A Classical Bank on Shijo-dori in Gion
The Emma (Former Murai Bank Gion Branch) (エンマ（旧村井銀行祇園支店）) is a classical bank branch of 1924 in Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on September 2, 1998 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a two-storey reinforced-concrete building with a building area of 186 square metres; registration number 26-0019.
A Murai Bank Branch by Yoshitake Choichi
The building is one of a series of Murai Bank branches by Yoshitake Choichi, in effect the house architect of the Murai family, known for their tobacco fortune (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
It shows well his American-trained classical style, and details such as the balustrade of the parapet survive (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Why It Was Registered
The Agency registered it as a model of design.
What to Look For
Look for the American-style classical front and the balustrade of the parapet (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
It is owned by Nikko Jitsugyo Co., Ltd. (Agency for Cultural Affairs). No official information on public access was found.
Q&A
- When was it built?
- In 1924 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- What was it originally?
- The Gion branch of the Murai Bank.
- Who designed it?
- Yoshitake Choichi, architect to the Murai family.
- What style is it?
- An American-trained classicism.
- When was the Emma (Former Murai Bank Gion Branch) registered?
- On September 2, 1998 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Emma (Former Murai Bank Gion Branch) (エンマ（旧村井銀行祇園支店）) |
|---|---|
| Location | 573-5 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 1998/09/02 (Heisei 10) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Reinforced concrete, two storeys, 186 m² |
| Owner | Nikko Jitsugyo Co., Ltd. |
| Public Access | No official information on access |
References
- Emma (Former Murai Bank Gion Branch) (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00000697
Last verified: 2026.10.25