Start-up PlanetDao Turns Abandoned Japanese Temples Into Tourism Hotspots
PHOTO: PLANETDAO
Global Trekker, a documentary channel that focusses on five genres of stories around the globe, brings you fascinating business insights into unique travel trends, such as Japan’s growing use of abandoned temples as tourism investments.
Abandoned Japanese temples are emerging as a unique and profitable tourism investment opportunity, according to the start-up PlanetDao. The company plans to repurpose Japan’s numerous vacant temples and traditional inns (onsens) into distinctive lodgings for tourists, offering a blend of cultural immersion and modern amenities. With initial investments starting at JPY 34,540 (USD 217), PlanetDao is seeking to raise JPY 34 million (USD 212,134) to fund its first real estate project, converting the 170-year-old Ryogonji Temple in Wakayama Prefecture into a tourism venture. This transformation will offer travellers a chance to experience Japan’s rich heritage while staying in serene, historic environments.
Ryogonji Temple: A Cultural Gem
PHOTO: PLANETDAO
Nestled on a hill overlooking Irokawa village, Ryogonji Temple is a 170-year-old structure with deep historical and cultural roots. The temple, occupying 199 square metres (2,142 sq ft), is PlanetDao’s first project, scheduled for completion by 2025. The temple’s transformation will accommodate 12 to 15 guests, offering them not only lodging but also immersive experiences in local history, cuisine, and Buddhist traditions, said Tamaki Nishimura, PlanetDao’s founder and CEO.
This project is part of a broader strategy to turn Japan’s 75,000 temples, a third of which are abandoned, into thriving cultural attractions. Beyond temples, many onsens—traditional Japanese inns built around hot springs—are also sitting vacant, presenting further investment opportunities in this niche tourism market.
Temple Lodgings (Shukubō): A Unique Experience
Japanese Buddhist vegetarian meals
Shukubō (宿坊), or temple lodgings, provide visitors with a unique chance to experience the lifestyle of Buddhist monks, offering a serene and meditative environment. These lodgings, traditionally used by pilgrims, are now gaining popularity among tourists seeking to explore Japan’s spiritual side. A typical night at a temple includes vegetarian meals, such as shojin ryori, and the opportunity to participate in morning prayers, zazen meditation, and other Buddhist practices.
Staying at a shukubō costs between JPY 6,000 and 12,000 per person, including dinner and breakfast. Prices may increase in more tourist-heavy areas like Mount Koya, a popular pilgrimage site. However, the demand for temple lodgings is growing as more travellers seek authentic, cultural experiences beyond traditional hotels. Some temples also offer cheaper plans without meals, and guests are often invited to take part in daily temple activities, such as sutra copying or waterfall meditation.
A Growing Niche in the Tourism Market
PlanetDao’s vision taps into the rising global demand for cultural, wellness, and experiential tourism. By transforming neglected temples into profitable lodging businesses, the start-up aims to offer a blend of cultural preservation and sustainable tourism. Investors are being offered the opportunity to contribute to the revitalisation of these historic sites while also benefiting from Japan’s robust tourism industry.
Japan has long been known for its cultural richness and spiritual heritage, and with an increasing number of temples and onsens abandoned due to depopulation, projects like PlanetDao’s are breathing new life into these spaces. The transformation of Ryogonji Temple could pave the way for further developments across the country, turning vacant temples into must-visit destinations for travellers worldwide.
Conclusion
PlanetDao’s innovative approach to repurposing abandoned temples offers a fresh perspective on tourism investment in Japan. By combining cultural immersion with modern-day travel needs, the company is poised to attract a global audience of travellers seeking a unique and spiritually enriching experience. With the Ryogonji Temple project set to open in 2025, the start-up could soon turn Japan’s forgotten temples into thriving hubs of tourism and cultural exchange.
This pioneering initiative not only aims to generate revenue but also to preserve Japan’s cultural heritage, creating a sustainable tourism model that benefits both locals and visitors. Investors looking to be part of this movement have a chance to support a growing trend that blends history, spirituality, and modern travel.
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