Top 7 English-Speaking Real Estate Lawyers in Japan

Note: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with qualified legal professionals for your specific situation. Information is current as of March 2025 and subject to change.

These English-speaking real estate lawyers in Japan are here to help those looking to buy a property and can be your legal consultant for rent, rent negotiation, eviction, defective housing, land boundaries, and more.

What is a real estate attorney?

A real estate attorney (also known as a property attorney) is a licensed legal professional who specializes in laws related to the real estate industry, such as property ownership, land use, contracts, transactions, and disputes.

Their role includes reviewing documents, ensuring legal compliance, protecting clients during real estate transactions, and representing them in negotiations or litigation when issues arise.

In many countries, a real estate attorney also handles title transfers, escrow, due diligence, and fraud prevention. However, the role of real estate attorneys in Japan is unique, especially because judicial scriveners (司法書士) handle property registration duties that lawyers handle in other countries.

This guide focuses specifically on English-speaking real estate lawyers in Japan, and when you may need one as a foreign property buyer, seller, landlord, or investor.

What can real estate lawyers do in Japan?

Real estate attorneys in Japan play a crucial role in property transactions and other related matters. Here are some key roles that Japanese real estate attorneys can do:

a) Legal advice and consultation

Real estate attorneys offer guidance about laws and regulations regarding the real estate sector and property transactions, including advice on residential, commercial, and industrial property laws.

They help their clients understand compliances and obligations for more complicated matters such as zoning, environmental regulations, and building codes.

b) Reviewing contracts

Real estate lawyers in Japan will create, review, and negotiate real estate contracts, including purchase agreements, leasing agreements, and construction contracts.

Additionally, if you find an English-speaking real estate lawyer, they can also assist with translation and interpretation.

c) Dispute resolution

Real estate lawyers can handle disputes over property transactions, boundary issues, or breaches of contracts. They can also handle eviction proceedings, disputes with tenants, and issues with local regulatory bodies.

d) Estate planning and inheritance

Real estate lawyers can help prepare the transfer of property ownership as part of any inheritance.

e) Regulatory compliance

To ensure all property transactions will comply with local jurisdictions and prefectural and national laws, real estate attorneys will ensure you are compliant and can help with permits and approvals for construction or renovation.

When do you need a real estate lawyer in Japan?

Not all real estate transactions require the assistance of a real estate lawyer, but you may need to hire a real estate lawyer for complex transactions or when legal issues arise.

In many cases, a real estate agent and a judicial scrivener will suffice to help you successfully navigate the real estate market and complete your purchase.

In this section, we take a look at when you might benefit from a lawyer and times when you may be able to do without.

Essential situations requiring legal help

• Complex property purchases involving multiple parties or unusual terms

• Dispute resolution for boundary issues, contract breaches, or defective construction

• Eviction proceedings as either a landlord or a tenant

• International inheritance cases involving Japanese real estate

• Commercial real estate transactions over ¥100 million

• Zoning or regulatory compliance issues

Cases that can be resolved without legal help

• Simple residential purchases through established real estate agencies

• Standard rental agreements with clear terms

• Basic property registration (use a judicial scrivener instead)

• Minor maintenance disputes that can be resolved through mediation

What's the difference between a judicial scrivener and a real estate lawyer?

Judicial scriveners are the clear choice for routine matters like standard property registrations, simple inheritance cases, and document preparation, offering 60-80% cost savings (typically ¥50,000-200,000 vs ¥200,000-800,000 for lawyers) and faster turnaround times of 1-2 weeks versus 2-4 weeks.

Real estate lawyers become essential when disputes arise, complex negotiations are needed, or international legal issues are involved, as they can provide full court representation and handle multi-jurisdictional matters that scriveners cannot.

Legal fees for real estate lawyers may be charged as an hourly fee, a flat rate, or a combination of both, depending on the complexity of the case. Some lawyers offer flat-rate retainers for predictable pricing, while others use an hourly fee structure or even a combination to suit client needs.

Comparison chart of real estate attorneys vs. judicial scriveners in Japan

The key decision factors are: use a scrivener for straightforward registrations and transfers where no disputes exist, but engage a lawyer whenever litigation is possible, property values exceed ¥50 million, or complex contract negotiations are required.

Many clients benefit from a hybrid approach—consulting a lawyer initially for risk assessment and strategy, then using a scrivener for the actual registration process to optimize both legal protection and cost efficiency.

