Japan Tourism Agency Launches Special Website for 'Abandoned Building Removal and Revitalization Project' and Begins Public Recruitment

DIVE Group Inc. (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Kiyoshi Shoji; Securities Code: 151A; hereinafter 'DIVE Group'), serving as the secretariat for the Japan Tourism Agency's fiscal year 2026 'Support Project for Urban Development in Rural Hot Spring Areas through Abandoned Building Removal and Regeneration,' has officially launched the project's dedicated website and begun accepting applications for primary support, including subsidies for area revitalization planning.

In conjunction, the secretariat is now accepting 'pre-application consultations (free of charge)' on an ongoing basis.

Additionally, an 'online briefing session' to explain the project overview and application requirements will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

This project will conduct ongoing reviews and selections as applications are received, and may close the application period once the budget cap is reached.

Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to utilize the pre-application consultation service as early as possible.

▼ Dedicated Website URL: https://kanko-haioku.go.jp/

Background and Objectives of the Project

In rural hot spring and tourist areas across Japan, large-scale hotels built during the period of high economic growth to meet group travel demand have increasingly been abandoned due to aging operators and lack of successors, leaving many deteriorating structures untouched.

These abandoned buildings not only hinder tourist circulation and local economic activity but also present complex barriers—such as high demolition costs, complicated property rights, and lack of successor businesses—that make private-sector-only solutions difficult. On the other hand, removing and regenerating large abandoned inns and hotels located in the heart of hot spring towns holds significant potential to revitalize local markets, restore urban vibrancy, attract visitors, and promote sustainable urban development.

The project aims to support the removal and downsizing of large abandoned buildings—such as former inns and hotels—in central areas of rural hot spring destinations by subsidizing associated costs. This will promote sustainable regional economic cycles and diversified business development that leverages local culture and assets, enabling public-private collaboration to achieve regeneration as tourist facilities and revitalization of entire communities. (*1)

(*1) Japan Tourism Agency Public Document: Support Project for Urban Development in Rural Hot Spring Areas through Abandoned Building Removal and Regeneration

Online Project Briefing Session on Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Date and Time: July 7, 2026 (Tuesday), 14:00–15:30

Format: Online (via Zoom Webinar)

Participation Fee: Free

Archive: Will be available on the dedicated website after the event (accessible throughout the application period)

Registration: Available here

Pre-Application Consultation Service

As the project conducts ongoing reviews and selections, the secretariat strongly recommends utilizing the 'pre-application consultation (free)' service before submitting an application.

By confirming eligibility in advance, applicants can avoid document deficiencies and resubmission delays, enabling a smoother application process. Upon inquiry via the online form, a staff member will propose available consultation times. Individual 30-minute sessions will be scheduled to jointly review application requirements and the direction of the business plan.

▼ Pre-consultation reservation: Available here

【Inquiries and Pre-consultation Contact】

Secretariat for the Support Project for Urban Development in Rural Hot Spring Areas through Abandoned Building Removal and Regeneration (DIVE Group Inc.)

TEL: 03-6773-7674

E-mail: Via inquiry form on the dedicated website

Business Hours: 10:00–17:00 (excluding weekends and public holidays)

Dedicated Website: https://kanko-haioku.go.jp/

【Company Overview: DIVE Group Inc.】

Company Name: DIVE Group Inc.

Founded: March 2002

President and CEO: Kiyoshi Shoji

Head Office: PMO Shinjuku Gyo-en-mae 2F/3F, 2-1-12 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022

Website: https://dive.design/

Under the vision of 'A world where everyone can love their own life,' DIVE Group Inc. operates through its group companies specializing in human resource support, regional revitalization, and hospitality workforce development. The group collaboratively addresses human resource and regional challenges in the tourism industry, contributing to the realization of a sustainable tourism-based nation and the creation of regional futures.