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
Japan’s skyrocketing hotel prices
A quickly recovering inbound tourism industry coupled with a labor shortage has caused hotel rates in some areas in Japan to far exceed pre-pandemic pricing.Read more
Kyoto's kominka matching program connects buyers with 200+ year old homes
Since its formation in April of last year, Kyoto Prefecture’s kominka matching program has already found new residents for nine historic properties. One of those is a 250-year old estate that once belonged to the village headman.Read more
Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto changes hands in May
Kyoto hotels are back on the radar for major real estate firms and investors, as the historic former capital recovers from the pandemic. Last month, Mori Trust acquired the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto from Fortress Investment Group for an undisclosed price.Read more
Kyoto City's 'akiya' vacant home tax approved
Kyoto City’s plan to tax owners of vacant homes was approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in March, which means some ‘akiya’ or unoccupied homes will come with an additional annual tax. The new tax will not be imposed immediately - it may start in the 2026 fiscal year - and will not be applied to all vacant homes.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.
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.