Top 5 Places to Find Akiya Houses for Sale in Japan

There are a lot of akiya houses in Japan. Purchasing one is a huge milestone. If you want to live in an akiya home, you need to consider where in Japan you want to move.

Even if you are not planning to live there because you plan to use it as a vacation home or as an Airbnb, narrowing down the akiya house location will help you in your search.

Where can I look for akiya houses for sale in Japan?

The simplest place to find akiya houses is online through akiya banks.

Akiya banks are databases for vacant old houses throughout Japan, where owners or local governments list these properties for sale or for free.

You can also search by area by inputting “[location]空家” into your search engine.

There are also specialized real estate agencies that will look into akiya houses for you.

What are the legal requirements for foreign buyers?

Foreign nationals can legally own property in Japan without residency requirements. The essential legal steps to be aware of are as follows:

1. Property inspection and due diligence

2. Sales contract (売買契約書) preparation

3. Registration at the Legal Affairs Bureau

4. Property tax registration

5. Utility transfers and local registrations

Important Note: Consider hiring a bilingual real estate attorney to navigate the legal process, especially for your first purchase.

5 best places to find akiya houses for sale in Japan

Consider these 5 places in Japan if you are looking for an akiya to purchase.

1. Shizuoka

Shizuoka is a popular place to search for akiya houses for sale.

The city center is Shizuoka City, but there's also Hamamatsu City. Both are the perfect mix of city and nature. With the mountains and ocean nearby, Shizuoka is great for exploring, swimming, fishing, and hiking.

Plus, Shizuoka is a 2-hour Shinkansen ride from Tokyo. So, even though there aren't many akiya houses for sale in Tokyo, Shizuoka is a great option in terms of its proximity to Japan's capital city.

The Shizuoka government offers various migration, employment, and life support to help its citizens have a higher quality of life.

• Akiya availability: High, particularly in mountainous regions and smaller coastal towns

• Average akiya price range: ¥500,000 - ¥3,000,000 (depending on condition and location)

• Migration support: Up to ¥1,000,000 relocation assistance, employment support programs

• Best areas: Izu Peninsula, Fuji area foothills, Omaezaki region

2. Nagano

While Nagano is not on everyone's top list to visit or live in Japan, it is the perfect place to find an akiya house.

Nagano has many abandoned homes with plenty of supportive systems to help transition into a countryside lifestyle.

Specifically, the Miyata Village in the Nagano Prefecture offers a tranquil and idyllic setting.

Nagano's stunning natural landscapes, including the Japanese Alps and rural scenery add to its appeal as a desirable place to live for those looking to get away from the city.

• Akiya availability: Very high, especially in mountain villages

• Average akiya price range: ¥300,000 - ¥2,000,000

• Migration support: Village-specific programs, some offering free properties with conditions

• Highlight: Miyata Village offers comprehensive newcomer support including housing, employment, and community integration programs.

3. Fukuoka 

Throughout Japan, Fukuoka is known for its warm hospitality, fresh ingredients, and local delicacies.

While it might be difficult to find an akiya for sale in central cities such as Fukuoka City and Kitaskyushu City, there are plenty of akiya in Fukuoka's rural areas.

Fukuoka offers excellent public transportation, so if your akiya is near a train station or bus stop, you can get in and out of the city within an hour or two.

With moderate rainfall, mild winters, and an average of 17.7 degrees Celsius year-round, it's a compelling option for those wanting to move into a smaller city.

The prefecture and its local government provide migration facilities to help individuals and families permanently move there. For example, Kitakyushu City has a rental housing program where it can subsidize up to 20% of rent costs.

• Akiya availability: Moderate in rural areas, limited in cities

• Average akiya price range: ¥800,000 - ¥4,000,000

• Migration support: Rental subsidies up to 20% in some cities, family support programs

• Best areas: Rural areas within 1-2 hours of Fukuoka City, Kitakyushu outskirts

4. Yamanashi 

Yamanashi is a great option for those wanting to live within a few hours of Tokyo.

The prefecture is known for its lush greenery, delicious spring water, and majestic mountains, including views of Mt. Fuji, the Southern Alps, and Mt. Yatsugatake. Yamanashi is also famous for its fertile land that is perfect for planting and farming.

To help boost entrepreneurship and economic development among its citizens, Yamanashi has a business development fund for up to 2 million yen per application. Additionally, the prefecture's immigration support program provides financial assistance for up to 1 million yen per household to help those relocating to Yamanashi.

Yamanashi is a unique environment for those who wish to build a life in Japan.

• Akiya availability: High in mountain regions and farming communities

• Average akiya price range: ¥400,000 - ¥2,500,000

• Migration support: Up to ¥2,000,000 business development funds, ¥1,000,000 relocation assistance per household

• Unique feature: Matchmaking services for singles looking to settle in rural communities

5. Gunma 

Gunma is an increasingly popular area for those searching for an akiya for sale.

