Traditional Japanese farmhouse village

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Japan doesn't have to be expensive. We've catalogued thousands of properties for less than $100k, even under $30k. Your dream home in Japan is waiting.

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Info On Buying A House in Japan

Get our free guide on buying a house in Japan as a foreigner — just like & repost on X. All the info you need to buy confidently without speaking Japanese.

Did You Know You Can Buy a House in Japan?

Yes — even as a non-resident. Even on a tourist visa. You can purchase property in Japan and have full ownership. This is a little-known secret.

Japan is one of the best and most underrated places in the world to own a vacation home. Housing costs are incredibly low, property taxes are minimal, and it's an extraordinary place to spend time.

Read the FAQ for more information →

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Free Guide

How To Buy A House
In Japan Guide

Our comprehensive guide covers everything a foreigner needs to know about purchasing property in Japan — from finding listings, to the step-by-step purchase process, hidden costs, renovation subsidies, and managing your property from abroad.

  • Step-by-step purchase process
  • How to find and evaluate properties
  • Costs, taxes, and hidden fees
  • Working without a Japanese translator
  • Managing your home from overseas
  • Japan visa & long-stay considerations
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HOW TO BUY A
HOUSE IN JAPAN

A foreigner's guide to finding your dream property in the Land of the Rising Sun

Akiya Japan

What Is Akiya Japan?

Japan's akiya crisis has left over 9 million homes vacant across the country. Local governments are actively inviting foreign buyers — some properties sell for as little as $1,000. The problem? All the information is in Japanese and scattered across 1,800+ municipal websites.

We collect, translate, and publish these listings in English — giving international buyers a single place to search all of Japan's available vacant homes.

Browse free. Subscribe to unlock full addresses, photos, and contact details for every property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about buying an akiya in Japan as a foreigner

Can foreigners buy property in Japan?+
Yes — Japan imposes no restrictions on foreign ownership of real estate. You can purchase property regardless of nationality, residency status, or even visa type. Both residents and non-residents can legally own real estate in Japan.
What is an akiya?+
Akiya (空き家) means "vacant house" in Japanese. Japan has over 9 million abandoned homes — a growing crisis caused by rural depopulation. Local governments actively encourage foreign buyers to take over these properties, often at very low prices.
How much does an akiya cost?+
Prices vary widely. Some akiya are listed for as little as $1,000–$10,000 USD, especially in rural areas. Most properties on our platform range from $5,000 to $150,000. Location, condition, and land size are the main price drivers.
Do I need to speak Japanese to buy a house in Japan?+
No. While the purchase process involves Japanese paperwork, you can work with a bilingual real estate agent or use a professional translation service. Our platform provides all listings in English, and our free guide covers the full process step by step.
What is an akiya bank?+
An akiya bank (空き家バンク) is a municipal property registry run by local governments to connect vacant home owners with prospective buyers. Over 1,800 cities and towns across Japan operate their own akiya banks. We aggregate listings from all of them into one English database.
Can I buy property in Japan on a tourist visa?+
Yes. Japan does not require permanent residency or a long-term visa to purchase real estate. You can sign contracts and complete a purchase while on a standard tourist visa. However, you will need a Japanese bank account or a trusted local agent to handle payments.
What is a kominka?+
A kominka (古民家) is a traditional old Japanese farmhouse, typically built before the 1950s using wood and clay. Many akiya are kominka. They require more renovation but are architecturally unique and culturally significant. Some subsidies are available for kominka restoration.
How long does the akiya buying process take?+
Typically 1–3 months from finding a property to closing. The process involves: property inspection, making an offer, signing a purchase agreement, transferring funds, and registering ownership. Non-residents may need slightly longer due to documentation requirements.

More questions? Read the full FAQ →