Property Types

Do I Need a Real Estate Agent or Can I Just Buy the Property I Want on My Own? When people in Japan come across a house they like, many wonder: Do I really need a real estate agent, or can I just buy it directly from the owner? On the surface, skipping an agent might look like a way to save money. But the reality can be much more complicated. More Than Just a...

Can I Build on This Land? A Checklist for Buyers in Japan Picture this: your wife’s family’s friend has a vacant lot they’re looking to sell. It sounds like a great opportunity — maybe the land is cheap, maybe it’s in a location you’ve always wanted. You start imagining the possibilities: a house, a small café, or even a minpaku (short-term rental). But here’s the catch: in Japan, not...

Where Are Minpaku (Airbnb) Allowed in Japan? Minpaku (Airbnb-style rentals) have become a popular option for visitors to Japan. However, the rules are not the same everywhere. In fact, each city and prefecture sets its own guidelines. Therefore, before you buy or rent out a property, you need to understand exactly where minpaku are allowed. National Framework Japan introduced a nationwide minpaku law...

Property Types in Japan: A Complete Guide for Buyers & Investors Property Types in Japan Before buying property in Japan, it’s important to know the main property types in Japan. Options range from compact city manshon (マンション / condominiums) to rural akiya (空き家 / vacant houses), as well as tochi (土地 / land-only plots) and income-generating buildings. Each type has its own...