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After years of backpacking, Daisuke Kajiyama returned to Japan with his partner Hila to fulfill their dream of opening a guesthouse. However, they faced obstacles in finding a location and lacked funds. Kajiyama desired a traditional Japanese house in the countryside, but struggled to find one. He then discovered the growing number of abandoned homes in Japan’s rural areas, known as “ghost” houses or “akiya.”
While driving in Tamatori, Kajiyama stumbled upon two neglected houses, an old green tea factory and a former farmer’s home, located close to a river. The properties had been uninhabited for at least seven years. Kajiyama contacted the owner and negotiated an agreement to use the factory as their home and convert the farmer’s house into the guesthouse. Due to Japanese home ownership traditions, he could not purchase both houses until ownership is passed down to the owner’s son.
Kajiyama and Hila were aware that the renovation process would be challenging, but they were excited to have found an ideal location. Kajiyama took on the task of clearing the house and completing much of the renovation work himself. He focused on using traditional materials to maintain authenticity and collected wood from companies breaking down traditional houses. The government provided some financial support, and Kajiyama also utilized Japan’s working holiday program for additional assistance.
To acquire a guesthouse permit, Kajiyama registered the property as an agriculture guesthouse, combining their bamboo farming business with the guesthouse. In 2014, they welcomed their first guests, fulfilling Kajiyama’s dream and bringing the abandoned house back to life. The experience of hosting guests from around the world allowed Kajiyama to stay connected to his backpacking days and feel as if he were still traveling.
Tragically, Hila passed away from cancer in 2022. Kajiyama acknowledges her significant contribution to the guesthouse and couldn’t have achieved his dream without her. The guesthouse has been open for eight years, but Kajiyama continues to work on it, striving for perfection. He admits that it feels like a never-ending project and takes pride in the transformation of the abandoned house.
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