Very important information to read:
This article is intended as a preliminary guide only and refers to some but not all elements required to consider in detail prior to starting any property dealings or due diligence. Property dealings are often complex, especially in foreign countries and we highly recommend you seek independent professional advice… read more…
Odyssey Capital Group has officially launched the Kansai Heritage Collection, a specialised property advisory and investment platform designed to help international buyers access one of Japan’s most culturally significant and tightly held real estate markets Kyoto’s Machiya townhouses.
The platform, led by Dan Vovil, founder of Odyssey Capital Group and a seasoned real estate and hospitality investment advisor with over 30 years’ experience in Australia, Japan, and the Asia-Pacific, focuses exclusively on licensed Machiya and boutique hospitality assets across Kyoto and the broader Kansai region.
Vovil told Retalk Asia, Japan’s tourism market is roaring back after the pandemic, with Kyoto leading the recovery. In March 2025 alone, the city welcomed over 3.1 million visitors, surpassing pre-pandemic highs. This resurgence has driven demand for authentic, architecturally rich accommodations, with boutique luxury average daily rates increasing 18% year-on-year.
“Limited new hotel supply due to conservation laws adds further scarcity, while high repeat visitation by high-net-worth individuals and cultural travellers enhances Machiya’s appeal as a long-term.
Machiya are traditional Kyoto townhouses characterised by elegant wooden construction, tatami rooms, inner gardens, lattice façades, and clay tile roofs. These residences reflect centuries of Japanese craftsmanship and were originally built as homes for Kyoto’s merchant class.
Today, many restored Machiya operate as boutique hotels and luxury stays, attracting affluent travelers seeking immersive cultural experiences. However, Machiya properties are protected by strict zoning, heritage overlays, and Kyoto City’s rigorous short-stay licensing regulations, making fully compliant assets both scarce and highly sought after.
“Owning a Machiya in Kyoto is like buying a piece of Japan’s soul,” says Vovil.
“But doing it well, legally, profitably, and with integrity takes deep local expertise. That’s what we offer added Vovil.
“It offers a curated portfolio of fully licensed, income-producing Machiya properties alongside turnkey acquisition services, including legal, tax, and offshore structuring, plus ongoing property management via trusted local operators.”
Today, they’re among the rarest and most romantic real estate assets in Asia — often converted into luxury guesthouses or design-led stays for affluent travellers craving authenticity. But they’re tightly held, highly regulated, and largely inaccessible to offshore buyers… until now.
“It’s the perfect storm — scarcity, story, and cashflow,” says Vovil. “These aren’t just investments. They’re legacies that pay rent.”
“The Machiya represent a unique blend of heritage, artistry, and income potential,” Vovil says.
“Our role is to help buyers navigate the complexities of acquiring and managing these culturally significant assets, ensuring they enjoy both the lifestyle and financial benefits.”
Dan Vovil, told Retalk Asia, Traditional Maychia townhouses often sell for between $500,000 to $750,000 USD, typically producing net yields of between 6% to 7% after holding and management costs, at occupancy rates that still allow time for the owners, family and friends to enjoy their historic Japanese residence.
The Kansai Heritage Collection also offers opportunities for co-ownership and passive investment, catering to a broad range of buyers from lifestyle enthusiasts to sophisticated family offices seeking meaningful, high-quality real estate in Japan’s spiritual and cultural heart.
To learn more please contact Mr Dan Vovil via the below contact details.
Very important information to read:
This article and the above linked articles are not complete and are intended as preliminary guides only. These guides refer to some elements to consider prior to starting any property dealings or due diligence. Property dealings are often complex areas, especially in foreign countries and we highly recommend you seek independent professional advice… read more…
AloJapan.com