Kyoto City's Higashiyama Ward, where the population is decreasing and the population is aging, is recruiting participants to experience relocation for about a week using townhouses and hotels as bases. The aim is to convey the appeal of living in the ward through a ''trial residence'' and encourage people to settle down.
Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City is home to famous tourist attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine, and is visited by tourists and worshipers from both Japan and abroad.As of April 2024, the population is about 35,200, which is about 7,500 less than 20 years ago. The number of people has decreased. The aging rate is 32.9% (2020), higher than the 28.2% (2020) for Kyoto City as a whole.
In order to increase the number of people relocating to Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City and private businesses launched the relocation promotion project ''Upcycle Life Higashiyama'' last year. Participants will stay in a townhouse or hotel in the ward for three to seven days, and in addition to seeing the properties of their choice, they will also be introduced to restaurants used by local residents, and will think more concretely about their lives after moving.
The first time was from June 1st to August 31st, 2023, with six groups of men and women in their 30s to 60s, and eight participants. The second time was for about three months starting on December 1st, and one participant was a woman in her 30s. It is said that there were many people in occupations who did not care about the distance to their place of work. So far, one woman in her 40s has moved from Tokyo.
The next stay period will be from May 24th to August 31st. Entries will be accepted on the project's website until July 31st. Prices start from 45,000 yen. Higashiyama Ward Regional Power Promotion Office 075(561)9114.
