Taisho-era townhouses in walking distance of Osaka/Umeda reborn as traditional house lodging brand "DEN" - Aiming for a network of 200 traditional houses nationwide by 2030

The Japan Association for the Preservation of Old Houses (location: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) and the Circular Architecture Network have launched "DEN (デン)," a traditional house lodging brand, by renovating townhouses built during the Taisho era in the Toyosaki area of Kita-ku, Osaka City.

The first facility, "DEN Umeda Toyosaki Nagaya Yoshida-tei," is located in the Toyosaki area, where traditional alleys and townhouse culture remain strong, despite being in an urban area within walking distance of Osaka/Umeda Station. This project proposes a new model for passing down to the next generation by renovating and utilizing old houses as lodging facilities, rather than simply preserving them.

Challenges of Urban Old Houses

Amidst the worsening vacant house problem nationwide, old houses in urban areas face unique challenges.

Many cases involve land being sold due to inheritance, and even when owners wish to "preserve" the property, they are often forced to demolish or sell it due to high inheritance taxes and maintenance costs.

In response to these challenges, the DEN project advocates the concept of "not demolishing, but utilizing," and is working to balance building preservation with business viability by renovating old houses into profitable lodging facilities.

Toyosaki Townhouse Renovation Achieved Over Approximately 5 Years

The Toyosaki townhouse project, the origin of DEN, began with a consultation from the owner who wanted to "leave this building for the next generation."

The Toyosaki area, adjacent to the redeveloping Osaka/Umeda area, retains its old-fashioned lifestyle and community. To utilize the historic row of townhouses, stakeholders repeatedly experimented and promoted the renovation project for about 5 years.

Currently, it operates as a lodging facility consisting of four buildings: Akane (AKANE), Sumire (SUMIRE), Midori (MIDORI), and Ten (TEN), serving as a base for domestic and international travelers to experience the local daily life and culture.

A New Form of Tourism: Getting to Know the Region Through Lodging

DEN is not just a lodging facility.

Guests can visit local restaurants and shopping streets, interact with local residents, and experience the history and culture of the area.

By renovating vacant buildings into lodgings, it creates a virtuous cycle that includes:

Increased number of visitors to the region Economic impact on shopping streets and restaurants Preservation of landscape and historical resources Solution to the vacant house problem

This is expected to be a new model case for utilizing vacant and old houses, which are increasing nationwide.

DEN Project Goal: 200 Houses Nationwide by 2030

DEN's concept is to add unique value to old houses, each with its own history and story, by assigning them specific names like "Region Name + Building Origin," and to connect traditional houses nationwide under one brand.

Since 2023, in collaboration with Airbnb, they have been promoting projects to utilize traditional houses across Japan, with approximately 30 partner houses currently participating.

Moving forward, they aim to form a network of 200 traditional houses nationwide by 2030, expanding from "preserving" to "utilizing," from "points" to "lines," and from "lines" to "surfaces," to realize a society where Japan's traditional houses are naturally passed down.

Project Representative's Comment

"Old houses are not just old buildings. They are memories of the lives lived in the region, the skills of artisans, and the stories of the region itself. We will not only protect old houses but also spread a system nationwide that connects them to the future while utilizing them. Beyond the goal of 200 houses by 2030 lies a society where old houses are passed down as regional pride."

DEN Umeda Toyosaki Nagaya Yoshida-tei Overview

[Facility Name] DEN Umeda Toyosaki Nagaya Yoshida-tei [Location] Toyosaki area, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture [Number of Rooms] 4 buildings (Akane, Sumire, Midori, Ten) [Access] Within walking distance of Osaka/Umeda Station [Business Content] Old house renovation lodging business, regional revitalization business

https://japatra.com/?post_type=stay&p=6165

Contact Information

Japan Association for the Preservation of Old Houses

Aiming to realize a sustainable circular architecture society for future generations.

DEN Project Promotion Manager

Specialist, Japan Association for the Preservation of Old Houses

1-3-1, Suko Building 9F, Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0011

TEL: 03-6275-0795 (Reception: Weekdays 10:00-12:00, 13:00-16:00 *Excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)

FAX: 03-6856-4414

Koichi Inoue

*Circular Architecture Network (Aestheticus Japan Inc.) operates the Japan Association for the Preservation of Old Houses / Japan Association of Vacant House Advisors / Japan Association for Housing Education Promotion.