Former Pension in Zao Transformed into Private Rental Cottage: Create Lemon Releases New Accommodation Revitalization Case Study as Part of 'Case Study House 2026'

Create Lemon (Headquarters: Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture; President: Tomokazu Oba) has launched a landing page introducing the private rental cottage at "Unite Zao Jonida Resort," located in the Zao Onsen area of Yamagata City, as part of the company's experimental residential and architectural project, "Case Study House 2026."

This cottage is a lodging space reborn through a full renovation of a building that was once operated as a pension. Located on a hillside at the northern edge of Zao Onsen, the property is surrounded by forest and offers views of the Zao mountain range from its large windows. A barrel sauna has been installed in the garden, and the facility operates as a private rental base where families and friends can spend time slowly in nature.

In this iteration of Case Study House 2026, the company introduces this cottage as a case study in repurposing idle accommodation facilities into spaces that enhance the regional value of a stay.

"Case Study House 2026" is an experimental proposal project for housing and architecture being developed by Create Lemon throughout 2026. By broadly encompassing building uses such as housing, lodging, rentals, and regional hubs, the project communicates the ideal form of space required for future living and local communities. The cottage at Unite Zao Jonida Resort is a case study of reusing an existing building rather than constructing new housing.

Create Lemon acquired the former pension and carried out a full renovation. Instead of tearing it down to rebuild, they reassessed the potential of the building remaining in the region and transformed it into an accommodation space where guests can enjoy a leisurely stay in Zao.

With a concept of shifting from "a place to stay for tourism" to "a place where the stay itself is enjoyed," the cottage is equipped with two bedrooms and a living-dining-kitchen area, aiming for a stay where dining, conversation, relaxation, and nature experiences are seamlessly connected. It offers a location where guests can enjoy a calm stay while retaining the convenience of the Zao Onsen town.