Kanto Region Abandoned School Revitalization Listings【2026 Edition】
How to find abandoned school revitalization procurement listings in the Kanto region (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma): information sources, contact points, and major case examples. A 2026 guide to finding current listings.
TL;DR
- Abandoned school procurement information in the Kanto region (Tokyo Metropolis and 6 prefectures) is primarily available through municipal boards of education, finance departments, and MEXT's 'Minna no Haiko Project.' No centralized national procurement database currently exists
- Within Tokyo, both the central wards and Tama area have extensive records of abandoned school revitalization, with abundant case examples involving NPOs, social welfare corporations, and private businesses. In Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba, suburban industrial uses (IT, food processing, etc.) are also increasing
- Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Gunma — the three inland prefectures — have many rural and depopulating communities, with agricultural experience, tourism, and welfare uses predominating. Combinations of subsidies and free leases are the practical scheme in these regions
How to Find Listings
Three routes: MEXT database, prefectural/municipal websites, and direct contact. Choosing the right route based on update frequency and information freshness
Because no centralized national database of abandoned school procurement exists, information must be collected from multiple sources. The three primary routes are:
Route 1: MEXT "Minna no Haiko Project"
MEXT's "Minna no Haiko Project" is the most comprehensive database aggregating abandoned school information nationally. It enables searches of facility information registered by municipalities (location, scale, structure, current condition, desired utilization direction, etc.).
However, update timing is at each municipality's discretion, so the database may not reflect the latest procurement status. If interested in a specific facility, direct confirmation with the relevant municipality is necessary.
The number of registered facilities in the Kanto region (Tokyo Metropolis and 6 prefectures) runs in the range of several dozen to over 100 as of March 2026, but actual active procurements are fewer (a mix of facilities still awaiting utilization decisions and those in active procurement).
Route 2: Prefectural and Municipal Websites
Procurement information is frequently posted on the websites of prefectural boards of education, finance departments, and asset management divisions. Particularly in the greater metropolitan area (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba), the number of municipalities with dedicated abandoned school revitalization pages is growing.
Key contacts to check:
- Prefectural board of education (school facilities division)
- Municipal finance department (asset management, ordinary property division)
- Municipal board of education (facility development division)
Route 3: Direct Inquiry
To learn about abandoned schools not yet publicly listed (pre-announcement stage, preliminary consultation stage), direct inquiry to the relevant division is effective. Contacting the board of education or finance division to ask "Are there any plans for abandoned school utilization?" or "Are there any current or upcoming procurement plans?" can yield useful information.
Tokyo's Abandoned Schools
Trends in the 23 wards and Tama area, with major case examples. Information contacts at the Tokyo Board of Education and ward-level offices
Tokyo (the 23 wards and Tama area) is one of Japan's leading regions for abandoned school revitalization. Because school consolidation due to declining birth rates began earlier here, a wealth of case examples involving NPOs, social welfare corporations, and private businesses has accumulated.
Trends in the 23 Wards
Special wards (23 wards) frequently see abandoned municipal primary and secondary schools converted to nurseries, elderly care facilities, and community complex facilities. Ward boards of education typically conduct procurement, with NPOs, social welfare corporations, and private operators applying.
Additionally, in central wards such as Shibuya, Setagaya, and Shinjuku, cases of abandoned schools converted to IT company offices and startup incubation facilities are increasing. Against a backdrop of high urban real estate prices, creative industry uses that leverage the unique spaces of abandoned schools are attracting attention.
Procurement information is typically posted on each ward's board of education or finance department website. The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education school facilities page is also worth consulting.
Trends in the Tama Area
In the Tama area (Mitaka, Hachioji, Chofu, etc.), there are cases of abandoned schools converted to experience-based facilities, agricultural experience venues, and outdoor facilities leveraging natural surroundings. Sites are generally larger than in the 23 wards, enabling uses that incorporate schoolyards and surrounding natural environments.
Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba
Urban-suburban industrial and welfare trends. Prefectural support programs
Kanagawa Prefecture
Urban areas such as Yokohama and Kawasaki most commonly see abandoned schools converted to welfare facilities, nurseries, and community centers. Industrial uses (IT, manufacturing) are also seen in Sagamihara, Yokosuka, and similar cities.
For Kanagawa, check municipal boards of education and finance departments. The prefectural government's educational facilities division also provides information on abandoned school-related policies.
Saitama Prefecture
In areas near Tokyo such as Saitama City and Kawaguchi, abandoned schools are being converted to childcare support facilities and IT satellite offices. In the Chichibu and northern regions, agricultural experience and tourism uses are also progressing.
Saitama Prefecture has its own abandoned school revitalization support programs and provides consultation services for municipalities within the prefecture.
Chiba Prefecture
Urban areas like Chiba City are predominantly welfare and childcare-oriented. In the southern Boso Peninsula (Minamiboso, Tateyama, etc.), tourism and agri-tourism revitalization is progressing. Cases of abandoned school guesthouses catering to inbound tourist demand for rural agricultural experiences are also emerging, supported by expanding inbound tourism.
Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma
Rural-style utilization realities and support programs. Key points for subsidy utilization
The three inland prefectures (Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma) have many rural and depopulating communities, and the challenges and support programs for abandoned school revitalization differ from the metropolitan area.
Ibaraki Prefecture
Areas near Mt. Tsukuba, Lake Kasumigaura, and the northern mountain region are rich in agricultural and nature tourism resources. Cases of abandoned schools converted to agricultural experience facilities, agri-tourism facilities, and food processing plants are increasing. Ibaraki Prefecture promotes abandoned school revitalization as part of migration and settlement promotion policies, and some municipalities have their own subsidy programs.
Tochigi Prefecture
In tourist destinations such as Nikko City and the Nasu area, abandoned schools are being converted to lodging and experience facilities. In urban areas such as Utsunomiya City, welfare and childcare uses are progressing.
Gunma Prefecture
In ski and outdoor hub areas such as Katashina Village and Minakami Town, abandoned schools are being used as outdoor experience facilities and guesthouses. In industrial zones like Kiryu City and Ota City, industrial uses (manufacturing, food processing, etc.) are also seen.
Application Preparation Key Points
Key preparation points when applying to abandoned school revitalization procurement:
Proposal document structure: A typical abandoned school revitalization proposal typically requires: ① operator overview, track record, and team structure; ② utilization plan (industry type, services, target users); ③ facility renovation plan (scope, cost, timeline); ④ financial plan (5–10 year projection); ⑤ community collaboration and employment plan; ⑥ environmental and safety response plan.
Review criteria: Common criteria include "responsiveness to community needs," "local employment creation," "sustainability (financial soundness)," and "realism of the renovation plan."
→ For detailed guidance on proposal writing, see How to Write an Abandoned School Revitalization Proposal
→ For available subsidies, see Abandoned School Revitalization Subsidies and Support Programs
References
Minna no Haiko Project Case Studies (2024)
Survey on Abandoned School Utilization Status (March 2025) (2025)
Abandoned School Utilization Case Studies (March 2023) (2023)
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