Revitalizing Historic Townhouses in Umeda: The DEN Project's Vision for Ancient Houses by 2030

The DEN project, an initiative led by the Japan Old House Restoration Association, has recently launched a brand for traditional inns called “DEN” in the Toyosaki area of Osaka. Located within walking distance from Umeda station, DEN transforms a Taisho-era townhouse into a unique accommodation experience. This initiative emphasizes not merely conserving historical structures but repurposing them into lodging facilities that can be cherished and passed on to future generations.

Urban Challenges for Historic Homes

As vacant house issues intensify across the country, urban traditional houses face distinct challenges. Frequently, properties are sold off as land after owners pass away, often due to exorbitant inheritance taxes and the burden of maintenance. While many owners wish to preserve their family homes, they often feel compelled to demolish or sell them under these pressures.

Against this backdrop, the DEN project champions the philosophy of “preserving without destroying,” working towards transforming these homes into lucrative accommodation options. This innovative approach seeks to harmonize the preservation of historic architecture with economic viability.

The Journey of Revitalizing the Toyosaki Townhouse

The inception of the Toyosaki townhouse project arose when an owner expressed a desire to retain the building for future generations. Situated close to the rapidly redeveloping Umeda area, Toyosaki has retained its traditional lifestyle and strong community bonds. Over five years, the stakeholders have engaged in a challenging process to breathe new life into the historic rows of houses, resulting in four distinct buildings operating under the DEN brand: Akane, Sumire, Midori, and Ten. Each of these now serves as a unique accommodation where local and international travelers can immerse themselves in the area's culture and daily life.

A New Approach to Tourism: Knowing the Region through Stays

DEN is more than just a place to stay. Guests are encouraged to visit nearby restaurants and markets, fostering interaction with residents while experiencing the community’s rich history and culture. The revival of these once-vacant properties as lodgings creates a virtuous cycle:

- Increased visitor footfall in the area
- Economic benefits for local shops and eateries
- Preservation of historical resources and landscapes
- Addressing the vacant house crisis effectively

This initiative is seen as a promising model for utilizing vacant and historical homes in Japan.

Ambitious Goals: 200 Traditional Inns by 2030

DEN envisions assigning unique historical significance to each traditional inn, labeling them with a combination of regional names and property origins. The idea is to connect these inns under a singular brand across the nation. Starting in 2023, DEN has collaborated with Airbnb to promote the use of traditional inns across Japan, with around 30 properties currently participating.

Looking ahead, the objective is to form a network of 200 traditional inns by 2030, progressively turning the focus from mere preservation to vibrant utility, thereby ensuring the seamless transfer of Japan’s traditional houses to future generations.

A Vision for the Future

The representative of the DEN project reflects, “Traditional houses are not just old buildings; they embody the memories of the way of life in the region, the craftsmanship of artisans, and the stories of the communities. Our commitment is not just to safeguard these homes but to create a system that revitalizes them and connects them to the future. The ultimate goal of 200 houses by 2030 is just the stepping stone toward a society where these traditional homes are cherished as symbols of local pride.”

Overview of DEN Umeda Toyosaki Townhouse

- Name: DEN Umeda Toyosaki Townhouse
- Location: Toyosaki area, Kita Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Number of Rooms: 4 units (Akane, Sumire, Midori, Ten)
- Access: Walkable distance from Osaka Umeda Station
- Business Activities: Traditional house restoration accommodation and regional revitalization initiatives.

For inquiries, contact the Japan Old House Restoration Association, committed to realizing a sustainable circular architecture society for future generations.