Once known by some as the “Sky Ruins (The Hilltop Ghost Town)” for its abandoned state and hilltop location, the former Yokosuka Municipal Taura Tsukimidai Housing is now on the brink of an exciting transformation. These 60-year-old municipal homes, a remnant of Japan’s post-war housing initiatives, had quietly faded into obscurity over time.

But a new chapter is unfolding, centered on a transformative lifestyle concept—“live while you work”—that is breathing new life into this historic site and inspiring a community revival.

Perched on a scenic hilltop, this serene cluster of single-story homes is transforming into a vibrant hub of creativity and community, uniting its rich past with a forward-looking future.

A New Chapter for Tsukimidai Housing – Breathing Life Into the Forgotten

In Yokosuka City, the former municipal housing complex known as Taura Tsukimidai (hereafter referred to as Tsukimidai Housing) was once a cornerstone of the local community. Built more than 60 years ago, this cluster of single-story homes supported generations of residents. However, as time passed, the vibrancy of the area faded, and it eventually came to be known by some as the “Sky Ruins.” The vast grounds and serene atmosphere became overshadowed by visible signs of decay, creating a landscape marked by both stillness and abandonment.

Located atop a steep incline from Taura Station on the Yokosuka Line, Tsukimidai Housing spans over 14,000 square meters. The site features 22 buildings comprising 58 single-story homes, arranged in a neat layout along three tree-lined roads. From the elevated grounds, visitors are treated to sweeping views of Nagaurawan Bay. The homes, spaced generously apart, once represented modern living standards for their time. Yet, since the departure of its last residents in 2022, the area has remained unoccupied.

In 2023, a new initiative emerged to breathe life back into Tsukimidai Housing. Yokosuka City partnered with the urban development company Enjoy Works to launch a revitalization project aimed at transforming the site into a vibrant community hub. With the theme “Vintage & Creative,” this ambitious project seeks to repurpose the vast space into a place where living and working coexist seamlessly, fostering a unique lifestyle and sense of community.

This forgotten enclave, perched at the top of the hill, is being reimagined as a destination that captures the attention of people once more—a place where the past meets the future in a harmonious renewal.

Reawakening Tsukimidai Housing – Reviving the Past for a Creative Future

Site map of Taura Tsukimidai Housing, detailing the layout of buildings and roads within the premises. (Source: Yokosuka City Office)

Built in the Boom: Housing from Japan’s Postwar Economic Growth Era

The Taura Tsukimidai Housing complex came to life in 1960, during Japan’s postwar economic boom. Rapid urbanization and population growth defined this transformative period. To accommodate these changes, governments across the nation focused on constructing modern housing. These “cultural residences” featured amenities such as indoor plumbing, bathtubs, and Western-style layouts—offering a level of comfort that many families aspired to.

The Tsukimidai Housing was a quintessential example of this development. Established by Yokosuka City, it was designed to meet the demand for postwar housing, particularly for returning families. Nestled on a scenic hillside, the housing units were optimized for family living, offering spacious layouts and an environment of tranquility. The single-story homes were thoughtfully arranged with ample spacing between buildings, creating a serene and modern living environment. At its peak, this housing community served as a cornerstone for local workers and their families, fostering a close-knit, supportive neighborhood.

Beyond mere accommodation, cultural residences like these symbolized a new way of life. Tsukimidai Housing was more than a place to live; it was a manifestation of the era’s transformative aspirations, offering countless families a fresh start in postwar Japan.

From “Sky Ruins” to a Beacon of Renewal

Like many other housing developments of its era, the Taura Tsukimidai Housing eventually fell victim to the passage of time. As years passed, the aging structures failed to meet modern housing standards or accommodate contemporary lifestyles. Depopulation and an aging society further accelerated the exodus of residents. In 2020, Yokosuka City officially decommissioned the complex due to its deteriorating condition, and by 2022, the last resident had moved out. The once-thriving community became an empty shell, earning the nickname “Sky Ruins” in online forums.

Situated on a hilltop and surrounded by lush greenery, the abandoned single-story homes presented a haunting yet unique view. While some admired the quiet beauty of the deserted complex, it also became a source of concern for local residents. Broken windows and decaying structures highlighted issues of safety and neglect, prompting calls for action.

Amidst this decline, the Tsukimidai Housing held untapped potential. Partnering with Yokosuka City, community redevelopment firm Enjoyworks launched an ambitious revitalization initiative. With the theme “Vintage & Creative,” this project aimed to breathe new life into the aging complex, transforming it into a hub for modern living. The concept of “Nariwai Housing,” blending residential and workspace functions, emerged as a cornerstone of the project, reimagining the housing as a bridge between past heritage and future innovation.

