Owning an Abandoned Japanese House | Akiya Buying Experience

Daryl and Natsu purchased this abandoned home in Zentsuji, Kagawa and shared their experience with us. Akiya are everywhere and you can find a good deal on a home like this.
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[@onlyinjapanGO]

All together, with everything, the cost was $40,000 for what we showed you. They’re the owners ^_^ of a very lovely and livable Japanese home!

[@typerightseesight]

If I could figure it all out in english. wow. lol

[@janvanspauwen7792]

The house and the environment where you like to live is of course a personal choice. But to me, this house is not inviting, even if it only costs 40,000. it is not just about the house but also the environment. Of course, some people also like to live in the desert. I suspect you don't have to speak fluent English to see that.

[@typerightseesight]

@@janvanspauwen7792 I have been a hobbyist skateboarder standing on a skateboard for at least 5 years of my life for almost 80% of its 36 longevity and am getting a lil old and feel like a birdhouse as such in japan would be something to retire to. lol

[@Tulsy_Grape]

Only $40,000!? That's actually insane!

[@typerightseesight]

@@Tulsy_Grape My mom bought a house about 8 years ago for that in ohio. Its not a massive leap it means it was the poor part of japan. haha :p

[@afjmorse]

My wife sold a house in this exact town. I know Zentsuji very well as my wife grew up nearby, we visit every year. It is very visibly a declining town with a very elderly population. It's hardly a place you'd move to for opportunity. There's a reason houses are ridiculously cheap. The guy saying you could buy one as an investment is interesting. It would not be considered an investment as it would continue to lose value. They are not even worth turning into AirBnB as very few tourists go through apart from a few of the temple pilgrims. John saying that it is up and coming is just outright wrong.

[@FirstLastOne]

A person who usually looks to buy one of these akiya do so when they are looking to settle down out and away from the big cities. If you can work remotely, have no problem being hands on DIY and have a can-do attitude then akiya life is for you. If you want cheap just to flip and profit, you're in for a world of disappointment.

[@xeong5]

That's the problem that people don't understand. They think "free/cheap house," but they don't know what that entails. Any renovation that isn't DIY is in the tens of thousands of dollars. The area and schools are pretty much barren since no one wants to live there, not including the Japanese language you have to know in order to fill out the children's documents every day. Furthermore, you need to be a proactive member of the community and pitch in when needed.

[@KyoGaijin]

@@xeong5 Well said!

[@jasmines.6325]

More young people need remote jobs to breathe back life into these areas

[@bobbyclemente21]

Shikoku's dwindling population has only one way to go, sadly. My mom was from nearby Okayama-shi on the way to Shikoku, but not as close as say Tamano. Akura Village if you know where that is, which became a part of Okayama-shi in the 1990s I think. But it is a beautiful island with a very nice temperate climate. But for investment, yah not doable, unless it's a place people go for vacations or other reason.

[@kezbot2]

I think it is important to emphasize that property ownership in Japan does not automatically grant a permanent visa as it does in other countries.

[@thims1961]

Whoa! You could loose your visa despite owning a home there?

[@kezbot2]

@@thims1961 not lose it, but you aren't granted a visa simply by owning real estate.

[@AdachiCabbage]

@@thims1961 Some places if you get a house/apartment, it gives you a permanent visa. I have no idea where because it is not a thing in the USA either.

[@thims1961]

@@AdachiCabbage I'd think the search wouldn't take place before being accepted under one form of a visa or another

[@bruintoo]

Yep, our friends have two condos in Tokyo and they are still tourists!

[@alexb.1320]

Great to see that the original wood wasn't ripped out or slathered in paint. Really nice.

[@mycharmedunicorn8715]

I would love, love, love this wood!

[@LaoSoftware]

He can remodel the house to their tastes.

[@LetsgowithHyro]

Thank you for receiving us and thanks John.

[@LaoSoftware]

His own piece of paradise.

The previous owners would probably be thrilled that new life was being breathed into the home.

[@TellPenn]

Or they died in it and the relatives want rid of it. Most dont even go throught the process of claiming inheritance because its too burdensome so thats why its abandoned. Sold of by the local government to get back old taxes.

[@bobbyclemente21]

@@TellPenn Yup, that's usually the case. Elderly parent or parents have passed on and the kids don't want to deal with cleaning and renovating.

[@TheFergyme]

More than that, they're just happy to have the tax burden off their family's records. Has nothing do do with "breathing new life into the home."

