Shrine to convert akiya into tourist lodgings

Hikosan Jingu Shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture is embarking on a plan to convert 10 vacant ‘akiya’ homes into lodgings for tourists. It is hoped this will revitalize the historic streets and help out local souvenir shops and businesses.

Read more


More details on Kyoto’s new building height rules

The city of Kyoto is planning to relax building height limits on the southern side of Kyoto Station in an effort to attract more office and residential development.

Read more


Got a big car? Parking might be a challenge

It has become increasingly difficult to find monthly car parking spaces for lease in central Tokyo, according to an article in Kuruma News earlier this month. And that may be due to more people buying cars during the pandemic.

Read more


Tokyo Apartment Sales in September 2022

The following is a selection of apartments that were reported to have sold in central Tokyo during the month of September 2022:

Read more


Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu to close

Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu will close its doors permanently in late August 2023 as its lease comes to an end.

Read more


Three banks to increase mortgage rates this month

Three of Japan’s five top mega-banks plan to increase home loan interest rates this month, while two will reduce rates.

Read more


Togo Murano-designed hotel in Kyoto to close its doors

Hotel Rubino Kyoto Horikawa will permanently close next March as the prolonged pandemic takes its toll. The hotel was designed by iconic modernist architect Togo Murano and opened in 1972.

Read more