Step-by-step: how to choose the right real estate attorney in Japan

Choosing the right real estate attorney in Japan can significantly affect the speed, safety, and success of your transaction. Here’s a practical checklist to help you select the best professional for your needs.

✅1. Confirm english fluency

Clear communication is essential. Ask:

• Do they conduct consultations in English?

• Are legal documents available in English?

• Do they provide bilingual staff or interpreter services if needed?

✅2. Check their specialty

Not all lawyers work in the real estate industry or practice real estate law. Look for experience in:

• Real estate law

• Lease disputes or eviction

• Construction defects

• Inheritance involving real estate

• International property matters

Lawyers who focus on real estate law and work in the real estate sector will be more efficient and precise.

✅3. Ask about their experience with foreign clients

Foreign buyers often face:

• Language barriers

• Additional documentation

• International inheritance processes

• Cross-border legal issues

Choose lawyers who are familiar with real estate law for international clients.

✅4. Understand the fee structure

Ask upfront about:

• Consultation fees

• Flat-rate options for simple matters

• Hourly billing rates

• Success-based fees (if applicable)

• Estimated overall cost

Transparent lawyers will give you a clear written estimate.

✅5. Verify licenses & credentials

Ensure they are formally registered as a Bengoshi (attorney) with:

• The Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA)

• Their regional bar association

✅6. Ask how they work with judicial scriveners

Most transactions in Japan require both a lawyer and a judicial scrivener. Good lawyers have trusted scrivener partners and can coordinate seamlessly.

7 English-speaking real estate lawyers

In no particular order, here are 7 English-speaking lawyers who can handle all your real estate matters in Japan. 

Pick one that is most relevant to you.

Takasuke Kishi: Ginza OHK Law Offices

Takasuke Kishi is a Tokyo-based English-speaking real estate lawyer at Ginza OHK Law Offices, specializing in real estate, construction law, and legal issues.

He primarily focuses on real estate rental and sales, construction, and renovation troubles. He can consult on various real estate issues, including rent negotiation, building eviction and relocation, land lease rights, defective housing, voluntary sales, noise issues, and land boundary disputes.

The first consultation at Ginza OHK Law Offices is free and for unlimited time. Afterward, each consultation will cost 10,000 yen. Email consultation is also available.

Address: 5th floor, Ginza Fugetsudo Building, 6-6-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061

👉 Looking for an English speaking realtor? Check out this article!

Yasuaki Nakayama: Nihonbashi Law & Intellectual Property Law Offices

Yasuaki Nakayama is an English-speaking real estate lawyer at Tokyo's Nihonbashi Law & Intellectual Property Law Offices. Their law firm specializes in estate-related inheritance, rent collection, and eviction cases.

He is an advisor to over 40 companies, supporting individuals, owners, and real estate management companies with his knowledge of building eviction and relocation, rent negotiations, land lease rights, and voluntary sales.

Their services are great for businesses, and they offer 4 types of plans offering various services.

Address: Urbannet Nihonbashi 2-chome Building, 2-1-3 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0027

Phone: 03-3516-1811

Ryo Wakai: Wakai Law Firm

Ryo Wakai is the representative administrative lawyer at Wakai International Legal Affairs, specializing in immigration matters, real estate, criminal cases, labor disputes, divorces, and other legal issues.

At their office, they support individuals and businesses, offering comprehensive legal support in various areas of law.

Regarding real estate, Ryo Wakai is an expert in rent negotiations, building eviction, leasehold rights, and defective housing and can assist with voluntary sales and offers comprehensive support for international real estate transactions, including international inheritance cases.

The first consultation is free by phone, email, or on LINE.

Address: Sunshine Side 9th floor, 4-25-12 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013

Phone: 03-5924-6845

Yuichi Tachikake: Minami Tachikake Law Office

Yuichi Tachikake is an English-speaking real estate lawyer at Minami Tachikake Law Office in Kita City, Osaka. The office emphasizes strong communication with clients, working together to find satisfactory solutions.

In real estate, Yuichi Tachikake handles rent negotiations, building surrender and eviction, leasehold rights, defective housing, voluntary sales, noise and disturbance issues, and land boundary disputes.

The initial consultation is free. Afterward, each session will be 5,500 yen for every 30 minutes.