[@xiaoka]

@@TheFergyme he's talking about the dead people who used to live there being thrilled, not the decedents who wanted to offload it.

[@javy8912]

There's a BUNCH of these houses in the countryside. I live in Ehime and it's the same here. If you are able to work remotely and don't mind living in the countryside, it's a really good option. Beautiful house!

[@graywolf2694]

Would love to live in the country even in the US but I can't remote work

[@Chrisicola]

Any jobs there?

[@javy8912]

@@Chrisicola If you can't speak Japanese, not much. If you work remotely it's a good option though.

[@Chrisicola]

@@javy8912 What area would you recommend for someone tyhat knows little Japanese, but possible access via train to metro area?

[@javy8912]

@@Chrisicola In Shikoku? There is no bullet train here, just regular JR. All of the 4 big cities have access to JR trains, but if you want quicker access to bigger cities like Osaka or Hiroshima then I would recommend Tokushima, Takamatsu, or Matsuyama cities, or around those areas. I live nearby Matsuyama and am 1 hour ferry from Hiroshima and 1hour plane ride to Tokyo.

[@Denim9330]

Bro is living my *dream*. Countryside Japan is so gorgeous

[@laughingmonkeywatcher6993]

lol I thought the same thing when I saw your comment. Just make a move. Life wont happen without your move.

[@everythingisfine9988]

Make sure your earning enough to place kids in an international school

[@jsoe81657]

Not to discourage but you need to research how much you need to save up just for renovation alone. Homes in Japan lose value over time and you have to do updates to the foundation and possibly renovations. I would suggest researching first but buying since it's not the same as other countries.

[@knockknock1246]

That's so beautiful. The whole place, and the view!

[@earlysda]

What kind of visa are you going to get?

[@StSparky]

Thanks to Daryl & his family for sharing

[@jhayashi177]

As a long-term resident in Japan, I'd like to know if Daryl got an inspection to determine the house's abilty to withstand earthquakes. If you have seen the photos from Ishikawa, you'd recognize that old can be beautiful but deadly in an earthquake. Wish them well in their endeavors!

[@chaikagaz]

Pretty sure in 50 yrs all of japan will be underwater

[@PurpleTeamer]

This. These beautiful houses, like this one in the video, do NOT meet the earthquake standard aka. 耐震基準. I spend most of the money to bring the house to today standard and mine was built in 1993.

[@JohnBoyJoy]

Yolo

[@qtdcanada]

It is a very big spacious house. The house looks to be well maintained, even if the front structure is 75 years old. The many rooms with traditional sliding doors, tatami mats, air vent lattices and decorated sliding doors are very nice! I believe Kagawa is on Shikoku Island (smallest of the 4 main islands). Thanks to the homeowners for showing their house and explaining the history & renovations! It seems like they have become good at buying & renovating Akiya's and are ready to do more.

[@michaels3003]

The back (presumably less old) part of the house is about 70 years old.

[@GreenAppelPie]

The house has held up fantastically

[@barrygomberg2524]

I wonder who used to own this home ? Did they have kids or just a married couple, or even a single person ? Did they move elsewhere or pass away in the house or a hospital ? This home is huge compared to most homes anywhere. And the gigantic garden is fantastic for growing plants, food, or a playground for the dogs and kids. I like the chicken coop. I hope the birds dont get heat stroke even if protected from the sun.

[@ciello___8307]

Could have been an old family home. The kids probably live in the city and dont need it. Its a pretty common problem

[@rsmith02]

Maybe a three generation family home. The older ones passed on and the kids went to work in a city?

[@わわ-l8w]

Japan is the world's most aging country, and the population is decreasing every year. Therefore, the number of houses like this is increasing, and 10 million abandoned houses have appeared throughout the country. The government is trying to dramatically increase immigration, but the number of abandoned houses and vacant rooms is still increasing.

[@Paula-tan]

Dang, that is one solid house! Carpenters in the US could only wish they were as skilled! XD All in all, that is one gorgeous house, so charming and spacious!

[@laughingmonkeywatcher6993]

Yeah old houses are amazing. just like old tools. never breaks in your lifetime and beyond.

[@chelseacarpenter2302]

I'm currently saving up to buy one of these houses within the next 3-4 years. It's my absolute dream to live in Japan and one day I will do it! Much love from Arizona 💜💜

[@earlysda]

And your visa will be?

[@chelseacarpenter2302]

@@earlysda I've got time to figure that out. Would love to get residency but would have to look into it more. I've got to wait for my kiddo to graduate high school anyways 🤷‍♀️

[@LarryNg-mx8qz]

you won't feel very welcomed... trust me

[@Saroku1000]

@@LarryNg-mx8qz Depends on the person, individual behavior and the people living around him.

