Historic Maya Hotel to receive heritage listing
The overgrown and long-abandoned Maya Kanko Hotel in Kobe will be registered as a Tangible Cultural Property. Discussions to register the historic property began in 2017, with the owner, non-profit organization J-Heritage, and an architectural group banding together to start the application process.
Why no one wants to live in the Prime Minister’s official residence
This 1920s mansion may just be the grandest 'akiya', or vacant house in Japan. The official residence of the Prime Minister was built in 1929 and has a total floor area of 7,000 sqm over three levels. Despite its significance, it has been unoccupied for the past nine years.
Buyer found for former Russian Consulate in Hakodate
Hakodate City in Hokkaido has decided on a buyer for the former Russian Consulate. Built in 1908, this is the only consulate remaining from the Russian Empire era, with the interior still retaining its elaborate and decorative details.
City to demolish 86-year old house
Hanamaki City in Iwate Prefecture will be demolishing an 86-year old traditional house and former restaurant this year. Several attempts have been made at finding a suitable use for the existing building, but to no avail.
Traditional estate in Osaka to be sold in March
The traditional Taiko-en estate in Osaka City will be sold at the end of March, as announced by owner and operator Fujita Kanko. The wedding and restaurant facility hosted the G20 Joint Session of Finance and Health Ministers in 2019.
Azumi Setoda ryokan to open in March 2021
A new hotelier has entered the boutique ryokan space in Japan, with their first project in the Setouchi Region to open in March 2021. Azumi Setoda is the first of the Azumi hotel projects - a hotel brand established by Adrian Zecha, founder of Aman, and Kyoto-based hospitality group Naru Developments.
97-yr old building to be relocated
Don’t despair. The historic Toranomon Osaka-ya Sunaba Restaurant isn’t being demolished, it’s being shifted to make way for a road-widening project.