Inaka Japan: A Quick & Easy Guide to Country life in Japan

Whether you are considering rural life in Japan or just curious about it, this quick and easy guide will help you understand what you need to know about Japan's countryside, known as inaka in Japanese.

The pros and cons of Japanese rural life

Let's talk about the benefits plus drawbacks of living in rural Japan.

The pros

Whether you want to get away from the city or seek a quieter, more peaceful environment, here are the main reasons people choose to live in inaka Japan.

1. Plenty of houses available

In contrast to the competitive and limited housing market in Japanese cities, such as Tokyo and Osaka, rural regions of inaka Japan have akiya, which are very cheap houses that have been abandoned.

Additionally, houses in Japan's countryside tend to be larger in square footage.

2. Lower cost of living

From housing expenses to everyday living essentials, the overall cost of living will be lower in the countryside than in the city.

Living in Japan's countryside also makes your everyday expenses, such as groceries, transportation, and leisure activities, more budget-friendly.

3. Better sense of community

The best part of rural life in Japanese inaka is getting to know your neighbors and those around you.

You will have plenty of opportunities to meet and interact with them, whether exchanging homegrown vegetables or going to local festivals together.

Inaka people always try to include you in community activities and events to share their local culture.

The cons

The countryside lifestyle isn't for everyone. Here are a couple of reasons why.

1. Lack of job opportunities

There are limited job opportunities in the countryside, which is why many young Japanese people move to the city.

So, unless you can work remotely, start an online business, earn money online, or take up farming, making a living in the countryside might be a struggle.

Additionally, if you have children, educational opportunities may be scarce as some rural cities may only have one or two high schools with restricted resources.

2. Relying on personal transportation

While a Japanese city such as Tokyo is known for its complex railway systems, you will need your own transportation in the countryside, which usually means purchasing a car.

Transitioning from city driving or becoming a new driver can be challenging.

Many countryside roads in Japan are narrow, winding, or poorly maintained, which can be hazardous during bad weather or at night.

Most remote areas will also have limited public transportation. Thus, adapting to rural transportation can be a daunting and stressful experience.

3. Higher chance of disasters

While Japan is known for its many natural disasters, this also depends on where in Japan you live.

For example, mountainous areas are more likely to experience landslides, while low-lying areas near rivers are more prone to flooding.

4. Akiya often requires renovations

While vacant and cheap housing is plentiful in the countryside, many of these akiya houses are in deteriorating condition with old akiya furniture, so you will need to budget for renovations and maintenance.

However, if you are up for the challenge, these houses are the perfect opportunity for individuals or families with children looking to relocate to the countryside.

Is rural Japan right for you? A self-assessment quiz

Making the leap to rural Japan isn't just about lifestyle preference—it's about fundamental compatibility with a way of life that demands self-sufficiency, cultural adaptation, and significant lifestyle changes.

Before diving into the logistics, take an honest look at whether you're truly prepared for inaka life.

Green light Indicators: you're likely ready if...

• You genuinely enjoy solitude and quiet environments over urban energy

• You have 6-12 months of living expenses saved for the transition period

• You can work remotely or have marketable skills for rural employment

• You're comfortable with basic Japanese conversation or committed to intensive study

• You have experience with home maintenance, gardening, or self-sufficient living

• You're flexible with entertainment and dining options (no 24/7 convenience stores)

• You can drive and are comfortable navigating rural roads in all weather conditions

Red flags: consider urban Japan if...

• You depend on extensive public transportation for daily life

• You require immediate access to international healthcare or specialized services

• Your social life revolves around nightlife, restaurants, and urban entertainment

• You need constant high-speed internet for work (some rural areas still lack reliable connectivity)

• You're not prepared for significant language barriers in daily interactions

• You have young children, but haven't researched local educational options

• You're hoping to "escape" problems rather than embrace a different lifestyle

The financial reality check

Rural living costs 40-60% less than major cities, but income opportunities can be 50-70% lower. A comfortable urban lifestyle requiring ¥4,000,000 annually might cost ¥2,500,000 in rural areas, but finding work paying even ¥2,500,000 can be challenging without remote work or specialized skills.

We'll dive more into the economics of countryside living in the next section.

How much does it cost to live in the countryside of Japan?

While rural living costs less than urban life, the financial picture is more complex than simple cost-of-living comparisons suggest.

Understanding the true economics will help you budget realistically and avoid common financial pitfalls that force people back to city life.

1. Housing costs

Everyone's heard about free akiya houses, but the reality involves significant additional costs. A "free" house typically requires ¥2,000,000-¥8,000,000 in renovations to make it truly livable.

