Hello and welcome to Akiya Japan.

What We Do

Akiya Japan provides access to public real estate listings and Akiya Bank data that is usually limited to Japanese speakers only. We are a private search engine that translates web listings for English speakers which, when mixed with popular search tools, empowers users to find properties they would never otherwise find.

We update our database daily - adding to a resource of thousands of already existing listings. We provide images of the properties, map locations, parking information, and other powerful search features that are not usually found on regular Japanese property sites.

Once you find a property we recommend you recruit the support of a fluent Japanese speaker, or buyer's agent in Japan, to handle the administrative aspects of the purchase. We have partnered with a licensed property agency in Japan who you can book a consultation with on any listing page.

Akiya or 空き家 refers to any abandoned or vacant real estate in Japan. The term literally means "empty house." Sometimes such properties sit vacant and not available for sale for many years.

Japan has seen a significant increase in vacant properties over the past decades due to a combination of factors including an aging population, rural depopulation, and changing housing preferences. These vacant properties can be found throughout the country, from remote rural villages to urban centers.

While many akiya require renovation and updates, they offer a unique opportunity for homebuyers to acquire property at prices significantly lower than the market average, often in locations with established infrastructure and communities.

Finding your dream property is just the beginning. At Akiya Japan, we're proud to partner with Teritoru, a licensed real estate agency specializing in helping international buyers navigate the Japanese property market.

Teritoru provides comprehensive services that perfectly complement our property search platform:

• Real Estate Brokerage

  Their bilingual staff ensures even clients who don't understand Japanese can invest with confidence. From vacant houses to vacation homes, single-family residences to entire apartment buildings, they help you find the right property for your investment portfolio.

• Property Management

  Comprehensive services for foreign investors and non-residents, covering everything from property leasing and management to sales support. Their experienced staff handles maintenance, enhances profitability, and manages the entire sales process.

• Vacation Rental Support

  Startup support and cleaning operation services for international clients operating vacation rentals in Japan. They navigate Japan's strict regulations and help you achieve swift operations from the property purchase stage.

Akiya Bank properties refer to public listings that appear in municipality databases for sale. They are usually older homes that have been left empty for a period of time and are often in need of significant repairs and renovations. Typically these types of akiya are sold at a lower price than other types of real estate, making them an attractive option for first-time homebuyers.

The lower price is due to the fact that these properties require a significant investment in time, money, and resources to restore them to a livable state. Additionally, the purchased costs depend on its condition and location, as well as the amount of work needed to bring it up to code.

Local governments throughout Japan have established these "Akiya Banks" as a way to address the growing number of vacant properties. These public databases aim to connect potential buyers with property owners who are looking to sell their vacant homes.

Akiya Bank properties are homes that are offered for sale at a much lower price than normal. These properties can be found all across Japan, but are especially common in rural areas. There are a few reasons why akiya properties are so cheap, and understanding them can help you make an informed decision on whether buying one is the right choice for you.

While there's a common perception that all akiya properties are dilapidated houses in remote mountain villages, the reality is far more diverse. Japan's vacant property market includes a wide spectrum of options:

When searching through our database, you'll find everything from traditional kominka (old Japanese houses) to modern apartments and commercial buildings. The key is to define your criteria clearly and be open to the diverse range of opportunities available in Japan's property market.

In recent years, foreign citizens have become increasingly interested in purchasing property in Japan. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, Japan has become an attractive destination for international buyers and investors.

Despite this interest, the process of buying and owning property in Japan can be quite complex. For foreign citizens, there are a number of different restrictions, regulations, and laws that must be considered and followed in order to purchase a property.

Foreign citizens are generally restricted from purchasing certain types of property, such as agricultural land. However, they are allowed to purchase residential and commercial properties.

By popular request, we've expanded our search capabilities to include newly built properties alongside traditional akiya listings. While our name reflects our original focus on vacant houses, we understand that many users are interested in exploring all housing options available in Japan.

This expanded offering gives you the flexibility to explore Japan's entire real estate spectrum—from historic traditional homes needing restoration to contemporary properties with all modern conveniences. Simply use our search filters to specify whether you want to include new construction in your results.