He Bought an Abandoned 'Ghost House' in Japan. Now It's a Dream Guesthouse

Daisuke Kajiyama spent years backpacking around the world, exploring everything the planet has to offer. But when it was time to come home, he didn't buy a nice apartment in Tokyo. He bought an abandoned ghost house in the Japanese countryside.

And honestly? It might be the smartest decision he ever made.

Japan has a akiya problem — hundreds of thousands of abandoned homes dotting the countryside, left empty as young people flock to cities and the population ages. These 'ghost houses' are often sold for pennies on the dollar, sometimes for as little as $10,000. For someone like Kajiyama, who wanted to open a guesthouse and embrace a slower pace of life, it was an opportunity too good to pass up.

The Transformation

What Kajiyama found was a time capsule: a traditional wooden home, weathered but structurally sound, surrounded by overgrown gardens and mountain views. With patience, hard work, and a vision, he turned the abandoned property into a charming guesthouse that now welcomes travelers from around the world.

The renovations weren't easy. Old Japanese homes require specialized knowledge — traditional joinery, rice-paper screens, and thatched roofs aren't things you can fix with a trip to Home Depot. But Kajiyama embraced the challenge, learning traditional techniques and preserving as much of the original character as possible.

The Bigger Trend

Kajiyama is part of a growing movement of people — both Japanese and foreigners — snapping up akiya properties. Local governments are actually giving away some homes for free, just to get someone to live in them. The catch? You usually need to commit to renovating and living there long-term.

For travelers, these renovated guesthouses offer something you can't get in a hotel: authentic Japanese rural life. Rice fields, hot springs, mountain hikes, and neighbors who'll invite you for tea. It's the Japan most tourists never see.

Thinking about a radical life change? Japan's ghost houses are waiting. Just bring your tool belt and an open mind. 🏠🌸