[@25xhenry]

Otaku😂😂😂

[@Imru_gamer]

You are truly blessed. That is a beautiful house. Love and respect John and family. 💜💜🇯🇵🇯🇵💜💜

[@Davidgon100]

Rural Japan is beautiful. I visited a friend in Saga prefecture and loved his small town.

[@bobbyclemente21]

In many areas, it's incredible!!! But let's keep it a secret. 🤣

[@busterbiloxi3833]

Would you want to live there?

[@riennekoh3901]

Daryl is lucky to get an akiya in good condition. If you're gonna be staying as a family, especially for foreigners, you gotta ask - is there any school in the vicinity? Are your kids going to be enrolled in a Japanese school? I assume there are clinics or hospital in the vicinity?

[@hangswithchristian]

Great video John! I've been chatting with Daryl and Natsu recently. Hoping to get down there to meet them in person. They seem like such a lovely and kind family. They have down such a great job with the house already. Keep up the great work mate 🙋🏽‍♂ If you get down to Fukuoka, let me know!

[@jason_from_canada]

Wow! Daryl and Natsu are doing an incredible job on that house. It's in pretty good shape for being so old and the wood looks fantastic. That's incredible that to buy the wood alone would cost more than they paid for the house. 👍

[@laughingmonkeywatcher6993]

Indeed this akiya trend is a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you want to grab it , we are happy to help :)

[@helent9349]

The house is a work of art. Absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheKellysGoTo]

Fascinating! What a beautiful home and such lovely people. Thank you for sharing.

[@wendyon4517]

Wow. I looked at the website. ¥3.5 million to buy and ¥1 million to bring it up to where it is now. Well done. The house has good bones. From the outside one would never expect the interior to have held up so well. Ceilings, walls, and floors look great. Not having to replace tatami was a bonus because there is A LOT of it. I like the hallways along the rooms. The glass doors are a bonus, too. You can close off rooms to get more efficient use of the air conditioning. (We set ours to dehumidify mode in summer rather than cool. Our bedroom A/C has a setting to bring humidity down to 60%, 55%, or 50%. At the moment it hits 23C at 60% humidity.) We are in Kagoshima but im sure summers are equally hot. I'm not a huge fan of beds in tatami rooms. With every room having tatami it cant be helped. Maybe a room or two with flooring will be in the works at some point 😅. I hope that he can find who owns the builings he wants to buy. Isnt there a way to petition to have it sold... I font know how its done but i heard somewhere that it can be fone if owners can't be found.

[@Aiken47]

Only thing stopping me is employment in Japan - such a good looking house.

[@Denim9330]

Big same tbh. I'm working on finishing my Bachelor's specifically to go get a job in Japan.

[@Chuck8541]

haha Same here.

[@pawala7]

Thing is, this is impractical for 99% of people since these locations tend to be so remote that there's not a lot of jobs available. Hence, why people abandon them. It's mostly only practical for wealthy Westerners who have passive income coming in as USD which multiplies their buying power.

[@GenJuhru]

Yeah, a retirement plan.

[@CandycaneBeyond]

If Japan would allow more people to work remotely they could solve this issue ​@@pawala7

[@thankfuljourneys]

Thank you for creating this video it is packed with a lot of helpful information. Never thought about buying an Akiya house, but now we are. Cant wait to be back in Japan this September.

[@Traveljet14]

Wow! All that space with lots of wood & tatami mats with a great backyard and garden. A great job turning the place into what it is now👍🏼

[@rcros8234]

What a nice house; beautiful interior! Thanks for the posting - it is motivation to consider an akiya.

[@normamejias6587]

Wow Really nice house. That doggy is going to be a movie star. Not afraid afraid of the camera.😂😂😂 thank you John for sharing. I would love to buy a house in Japan that my family can visit at least twice a year.

[@a6703]

Beautiful, airy, spacious, luxurious and views are amazing.

[@YuriiChannMill]

That's beatifull Daryl and natsu san. You took really good care of that house. And try to keep it original 家は凄い見えます😊

[@laughingmonkeywatcher6993]

Thanks!

[@markoconnell804]

Pressure wash the cement parameter walls. See if there is some sealer you can use to keep the clean view longer.

[@noochiangmai]

From Thailand, really appreciate it. Congratulations.