This law firm's deep knowledge of the Civil Code and the Land and House Lease Act allows it to navigate even the most complex real estate transactions and disputes. 

Address: Daisan Osaka Bengo Building 4-1-4 Nishitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka 530-0047

Phone: 06-6365-1877

Yuto Arai: Nagawa Okamura Law Firm

Yuto Arai is a Tokyo-based English-speaking real estate lawyer at Nagawa Okamura Law Firm in Minato City and is a great option for individual and corporate clients.

His expertise includes rent negotiation, building surrender and eviction, leasehold rights, defective housing, voluntary sales, noise disturbances, and land boundary disputes. He can also provide legal support for real estate transactions, addressing complex issues to protect his client's interests.

The first consultation will last 60 minutes and cost 20,000 yen. 

Address: 5-13-1 Toranomon 40MT Building 5F, Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001

Phone: 03-5405-7560

Kensho Fukunaga: IBisCrux Law Office

Kensho Fukunaga is an English-speaking real estate attorney at IBisCrux Law Office in Kagoshima, specializing in debt, inheritance, labor, and corporate legal affairs.

His expertise in real estate includes accounts receivable collection, loan collection, contract payment collection, and collection of unpaid rent. He also handles complex inheritance issues related to real estate, inheritance registration, and property inventory.

The consultation fee is 5,500 yen for individuals and 11,000 yen for businesses per 60 minutes​.

Address: Heiwa Building No. 301, 7-15 Yamashita-cho, Kagoshima City

Phone: 099-294-9530

Yuki Miyako: Shinto Law Office

Yuki Miyako is a real estate lawyer with Shinto Law Office in Osaka, specializing in penal cases, inheritance law, and real estate, and can provide legal consultations in Japanese, Korean, and English.

His expertise in real estate law includes rent issues, rent negotiations, eviction, leasehold rights, sales, noise disputes, and boundary issues.

Shinto Law Office has a flexible fee structure, so clients can negotiate costs if needed.

Address: 401 Sunpearl Tennoji Building, 1-8-15 Daido, Tennoji-ku, Osaka 543-0052

Phone: 03-6823-8977

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a lawyer for buying a house in Japan?

For most standard residential purchases through established real estate agencies, a lawyer isn’t required. However, during a home purchase, a real estate lawyer can represent the buyer to ensure legal protection, especially for properties over ¥50 million, unusual contract terms, or if you’re unfamiliar with Japanese real estate law.

What's the difference between a lawyer and a judicial scrivener?

Lawyers handle disputes, litigation, and complex negotiations. Judicial scriveners specialize in property registration and routine legal documents. For simple property transfers, a judicial scrivener is often sufficient and more cost-effective.

How long do real estate legal cases typically take in Japan?

Simple matters: 1-3 months. Contract disputes: 3-6 months. Complex litigation: 6-18 months. Inheritance cases: 6-12 months. International cases may take longer due to additional complexities.

How much does a real estate lawyer cost in Japan?

Costs vary based on complexity. Consultations range from ¥5,000 to ¥20,000, contract reviews from ¥50,000 to ¥150,000, dispute resolution from ¥200,000 to ¥800,000 or more, litigation from ¥500,000 to several million yen, and inheritance cases from ¥150,000 to ¥500,000 or more.

Can I negotiate lawyer fees?

Yes, many lawyers offer flexible fee structures for their legal fees. Depending on the lawyer and the case, legal fees may be charged as an hourly fee, a flat rate, or a combination of both. Ask about flat fees for routine work, hourly fees for more complex matters, payment plans for expensive cases, and success-based fee arrangements.

What if my lawyer doesn't speak English well enough?

Request a different lawyer from the firm, ask about interpreter services, or consider switching to a lawyer with better English skills. Clear communication is essential for good legal representation.

Can a real estate attorney help with due diligence?

Yes. Lawyers can review ownership history, zoning restrictions, structural defects, boundary issues, tenant situations, contracts, and litigation risks. Due diligence protects buyers from legal and financial problems before purchasing property.

What documents should I prepare before meeting a real estate lawyer?

Clients should prepare the property listing, draft contracts, title registry documents (tokibo tohon), inspection reports, lease agreements, identification documents, and any communication with agents or sellers. These help the lawyer analyze the case efficiently and reduce overall costs.

In closing

Hiring any of these English-speaking real estate lawyers in Japan will assist individuals with a wide range of legal issues related to real estate.