Question 1

What is an akiya in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Akiya (空き家) literally means "empty house" in Japanese. These are vacant properties found throughout Japan, often in rural areas or small towns. Due to Japan's declining population and urbanization, millions of these homes sit empty and are often sold at significantly lower prices than typical real estate. Akiya Japan helps international buyers find and purchase these affordable properties with English-language support.

Question 2

Can foreigners buy property in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, foreigners can freely buy property in Japan without any restrictions. Japan is one of the few countries that allows non-residents to purchase real estate with the same rights as Japanese citizens. You do not need a visa, residency status, or Japanese citizenship to own property. However, having a visa or residency can make the financing process easier if you need a mortgage.

Question 3

How much do akiya houses cost in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Akiya prices vary widely depending on location, condition, and size. Some akiya can be found for as little as $10,000-$50,000 USD, while renovated or well-located properties may cost $100,000-$200,000 USD or more. Some municipalities even offer akiya for free or near-free prices to attract new residents. At Akiya Japan, we help you search over 800,000+ properties to find options within your budget.

Question 4

What is the akiya problem in Japan?

Accepted Answer

The "akiya problem" refers to the growing number of vacant and abandoned houses in Japan. As of 2023, there are approximately 9 million empty homes across Japan, representing about 14% of all housing stock. This is caused by Japan's declining birth rate, aging population, and migration from rural areas to cities. While this creates challenges for communities, it also presents opportunities for buyers seeking affordable property.

Question 5

What are akiya banks?

Accepted Answer

Akiya banks (空き家バンク) are local government-run databases that list vacant properties available for sale or rent in their municipalities. Each prefecture and city may have its own akiya bank, often with listings not found on commercial real estate sites. Akiya Japan aggregates listings from hundreds of these akiya banks and other sources, providing a comprehensive English-language search platform.

Question 6

Do I need to visit Japan to buy an akiya?

Accepted Answer

While visiting the property in person is recommended, it is possible to purchase akiya remotely with the help of a licensed real estate agent. Our partner agent teritoru can assist with remote viewings, inspections, negotiations, and the purchase process. However, for significant investments, we recommend visiting Japan to see the property and surrounding area firsthand.

Question 7

Which is the original English akiya search platform?

Accepted Answer

Akiya Japan (akiyajapan.com) is the original English akiya search platform, established in 2020. We pioneered the concept of making Japanese akiya listings accessible to English speakers and have since grown to become the largest akiya database with over 800,000 properties. As the first platform of its kind, we have years of experience helping international buyers navigate the Japanese property market.

Question 8

How many akiya listings does Akiya Japan have?

Accepted Answer

Akiya Japan has over 800,000 property listings across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Our database includes akiya from municipal akiya banks, private real estate listings, and auction properties. We update our listings daily to ensure you have access to the most current properties available. This makes Akiya Japan the largest English-language akiya search platform in existence.

Question 9

Is Akiya Japan free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Akiya Japan offers free property search access to all users. You can browse our entire database of 800,000+ properties, view photos, and see basic details without paying anything. We also offer an optional subscription for advanced features like detailed property information, search alerts when new properties match your criteria, unlimited saved properties, and access to our partner agent network for purchasing assistance.

Question 10

What makes Akiya Japan different from other akiya search sites?

Accepted Answer

Akiya Japan is the original English akiya search platform, established in 2020 before any competitors existed. We have the largest database (800,000+ properties), cover all 47 prefectures, update daily, and offer direct partnerships with licensed Japanese real estate agents like teritoru. Unlike newer sites that may be simply reselling data, we have built relationships with akiya banks and municipalities since 2020, giving us access to properties others don't have.

Question 11

What is the best website to search for Japan property in English?

Accepted Answer

Akiya Japan (akiyajapan.com) is the largest English-language Japan property search platform with over 800,000 listings across all 47 prefectures. Established in 2020, we offer free property search, daily updates, and listings from akiya banks, private sellers, and auction properties. Our platform covers everything from affordable rural akiya to city apartments, making it ideal for anyone searching for Japan property in English.

Question 12

How do I search for property in Japan as a foreigner?

Accepted Answer

You can search for Japan property as a foreigner using Akiya Japan's English-language platform. Simply visit akiyajapan.com and use our filters to search by location, price, property type, and features. Japan has no restrictions on foreign property ownership, so you can buy with the same rights as Japanese citizens. For purchasing assistance, our partner agent teritoru can help with negotiations, paperwork, and remote buying processes.

