ShakeHands Inc. / Okinawa, Japan
From houses to accommodation: our work in Nago, Okinawa
A house can have another possibility: a place for guests to stay.
In Nago City, Okinawa, we considered newly built properties originally offered for sale as homes. The work began with a question about their use after purchase and continued through business planning, preparation and accommodation management.
1. Explore the property’s potential
A residential building cannot always be used as accommodation without further checks. We considered location, building specifications and regulatory and licensing conditions before proceeding with the property transaction.
The starting point was to think about what would happen after the purchase.
2. Test the plan with numbers
Potential alone is not enough to sustain a business. We organized assumptions for accommodation rates, occupancy and operating costs, and presented a business-plan calculation to prospective buyers.
The Japanese case study includes a plan dated 13 May 2025. The figures below are projections stated in that plan, rather than operating results.
- Property price in the plan
- JPY 34.9 million
- Projected first-year revenue
- Approximately JPY 8.66 million
- Projected first-year expenses
- Approximately JPY 5.54 million
- Projected first-year annual surplus stated in the plan
- Approximately JPY 3.12 million
These figures describe the assumptions of the dated plan. They are not a guarantee of future performance or a return offered for another property.
3. Create a space guests want to stay in
After reviewing the financial plan, we prepared the space for guests. Floor and wall materials, room size and daylight informed the choice of furniture and lighting.
We considered three things together: harmony with the building, appeal in photographs and comfort during a stay.
4. Connect the work after opening
The work continues after the property transaction. Reservations, guest guidance, cleaning and linen arrangements, and equipment issues all need to be managed. We coordinate with cleaning companies, linen providers and local staff to keep these tasks connected.
Because we remain involved after opening, we consider business feasibility and where money should be spent while the purchase is still being discussed.
Think beyond the handover
Real estate brokerage and accommodation management are connected parts of this work. Our approach starts with the decision before purchase and looks ahead to the business that follows.