'Birupaku' turns vacant spaces into unique lodgings in central Japan

This is a story that needs a photo or two. Too bad these rooms are for groups. Japan remains solo-traveler unfriendly. I've stayed in too many drab smoking-allowed rooms in business hotels. Ugh.

Good to see the people of Shizuoka thinking outside the box and turning a loss into a win. Maybe more places will do this and it will help both the vacant building owners to make money and bring more tourists to different areas. I just hope the tourists who use these places act respectively and not make a nuisance like some have.

I think I saw this in Nara somewhere too. Several empty and decaying properties in a shotengai were converted into comfortable and clean accommodation and guests pick up the key from a desk at another nearby location a couple of minutes walk away. I guess it's kind of like Airbnb.

I remember the governor of Shizuoka begging for people from Kanto not to come to Shizuoka in 2020-2021 during Covid. although it was not any legal point.

Does he need tourists now

Not for me

Japan remains solo-traveler unfriendly.

Instead of whine, look for Japanese solo travelers channels in YouTube..

You will learn a lot..

I always wondered why this hadnt taken off - plenty of empty buildings that could be used (granted entrance security/hazard safety is an issue).

I came across a guy in Atami who was doing similar for short term rents, and trying to connect local biz with visitors that way. Great way to utilise idle space.

Japan remains solo-traveler unfriendly.

News to me - I have soloed all around the country and found it very easy and safe. Great way to see the place.

I think I saw this in Nara somewhere too. Several empty and decaying properties in a shotengai were converted into comfortable and clean accommodation

I've seen similar too. There are some interesting/semi-bohemian efforts to revitalize shoutengai out there. One here in Nagano is called Tobichi in a town called Harano.

In Japanese, "biru" means office building. I suppose you can make interesting spaces within them, but the lobby, corridors etc will still be the same. Lots of cleaning, lots of lighting, lots of heating. Its much easier to repurpose a small building than a big department store or block of offices.

I checked it out, since this article didn't include any photo, and they indeed have some cool interesting spaces. Would be nice if it spreads to other cities as well.

Attempted b4 in some nations, the biggest hurdle is the fire regulations, MOE, fire doors, clear corridors etc, such accommodations attract far more stringent requirements than the conforming hotels. And insurance can be an issue. OOPs fancy textiles and plastic models. mmmh. if they get it right, good for all, but if one guest gets it wrong! I looked at a few potential schemes b4, safety, insurance. It is a business v morals decision.