Accelerated Growth in Japan's Vacation Rentals Amid Tourism Boost

The Japanese government is significantly ramping up its investment in vacation rentals as part of a broader initiative to invigorate local tourism and promote inbound travel. In the newly proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year, the Japan Tourism Agency has allocated nearly 740 million yen—approximately seven times more than the previous year's budget—to ensure the healthy proliferation of vacation rental services. This move is coupled with an impressive increase in funding for local tourism promotion, which is expected to double the efforts aimed at diversifying accommodation options in various regions and enhancing local communities.

In light of this momentum, two important events will be held to facilitate knowledge sharing and networking among industry professionals:

Upcoming Events

1. Resort Vacation Rental Seminar
Date: January 24, 2026 (Saturday)
Time: 15:00 - 20:00
Location: reDine Shinjuku, Tokyo (5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station)
The seminar will focus on the roadmap for new entrants looking to start or expand their vacation rental businesses. Attendees will gain insights into market demands and operational know-how to efficiently manage diverse services in the vacation rental landscape.
- Key Features:
- Current Market Insights: Analyzing present demands in local resorts and providing straightforward explanations on how to meet them.
- Practical Information: Guidance will cover operational steps from the launch of services to managing multiple facilities effectively.
- Who Should Attend:
- Individuals considering the effective use of vacant houses and villas.
- Anyone looking to explore vacation rentals as a side job or new business.
- Existing owners aiming for business expansion or high value-addition strategies.

2. Inbound Business Networking Event
Date: January 26, 2026 (Monday)
Time: 18:00 - 20:00
Location: Taisho Memorial Hall, Tokyo (3-minute walk from Kiyosumi Shirakawa Station, inside Kiyosumi Garden)
As the budget for inbound tourism has reached an all-time high of 138.3 billion yen—an increase of over 2.39 times from the previous year—the networking event aims to strengthen connections across various sectors.
- Key Features:
- Diverse Networking Opportunities: This platform encourages interactions among real estate professionals, hospitality experts, marketers, and investors, fostering meaningful collaborations.
- Who Should Attend:
- Parties interested in the latest inbound tourism trends.
- Individuals keen on expanding business perspectives in relation to foreign tourists.
- Anyone desiring to initiate new collaborations in the tourism sector.

Expected Attendees

Attendees will include a variety of stakeholders in the tourism industry:

- Tourism & Experiences: Operators providing inbound tour experiences and Japanese cultural activities.
- Accommodation & Real Estate: Vacation rental property owners and real estate sellers catering to foreign residents.
- Marketing & Social Media: Specialists managing social media for the Chinese and English-speaking markets.
- Professionals: Translators and overseas investors looking for opportunities in the Japanese tourism market.

How to Register

Interested participants can apply through the official registration pages. Participation is welcomed for either event individually.

- Resort Vacation Rental Event - January 24
- Inbound Business Networking Event - January 26

Event Hosts

The events are organized by Sakurawa Inc. and Biz Creek, led by Kazuko Kikuchi and Takao Kawaguchi, respectively. Based in Shibuya, Tokyo, and Narashino, Chiba, the companies specialize in real estate consulting and inbound support services, catering to the booming vacation rental market.

For further inquiries, please contact:
Email: [email protected]

The data referenced in this article is based on the Japan Tourism Agency's budget details for fiscal year 2026. Utilization of vacation rentals is set to accelerate with sound strategies in place to support the industry's growth and resilience.