Kumamoto

As of May 2026, Kumamoto, Aso, Tamana have 234 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 25% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Kumamoto generates ¥3M per year. High-performing properties earn ¥5M/year, while low-performing properties earn ¥850K/year. This wide revenue variance suggests that market success is heavily bifurcated, where top-tier assets capture a disproportionate share of available demand while lower-performing units struggle to gain traction in an increasingly crowded landscape.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Kumamoto. Average annual revenue is ¥3M with 42% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to ¥5M/year. The 42% occupancy rate indicates a moderate utilization level, suggesting that while baseline profitability exists, the gap between average and high performers highlights significant untapped potential for units that effectively capture the market's limited peak demand.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Kumamoto is 42%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of ¥17K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of ¥5K per day.

3-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Kumamoto, with annual revenue of ¥4M. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Kumamoto market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Kumamoto area. Kumamoto: Moderate. Minpaku registration required under national law, fire safety compliance, notification to prefecture. Standard enforcement through periodic checks. Aso: Moderate. National minpaku registration mandatory, local notification required, safety standards enforced. Tourism-dependent area with moderate oversight. Tamana: Lenient. Basic minpaku registration needed, minimal local restrictions beyond national requirements. Light enforcement in smaller market. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Kumamoto Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing oversaturated conditions. Supply has grown 25% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 10%. This indicates supply growth outpacing demand, pressuring returns. The decline in revenue despite rising supply levels points to a dilution effect, where intensified competition forces hosts to compete for a stagnant or shrinking pool of guests.

Launch around August, 2-3 months before peak fall season (November peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -63% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (July-June) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Kumamoto listings include: Air Conditioning (100%), Washing Machine (92%), Kitchen (90%), Tv (86%), Heating (82%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Bbq, Tv, Heating, with Bbq properties earning approximately 62% more (¥5M/year vs ¥3M/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Kumamoto over the last 12 months: May: ¥160K, June: ¥115K, July: ¥136K, August: ¥164K, September: ¥134K, October: ¥170K, November: ¥186K, December: ¥149K, January: ¥125K, February: ¥146K, March: ¥170K, April: ¥164K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Kumamoto is ¥17K, up 23% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average ¥12K/night, 2-bedroom properties average ¥19K/night, 3-bedroom properties average ¥29K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average ¥37K/night. Rates peak in February and are lowest in May.

Guests in Kumamoto book an average of 36 days in advance, down 21% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 33 days, 2-bedroom: 40 days, 3-bedroom: 41 days, 4+ bedroom: 36 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Kumamoto Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 25%, revenue per listing decreased 10%, occupancy fell 28%, average nightly rates increased 23%, and lead time decreased 21%. These metrics reveal a market shifting toward shorter booking windows and higher price sensitivity, indicating that rising supply is eroding traditional occupancy margins.

In Kumamoto, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Sunday. Weekends show 32% higher occupancy than weekdays.