City worries about preservation as heritage-listed imperial residence in Kyoto is sold to developer
Kyoto City was in discussions with the owner of a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property after learning of plans to sell the 150+ year old historic building and land. A few days later, it was announced that a major developer has acquired the property with future plans for the site yet to be decided.Read more
Historic Gakushi Kaikan to be partially demolished
Demolition of half of the historic Gakushi Kaikan (学士会館) will start in 2025. The property was built in the 1920s and 1930s as club facilities for graduates of several national universities, and registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property in 2003.Read more
Historic Hilltop Hotel to close next year
On October 23, the operator of the historic Hilltop Hotel in Tokyo’s Chiyoda ward announced it will temporarily close from February 2024. The closure is to allow them to consider possible measures to deal wth the building’s age and deterioration.Read more
Historic Osaka office building demolished and sold to developer
A landmark heritage building alongside Dojima River in Osaka is under demolition by a local developer. Demolition started in April 2023 with completion expected by late October.Read more
Historic home in Kagoshima finds new owner
A local equipment leasing company has stepped in and saved a historic home in Kagoshima from demolition. The former Fujitake Residence had been owned and operated by the Kagoshima Prefecture Education Center Preservation Foundation since 1960 and used as a staff dormitory. The foundation was no longer using the home and struggling with maintenance costs. Read more
MUJI converts 100-yr old farmhouse into holiday rental
Home goods retailer MUJI’s operating company Ryohin Keikaku has converted a traditional kominka farmhouse into a short-term stay. Muji Base Kamogawa is the first of the Muji Base-branded accommodations targeting vacant ‘akiya’ and can be found on AirBnb.Read more
315-yr old residence converted into corporate retreat
A 315-year old samurai residence in Kamakura has been converted into a training retreat by a local business support organization.Read more