Kyoto to increase floor-area ratios on southern side of station
Kyoto City is considering a plan that would increase the maximum floor-area ratios for the Higashi-Kujo district near Kyoto Station. The district is currently filled with many small and old wooden houses, along with idle city-owned land.
City to buy house designed by Arata Isozaki
Katsuyama City in Fukui Prefecture will be acquiring a home designed by Pritzker Prize-winner Arata Isozaki. The two-story concrete 'S Residence' has a total floor area of 142 sqm (1,528 sq.ft) and was built in 1986.
Regional commercial standard land prices increase for first time in 28 years
In 2019, Standard Land Prices for commercial land in Japan’s regional areas recorded a 0.3% increase - the first time positive growth has been seen since 1991.
Odakyu opens new hot spring hotel in Hakone
On August 11, Odakyu Electric Railway Co. opened their latest hotel in Hakone. Hakone Yutowa was originally built during the bubble as a corporate retreat but has been fully refurbished and converted into a hot spring hotel. It sits in a prime position just across the street from Gora Kadan - a hotel on the grounds of a former Imperial Villa.
New apartment supply up 21% in August
According to the Real Estate Economic Institute, 1,819 brand-new apartments were released for sale across greater Tokyo in August, up 21.1% from last year. This is the first time in eight months to see a year-on-year increase in supply. The boost in supply was largely attributed to the first round of sales in the Harumi Flag Athlete’s Village, which saw 600 apartments up for sale.
Kyoto hotel sells for US$42 million
Ichigo Hotel REIT has sold Hotel Vista Premio Kyoto to an undisclosed domestic buyer for 4.5 billion Yen (approx. 42 million USD). The 6-story, 84-room hotel has a total floor area of 3,867 sqm and was built in 2008.
Yanaka’s proposed building height allowances could lead to blandification
Taito Ward officials are considering relaxing building height limits in the historic temple district of Yanaka in Tokyo.
Local residents, concerned that this could harm the charming character of the low-rise neighborhood, are petitioning the local council to reconsider the idea.