[@YouBradd]

Darryl, I really like your works in progress project. Looks good, homely and very comfortable. 👌

[@Tmidiman]

Wow this home is beautiful. Thank you for allowing me to see it.

[@anorax001]

This was really interesting. The house looks amazingly solid and in very good condition.

[@yunablu6241]

PoPo is so cute...i thought at first PoPo is just a dog statue but no..😂😂❤❤

[@roamiblu1833]

It took me a second as well. And NO BARKING!!! 😅😅

[@bobbyclemente21]

Kinda sad the boys wouldn't play with him!

[@LiterallyJustAnActualPotato]

Beautiful home!!! Awesome video! Thank you for sharing!

[@dyrectory_com]

Excellent purchase! Thanks for sharing.

[@enjoystraveling]

He said you like the house open, but in the winter when it’s cold, it would save on the heat if you close off the rooms that you actually use the most.

[@TOKYO64DOTCOM]

The upstairs looks well maintained. The hallways around the rooms are designed to keep the rooms comfortable in winter and summer. Expensive homes that were built in Japan would surround the entire rooms with a hallway.

[@ynwa3573]

When it comes to QUALITY JAPAN and GERMAN are the best. My parents are still using the same SANYO made in Japan Fridge and Washing machine for over 30 years! And it is still in good shape and working like new. The Longevity is mindblowing🤯. And I have been using a TIGER Made in Japan Rice Cooker for over 20 years. Eversince I was a kid I was told to never buy Made in China stuffs, but instead buy made in Japan products

[@michaels3003]

Unfortunately a lot of Japanese products (for export) are not made in Japan. Those that are can be very expensive.

[@laughingmonkeywatcher6993]

This is wisdom when you hear it , listen.

[@jeruharlem]

Those things were once called "durable goods" , sadly, now they are called "consumer goods". Failures are now intentionally built into products like refrigerators or clothes washing machines so they need replacement in 3-5 years.

[@Brijustmeh]

That home is beautiful, and looks like a nice quiet area! Here in the US finding a nice home out in the country would be super expensive.

[@CausticLemons7]

Seems like a very nice home. It's so open and full of light!

[@saleevelasquez7511]

I love Japanese house and one of my dream place to visit as well.

[@TOKYO64DOTCOM]

Okay so a word of advice on all this and the buying of old houses. We are renting a house that is almost 50 years-old. This house that is shown here looks similar to ours. Many of these homes are not built to last only the very good ones that were originally built with unlimited resources are going to last you a while. We have seen many different types of homes here in Niigata. And we can tell the good ones from the ordinary. One thing to keep in mind are the building codes for earthquakes. Most homes built in the 50’s had to withstand a 5 but they didn’t have to build the homes on any type of ferro cement foundation until 1971. In 1981 the government updated the code again to allow a home to have some damage but it should not fall on the occupants. Just painting the home isn’t enough to ensure it’s safety especially if it is old. Japanese built their homes with in the least expensive and practical way so you may have to do a little more research prior to buying that old home.

[@YennyTan-p1n]

What a gorgeous house!!! It’s my dream house, high craftsmanship house! So amazing… if they can create a zen garden near the house & veggies garden in the back, that would be a complete vacation home for this family…❤❤❤

[@mariondavia8178]

This is the kind of video that we all look for and won't it is wonderful that you made this one you should make I'm hoping that you will make more videos like this and help us to find people who can assist us in renovations and how to go about looking for abandoned houses make videos more of these😮😊😊😅

[@Tekhelet75]

Wow, they could create a zen garden in the backyard!

[@Pogue4]

Wonderful and beautiful home thank you for sharing.

[@bitcoinreport]

Akiya gonna be a hot topic for the coming years. pick up on this topic John. i am looking to buy one in japan too but not too expensive.

[@esagirl56]

I am amazed at the space in this Japanese home! I am happy to hear this family is in Shikoku, my favorite of the Japanese main islands. Why are so many homes being abandoned? Does the price of the home include the land or does the land have to be leased? Beautiful and serene property. They have done a wonderful job with it.❤❤❤

[@Port712]

