Yabetoku Clock Store

The old Yabetoku Clock Store, a brick pioneer in Japan

On Sanjo Avenue, in Kyoto, a building stands out for its Western look: the old Yabetoku Clock Store. Built in 1890, it is considered the oldest brick commercial building still standing in Japan. The Kyoto audio-guided tour stops here to evoke the country's opening to Western influences in the Meiji era.

A clock store from 1890

Opened in 1890, the Yabetoku Clock Store sold Western-style clocks, then very fashionable in Japan. The building, of brick and topped with tiles, illustrates the arrival of European architectural models in the country in the Meiji era. Now occupied by a clothing shop, it has kept its retro character and remains a precious witness of this period of modernisation.

What to see

The brick façade, of Western inspiration, contrasts with traditional Japanese architecture and catches the eye on Sanjo Avenue. It is mainly admired from the outside, for its retro look and its historical value. It is a stop for those curious about architecture, illustrating the meeting between Japan and the West at the end of the nineteenth century.

Practical information

The old Yabetoku Clock Store lies on Sanjo Avenue, in the centre of Kyoto, reachable on foot and by public transport. The building now houses a shop: the façade can be freely admired from the street, the interior being accessible during the shop's opening hours. It is best to check them before coming to enjoy the visit.

Why is the Yabetoku Clock Store remarkable?

Built in 1890, it is considered the oldest brick commercial building still standing in Japan, a witness of the opening to the West in the Meiji era.

What is sold today in the old Yabetoku Clock Store?

The building now houses a clothing shop; it has kept its retro character and its Western-inspired brick façade.