Looking to turn a day trip from Tokyo into an overnight stay? In Nakagawa, Tochigi Prefecture, a farmhouse-turned-hotel offers a blend of tradition and modernity. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2026/04/13/travel/iizukatei-hotel-farmhouse-tochigi-nakagawa-travel/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #travel #hotels #akiya #architecture #minka
Inside Iizukatei, a 200-year-old home turned boutique hotel in Tochigi

The dwelling stands as the first tangible cultural property in eastern Japan to be transformed into a hotel.

The Japan Times

The Moment It Became Real

Reflecting on the emotional journey of purchasing a home, highlighting the distinction between imagined desires, reality, and the surreal moment of receiving official documents that marked the transformation of their dream into reality, culminating in an exciting new chapter.

https://scottabroad.com/2026/03/28/the-moment-it-became-real/

In a picturesque seaside town, abandoned homes have become a canvas for a community revitalization project bringing together local and global talents. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2026/03/23/issues/onomichi-labyrinth-house-akiya-renovation/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #issues #onomichi #hiroshima #akiya #depopulation #shimanamikaido
In Onomichi, urbanists redesign public life via vacant homes

Since 2019, a volunteer renovation and reconstruction project has been reimagining community and bringing new energies to a seaside town in Hiroshima Prefecture.

The Japan Times
Giving Back to #Japan: From #AKIYA to #AKISHA. "AKISHA KK aims to acquire small and medium-sized manufacturing companies struggling with business succession, securing the survival and growth of their operations." https://akisha.biz/media/giving-back-to-japan-from-empty-house-to-the-world-again/
From akiya to AKISHA: Giving Back to Japan - AKISHA

Giving Back to Japan: AKISHA transforms ‘empty house’ SMEs into global leaders, preserving ‘Made in Japan’ craftsmanship and empowering communities for sustainable growth and future generations.

AKISHA
The Minka Preservation Society is teaching homeowners about roof thatching, sustainability and other issues facing Japan’s traditional homes. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/05/31/style-design/akiya-kominka-event-kyoto-june/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #life #styledesign #akiya #architecture #japanesecrafts
Traditional home experts to gather at MinkaMeets event

Roof thatching expert Haruo Nishio is one of several experts scheduled to speak at the June 7-8 event.

The Japan Times

Wisteria blooming over an abandoned house in Japan, by ギン (Gin_lazuli_)

via todayintokyo

@photography
#Japan
#akiya
#wisteria

A house, a legacy and the quiet work of restoration in rural Japan

How one artist is using history, culture and community spirit to revive a fading samurai legacy — and possibly reshape rural Japan’s future.

The Japan Times
On the heels of Japan’s 3/11 triple disaster, Kyoko Watanabe came to recognize abandoned houses as a key to building creative communities and revitalizing rural areas. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2025/03/17/our-lives/akiya-abandoned-houses-ishinomaki/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #community #ourlives #akiya #ishinomaki #miyagi #miyagiprefecture #revitalization #regionalrevitalization #311 #entrepreneurs
From abandoned houses to ‘creative communities’: An Ishinomaki entrepreneur builds a vision for rural Japan

Kyoko Watanabe moved to Miyagi Prefecture to help with disaster relief efforts following 3/11. She ended up building a company and a vision for revitalizing rural Japan.

The Japan Times
The affordability of abandoned houses in Japan is fueling demand, but instead of rushing into a transaction, buyers are urged to conduct thorough inspections of properties to avoid nasty surprises. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/12/09/japan/japan-abandoned-houses/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #housing #akiya #realestate #fukuoka
As demand rises for abandoned houses, so do cases of hidden defects

Industry experts recommend prospective buyers conduct thorough inspections before concluding transactions for akiya.

The Japan Times