“Ninja Village ~ Miyajima ~” Homestay Project

🏯 “Ninja Village ~ Miyajima ~” Homestay Project

Reviving Family and Community Through an Abandoned House

 

👤 About Me

Nice to meet you.

I’m a father of three living near Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While working full-time as a company employee, I enjoy a lively home filled with laughter alongside my wife and three sons (one in early elementary school and two in preschool).

My parents (in their 60s) live nearby, and until recently, we shared peaceful, ordinary family moments.

However, last year, my mother was hospitalized due to a mental health crisis.

This led my father to experience physical and emotional exhaustion, and I temporarily stepped away from work to focus on caring for my family.

Although we’re slowly regaining our footing, I strongly feel that rebuilding our family bonds requires a positive, shared challenge.

My parents, now retired, have become isolated—unable to engage in hobbies or community activities.

My wife and I are busy raising our children, and we’ve struggled to care for my parents.

As a result, our family relationships have grown distant, and we’ve all become emotionally drained.

One day, I was struck by the fear that my parents’ “second life” might become lonely and closed off.

I realized that simply supporting them wasn’t enough—we needed a shared, forward-looking goal to reconnect as a family.

 

🏡 How the Project Began

That’s when I stumbled upon a vacant house in our neighborhood.

Built 34 years ago, it’s in good condition and located within walking distance of JR Ajina Station on the Sanyo Main Line.

Although vehicle access is restricted, I felt that reviving this vacant house with the theme of a “Hidden Ninja Village” and turning it into a guesthouse could become a catalyst for families to work together, share laughter, and connect with the local community.

As you can see, the area is overgrown with vegetation, making it inaccessible to vehicles.

 

 

 

🛠️ Project Details

Using limited personal funds, we purchased the 34-year-old house.

Despite its prime location, vehicle access is restricted, so transporting materials and furniture requires creativity.

Built in 1991, the house meets Japan’s Building Standards Act and has a solid structure with a history of residential use.

Although it’s classified as non-rebuildable, we’ve obtained special permission under Article 43 of the Building Standards Act, confirming legal compliance.

 

Renovations will be carried out appropriately within legal boundaries.

We’ve also confirmed with local authorities that the property can be safely operated as a homestay, with proper evacuation routes and safety equipment (emergency lighting, fire alarms, etc.).

 

Though I’m a DIY beginner, I’ll take on the challenge with my father and sons.

Plans include:

• Painting walls and installing cushion flooring

• Building a wood deck and installing a wood stove

• Creating a secret staircase to the attic, ninja props, and costumes to match the ninja theme

My father used to enjoy DIY and once built a wood deck and swing by himself.

 

 

🏠 Here’s a glimpse inside the house.

Its secluded location and the hidden staircase leading to the attic inspired the idea of a “Ninja Guesthouse” theme.

 

 

 

🖼️ Concept image below (This is a design image of the completed Japanese-style room.)

 

With input from supporters, we aim to create a space that excites both children and adults.

Depending on the budget, we’re considering:

• Indoor bouldering wall

• Indoor wood stove

• Indoor camping area (kids’ tents with lanterns)

• Movie screen

• BBQ space and bonfire

• Pool

• Basketball court and mini soccer field

🔽 Concept Image Belo

We plan to welcome mainly foreign families and travelers.

We’re preparing English support for access, check-in, and appliance instructions.

Eventually, we hope to offer guided tours of Miyajima as well.

 

🌱 Project Vision

This homestay is more than just a place to stay.

It’s a space for family healing, community connection, and cross-cultural exchange.

• For my mother: a renewed connection to society through homestay operations

• For my father: a chance to regain his energy through DIY

• For my sons: bonding with grandparents and exposure to different cultures

• For the community: revitalization and improved safety through reuse of vacant property

In the future, we plan to offer Miyajima tours for foreign guests, creating an environment where children can grow through cultural exchange.

(We’ll obtain the necessary qualifications for tour operations. While this isn’t the main focus of this crowdfunding campaign, we wanted to share our broader vision.)

Though I’m still learning English (no overseas experience and not fluent), I hope to involve my children in these tours.

By interacting with people from different backgrounds, I want them to grow into adults with diverse perspectives.

 

💰 Use of Crowdfunding

Your support will help cover:

• DIY materials and tools

• Renovation costs (interior and equipment)

• Homestay setup (furniture, appliances, ninja-themed items)

 

💌 Message to Supporters

This project is a challenge to reconnect our family and shape the future of our community.

If you’ve faced similar struggles, love DIY, or enjoy family travel—please support us.

By revitalizing rather than demolishing a vacant house, we also contribute to the SDGs.

We hope to create a place guests will want to return to, and we sincerely wish to be part of your cherished memories.