Far from a mere restoration, this initiative seeks to blend tradition with modernity, fostering creative and sustainable uses that align with the needs of a new generation.

“Nariwai Housing” – Where Living, Working, and Creating Converge

Nariwai Housing” is the cornerstone of the Tsukimidai redevelopment project, encapsulating a lifestyle where living, working, and creating coexist harmoniously. Nariwai /なりわい, a Japanese term meaning “livelihood” or “one’s way of life,” represents a lifestyle where living, working, and creating are seamlessly integrated. This innovative concept transforms traditional housing into spaces that inspire both productivity and creativity.

A Creative Space for Dreamers and Doers

Tsukimidai Housing offers a flexible framework for residents—individuals who live, work, and create—to bring their visions to life. Part of their homes can be repurposed for various endeavors, including leather crafting, pottery workshops, take-out food businesses, or even vintage clothing and antique furniture boutiques. The spacious gardens also open opportunities for agricultural activities, such as farming or permaculture-inspired businesses.

Permaculture, a design approach that mimics natural ecosystems, promotes sustainable living by encouraging the circulation of resources and harmonious coexistence with the environment. These principles at Tsukimidai Housing foster sustainable lifestyles, seamlessly blending personal creativity with ecological mindfulness.

This project aims to cultivate a space where residents can not only pursue their passions but also harmonize their aspirations with the surrounding community and environment.

Fostering Community Connections and Creativity

The Tsukimidai Housing project is centered around fostering vibrant community connections. Though challenges like limited nearby amenities and steep access roads exist, the site is being redesigned to encourage daily interactions among residents. Spaces such as dog runs, open plazas, and laundry facilities are being thoughtfully created to promote casual, organic connections.

In addition to these amenities, plans for events like markets and workshops aim to draw people from both within and outside the local area. These activities position Tsukimidai Housing as more than just a residential complex—it becomes a hub for gathering, networking, and community-building.

The unique location, offering serene surroundings and proximity to urban conveniences, invites a lifestyle that balances tranquility and accessibility. It opens up possibilities for a new way of living where connection and creativity flourish.

Shaping a Future of Sustainability and Creativity for Tsukimidai Housing

Progress on the Tsukimidai Housing project is steady, with the grand opening slated for July 2025. Residents may begin moving in as early as April 2025, with flexible options such as combining two units into one larger space. A recent open house event drew a significant crowd, offering visitors a glimpse into the potential of “Nariwai Housing.”

The lively event featured food trucks, stalls selling local vegetables, and a coffee stand, creating an inviting atmosphere for attendees. Those who visited shared their impressions enthusiastically:

• “Hearing the explanations while being here really brought the vision of this community to life. It was so much fun!”
• “The space exceeded my expectations and sparked so many ideas. Sure, the hill was tough to climb, but I feel that challenge adds to the unique charm of this place.”
• “The distinctive ambiance here makes me think visitors will truly enjoy spending time in this setting.”
• “I wasn’t sure if I’d want to commit, but after seeing the space, I’m feeling much more inspired.”

These comments highlight the excitement and possibilities surrounding the Tsukimidai Housing project. More than just a residential redevelopment, it promises to become a hub for vibrant community interactions and innovative lifestyles.

Tsukimidai Housing: A New Blueprint for Future Living

Beyond a simple redevelopment, the Tsukimidai Housing project represents a bold proposal for a new lifestyle and a fresh way of thinking about community living. Spanning over 60 years of history, this former public housing complex has transcended its past as an abandoned relic, evolving into a space that meets modern needs and inspires creativity. Instead of simply demolishing old structures or preserving them as historical artifacts, this project reimagines urban renewal by harmonizing tradition with contemporary life.

Across Japan, many regions face similar challenges: abandoned developments from the bubble economy era, declining suburban towns, and aging infrastructure. The Tsukimidai Housing project offers a glimmer of hope for tackling these issues. Guided by the theme of “Vintage & Creative” and anchored in the concept of “Nariwai Housing,” it turns living spaces into platforms where individuals can showcase their unique talents and co-create new values.

More than a renovation, Tsukimidai Housing introduces a groundbreaking approach to lifestyle and community-building. It stands as a model for revitalization that has the potential to inspire solutions to similar challenges throughout Japan.

For more information about the Taura Tsukimidai Housing project, visit the following official websites:

• Open Gate Yokosuka: The Yokosuka Public-Private Partnership Promotion Website
  Open Gate Yokosuka
• Enjoy Works: Official project details
  Enjoy Works Project Page

Stay updated with the latest news and events through social media:

• Instagram: @hello_renovation
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Project Location Details

• Name: Former Taura Tsukimidai Public Housing
• Address: Taura-cho 1-chome 54, Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Site Area: 13,653㎡