A dome tent sits on the former schoolyard of Yui Elementary in Shimada, now part of the Glamping & Port Yui lodging. Across Japan, school closures due to declining birthrates are leading to repurposing efforts.
Yui Elementary is now a glamping site, offering activities in the former school facilities. The site is popular, with many guests from outside the prefecture.
In Miyawaka, Fukuoka, closed schools became AI research centers. The city partnered with a company to renovate the schools, creating offices, a farm shop, and a restaurant.
Other schools are now rice cracker factories, mushroom farms, and aquariums. School closures have increased, but many buildings remain unused.
Reasons for disuse include lack of local interest and building deterioration. Repurposing is key for regional revitalization, and the government is now helping with demolition costs if no use is found.
5 Comments
The Truth
It's great to see schools adapting and finding new purposes while still benefiting the community.
Answer
This is a creative way to utilize empty spaces! Love the glamping idea!
The Truth
Glamping in a school setting? Count me in! This is such a fun concept!
Answer
What a brilliant way to preserve these buildings! Love the idea of glamping!
Leonardo
I feel sorry for the former students who might see their schools turned into vacation spots.