Otaru Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan
Is Airbnb profitable in Otaru in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Otaru, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Otaru, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 175 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Otaru, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Otaru Airbnb data is crucial. Navigating the high regulation landscape is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Otaru Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Otaru (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Otaru is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Otaru is typically January, while November often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Otaru across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $4,747+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,629 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,354 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $629, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Otaru
Otaru Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Otaru STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Februarysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while April experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Otaru:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 78%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 65% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 46%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 28% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Otaru
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Otaru (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Otaru involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Otaru typically peaks in February and dips lowest during November. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $297+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $169 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $86 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $53 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Otaru
Get Live Otaru Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Otaru (2025)
Peak Season (January, February, December)
- Revenue averages $3,223 per month
- Occupancy rates average 65.6%
- Daily rates average $150
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $1,838 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 43.7%
- Daily rates hold near $132
Low Season (April, October, November)
- Revenue drops to average $1,147 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 33.0%
- Daily rates adjust to average $116
Seasonality Insights for Otaru
- The Airbnb seasonality in Otaru shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Otaru's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $3,573, occupancy reaching a high of 72.7%, and ADRs peaking at $159.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $997, occupancy could drop to 27.5%, and ADRs may adjust down to $99.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Otaru.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Otaru seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Otaru (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Otaru? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Canal Area | Beautiful waterfront area showcasing Otaru's historical architecture and charm. Popular among couples and families, offering scenic views and cultural experiences. | Otaru Canal, Sorachi River, Otaru Music Box Museum, Nikka Whisky Distillery, Otaru Aquarium |
| Sakaimachi Street | Famous historical street filled with traditional buildings, shops, and eateries. A hotspot for tourists who want to experience local crafts and cuisine. | Sakaimachi Street, Otaru Glass Workshop, LeTAO (cheese cake shop), The Otaru City General Museum, Otaru Canal Park |
| Shukutsu | Quieter coastal area known for its stunning views and hot springs. Ideal for visitors looking for relaxation and nature activities, while still close to Otaru's center. | Shukutsu Onsen, Miyakodori Park, Shukutsu Nature Trail, Shukutsu Beach, Otaru Bay |
| Otaru Station | Centrally located area ideal for convenience and accessibility. Great for travelers needing quick access to transport and local attractions. | Otaru Station, Otaru City's landmarks, Shopping areas, Restaurants and cafes |
| Asari | Scenic hillside location for panoramic views of Otaru and the ocean. Popular for travelers looking for tranquility and beautiful landscapes. | Asari Hill, Mount Tengu, Asari Dam, Scenic lookout points, Hiking trails |
| Hakodate Mountain | Famous for its nighttime views and natural beauty. A unique location for guests wanting to experience stunning vistas and outdoor activities. | Hakodate Mountain Observatory, Hiking trails, Scenic viewpoints, Nature walks |
| Temiya Park | A park area offering local flora and an escape from urban hustle. Popular for families and those seeking leisure activities outdoors. | Temiya Park, Walking trails, Playgrounds, Local festivals during spring |
| Otaru Glass District | Well known for its glass art and workshops. Attracts art enthusiasts and those looking for unique souvenirs and experiences. | Otaru Glass Factory, Workshops, Gallery spaces, Shopping for glass art, Café and restaurants |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Otaru (2025)
Yes, Otaru, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan enforces high STR regulations. Obtaining a license and ensuring compliance is almost certainly required according to current 2025 STR laws. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Otaru to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 81% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Otaru (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Otarubased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
This is a private Heike house near Sushi Street & Canal.