Located right above Saitama, Gunma is known for a "dual base living" lifestyle, which is perfect for those wanting city amenities with countryside charm.

Gunma is known for the famous Kusatsu Onsen, leisure activities (such as skiing and paragliding), and affordability, as it has a lower cost of living (rent, land costs, etc.) when compared to other prefectures in the Kanto area.

Gunma's support system is especially ideal for new residents, as they have an online consultation service to help those relocating to their area. Plus, the Gunma prefectural government will offer up to 1 million yen per household to help with the move.

Additionally, Gunma has many support programs for families, such as free childcare and waived fees to help ease the financial burden for families with multiple children, and subsidies and grants for housing renovations.

• Akiya availability: Very high

• Average akiya price range: ¥200,000 - ¥1,500,000 (most affordable option)

• Migration support: ¥1,000,000 relocation assistance, free childcare programs, housing renovation subsidies

• Best features: Online consultation services in multiple languages, extensive family support systems

What are the benefits to living in Japan's countryside? Why should I live in rural Japan?

Many akiya houses in Japan are far from major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. But don't let that stop you.

There are plenty of akiya for sale around Tokyo and other major Japanese cities. However, if you're willing to live in Japan's countryside, you'll find an abundance of options—and you can still take public transportation into major towns and cities.

There are financial benefits to moving and living in rural areas in Japan as local rural governments have plenty of subsidized programs to help with the following.

1. Migration/moving funds

Some prefectures have support funds/grants, approx. ¥500,000-¥2,000,000 per household, to help individuals and families to relocate to rural Japan.

These grants often include helping with housing relocation, covering utilities and groceries during your settlement period, and employment opportunities and training to help you find a job.

2. Childcare support

Many municipalities provide childcare support, such as subsidies for children's medical expenses and even birthday gifts.

This support from the local government sometimes includes helping with educational fees, such as subsidies for daycare or school-related costs.

3. Housing renovation subsidies

Many local governments provide grants that help cover a portion of the cost of akiya renovations. Many municipalities provide grants covering 25-50% of renovation costs, with caps typically ranging from ¥500,000 to ¥2,000,000.

This financial incentive is to encourage property owners to renovate these akiya houses. While it may not cover all the expenses for a completely new modern Japanese house, such subsidies can help to get your akiya house up and running.

How to use MailMate to navigate common akiya challenges

One of the common challenges that hopeful home owners are faced with is the language barrier.

Most of the information concerning the akiya purchase process and houses for sale in Japan are solely in Japanese.

Finding a bilingual property management service, like MailMate, is a move that will alleviate uncertainty and give you peace of mind.

Here's how MailMate's Akiya & Vacation Home Package can help you on your akiya journey:

a. Tax agent service & domestic contact service

Owning property in Japan means you will be responsible for tax-related property taxes.

Not paying your taxes will result in late fees and possible seizure and sale of your assets. To avoid such occurrences, especially if you are abroad or away from your property for a long time, make MailMate your tax agent.

All tax-related information will be sent to MailMate and scanned into your dashboard. Here, you can request that we handle the necessary paperwork so your taxes will be paid on time.

b. Virtual mailbox with easy mail management

MailMate provides a virtual mailbox service that allows you to manage all mail and documents online.

The best part is that MailMate will provide translation summaries of Japanese mail (such as tax notifications, utility bills, and local government notices) so that you can take action on the items that arrive at your property.

Their bilingual support staff, fluent in English and Japanese, will ensure clear communication and accurate translation and handle any correspondence effectively, including paying bills upon request.

c. Liaison services

Communicating in Japanese can be stressful, but that shouldn't stop you from scheduling important maintenance and services on your property.

Here's where MailMate comes in. Let us know what services you want on your property, such as utility set-up, internet setup, regular cleaning, yard work, etc., and we will schedule them for you.

We will give you the information, such as the date and whether you need to be there in person.

Frequently asked questions

Are there akiya houses for sale in Tokyo?

There are very few places in Tokyo with akiya houses for sale. However, many nearby prefectures, such as Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa, will have plenty of akiya houses for sale. From any of these locations, it can take 1-2 hours to get to Tokyo depending on your mode of transportation.

Can foreigners get mortgages for akiya properties?

Yes, but requirements are strict. You typically need permanent residency, stable Japanese income, and substantial down payment (30-50%). Many foreign buyers purchase with cash.

What happens if I can't maintain the property?

You remain legally responsible for property taxes and basic maintenance. Neglected properties can result in fines and forced demolition at your expense. Consider property management services, such as MailMate, if you cannot visit regularly.

Can I rent out my akiya as an Airbnb?

This depends on local regulations, which vary by municipality. Some areas actively encourage tourism while others restrict short-term rentals. Always check local laws before planning rental income.

In closing

Many prefectures offer plenty of akiya houses for sale in Japan for individuals and families to start a new life. While the majority of these places are in rural Japan, its natural landscapes, picturesque mountains, and amazing support system will help those with the move.