Shinjuku's latest luxury rental tower is home to Japan's first infinity rooftop pool
The brand new Park Habio Shinjuku Eastside Tower is the first rental building in Japan to have a rooftop infinity swimming pool for residents [As pointed out by a reader, Atago Green Hills Forest Tower (2001) has a rooftop pool on the 42nd floor]. Located on the 32nd floor, the infinity pool will have a commanding view of the Shinjuku skyline. There is also a bar lounge and rooftop terrace which can be used for residents to hold catered private parties. Other facilities include an indoor golf range, fully-equipped gym and karaoke room.Read more
Prince Hotel Gamagori sold
Kuretakeso, a hotel and wedding hall developer based in Hamamatsu City, announced that they will be acquiring the Prince Hotel Gamagori from the Prince Hotel chain. The hotel will be handed over on March 30, 2012, and the name will be changed to Gamagori Classic Hotel. The hotel will be revamped as a resort hotel and will also be used for wedding ceremonies. The total investment, including renovations to the rooms, is estimated at 1 billion Yen.Read more
Attorney General's Motoazabu residence returned to Finance Ministry
The official residence of the Attorney General in Motoazabu will be returned to the Ministry of Finance, as the government follows its plan of reducing the number of underutilized and over-subsidized housing for senior public officials across Japan.Read more
Chiba's radiation hot spots scaring off buyers
A survey* by the Chiba Association of Real Estate Appraisers found that 60% of real estate agents in Chiba Prefecture believe that radiation fears are directly impacting the sluggish local real estate market.
Following the discovery of several radiation 'hot spots' in Kashiwa and Matsudo Cities, there has been a sudden increase in the number of homes put up for sale as residents want out. Meanwhile, the interest from buyers has almost stopped completely.Read more
Former village office in Yamagata to be demolished
The former Kogane Village Office in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, is going to be demolished as the historical property has become too difficult to maintain. Tsuruoka City owns the property and does not have the financial ability to preserve and maintain the building.Read more