From Ghost Houses to Cosy Getaways Japan’s 8.5 Million Empty Akiya Now up for Grabs on Airbnb!

Japan's Excess of 8.5 Million Akiya, Abandoned 'Ghost Houses', Could Be Revived Through Airbnb's Tourism Push

Airbnb’s Ingenious Plan to Transform Japan’s Ghost Towns into Tourist Havens

In a stroke of entrepreneurial brilliance, Airbnb has set its sights on Japan’s vast sea of deserted houses, aiming to revitalize these abandoned structures and transform them into bustling tourist attractions. With Japan boasting approximately 8.5 million empty homes (known as “akiya”) due to its shrinking and aging population, Airbnb sees a golden opportunity to breathe new life into these forgotten properties.

“It’s like discovering buried treasure,” gushed Yasuyuki Tanabe, Airbnb’s head of Japan, in an interview with Nikkei. “With our ever-lengthening lifespans, it’s high time we start considering ways to generate income after retirement. If owners of idle assets embark on refurbishment projects and convert their properties into lodgings, we would ultimately have a solution on our hands.”

Airbnb plans to forge partnerships with local governments and businesses, encouraging homeowners to invest in revitalizing their dormant assets. Tanabe emphasized the rising number of akiya and the associated safety risks if left unchecked. “Many of these abandoned homes are simply too good to be left to crumble. Repairing them would not only enhance their value but also mitigate potential safety hazards,” he added.

Japan’s Hauntingly Vast Abandoned Home Crisis

As per the Japanese government’s 2018 Housing and Land Survey, the country is grappling with a staggering 8.49 million unoccupied homes, predominantly scattered across its rural regions. These properties have fallen into disrepair as the nation’s population continues to dwindle and grow older. Entire villages have transformed into eerie ghost towns, their houses smothered by encroaching foliage as residents flock to major urban centers.

With no residents to care for these forsaken homes, property owners have little incentive to maintain them, as their intrinsic value tends to dwindle. To rectify this issue, the Japanese government has implemented various incentives, such as tax breaks and dirt-cheap homes priced as low as $500, to lure potential buyers and breathe life back into these abandoned properties. Foreigners, seeking respite from their own skyrocketing housing prices, have also joined the revival campaign, venturing to Japan to purchase and restore akiya for their own habitation.

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However, despite these efforts, the number of akiya is projected to surge even further. The Nomura Research Institute predicts that by 2033, at least 30% of all homes in Japan will be abandoned—a foreboding statistic that demands immediate attention.

Airbnb: The Savior of Forgotten Homes

Enter Airbnb, swooping in like a valiant knight on horseback to rescue Japan’s dilapidated heritage. The company is particularly fixated on kominka, traditional wooden houses, which it believes will captivate foreign tourists intrigued by Japan’s rich history and culture.

To bolster its cause, Airbnb is deepening ties with an esteemed association that specializes in preserving these charming traditional homes. In an act of admirable generosity, the company has even donated approximately $1 million to the organization. By leveraging these collaborative efforts, Airbnb envisions a future where countless travelers, previously unaware of Japan’s hidden beauty, will flock to its shores in search of a truly authentic experience.

Notably, tourism in Japan is regaining momentum after the pandemic-induced hiatus. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, visitor arrivals in October reached 2.51 million, surpassing the figure from the same month in 2019—a modest increase of 0.8%, but a significant milestone. Following a bleak start to the year, with a 44.3% decline in arrivals compared to January 2019, each subsequent month has seen the gap narrow, promising a potential resurgence in the near future.

Joining Forces for a Spectacular Renaissance

If you’re a homeowner sitting atop a treasure trove of untapped potential, now is the time to heed Airbnb’s call. Unleash your creativity, reignite the flames of these forgotten homes, and unlock a stream of income that may just surpass your wildest dreams. By joining forces with Airbnb, you’ll become an integral part of Japan’s awe-inspiring renaissance, playing a pivotal role in attracting curious tourists from far and wide.

Let’s breathe new life into Japan’s ghost towns and create a thriving atmosphere steeped in history, culture, and joy. Together, we can rewrite the future and transform these derelict assets into veritable tourist havens. Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey? The opportunity awaits!

• AirBnB
• Japan
• Tourism