In this article we will provide you with an overview of what we do here at Rising Sun Properties and introduce you to some of the key aspects of buying a property in Japan. But this is just to get you started! Stay tuned for future articles that will go into more depth in a variety of topics related to real estate and general living in Japan. Enjoy!

Japan has long cast a spell on those who visit - and there have been plenty of visitors! There is a reason why Japan consistently breaks its visitor records and remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Its blend of tradition and modernity is famous around the world and is a key draw for travellers who want to get away from everything and experience something truly different.

Many of those travellers wish that they could own a piece of Japan themselves and in recent years the interest in property ownership has increased dramatically as Japan’s population decreases and the number of empty houses ("Akiya”) continues to rise. Many see this an opportunity to carve their own space in this wonderful country and for a long time the road to this goal has been difficult - a tangle of language barriers, legal uncertainty and of course the country’s sheer distance.

“New figures show nearly 14% of all houses in Japan are empty – but this real estate glut is attracting growing interest from foreigners.” The Guardian

And this is where we come in. We exist to bridge this gap and open up a clearer path, untangling all the complicated procedures, tearing down the maze and guiding you through with our expertise from years of experience in real estate. We hope that we will be able to help you with your future purchase and in the meantime and look forward to hearing from you.

What is an "Akiya"?

The word Akiya (空き家) translates literally as “empty/vacant house”. But behind this simple word lies one of the most extraordinary demographic stories unfolding anywhere on earth.

Japan’s population is undeniably shrinking. Rural towns are hollowing out as the younger generations move to large urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka. The result: millions of properties left behind - some merely vacant and others abandoned for decades - sitting untouched across some of the most beautiful landscapes in Asia.

The Japanese government, acutely aware of this crisis, has responded with Akiya Banks - municipal registries listing vacant properties, often at prices that seem impossible to Western buyers. It is not uncommon to find traditional farmhouses (minka) with original timber frames and thatched detail, listed for under ¥3,000,000 - less than 20,000 USD. 

What makes this moment particularly compelling for potential buyers is the convergence of factors: a weak yen, growing remote-work freedom, and a generation of foreign buyers increasingly drawn to a slow, more intentional way of life. The Akiya opportunity is real, and the interest continues to grow.

Can foreigners actually buy property in Japan?

Absolutely - and we’re here to help! Japan places no restrictions on foreign property ownership. You do not need residency, a spouse visa or any other special permit to purchase real estate, but naturally there are some hurdles you must jump over before you are able to secure your dream home in Japan.

1. Choose a property that takes your fancy. There are plenty of resources online that will let you view available Akiya properties such as Akiya Mart or of course through us directly.
2. Engage a judicial scrivener (shiho shoshi) - this is Japan's equivalent of a conveyancing solicitor. They handle title transfer, registration and legal due diligence on your behalf. We work with a number of scriveners across the country and can introduce you directly depending on your destination and requirements.
3. Sign a purchase contract - this is always in Japanese, but we provide a translation as part of our service to ensure that you understand exactly what it is you’re signing.
4. Transfer funds internationally - Japan does not restrict foreign currency transfers for property purchase. We typically use Wise and handle all domestic payments to the relevant parties.
5. Title registration - your scrivener will register the title at the Legal Affairs Bureau and then the property is legally yours! The whole process typically takes 4-8 weeks.

One important note: securing a Japanese mortgage as a non-resident is extremely difficult. Most foreign buyers purchase with cash or international financing.