From Abandoned to oasis: How One Man Revived a Japanese Ghost House into a Charming Guesthouse
Published: 2026/01/17 13:45:10
Daisuke Kajiyama spent years backpacking teh globe, immersing himself in diverse cultures and landscapes. But a long-held dream tugged at him – to return home to Japan and create a welcoming space for travelers. In 2011, alongside his partner Hila, whom he met in Nepal, he embarked on a journey to realize that vision, a journey that led him to the heart of Japan’s growing “akiya” phenomenon.
Akiya, literally translating to “vacant house,” refers to the increasing number of abandoned homes in Japan, a outcome of a declining and aging population and a rural exodus towards urban centers. According to the Japan Policy Forum, in 2013, there were 61 million houses for 52 million households [1]. With projections estimating a population decline to 88 million by 2065, this disparity is only expected to worsen, leaving countless properties to fall into disrepair.
Kajiyama’s initial search for the perfect location proved challenging. He envisioned a traditional Japanese house,known as a kominka,a style typically passed down through generations. Though, his limited funds after years of travel presented a critically important hurdle.He soon realized that exploring the world of akiya might be the key to unlocking his dream.
His search led him to Tamatori, a small village nestled in the Shizuoka prefecture, a region celebrated for its lush green tea plantations and picturesque rice fields, situated between Kyoto and Tokyo. A chance encounter with a local farmer proved pivotal. “I said ‘Do you know if there are any empty houses around here?’ And she just pointed,” kajiyama recalls. The farmer directed him to two neglected properties – a former green tea factory and an aging farmer’s home – situated side-by-side near a tranquil river.
Both houses had been uninhabited for at least seven years and were in desperate need of renovation. Kajiyama approached the owner, bracing for rejection. To his surprise, the owner didn’t outright refuse. “he didn’t say ‘no’,” Kajiyama explains. “everybody was always saying ‘no.’ But he didn’t. So I felt there was a small chance.” This tentative agreement marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation.
Breathing life Back into Forgotten Spaces
kajiyama secured an agreement to use the green tea factory as his home and to convert the farmer’s house into a guesthouse.Though,traditional Japanese property ownership presented a unique challenge. He couldn’t purchase the properties outright, as they were slated to be inherited by the owner’s son. Instead, he took on full responsibility for the properties, effectively leasing them with the understanding that he could renovate and operate them as long as the ownership remained with the family.
The initial phase was arduous. Clearing the abandoned house was a monumental task, filled with years of accumulated belongings. Though, Kajiyama saw potential in the discarded items, repurposing materials whenever possible. He also immersed himself in the local community, assisting farmers and learning about the history of the homes and the surrounding area.
With a modest budget of around $40,000, Kajiyama embarked on the renovation, tackling much of the work himself. He replaced floors, installed a modern toilet (a wedding gift from his parents), and meticulously preserved the original character of the buildings. his backpacking experiences had equipped him with basic carpentry and building skills, and he approached the project with a resourceful spirit.
“I’m not really a professional,” he admits. “I like to do carpentry and I enjoy creating things, but I have no experience in my background. From my several years of backpacking, I saw so many interesting buildings, so many houses of interesting shapes and I’ve been collecting those in my brain.”
Crucially, Kajiyama prioritized authenticity. He sourced traditional wood from demolition sites, recognizing its value and ensuring the renovation remained true to the original style. “They need to spend the money to throw it away,” he explains. “But for me, some of the stuff is like treasure. So I would go and take the material that I wanted.” He emphasized that the house’s age and minimal prior renovations were a blessing, allowing him to preserve its original charm.
To navigate the complexities of Japanese regulations,Kajiyama registered the guesthouse as an agricultural business,leveraging the surrounding bamboo forests. He learned about bamboo farming, adding another layer to the guesthouse’s offerings. He also benefited from goverment support and Japan’s Working Holiday program, which allowed him to exchange labor for accomodation and assistance.
Yui Valley: A Haven for Travelers
In 2014, Yui Valley, Kajiyama and Hila’s guesthouse, officially opened its doors. The three-bedroom guesthouse, measuring approximately 80 square meters, quickly became a haven for travelers seeking an authentic Japanese experience. Guests are drawn to the tranquility of the countryside, the proximity to nature, and the prospect to immerse themselves in local culture.
Yui Valley offers more than just accommodation; it provides a connection to the surrounding environment. Guests can participate in bamboo weaving workshops and experience the rhythm of rural life. Kajiyama emphasizes the unique appeal of the location.“Most of the guests come after Tokyo, and it’s such a contrast,” he says. “They are really happy to share the nature and the tradition in our house.”
Tragically, Hila passed away in 2022, leaving a profound void in Kajiyama’s life and the heart of Yui Valley. He credits her with being an integral part of the project’s success. “We were really together,” he shares. “She created this place with me. Without her it would not have been like this.”
Despite the personal loss, Kajiyama continues to pour his heart and soul into Yui Valley. He acknowledges that the renovation is an ongoing process, a labor of love that may never truly be finished. “It’s never ending,” he admits. “I’m halfway,I feel. It is indeed beautiful already. but it started off abandoned, so it needs more details. And I’m getting better at creating, so I need time to do it.”
The Rise of Akiya and Rural Revitalization
Kajiyama’s story is emblematic of a growing trend in Japan: the revitalization of abandoned homes and rural communities. The akiya phenomenon, while presenting challenges, also offers opportunities for entrepreneurs and those seeking a different way of life.
The appeal of akiya extends beyond affordability.these properties often possess unique architectural features and historical meaning, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. By breathing new life into these forgotten spaces, individuals like Kajiyama are contributing to the preservation of traditional craftsmanship and the revitalization of rural economies.
as of 2024, the number of akiya continues to rise, presenting both a problem and a potential solution for Japan’s demographic challenges. Local governments are increasingly offering incentives to encourage people to renovate and occupy these properties, recognizing their potential to stimulate economic growth and preserve cultural identity.
Kajiyama’s journey with Yui Valley is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and a deep connection to place. It’s a story of transforming abandonment into opportunity, and of creating a welcoming space where travelers can experience the beauty and tranquility of rural Japan.
Key Takeaways:
* the Akiya Problem: Japan faces a growing number of abandoned homes due to a declining population and rural exodus.
* Opportunity for Revitalization: Akiya offer affordable opportunities for entrepreneurs and those seeking a unique lifestyle.
* Preserving Cultural Heritage: Renovating akiya helps preserve traditional Japanese architecture and craftsmanship.
* Community Impact: Revitalizing abandoned properties can stimulate rural economies and foster a sense of community.
* Authenticity Matters: Prioritizing the preservation of original features and materials enhances the charm and appeal of renovated akiya.
