Former Convenience Store Reborn as Whole-Building Rental Hotel: 'NEXUS HOTEL Hakodate' Launches in Horai-cho
Matsumoto Sangyo is launching 'NEXUS HOTEL Hakodate' on May 22, 2026, a unique hotel repurposed from a former convenience store. The facility features a spacious, barrier-free layout for up to 12 guests and aims to revitalize the local community by converting idle real estate into valuable assets.
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- 📰 Published: May 18, 2026 at 19:21
- 🔍 Collected: May 18, 2026 at 11:01
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NEXUS HOTEL Hakodate
Is a vacant store really a 'liability'?
The increasing number of vacant stores in regional cities has become a significant social issue. Matsumoto Sangyo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture) has repurposed a building formerly used as a convenience store into a single-building rental accommodation facility, 'NEXUS HOTEL Hakodate,' which will begin accepting reservations on May 22, 2026.
This project is positioned not just as a lodging development but as a new model for converting idle real estate into income-generating assets.
[Facility Features]
■ Utilizing the 'Space' and 'Flow' of a Former Convenience Store
Leveraging the structure of a former convenience store, this facility achieves wide flow and an open one-floor feel that is difficult to realize in conventional lodging. The flat floor design and spacious corridors ensure a comfortable stay for everyone, including wheelchair users.
■ A New Stay Experience: 'Direct Access from Car to Guest Room'
Taking advantage of the roadside store structure, the flow from the parking space to the guest room has been minimized. This design is friendly to travelers with heavy luggage and the elderly.
■ Whole-Building Rental for Up to 12 Guests
Catering to the high demand for group and family travel, particularly from Western markets, it offers a stay style for short-to-medium-term 'living like a local.'
- Kitchen with space and functionality to enjoy Hakodate's ingredients.
- Equipped with one large bathroom and two shower rooms to relieve travel fatigue.
- Two additional washbasins besides the main bathroom area.
■ Access and Surrounding Experiences
- Approx. 4 min walk to Hakodate Tram 'Horai-cho' stop.
- Approx. 10 min walk to Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse.
- Approx. 12 min to Mt. Hakodate Ropeway (5 min by car).
Located in a calm neighborhood while being in the heart of tourist areas, it serves as a base that balances sightseeing and tranquility.
■ Local Partnership Experiences
In the Horai-cho area, there are long-beloved sushi restaurants, popular Genghis Khan (lamb BBQ) spots, and craft beer bars. We view touching the lives and activities of this city as a value of the stay.
■ Craft Beer Experience (NEXUS Guest Privilege)
There is a craft beer bar (BAR hanabi: 34-1 Horai-cho, Hakodate) run by a local owner within walking distance. Guests can enjoy their first craft beer at a special price (600 yen instead of 900 yen) after check-in. This initiative aims to encourage guests to step out into the town and encounter the people of Hakodate.
■ Social Background and Project Positioning
In recent years, the increase in vacant stores and idle real estate due to population decline and lifestyle changes has become a social issue. By redesigning the purpose and revenue model, this project realizes a transformation of asset value. Cases of converting commercial buildings into lodging are still rare, and this facility is expected to be a new real estate utilization model for regional areas.
Is a vacant store really a 'liability'?
The increasing number of vacant stores in regional cities has become a significant social issue. Matsumoto Sangyo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture) has repurposed a building formerly used as a convenience store into a single-building rental accommodation facility, 'NEXUS HOTEL Hakodate,' which will begin accepting reservations on May 22, 2026.
This project is positioned not just as a lodging development but as a new model for converting idle real estate into income-generating assets.
[Facility Features]
■ Utilizing the 'Space' and 'Flow' of a Former Convenience Store
Leveraging the structure of a former convenience store, this facility achieves wide flow and an open one-floor feel that is difficult to realize in conventional lodging. The flat floor design and spacious corridors ensure a comfortable stay for everyone, including wheelchair users.
■ A New Stay Experience: 'Direct Access from Car to Guest Room'
Taking advantage of the roadside store structure, the flow from the parking space to the guest room has been minimized. This design is friendly to travelers with heavy luggage and the elderly.
■ Whole-Building Rental for Up to 12 Guests
Catering to the high demand for group and family travel, particularly from Western markets, it offers a stay style for short-to-medium-term 'living like a local.'
- Kitchen with space and functionality to enjoy Hakodate's ingredients.
- Equipped with one large bathroom and two shower rooms to relieve travel fatigue.
- Two additional washbasins besides the main bathroom area.
■ Access and Surrounding Experiences
- Approx. 4 min walk to Hakodate Tram 'Horai-cho' stop.
- Approx. 10 min walk to Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse.
- Approx. 12 min to Mt. Hakodate Ropeway (5 min by car).
Located in a calm neighborhood while being in the heart of tourist areas, it serves as a base that balances sightseeing and tranquility.
■ Local Partnership Experiences
In the Horai-cho area, there are long-beloved sushi restaurants, popular Genghis Khan (lamb BBQ) spots, and craft beer bars. We view touching the lives and activities of this city as a value of the stay.
■ Craft Beer Experience (NEXUS Guest Privilege)
There is a craft beer bar (BAR hanabi: 34-1 Horai-cho, Hakodate) run by a local owner within walking distance. Guests can enjoy their first craft beer at a special price (600 yen instead of 900 yen) after check-in. This initiative aims to encourage guests to step out into the town and encounter the people of Hakodate.
■ Social Background and Project Positioning
In recent years, the increase in vacant stores and idle real estate due to population decline and lifestyle changes has become a social issue. By redesigning the purpose and revenue model, this project realizes a transformation of asset value. Cases of converting commercial buildings into lodging are still rare, and this facility is expected to be a new real estate utilization model for regional areas.
FAQ
Where is NEXUS HOTEL Hakodate located?
It is in Horai-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido, a 4-minute walk from the 'Horai-cho' tram stop and near major tourist spots like the Red Brick Warehouses.
Can it accommodate large groups?
Yes, it can house up to 12 guests with three bedrooms, making it ideal for large families or groups.
Are there accessible features?
Yes, it features a barrier-free design with flat floors and wide pathways, accommodating wheelchair users comfortably.