Kyoto's traditional boathouses to be rented out
To combat the growing number of empty and unused traditional boathouses in Kyoto's Ine Town, the local government is considering plans to rent these houses out to new residents.
The scenic area is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Read more
Historic villa restored and open to the public in Nagoya
Nagoya City has completed the restoration of the historic Choshokaku reception hall (c1935) and will open the building to the public from August 29.
The hall is part of the Yokiso estate which was owned by Suketami Ito (1878 - 1940), the first company president of the Matsuzakaya Department Store.Read more
Hokkaido to sell Taisho era building
The Hokkaido prefectural government are looking for a buyer for the historic Archives of Hokkaido Annex Building in Sapporo City.
Built in 1926, the Taisho era building was designed by architect Atsumasa Hagiawara and built in the Vienna Secession style of architecture which was popular at the time. It is located to the south of the main Archives building, which was built in 1888 and used as the Hokkaido Government Office.Read more
81-year old building in Ginza saved from demolition
A historic brick building fronting Ginza's Showa Dori Avenue has been saved from demolition after the new owner had a change of heart and scrapped his redevelopment plans in favour of restoring the 81 year old building.Read more
Last chance to save the Jonas Residence
Demolition of the historic Jonas Residence has been pushed back to October as the current owner is prepared to sell the house and land for 360 million Yen (approximately 3.6 million USD) if a buyer can be found.
Developer Anabuki Kosan purchased the waterfront property earlier this year and plan to tear it down and replace it with a 10-storey apartment building.Read more
Asakusa's Ryounkaku Tower to be revived
Asakusa's Ryounkaku Tower is going to make a reappearance as a new theatre under construction will feature a facade replicating the original historic tower.
The Maruhan Shochiku Rokku Tower is scheduled to open in December 2014. At 48 meters tall, it will be 4 meters shorter than the original tower.
The Ryounkaku was a 12-storey octagonal tower built in 1890. It was designed by British engineer William Kinnimond Burton, who spent most of his career in Japan. The first 10 floors were brick, while the top observation floors were wood.Read more
Kobe City to urge developer to protect Jonas Residence
The local assembly of the Kobe City Council have accepted a petition submitted by local residents fighting to save the former Jonas Residence in Kobe from demolition.
The property was recently purchased by a developer who has plans to demolish it and replace it with an apartment building. The developer has already postponed demolition until the end of June, but the committee will put pressure on the council to urge the developer to preserve the building or at least postpone demolition to a later date. Read more