Factor in property taxes (¥50,000-¥200,000 annually), mandatory insurance (¥100,000-¥300,000 annually), and utilities that can be surprisingly expensive due to poor insulation and rural infrastructure.

Monthly housing costs typically range:

• Renovated akiya: ¥50,000-¥120,000 (including utilities, taxes, maintenance)

• Rental housing: ¥30,000-¥80,000 plus utilities

• New construction: ¥100,000-¥200,000 monthly payments

2. Transportation

Car ownership isn't optional in rural Japan—it's survival. Budget ¥300,000-¥600,000 annually for vehicle expenses, including insurance, maintenance, fuel, inspections (shaken), and replacement savings. Rural roads are hard on vehicles, and mechanics may be hours away, making maintenance planning crucial.

Gas prices run ¥10-¥20 higher per liter than in urban areas, and you'll drive significantly more miles for basic errands. Many rural residents maintain two vehicles—one for daily use and a work truck or van for farming/business activities.

3. Utilities

It's possible that rural utilities will cost you 20-40% more than urban equivalents due to infrastructure challenges and lower population density. Monthly utility budgets typically include:

• Electricity: ¥15,000-¥40,000

• Propane gas: ¥8,000-¥20,000

• Water/sewage: ¥5,000-¥15,000

• Internet: ¥6,000-¥12,000

• Kerosene heating: ¥20,000-¥60,000 during winter months

4. Food and daily expenses

Fresh local produce costs 30-50% less than city prices, but processed foods, imported items, and specialty products cost 10-20% more due to transportation and limited competition. Bulk shopping becomes essential, with many rural residents making weekly trips to larger towns for supplies.

Restaurant options are limited and often expensive relative to quality. Many rural residents develop cooking skills out of necessity rather than choice, but this leads to healthier eating and significant savings over time.

What types of jobs are perfect for inaka?

Finding sustainable income in rural Japan requires creativity, flexibility, and often multiple income streams. The job market is fundamentally different from urban areas, with opportunities often arising from community connections rather than traditional job applications.

Let's take a look at the type of jobs that are compatible with country life.

1. Remote work

Remote work has increased recently, allowing individuals to work from anywhere, including the countryside.

Whether you are a freelancer or negotiated to go fully remote, as long as you have an internet connection, you can collaborate, attend meetings, and complete tasks from your rural home.

Some remote-friendly industries include:

• Technology

• Marketing and advertising

• Writing and editing

• Online education

• Customer service

• Design 

• Consulting

2. Tourism

Many rural areas in Japan rely on tourism for their economic development.

Jobs in this sector include hotel staff, tour guides, outdoor activity instructors, and hospitality management positions.

Working in tourism involves showing the natural wonders of your area, cultural significance, and unique attractions.

Many local governments create incentive support programs to encourage tourism development in rural areas. An example of a well-known tourist incentive program are the One Piece statues around Kumamoto City, which donated proceeds to help the city recover from the 2016 earthquakes.

3. Public sector jobs

Combining civil servant roles with public work is a great rural job in Japan as it provides reliable income, manageable working hours, and significant employee benefits.

Alternatively, public sector jobs with infrastructure projects have greater opportunities for those with technical skills or experience in fields like electrical work or facility maintenance.

Both sectors allow you to live in rural Japan while helping improve its infrastructure.

4. Revitalization volunteer programs

Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has created a Regional Revitalization Volunteer Program that allows volunteers to move to areas with declining and aging populations to promote revitalization.

Their main work included supporting revitalization efforts such as:

• Developing, selling, and promoting regional brands and local products

• Working in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries

• Supporting the local residents

When you become a volunteer, it'll be only for 1-3 years. Despite a fixed timeline, you will have a guaranteed income between 2.7 million to 4.7 million yen.

If you are interested in this program, check out the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Volunteer Program.

5. English teaching

Rural areas of inaka Japan are always looking for English native speakers, particularly ALT (Assistant Language Teachers), to assist with English language classes and provide cultural exchange opportunities.

There might also be Eikaiwas that are looking for English teachers to provide private English conversation classes with students of various ages and levels.

How do you move to the countryside in Japan?

1. Decide where you want to live

The best way to decide if you want to live in a particular Japanese area is to travel there. Take time off to visit and see what's around, what activities are there, the type of infrastructure, and what government services are available.

You can even try to find online forums talking about the area you are thinking of living in.

2. Physically visit the homes you want to live in 

Many rural homes in inaka Japan are in bad condition, while others are more ready for an immediate move-in.

It's essential to assess the property you want as you might have to:

• Do structural repairs

• Upgrade electrical and plumbing systems

• Install insulation and weatherproofing

• Work on landscaping

3. Finance your property

Many towns and villages in the countryside have subsidies and support programs to attract residents from Tokyo, and other urban areas.

