Sourcing & Purchase

Using our extensive experience and network to source traditional Japanese buildings – kominka (farmhouses), machiya (townhouses), jinja (shrines) – in unique and interesting locations with the potential for long-term rural tourism.

Renovation & Project Management

Our team of architects, designers and craftsmen develop a renovation plan to update, modernise and reposition the building to meet the expectations of international and domestic travelers.

Marketing & Operations

Leveraging our experience marketing and operating vacation homes, guesthouses and hotels across Japan, we support promotional activities, manage bookings, arrange cultural experiences, and deliver smooth operations to ensure a fantastic guest experience.

Turnkey Redevelopment – Typical Budget: USD $250,000

Budget includes sourcing and purchase of an average size Japanese house; typically 3-4 bedrooms, 100-200 sqm, in good condition, i.e. with minimal damage to exterior or interiors

Budget is exclusive of real estate agent fees, legal (scrivener) fees, and Marketing & Operation fees

Renovation to be produced to MinkaLife Standard – a sufficiently high quality for vacation rental; for more premium fixtures and fittings, additional budget will be required

Location of property to be in accessible rural areas. For city center and popular tourist areas such as Kyoto or Niseko, the budget will need to be increased to be able to purchase a suitable property

Sourcing & Purchase  

MinkaLife supports the sourcing and purchase of rural property in Japan utilizing our network of partners. 

Phase 1: Requirements gathering (1-2 weeks)

• Identify budget range, target property requirements and target areas

• Establish client’s appetite level for renovation 

Phase 2: Research (2-4 weeks)

• Sourcing and listing of properties that meet criteria 
• Presentation to client and shortlisting top choices

Phase 3: Property assessment (2-4 weeks)

• Surveying target property to determine structural soundness, interior issues, land boundaries, tax liabilities, etc.

Phase 4: Sales Purchase Negotiation & Agreement (2-4 weeks)

• Introduction to local broker to handle property purchase
• Managing communication with real estate brokers, judicial scriveners, surveyors and local governments as required

 

Renovation & Project Management

From structural repairs and insulation to interior design and fixtures, MinkaLife’s team will oversee the renovation project from start to finish.

Phase 1:  Review of property with contractors 

• Determine the necessary areas for renovation and improvements required to meet standards expected 

Phase 2: Design & Quote 

•  Meetings with investor to determine interior designs, materials and finalise budgets

Phase 3: Renovation Project Management 

• Overall project management and oversight of Budget, Timeline, internal and external resources
• Regular reports to Investor

 

Marketing & Operations

MinkaLife will Market and Operate the vacation rental property on behalf of the property owners. 

Fee: 60% of gross rental income

Phase 1: Set-up – Creation of marketing assets and listing 

• Photography and video
• Listing on local and international vacation rental portals and platforms (Japanese and English language)

Phase 2: Booking and Guest Management

• Management of bookings and guest communication pre-arrival
• Handling guest communications and questions

Phase 3: Property Management 

• Cleaning post-guest stay
• Ongoing repairs & maintenance

 

Establishment of a Japanese Entity

MinkaLife will project manage a weekly work / task schedule in concert with the external legal and tax advisors to establish a new entity for the Client. 

 

Company Establishment

1. Advise on the establishment of a new Japanese entity
2. Recommend scriveners or lawyers to establish the new company
3. Recommend accountants and business support services for the new company
4. Coordinate the establishment process for the new entity
5. Bank account opening 
6. Review hotel licensing options/alternatives and coordinate the necessary application
7. Visa coordination and support 
8. Provide ongoing management consultation
9. Effectively and efficiently manage all work streams throughout
10. Any other tasks related to the activities set out above as requested by the Client

Company Establishment

1. Advise on the establishment of a new Japanese entity
2. Recommend scriveners or lawyers to establish the new company
3. Recommend accountants and business support services for the new company
4. Coordinate the establishment process for the new entity
5. Bank account opening 
6. Review hotel licensing options/alternatives and coordinate the necessary application
7. Visa coordination and support 
8. Provide ongoing management consultation
9. Effectively and efficiently manage all work streams throughout
10. Any other tasks related to the activities set out above as requested by the Client

The MinkaLife team provided end-to-end support to a Australia-based couple who were looking to purchase a ski chalet or small hotel in the northern Japan ski resort of Madarao. 

 

Our service covered the following:

• Real Estate Advisory
• Company Establishment
• Renovation Project Management
• Consultation on Japanese laws, business practice, culture

 

Over a 12-month period, we oversaw the successful identification, purchase, renovation of a 7-room ski chalet; and the establishment of a Japanese entity with appropriate licences to run an accommodation business.

MinkaLife supported the sourcing, purchasing and renovation of the property across 2017 

 

Our service covered the following:

• Real Estate Advisory
• Company Establishment
• Renovation Project Management
• Consultation on Japanese laws, business practice, culture

 

Over a 12-month period, we oversaw the successful identification, purchase, renovation of a 12-room ski chalet; and the establishment of a Japanese entity with appropriate licences to run an accommodation business.