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.
Plans released for Akasaka Station redevelopment
On March 14, detailed plans for the redevelopment of the Kokusai Shin-Akasaka Buildings were released. The Akasaka 2, 6 Chome District project will see two towers of 230 meters and 110 meters tall.
Quick real estate news summary for the week
Office vacancy rate hits near-6 year high, Hotel Vista operator files for bankruptcy protection, Kyoto firms up plans on costly holiday home tax, and Fauchon opens first hotel in Japan. Below is a quick weekly summary of some of the recent goings-on in the Japanese real estate market.
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.
Osaka Metro loses millions on minpaku mansion
Osaka Metro Co., Ltd., the operator of Osaka’s metro transit system, has reportedly sold a ‘minpaku’-style short-term letting building at a loss. The apartment building was purchased in 2019 with the goal of opening it to foreign tourists from February 2021, but those plans have been abandoned due to the ongoing international travel bans.
Nakano Sun Plaza to be redeveloped by 2028
Nakano Sun Plaza, a 48-year old hotel and concert building in Tokyo’s Nakano ward, will be demolished in 2024 and replaced with a new mixed-use building by 2028. The 181 billion Yen (approx. 1.7 billion USD) project will include a 235-meter tall mixed-use office and residential tower with a concert hall and hotel on the lower floors.
Aman Residences to adorn Toranomon-Azabudai high-rise
Major developer Mori Building has formed a partnership with Aman Resorts to create Aman-branded apartments on the upper floors of the Toranomon-Azabudai project currently under construction in central Tokyo.