Articles

Buying Guide · 13 min read · Audio

Akiya for Business: Turning Abandoned Houses into Guesthouses and Cafés

The minpaku law, fire code requirements, business registration, and visa rules for foreigners turning akiya into guesthouses and cafés.

April 12, 2026

Buying Guide · 7 min read · Audio

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Japan? Yes — Here's How

Foreigners can buy property in Japan with no restrictions. No visa or residency required. Full ownership rights, step-by-step buying process explained.

March 18, 2026

Buying Guide · 6 min read · Audio

Nikkei Returning to Japan: How to Buy Back Your Family Land

Nikkei descendants can buy property in Japan with the same rights as any foreigner. A guide to reclaiming your family connection through property ownership.

March 18, 2026

Buying Guide · 7 min read · Audio

Why Japan Is the Best Country in Asia to Buy Property as a Foreigner

Thailand restricts you to condos. Vietnam caps ownership at 50 years. Indonesia won't let you hold land at all. Japan? Full freehold, no restrictions, same rights as a citizen. Here is how every major Asian market compares — and why Japan keeps winning.

March 13, 2026

Buying Guide · 11 min read · Audio

Can You Really Buy a House in Japan for $5,000?

Yes, houses in Japan sell for under $5,000 — but the price tag is just the beginning. Here is what these properties actually look like, what they really cost, and how to avoid the most expensive mistakes.

March 3, 2026

Buying Guide · 7 min read · Audio

Can You Buy a House in Japan Without Visiting? What to Know

Buying a house in Japan without visiting is possible via power of attorney. Learn the full process, which steps require presence, and how to manage the risks.

February 24, 2026

Buying Guide · 7 min read · Audio

Cheap Houses in Japan from ¥1M: 6 Best Regions to Buy

Cheap houses in Japan start from ¥1 million (,000). Six best regions for affordable property with real listing examples, renovation costs, and what to expect.

February 17, 2026

Buying Guide · 13 min read · Audio

Akiya Houses for Sale in Japan: Beginner's Guide (2026)

Akiya houses for sale in Japan are open to foreign buyers with no restrictions. Browse 250,000+ listings and learn how the buying process works in English.

February 10, 2026

Buying Guide · 13 min read · Audio

Can Foreigners Get a Mortgage in Japan? What Banks Say

Foreigners rarely get mortgages in Japan without permanent residency. Learn which banks will consider you and what alternative financing options exist for buyers.

November 15, 2025

Buying Guide · 14 min read · Audio

How to Read a Japanese Property Listing Like a Local

Tsubo, madori, setback, and building coverage ratio. The essential vocabulary and conventions you need to decode any Japanese property listing.

July 10, 2025

Buying Guide · 16 min read · Audio

The Real Cost of Buying an Akiya: Every Fee Explained

The real cost of buying an akiya in Japan includes taxes, agent fees, and renovation. Full breakdown of every expense foreigners face, with real numbers.

May 20, 2025

Buying Guide · 24 min read · Audio

Ultimate Guide to Buying Akiya in Japan (Step-by-Step)

The complete guide to buying akiya in Japan: search, inspection, offer, legal steps, and closing costs explained step-by-step for foreign buyers in 2026.

April 15, 2025