These municipalities have dedicated departments for town development, which often include Akiya banks to help new residents find and renovate their homes.

Keep in mind, individuals must officially move to their area to qualify for these subsidies.

4. Get your property ready for your move-in date

Before moving in, consider setting up your property with water, gas, and electricity.

For those who need help getting their property up and running, MailMate is a bilingual utilities liaison and property management service ideal for new property owners.

Plus, if you need help setting up fire insurance or wifi, MailMate will find the correct local services for your property.

What challenges should I expect when living in inaka Japan?

a. Language hurdles

Unlike larger cities in Japan, English is very limited in inaka Japan. While many Japanese people study English, they may understand a certain amount but may not be able to speak it.

A conversational Japanese level is best when living in rural Japan. But knowing basic Japanese phrases is also a great place to start. And if needed, you can always take out your phone for translation help.

b. Transportation 

If you can drive, owning a car is an essential investment when living in rural Japan.

Depending on where you live, there might be public transportation. However, the frequency is significantly less than if the transport option were operating in the city.

So, having your own transportation, such as a car, bicycle, or even a motorcycle, is your best option to get around.

Additionally, many stores can be far away, which may result in once-a-week shopping. Thus, having a car for these trips would be most helpful.

Tips for living in inaka Japan

1. Kindness goes a long way

Tips for living in inaka Japan

1. Kindness goes a long way

Living in the Japanese countryside offers a stronger sense of community and hospitality, where simple acts of kindness significantly enrich daily life.

From friendly greetings with neighbors and casual chats to sharing fresh fruits and vegetables or attending local festivals, these gestures foster belonging and mutual support in inaka Japan.

Such generosity and connection make rural living deeply meaningful, no matter where you come from.

Your rural Japanese home needs to be ready for all kinds of weather—rain, snow, and intense summer heat. This means ensuring proper insulation and maintaining solid infrastructure.

Spring and summer also present a great opportunity for gardening. However, it’s important to stay alert to local wildlife, including insects and other animals that may enter or surround your home.

Taking the right precautions helps protect both your house and your peace of mind.

3. Get ready to DIY

Self-sufficiency is key in rural Japan, making DIY (do-it-yourself) skills an invaluable asset.

Whether it’s handling minor repairs or taking on larger renovation projects, doing it yourself can save time, money, and foster a sense of independence.

Rural life may come with its own set of challenges, but it also offers deep rewards—slower living, closeness to nature, and a strong sense of community.

Frequently asked questions

Is it really cheaper to live in rural Japan?

Rural living in Japan typically costs 40–60% less than in major cities like Tokyo or Osaka. However, it's important to understand that while your living expenses will likely drop, your income opportunities may also be more limited. Renovations, car ownership, and higher utility costs can add up quickly, so budgeting wisely is key.

What’s an akiya, and can I really get one for free?

An akiya is a vacant or abandoned house in rural Japan. While some may be advertised as "free," they usually come with strings attached. Most require extensive renovations, which can cost several million yen. Also, buyers must typically agree to live in the home and sometimes register as local residents to qualify for municipal subsidies.

Do I need to speak Japanese to live in the countryside?

While basic Japanese is manageable for short visits, long-term rural living benefits greatly from conversational fluency. English is not widely spoken in the countryside, so tasks like visiting city offices, participating in community events, or fixing utility issues will go more smoothly if you can speak and understand Japanese at a functional level.

What jobs are available in Japan's countryside?

Job opportunities are fewer than in urban centers, but remote work has opened up possibilities in fields like tech, marketing, and design. Other viable options include tourism, English teaching, public sector roles, and participation in government-sponsored revitalization programs. Creativity, flexibility, and community involvement often play a bigger role in finding work than traditional job listings.

In closing

Life in the Japanese countryside is distinct from urban living. While it may present unfamiliar challenges, it also offers a wealth of rewards: a slower, more intentional pace, a deep connection to nature, and genuine community bonds.

For those who will be away from your property often due to traveling or going abroad and worry about missing a bill or tax payment--worry no more.

MailMate makes managing and paying your Japanese bills easier with its online dashboard.

Have your bills and tax notifications forwarded to MailMate, where you will receive an email or Slack notification about them.

Then click the “Pay Bill” button, and your bills are paid!

Other features include:

• Receive and pay your property tax bills without a Japanese bank account.

• Register MailMate as your Domestic Point of Contact at the time of your property purchase.

• Receive your Japanese Mail digitally with English summaries & an interactive Mail Concierge.

• Local point of contact and bill pay for your condo or building association.

• Local point of contact for utility set-up and ongoing bill-pay.

• Get fiber optic internet set-up at your property (inclusive of monthly internet fees)