Articles

Practical Guide · 12 min read · Audio

How Japan's LINE App Can Help You Find and Renovate an Akiya

Discover how Japan's most popular messaging app is used by locals and agents for akiya deals, from finding listings to managing renovations remotely.

April 20, 2026

guides · 11 min read · Audio

How Far to the Hospital? Accessing Healthcare in Japan as a Non-Japanese Speaker

You found a beautiful akiya in a rural village — but how do you find out if the nearest hospital is 10 minutes away or 90, when you cannot read Japanese? A practical guide for non-Japanese speakers: how to research healthcare access using English-language tools, what distances are acceptable, and the right questions to ask before you commit.

April 12, 2026

guides · 6 min read · Audio

Japan's Abandoned Houses: Complete Guide for Foreign Buyers

Japan abandoned houses can be bought by foreigners from as little as ¥1 million. Learn what to expect, where to search, and how to make an offer in 2026.

April 5, 2026

Practical Guide · 5 min read · Audio

Renovation Reality: What ¥5 Million Actually Gets You in Japan

Real renovation budgets from real projects. We break down costs for kitchens, bathrooms, roofing, and structural work so you can plan with confidence.

April 3, 2026

Practical Guide · 9 min read · Audio

Can Your Akiya Become an Airbnb? Japan Minpaku Explained

Your akiya can legally become a short-term rental under Japan's Minpaku Law. Learn the 180-day cap, tourist zone exceptions, and which property types qualify.

April 3, 2026

Practical Guide · 6 min read · Audio

Building a Life in Japan Around Your Visa: A Property Buyer's Guide

Buying an akiya is the easy part. Living in it legally is where it gets complicated. A practical guide to the visa strategies real buyers use — from 90-day rotations to business manager visas to the digital nomad option.

April 2, 2026

Practical Guide

Practical Guide · 1 min read · Audio

How to Request More Properties in Any Area of Japan

Can't find enough listings in your target area? Akiya Japan's Coverage Request feature lets you tell us exactly where you want more properties — and we'll go find them.

March 28, 2026

Practical Guide · 4 min read · Audio

What to Ask Before Paying for Any Akiya Platform

Not all akiya search platforms are created equal. A practical checklist of questions every buyer should ask before subscribing — from hidden fees to listing counts.

March 27, 2026

Practical Guide · 8 min read · Audio

Are Akiya Houses Really Free? What Nobody Tells You

Free akiya in Japan do exist, but renovation, legal fees, and location add real costs. Learn when free houses are a genuine deal and when to walk away.

March 23, 2026

Practical Guide · 6 min read · Audio

What Skills and Businesses Does Japan Need? A Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Japan faces its worst labor shortage in decades — with 118 job openings for every 100 seekers. From nursing to IT to rural guesthouses, here are the skills and small businesses the country desperately needs, and how foreigners can fill the gap.

March 19, 2026

Practical Guide · 15 min read · Audio

What Is an Akiya? Japan's 9 Million Vacant Houses Explained

Akiya are Japan's 9 million vacant houses, often sold at steep discounts or given away free. Learn what qualifies, who can buy, and where to find listings.

March 19, 2026

Practical Guide · 7 min read · Audio

Every Akiya Bank in Japan: The Complete English Guide

Akiya banks are Japan's official vacant-home registries. Most are Japanese-only. This guide covers every English-accessible akiya bank, listed by prefecture.

March 18, 2026