Why I Bought My Akiya in Japan (And How It Changed My Connection to Home)
Buying an Akiya — a vacant home in Japan — wasn’t something I had fully planned. For a long time, it was just an idea in the back of my mind. But sometimes, the right home shows up at the right time.
In this post, I’ll share my personal journey of how I went from thinking about Akiya to finally buying one, and why this decision has completely changed how I experience Japan with my family.
Searching for a Base in Japan
Back in 2023, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to buy an Akiya. I have a family home in Japan, but staying there meant falling into my parents’ daily routines. I wanted a place where my family and I could have freedom, privacy, and flexibility while still being close to them.
At first, I explored long-term rentals, but the idea of owning a base in Japan kept coming back. I started looking at listings online and even spoke with banks about mortgage options.
The Properties That Stood Out
In 2024, I began actively touring homes. A few listings caught my attention:
- A single-story hiraya in a peaceful neighborhood, near parks and schools.
- Another house that came with farmland, priced at a third of the first one.
The more I looked, the more I realized — I wasn’t just searching for a house, I was searching for a lifestyle.
Finding “The One”
That December, I flew to Japan and toured two homes with my mom and a local realtor (who happened to be a family friend).
The first was nice but didn’t click. The second was different: a cozy, well-loved home, cared for by an elderly owner who greeted us warmly. It came with farmland, a large yard, and plenty of storage.
The moment I walked in, I could picture everything — my daughter playing in the garden, summer barbecues, planting fruit trees with my mom, even a basketball court for my husband. It wasn’t just a house; it was a vision for the future.
Buying an Akiya: Different From Hawaii
As a licensed Realtor in Hawaii, I’m used to inspections, negotiations, and credit requests. But in Japan, Akiya purchases are different:
- Properties are typically sold as-is.
- Negotiations are less common.
- The process can feel unfamiliar for foreign buyers.
I decided not to push for credits or changes. The home was already fairly priced, and the seller’s care for the property was clear. We closed smoothly, and she even left us useful items — including a tractor for the farmland!
Life After the Purchase
Owning this Akiya has become more than just having a house. It has created:
- A family gathering space where relatives and friends come together.
- Conversations about gardening, farming, and new projects.
- A deeper connection to Japan, giving us a reason to return more often.
It has truly become the “base” I always imagined.
Why I Share This Story
When I first posted about my Akiya, I was surprised by how many people were curious. I realized there are countless others who dream of owning a home in Japan but feel overwhelmed by the process.
That’s why I started Akiya by Yuko: to bridge the gap, make the process easier, and help people make informed decisions. Owning a home in Japan doesn’t just change your travels — it changes your connection to the country.
If you’ve ever dreamed of buying a home in Japan, know that it is possible. With the right guidance, you can make it a smooth and rewarding journey — just like I did.
✨ Follow along with me at @AkiyaLocations for tips, stories, and real insights into Japan’s vacant homes.