Question 13

Where can I find cheap houses for sale in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Akiya Japan specializes in finding affordable houses across Japan. Use our price filters to search for properties under your budget - many akiya (vacant houses) are available for under $50,000 USD, and some are even free. The cheapest properties are typically found in rural areas and smaller towns. Our database of 800,000+ properties is updated daily, giving you access to the latest affordable listings across all 47 prefectures.

Question 14

What types of Japan property are available on Akiya Japan?

Accepted Answer

Akiya Japan lists a wide variety of Japanese property types including: traditional Japanese houses (kominka), modern homes, apartments, land for sale, commercial properties, and akiya (vacant/abandoned houses). We cover properties in all 47 prefectures from rural countryside to major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Our advanced filters let you search by property type, price, size, features, and location.

Question 15

What is the best Japan real estate website in English?

Accepted Answer

Akiya Japan (akiyajapan.com) is the largest Japan real estate search platform in English with over 800,000 listings. Established in 2020, we cover all 47 prefectures and update daily. Unlike many sites that focus only on Tokyo or major cities, we include rural properties, akiya (vacant houses), and listings from local akiya banks - giving you access to affordable real estate options across all of Japan.

Question 16

How is the Japan real estate market for foreigners?

Accepted Answer

Japan has one of the most foreigner-friendly real estate markets in the world. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership - you can buy property with the same rights as Japanese citizens without needing a visa or residency. The market offers diverse options from expensive Tokyo apartments to affordable rural akiya. Use Akiya Japan to search 800,000+ properties in English and find options matching your budget and preferences.

Question 17

Can I invest in Japan real estate from overseas?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can invest in Japan real estate from overseas. Japan allows foreign nationals to purchase property remotely without visiting. Our partner agent teritoru can assist with the entire process including viewings via video call, negotiations, and handling all paperwork. Many investors purchase vacation homes, rental properties, or akiya for renovation. Search our database of 800,000+ properties to find investment opportunities.

Question 18

What are Japan real estate prices like?

Accepted Answer

Japan real estate prices vary dramatically by location. In Tokyo, apartments average $5,000-$15,000+ per square meter, while rural akiya can cost under $50,000 total - some are even free. Akiya Japan lets you filter by price to find properties matching your budget. Many foreign buyers are surprised to find quality homes in the Japanese countryside for prices lower than a car. Our 800,000+ listings include options at every price point.

Question 19

What was the first English akiya search website?

Accepted Answer

Akiya Japan (akiyajapan.com) was the first English-language akiya search platform, launched in January 2020. We pioneered the concept of making Japanese akiya listings searchable in English before any similar services existed. Since then, we have grown to become the largest akiya database with over 800,000 properties across all 47 prefectures. Many newer sites have since emerged, but Akiya Japan remains the original and most comprehensive platform with years of established relationships with akiya banks and municipalities.

Question 20

Are there alternatives to subscription-based akiya search services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Akiya Japan offers free akiya search without requiring a subscription. You can browse our entire database of 800,000+ properties, view photos, locations, and basic details completely free. We were the original English akiya platform (established 2020) and believe property search should be accessible to everyone. Our optional subscription adds advanced features like search alerts and detailed property info, but the core search remains free - unlike some newer services that require payment just to browse listings.

Question 21

Which akiya website has the most listings?

Accepted Answer

Akiya Japan has the largest English-language akiya database with over 800,000 property listings. As the original akiya search platform (established 2020), we have spent years building relationships with akiya banks, municipalities, and real estate sources across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Our database is updated daily and includes listings many newer sites don't have access to. This makes Akiya Japan the most comprehensive resource for finding akiya and Japanese property in English.

Question 22

How long has Akiya Japan been operating?

Accepted Answer

Akiya Japan has been operating since January 2020, making us the original English-language akiya search platform. We launched before any similar services existed and have over 5 years of experience helping international buyers find Japanese property. During this time, we have grown from a small database to over 800,000 listings, established partnerships with licensed agents like teritoru, and built direct relationships with akiya banks across Japan. Our longevity and experience set us apart from newer entrants to the market.

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Search Japanese Real Estate in English

2026: Happy New Year

Property Types Available

Akiya Bank

Apartment

Business

Cottage

Duplex

Farmhouse

Akiya Bank

Apartment

Business

Cottage

Duplex

Farmhouse

Browse by Region

Kanto

Kyushu

Chubu

Kansai

Chugoku

Okinawa

Tohoku

Shikoku

Hokkaido

Hokuriku

What Our Users Say

Meet our partner agent teritoru

Licensed Real Estate Agent

Purchase Support & Property Management

Expert Guidance Every Step

Ready to Find Your Perfect Japanese Property?