Introducing Shiki Group

Founded in 2014, with headquarters in Kyoto, Shiki Group was born out of a passion for Japan’s cultural heritage and a vision to offer global investors a smarter, more meaningful way to engage with Japanese real estate.

From carefully restored historic machiya townhouses to boutique hospitality management and expert brokerage services, Shiki has become a trusted name in short-term rental (STR) investment—offering end-to-end support, transparency, and cultural integrity.

We sat down with Chai Kanda, Founder & CEO of Shiki Group, to learn more about the company's origins, what makes Kyoto unique, and his tips for those looking to invest in this timeless city.

What’s your background and experience in the real estate market?

I’m originally from Sydney, Australia, with a Japanese mother, and moved to Japan in 2007. My background is in finance and strategic analysis, but I fell in love with machiya during my time living in Kyoto.

In 2013, I started renting out my own apartment while traveling. That small experience sparked a big vision: to build a business that celebrates Kyoto’s heritage while delivering sustainable returns for investors. 

The following year, Shiki Group was born.

We now operate two brands—Shiki Properties for hospitality, and Shiki Real Estate for brokerage—offering multilingual support (English, Japanese, Chinese) and full investment lifecycle services.

What do you love most about Kyoto and its real estate market?

Kyoto is magical—it offers preserved culture, incredible food, low disaster risk, and a harmony of old and new that’s hard to find anywhere else. 

From a real estate perspective, it’s rare: properties here often appreciate in value not just for the land, but for the structure itself—especially machiya townhouses.

What makes Kyoto attractive for investors?

Kyoto is Japan’s #2 tourism market, but its STR space is tightly regulated, which limits oversupply and supports high pricing. That means well-located, legal STRs tend to enjoy strong ADRs and high occupancy.

Last year, our portfolio averaged ¥40,800 per night—significantly above Kyoto’s typical STR rates.

Kyoto also appeals to investors seeking dual-purpose assets: holiday homes they can enjoy themselves, with both capital appreciation and rental yield potential.

Where are the investment opportunities right now?

Centrally located machiya are in highest demand. Many properties have more than doubled in value over the past 10 years. But due to limited supply and complex regulations, success requires strong local expertise.

We see continued growth not just in Kyoto, but also in nearby areas like Nagano—where we are currently launching a branch targeting ski-area opportunities like Nozawa, Madarao, and Myoko, using the same hands-on approach.

What are the biggest mistakes foreign investors make in Japan?

Underestimating regulation. Kyoto has the strictest STR laws in Japan, covering things like staff proximity, property frontage, and licensing limits based on zoning. We’ve encountered many failed projects from other investors who overlooked these issues—but none of our clients have faced licensing denials, thanks to proper guidance from the start.

✔ Work with a local gyoseishoshi (judicial scrivener) before purchasing
✔ Choose a management company that understands both compliance and hospitality
✔ Focus on central locations (e.g., Gion, Higashiyama)
✔ STR properties should ideally sleep 4+ and exceed 80 sqm where possible (50–80 sqm is a solid range)
✔ Don’t underestimate the long-term value of authentic machiya properties

With post-COVID tourism roaring back and remote workers driving a lifestyle investment trend, Kyoto is poised for long-term growth.

At Shiki, we’re not just investing in property—we’re preserving stories, creating memories, and helping investors write the next chapter.