[Saga City] First in Kyushu! A Step Towards Utilizing Vacant Houses Begins in Saga

Transforming unused houses into new attractions for the town. For three days from June 5th to 7th, Saga City, in collaboration with Airbnb Japan Inc., hosted the "Airbnb School," the first of its kind in Kyushu. Through lectures, visits to advanced case studies, and business plan creation, the program connected participants' "desire to try" with concrete steps to shape their ideas within the region.

Bringing Flow Back to Dormant Houses

Saga City is actively working to leverage vacant houses not just as a regional issue, but as valuable resources that create the town's charm.

By transforming unused houses into accommodations, cafes, and other community exchange spaces, the initiative aims to increase visitors and revitalize the town's landscape.

The "Airbnb School" held this time was a three-day practical program targeted at individuals interested in businesses utilizing vacant houses and those wanting to start new challenges in Saga.

High Interest Exceeding Capacity for Kyushu's First Event

This Airbnb School was the first to be held in Kyushu.

With a capacity of 20 participants, the event garnered significant interest shortly after applications opened, reaching full capacity quickly. This demonstrated the growing anticipation for new businesses utilizing vacant houses and entrepreneurship in Saga.

Participants learned about the potential of vacant houses and how to proceed with their utilization, while also considering "What kind of place could I create?" and "What value could I bring to the community?"

More Than Just Listening: Three Days of Site Visits and Business Planning

The program was structured around three main pillars: lectures, case study visits, and plan creation.

By hearing from property owners, participants learned concretely how vacant houses can be reborn.

They also experienced the atmosphere of the buildings, connections with the local community, and operational ingenuity, which are difficult to convey through photos and documents alone.

Finally, participants created their own business plans, dedicating time to consider the path to transform vacant houses from "places that would be nice to use someday" into "places that drive activity within the community."

A Place Where "I Want to Try" Turns into Concrete Action

Saga City has previously hosted events such as seminars, tours, and model plan presentations through the "SAGA Vacant House Sharing Conference." Last year, a total of 66 people participated, gradually expanding interest in vacant house utilization.

This Airbnb School took that interest a step further.

"I want to start something by utilizing a vacant house."
"I want to challenge a new business in Saga."
"I want to create a place where people gather in the community."

Individuals with these aspirations gathered, learned from each other, and spent three days expanding their vision towards commercialization.

Fostering Saga's Unique Vibrancy from Vacant Houses

If a vacant house becomes an inn, it creates stays for visitors to Saga. If it becomes a cafe, it creates time for local residents to gather. If it becomes an office, new jobs and challenges can take root in the town.

Changing one house can alter the impression of a street, create a flow of people, and make the town's charm more visible.

Seeking Applicants for Vacant House Utilization Businesses

Saga City is currently accepting applications for its "Vacant House Renovation Subsidy Program" to support new businesses that utilize vacant houses.

The program targets initiatives that renovate residential vacant houses within Saga City for use as accommodations, restaurants, shops, offices, or community hubs. It supports not just the renovation of vacant houses, but also businesses that create a flow of people and enhance the town's appeal.

We encourage those who wish to start new businesses by utilizing vacant houses and those who want to create new vibrancy in Saga's town center and local areas to consider applying for the "Vacant House Renovation Subsidy Program."

https://www.city.saga.lg.jp/kurashi/sumai/2/3/7587.html

Through its collaboration with Airbnb Japan Inc., Saga City is advancing its efforts to utilize vacant houses as regional resources and aims to become a "Saga-style Sharing City" that is comfortable for both visitors and residents.