotaro Tsuji (TSUJI HOUSE) discussing renovation plans in English with a client.
Ceiling carpentry work in progress during house renovation in Kyoto
Construction phase: Ceiling carpentry work by our in-house team. Structural checks and adjustments are done before finishing.
Termite treatment applied to floor and column structure during renovation in Kyoto
Preparation phase: Termite prevention treatment applied to the floor and structural columns before finishing work.
Roof renovation work in progress in Kyoto
Construction phase: Roof renovation work carried out to improve durability and weather resistance.

Note: For older houses, costs may change after demolition if hidden issues appear. We explain risks and options clearly before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the renovation estimate free?

Yes. Our renovation estimates are provided free of charge. We first discuss your goals and budget range, then prepare a realistic estimate based on the site condition. Do you provide a warranty for renovation work?

Yes. We provide appropriate warranties depending on the scope of work. Details will be clearly explained before construction starts, so you know exactly what is covered. Is it okay if I leave Japan during the renovation?

Yes. Many of our clients live overseas during construction. We provide regular progress updates using tools such as Zoom, WhatsApp, and email, so you can stay informed and make decisions remotely. Do you handle renovation for rental or guest house properties?

Yes. We support renovations for rental properties and guest houses. We also own and renovate guest house properties ourselves, so we understand both construction and operational perspectives. Please feel free to consult us about any investment-related renovation. What languages do you support?

We can support communication in Japanese, English, Italian, Chinese, and Spanish. Please let us know your preferred language when contacting us.

Before you contact us

With over 100 years of history in Kyoto, we work closely with our clients to create renovations that truly fit their goals.

We are currently building and renovating our own share house in Fushimi, Kyoto, and we regularly share real construction progress on Instagram and YouTube.

If you are considering renovation in Kyoto, feel free to talk with a team that is actively building and renovating every day.

See Our Renovation Work in Progress

We share real renovation projects in Kyoto — including our own share house construction — through photos and videos. Follow us to see how we actually work on site.

Renovation Work in Progress

We share real renovation work in Kyoto — including our own share house project — on Instagram. Below is an actual on-site reel from our construction process.

Real renovation work in Kyoto (Instagram post).

Instagram 

YouTube

Contact

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Ready to discuss your renovation in Kyoto? Share your goals and budget range, and we’ll suggest the next steps.

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Last updated: 2026-02-09