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Cozy Room☆6 mins' walk from JR Otaru sta. RYOAN 2F
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
The Apartment Hotels KOU
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
The BHV Aioi【Parking for 2cars, Otaru sightseeing】
Entire Place • 7 bedrooms
Cozy Room☆6 mins' walk from JR Otaru sta. RYOAN 1F
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
YADOt Inn OTARU 【5 mins walk to OTARU station】
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Otaru (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Otaru based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BreakOut | 22 | $891,672 | 1253 | 4.65/5.0 |
| Tokihito | 15 | $327,122 | 831 | 4.56/5.0 |
| Koume | 4 | $264,670 | 399 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Hitoshi | 15 | $159,032 | 217 | 3.87/5.0 |
| Yadoya | 5 | $112,212 | 189 | 4.82/5.0 |
| Saeki | 4 | $99,320 | 664 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Fune | 2 | $96,121 | 282 | 4.79/5.0 |
| 明乃 | 16 | $95,471 | 147 | 2.36/5.0 |
| Kanako | 2 | $93,584 | 132 | 4.92/5.0 |
| 恭子 | 1 | $86,054 | 50 | 5.00/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Otaru.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Otaru STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Otaru. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsOtaru Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Otaru
- The Otaru Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 66.3% of the 175 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- However, a notable 22.3% share for Private Rooms suggests opportunities for budget-conscious travelers or hosts renting out spare rooms.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Otaru, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (39.4%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 37.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 17.7% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique, others, unique stays (combined 5.7%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Otaru Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Otaru
- The dominant room capacity in Otaru is 1 bedroom listings, making up 38.9% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 61.2% of the active Airbnb listings in Otaru, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 23.4% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Otaru.
Otaru Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Otaru
- The most common guest capacity trend in Otaru vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (24.6%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 3 guests dominate the Otaru STR market, accounting for 40.0% of listings.
- 38.9% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Otaru.
- On average, properties in Otaru are equipped to host 4.4 guests.
Otaru Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Otaru
- The most common availability pattern in Otaru falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 36.6% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 60.0% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Otaru (36%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 41.2% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Otaru Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
155 listings
90.6% of total
2 Nights
12 listings
7% of total
30+ Nights
4 listings
2.3% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Otaru is 1 Night, adopted by 90.6% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (97.6%) of the Otaru Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- Dedicated monthly rentals (30+ nights) represent a small niche (2.3%), possibly an untapped area for hosts.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 90.6% of Otaru hosts use this setting.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Otaru.
Otaru Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 30 Days
3 listings
1.9% of total
Flexible
21 listings
13.2% of total
Moderate
41 listings
25.8% of total
Firm
26 listings
16.4% of total
Strict
68 listings
42.8% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Otaru
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Otaru is Strict, used by 42.8% of listings.
- A majority (59.2%) of hosts in Otaru utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 42.8% market standard in Otaru.
- With 42.8% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Otaru, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Otaru.
Otaru STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Otaru
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Otaru is 48 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during February (average 72 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in November (average 35 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (64 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Fall (38 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (48 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Otaru.
- For February stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 72 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 64 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Otaru averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Otaru (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Otaru
- Essential amenities in Otaru that guests expect include: Heating, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Hair dryer, Shampoo, Essentials. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Hot water, Kitchen, Washer are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Otaru: Heating, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Hair dryer, Shampoo, Essentials.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Heating, Wifi, Smoke alarm, Hair dryer, Shampoo, Essentials.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Hot water or Kitchen to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Otaru to stay competitive.
Otaru Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Otaru
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Otaru consists of predominantly international visitors (85%), with top international origins including Singapore, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Chinese.
- Domestic travelers account for 14.7% of guests.
- Key international markets include Japan (14.7%) and Singapore (13.4%).
- Top languages spoken are English (41.4%) followed by Chinese (22.7%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from Singapore.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Otaru Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamifurano | 23 | $3,600 | $230.91 | 52% |
| Noboribetsu | 11 | $3,254 | $169.95 | 59% |
| Rusutsu | 32 | $3,177 | $444.75 | 35% |
| Niseko | 137 | $3,146 | $429.53 | 41% |
| Toyako | 60 | $2,942 | $229.16 | 45% |
| Furano | 173 | $2,775 | $308.27 | 36% |
| Kutchan | 313 | $2,728 | $437.34 | 36% |
| Shiraoi | 32 | $2,437 | $146.81 | 52% |
| Rankoshi | 19 | $2,330 | $249.62 | 43% |
| Biei | 58 | $2,126 | $178.39 | 43% |