Renovation Ideas for Turning an Akiya Into an Airbnb

Renovation Ideas for Turning an Akiya Into an Airbnb

With Japan’s rise in rural tourism and travelers seeking unique, off-the-beaten-path stays, converting an old Japanese home—or akiya—into an Airbnb-style rental has never been more appealing. But transforming an abandoned house into a warm, memorable guest experience requires more than fresh paint and new sheets.

So how do you take a forgotten property and turn it into a guest-ready gem that blends tradition and modern appeal?

Here are practical and inspiring renovation ideas to turn your akiya into a successful Airbnb—plus tips from Old Houses Japan on what guests want, what to prioritize, and how to make it profitable.

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🛏 First: Why Akiya Make Great Airbnbs

• Unique architecture that travelers can’t find in the city
• Ideal for guests seeking slow travel, quiet, and authenticity
• Lower purchase prices = more budget for renovations
• Potential to rejuvenate local towns and economies
• Opportunity to stand out from cookie-cutter hotels and listings

Akiya aren’t just homes—they’re experiences waiting to be shaped.

🔧 1. Keep the Exterior Traditional—but Polished

Travelers love the look of a real Japanese home—but not if it looks dangerous or decaying.

✅ What to do:

• Repair roof tiles and clean or re-stain wooden facades
• Refresh signage or entrance lanterns
• Add potted plants, noren curtains, or welcome stones at the genkan
• Keep the historic aesthetic but make it feel cared for

🪟 2. Embrace a Warm, Minimal Interior

Avoid turning it into a Western-style hotel. Instead, keep the Japanese identity while making it functional.

Ideas:

• Mix modern lighting with exposed beams or clay walls
• Keep tatami rooms but add thick futons and cozy linens
• Use natural materials: wood, paper, rattan, linen
• Add underfloor insulation or discreet space heaters for comfort

💡 Tip: Consider leaving one room fully traditional for ambiance, while modernizing the rest.

🚿 3. Prioritize a Modern Bathroom and Toilet

This is non-negotiable. No matter how rustic the rest of the home, guests expect a clean, modern, and comfortable bathroom.

✅ Renovation musts:

• Install a flush toilet (Western-style preferred)
• Use stylish tile or micro-cement for bath/shower walls
• Add a rain shower or deep soaking tub
• Include slippers, towels, and eco-friendly amenities

🍳 4. Create a Compact, Usable Kitchenette

Not every guest will cook, but many want the option—especially in rural areas without restaurants.

Include:

• A small induction or gas stove
• Hot water kettle and basic cookware
• Countertop or under-counter fridge
• Simple dishware and Japanese tea set
• Clear labeling in English + Japanese

💡 5. Add Modern Touches That Feel Local

Even traditional stays can include smart comforts:

• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Soft LED lighting or lantern-style bedside lamps
• A speaker or sound machine
• QR codes for local recommendations or check-in info
• Instructions for using heaters, baths, or futons in English

Make the experience simple and peaceful, not confusing or intimidating.

🖼 6. Tell a Story Through Design

Use the renovation to showcase:

• The home’s age and purpose (e.g., former merchant house or farmhouse)
• Local artisans or recycled materials (e.g., reused beams or tatami)
• Vintage finds or local antiques
• Traditional crafts like noren curtains, shibori fabrics, or indigo-dyed towels

Guests want more than a bed—they want a story to remember.

🔐 7. Think About Layout, Privacy, and Entry

Whether you’re managing the stay remotely or on-site, make sure:

• There’s a secure, private entrance
• Clear instructions for check-in/out (via app or printed guide)
• A self-service key box or smart lock if needed
• Sleeping and bathing areas are clearly separated for families or groups

💡 Bonus: If the home has two floors, consider converting part into a host-free apartment or duplex rental.

📸 8. Stage It Beautifully for Listing Photos

Once the renovation is complete:

• Use natural light to photograph each room
• Include shots of traditional features (tatami, beams, kura)
• Add lifestyle images—like tea on the engawa, a futon set up for sleep, or someone reading under a kotatsu
• Show proximity to temples, nature, or seasonal attractions

Your listing should feel immersive and transportive.

🛠 How Old Houses Japan Helps

We assist akiya-to-Airbnb buyers by:

• Helping find homes with high tourism potential
• Recommending layouts based on guest behavior and flow
• Connecting you with bilingual architects and builders
• Advising on legal registration, business licensing, and Airbnb compliance
• Offering check-in systems, photography services, and pricing strategy

Whether you want to host a few times a year or launch a full-scale rural hospitality business, we’re here to help you bring it to life.

Final Thoughts

Renovating an akiya into an Airbnb is more than a facelift—it’s a chance to craft an experience that blends Japan’s history with modern travel needs.

If you have the vision, the patience, and the right team, you can transform a forgotten home into something unforgettable.

Let Old Houses Japan help you build a place guests will fall in love with—and return to again and again.