Maido Estate Opens Its First Airbnb: A Journey Through Hard Work and Passion

After months of navigating negotiations, paperwork, licenses, and renovations, Maido Estate proudly opened its first Airbnb in Osaka in September 2024. Here's how we made it happen, step by step.

1. Finding Properties Suitable for Airbnb in Osaka

Choosing the right area was the first critical step. As a real estate agency, Maido Estate specializes in finding properties with unique charm—what we call "cachet" in French. Instead of overcrowded Airbnb hotspots like Dotonbori or Namba, we wanted to showcase a different, more authentic side of Osaka.

We chose Noda-Ebie, near Fukushima Station. Just two stops from Umeda and close to the Yodogawa River, Noda-Ebie offers potential, local vibes, and easy accessibility without the chaos of tourist-heavy areas. *(We’ll cover this district in detail in a future article.)*

2. The Property: A Traditional Osaka Terrace House

To match our theme of a central, local experience, we selected a 1960s traditional terrace house (テラスハウス). While the house was older, its layout, natural light, and historical charm made it a perfect fit for our vision.

After a few renovations, we created a warm, inviting space that captures both the industrial and traditional Japanese aesthetics.

3. Securing the Airbnb License in Japan

Running an Airbnb in Japan requires navigating local zoning and licensing laws. In Osaka, properties must be located in commercial or industrial zones to qualify for Airbnb operation.

We opted for the Special Zone Minpaku License (特区民泊), which allows year-round operation without the six-month limit imposed by the standard Minpaku license. This process involved extensive paperwork, including approvals from the fire department, public health center, and Minpaku regulatory office.

With two months of effort, we secured the license and launched our property on Airbnb, fully furnished and renovated to meet guest expectations.

4. Renovating the Traditional House

The house underwent thoughtful renovations. We removed the old wallpaper and flooring while preserving the original charm:

• Walls: We left the wallboards raw and painted them to maintain an industrial feel.
• Tatami Mats: Installed tatami mats on the first floor to bring back the traditional Japanese scent and ambiance.
• Sliding Doors: Retained the original sliding doors to enhance the authentic, traditional atmosphere.

With the help of local artists (photography, sketches, and calligraphy), we added creative décor to give the house a unique personality.

5. Fully Booked and Ready for Guests

Today, our first Airbnb in Osaka is a success! The property is fully booked until June and has already received twelve five-star reviews with no negative feedback. We're thrilled by the response and are now on the hunt for our next property in another lesser-known district.