Japan’s akiya (空き家), or vacant houses, offer an exciting opportunity not just for personal use—but for generating income. With tourism on the rise and rural getaways gaining popularity, many akiya buyers are turning these once-forgotten properties into vacation rentals. Whether you’re aiming to build passive income or share Japan’s countryside with travelers, converting an akiya into a minpaku (private lodging) is both a smart and achievable move.
Here’s how to go from abandoned to booked: a complete guide to transforming your akiya into a successful short-term rental.
Why Turn an Akiya into a Vacation Rental?
1. Affordable Entry Point
Compared to urban properties, rural akiya homes are extremely affordable—often priced from ¥4 million. With careful renovation and smart design, you can create a cozy and unique guest experience at a fraction of the usual cost.
2. High Demand for Unique Stays
Travelers today seek authentic experiences. Rural Japan offers peace, culture, and traditional charm that hotels can’t provide. Guests love:
- Staying in a renovated kominka (old Japanese farmhouse)
- Access to hot springs, mountains, temples, or hiking trails
- Immersive experiences with nature, crafts, or local food
An akiya vacation rental appeals to this growing tourism trend.
3. Passive or Semi-Passive Income
Once renovated and listed, a vacation home can generate income year-round—especially in areas popular for seasonal travel or domestic tourism. You can manage bookings yourself or hire a local property manager.
Step-by-Step: Turning Your Akiya into a Rental Property
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Not all akiya are rental-friendly. Look for locations that have:
- Proximity to tourist attractions (onsen, ski resorts, temples, cycling routes)
- Easy access from major train stations or highways
- A reputation for cultural, nature, or adventure tourism
- Positive population trends or revitalization projects
Some areas, like Nagano, Shizuoka, Ehime, or Fukuoka, are already known for successful minpaku properties.
Step 2: Plan the Renovation Strategically
Focus on what vacation renters care about most:
- Clean, modern bathroom and toilet facilities
- Comfortable sleeping arrangements (Western beds or futons on new tatami)
- A modern kitchen or kitchenette
- Heating and cooling systems for year-round comfort
- Fast, reliable Wi-Fi
Preserve the Japanese charm (wood beams, sliding doors, engawa) while modernizing key areas for comfort and safety.
Work with a renovation team experienced in akiya conversions—ideally one that understands what foreign guests expect.
Step 3: Ensure Legal Compliance
Running a vacation rental in Japan requires compliance with minpaku laws. Depending on the location and type of rental, you may need:
- A Private Lodging Business License (住宅宿泊事業法)
- A Hotel Business License (旅館業法) if renting for more than 180 days/year
- Registration with the local municipality
- Fire safety equipment, emergency exits, and signage
- Noise, waste management, and neighborhood agreement compliance
Laws vary by prefecture and city, so it’s essential to consult a professional or use a licensed consulting firm like Akiya Heaven to help with legal procedures.
Step 4: Furnish and Style for Guests
The right interior can dramatically affect reviews and booking rates. Aim for:
- A blend of Japanese design and Western convenience
- Thoughtful touches like tea sets, books, local artwork, or guide maps
- Comfortable lighting, high-quality linens, and cozy furniture
- Outdoor improvements: garden, terrace, or mountain views
Highlight your property’s story—“a restored 100-year-old farmhouse” is far more attractive than “a house in the countryside.”
Step 5: List on Major Booking Platforms
Once your property is ready:
- Take professional photos (inside and out)
- Write a compelling listing description
- Post on platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, Rakuten Travel, and TabinoHotel
- Consider a dedicated Instagram page to promote your rental and the area
Use SEO keywords in your title and description: “Traditional Japanese stay,” “Nature escape in Nagano,” “Hot spring home near Mt. Fuji,” etc.
Step 6: Manage Bookings and Guest Experience
You can manage the property yourself if you live nearby, or outsource to a local management company. Essential tasks include:
- Communication with guests in English and/or Japanese
- Cleaning and linen service
- Key handover (self-check-in systems are common)
- Restocking essentials and checking for damages
- Requesting reviews and responding to feedback
Positive reviews are crucial to build momentum and visibility in the early stages.
Extra Tips to Maximize Profitability
- Offer seasonal packages: sakura season, autumn foliage, snow trips
- Partner with local tourism offices for exposure
- Create a guest guidebook with food, attractions, and local etiquette
- Register for Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and local tourism websites
- Collect guest emails for repeat bookings or referrals
If you’re targeting foreign tourists, make sure to highlight nearby experiences, transport options, and English support.
How Akiya Heaven Can Help
Turning an akiya into a vacation rental is a powerful way to bring life—and income—back to Japan’s rural towns. At Akiya Heaven, we support you at every stage:
- Help sourcing the right rental-friendly property
- Legal guidance for registration and compliance
- Coordination with renovation teams and designers
Whether you’re based in Japan or abroad, we can help you launch and grow your akiya vacation rental with confidence.
Contact Us Today!
Ready to explore the potential of an akiya? Reach out to us at contact@akiyaheaven.jp to discuss your options and begin your journey toward owning a unique Japanese property. Akiya Heaven’s experts are here to answer your questions and provide the guidance you need. Unlock the potential of an akiya and turn an abandoned home into your ideal property. Contact us now to learn more!