Articles

Regional Guide · 7 min read · Audio

Shizuoka's Secret: Hot Springs, Mt. Fuji Views, and Underpriced Akiya

Sandwiched between Tokyo and Nagoya with bullet train access, Shizuoka offers climate, scenery, and property prices that most foreign buyers overlook.

April 7, 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

Culture · 14 min read · Audio

Understanding Kominka: When an Akiya Is Actually a Cultural Treasure

What separates a genuine kominka from an ordinary akiya — traditional joinery, cultural registration, renovation economics, and the growing movement to save Japan's architectural heritage.

April 2, 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

Regional Guide · 6 min read · Audio

Osaka's Akiya Opportunity: Urban Convenience at Countryside Prices

Japan's second city has akiya stock that rivals rural prefectures on price but offers world-class infrastructure. A deep look at the Osaka market.

March 31, 2026

Market Analysis · 5 min read · Audio

Foreign Interest in Japan Property Surges in 2026

Japan property searches from the UK rose 57%, Canada 62%, and the USA 38% in 2026. Discover what international buyers are searching for and why demand is rising.

March 30, 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

Culture · 7 min read · Audio

The Kotatsu: Japan's Cosiest Secret and What It Means for Your Home

How a heated table under a blanket became the heart of Japanese winter life — and why it matters if you are buying a home in Japan.

March 27, 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

Regional Guide · 11 min read · Audio

Nagano's Akiya Boom: Ski Town Properties the World Hasn't Discovered Yet

Hakuba and Nozawa get the headlines, but smaller Nagano towns like Madarao, Yamanouchi, and Iiyama offer similar mountain access at a fraction of the price.

March 26, 2026