#Japan #Wakayama #PlanetDAO #Kumano Kodo #Hokoji Temple

Reviving Hokoji Temple: An Innovative Investment Project

In a groundbreaking initiative, Planet Labs, a subsidiary of Gaiax Co., Ltd., has launched the ‘Nachikatsuura Fund’ to revive the historical Hokoji Temple and other vacant temples in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. This project not only aims to restore these culturally significant buildings but also invites small-scale investments to sustain their operations, with a notable 80% of investors coming from overseas.

A Global Participation

As of October 29, 2025, the fund managed to garner interest from investors who contributed over 10 million yen within just a month of its opening. This reflects a growing interest in Japan’s cultural heritage, particularly among those who have previously visited the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. The participation breakdown indicates 22% of investors are from Japan, while 33% are from Asia, 22% from Europe, and 15% from the United States, showcasing a diverse and international investment community.

Background of the Temple

Hokoji Temple, constructed over 200 years ago during the Edo period, has long been a cornerstone of local faith and culture. However, like many historical sites in Japan, it has faced significant challenges due to the ongoing trend of ‘vacant temples’ – those without resident priests, which number over 20,000 nationwide. The project is poised to transform these vacant establishments into sustainable tourist attractions, merging cultural preservation with local tourism development.

Enlightening Experiences Await

International visitors to Hokoji Temple have shared their overwhelming desire to return, often expressing intentions to introduce friends and family. Many guests have discovered a deep interest in Zen and Buddhist culture through their stays. Their experiences have underscored a strong emotional connection with the temple's atmosphere, prompting inquiries from foreigners keen to invest in the temple’s restoration.

High Occupancy Rates

Hokoji’s potential as a lodging facility is supported by its proximity to Daitai-ji Temple, which has a reported occupancy rate of around 70%, with 80% of its guests being international travelers. These numbers highlight the growing appeal of temple stays, particularly among couples from Western nations, who find the experience both culturally rich and serene.

The Future of PlanetDAO

Looking ahead, Planet Labs envisions attracting investments from around 200 participants across 23 countries by 2024, aimed at maintaining and preserving historical sites. The challenge facing such temples is significant, with local communities struggling to gather the necessary resources for upkeep and restoration. PlanetDAO positions itself as a cooperative effort enabling both local engagement and global investor involvement, ensuring sustainable management of Japan's historical landmarks.

The participation model offers investors not only a share of the profits but also a voice in decision-making, fostering a collaborative approach to the preservation of cultural heritage.

Expert Insights

Comments from various stakeholders, including Nishiyama Tomuki, the chief priest of Daitai-ji, highlight the importance of this initiative. He emphasizes that while Japan's temples are crucial cultural hubs, the increasing number of vacant temples presents a severe challenge. Concurrently, there is a significant interest from abroad towards Japan's rich cultural and Zen traditions—turning religious spaces into venues for learning, meditation, and cultural exchange.

In summary, the revival of Hokoji Temple through PlanetDAO represents a transformative opportunity to reconnect global citizens with Japan’s cultural heritage while fostering local development. As the project progresses, it aims to serve as a model for similar initiatives, paving the way for a renaissance of Japan's historic sites.

For further details and to participate, visit PlanetDAO’s official website at PlanetDAO World.