There is a reason why the number of vacant homes is increasing. Population decline is one reason, but young people don't want to live there. More than 10 years ago in Japan, there was a boom of moving from the cities to the countryside. People in their late 20s and 30s, fed up with the high cost of living and the busyness of the city, dreamed of a relaxing country life. They began to live in the countryside, which was unfamiliar to them, they were Japanese, but the culture and the language were very different. In the countryside, the relationships among the locals are very complicated, and you have to obey absolutely everything the old people say. Nature is beautiful in the countryside, but that is because there are few people and buildings. It is inconvenient, so in order to live a civilised life, the villagers make it with their own hands. For example, in summer, you have to cut the overgrown grass. This is very hard work. The old people cannot do this kind of work alone, so they let the young people who have moved to the area do it. Even for their own house. The young people have to do it as a matter of course. It is an absolute rule that they should help each other. You must not give your opinion. You are only allowed to listen to what they say. People who have become accustomed to city life are tired of these things and have returned to the cities. Also, Japan is very prone to disasters. Earthquakes and tsunamis are well known to foreigners, but there are also heavy rains, typhoons, landslides, and floods. When disaster strikes, rescue arrives late. After all, this is the countryside. This is the reason why Japanese people want to live in the city, and this is why there is a problem of vacant houses.

[@lasvegasbreakingnews1752]

Only in Japan you're next! Your family deserves a house!

[@hydrazine799]

6:30 Terrific view! 😊😊

[@lexnite22]

Wow, this was a great find for Daryl!

[@laughingmonkeywatcher6993]

It was more than a great find but it can happen to you. This trend is a once in a lifetime chance.

[@TOKYO64DOTCOM]

That back door is a fire escape. They put those in to help people get out without running through other parts of the house.

[@roamiblu1833]

I really appreciated this. I've been trying to figure how to get to the point of Living in Japan. I want to live off the beaten path. My friend and her family live in Tamano City so I want to have a look there first and then go from there.

[@Port712]

There is a reason why the number of vacant homes is increasing. Population decline is one reason, but young people don't want to live there. More than 10 years ago in Japan, there was a boom of moving from the cities to the countryside. People in their late 20s and 30s, fed up with the high cost of living and the busyness of the city, dreamed of a relaxing country life. They began to live in the countryside, which was unfamiliar to them, they were Japanese, but the culture and the language were very different. In the countryside, the relationships among the locals are very complicated, and you have to obey absolutely everything the old people say. Nature is beautiful in the countryside, but that is because there are few people and buildings. It is inconvenient, so in order to live a civilised life, the villagers make it with their own hands. For example, in summer, you have to cut the overgrown grass. This is very hard work. The old people cannot do this kind of work alone, so they let the young people who have moved to the area do it. Even for their own house. The young people have to do it as a matter of course. It is an absolute rule that they should help each other. You must not give your opinion. You are only allowed to listen to what they say. People who have become accustomed to city life are tired of these things and have returned to the cities. Also, Japan is very prone to disasters. Earthquakes and tsunamis are well known to foreigners, but there are also heavy rains, typhoons, landslides, and floods. When disaster strikes, rescue arrives late. After all, this is the countryside. This is the reason why Japanese people want to live in the city, and this is why there is a problem of vacant houses.

[@NZrocks]

That is a really nice House so open, lots of light and space and the view...😮 And a very cool host, thank you for showing us your home 🙏🏿

[@karamuenster]

Pretty spacious❤Congrats fam!!

[@Photoline1]

Wow, very impressive. While not "easy" to do, buying an abandoned home does sound a lot simpler and more attainable than I was led to believe by an article I read on the English NHK site. When one gets out of the "intense" urban areas of Japan's major cities, the experience is indeed quite peaceful. And with the robust public transportation network, you can go pretty much anywhere you want.

[@laughingmonkeywatcher6993]

There is alway well spoken Nay sayers who will tell you why you are a fool for trying. I smile about them when I pick my tomatoes with zero chemicals and they taste like life.

[@TOKYO64DOTCOM]

The long space on the side you are standing in at minute 3:20 in this video is used to hang clothes to dry in the sun and to also store items in the winter that need to be kept cold. We have the same long room that runs along our living and dinning room. At one end is a closet at the other there is a door to the garage where you step down into it. We rarely leave the sliding doors open even in good weather.

[@PurpleTeamer]

You reinforced that part against quakes, right ?

[@keichannnn]

awesome find.. it's so Spacious.. love it!

[@TOKYO64DOTCOM]

Also check under your floors. Homes like this aren’t usually insulated under the floors which is why some have floor heating. We found out our’s wasn’t because this past winter which was our first, we discovered the back of our leather sofa was wet with condensation as we were using a kerosene stove at the time while our heater/ac unit was getting fixed. We ended up buying a room size floor mat to solve that issue.

[@Johanna-nw5vz]

家を見せてくれてありがとうございました！

[@jamesclayton3388]

Great view guys!..❤ and such a nice 🏡

[@stutterweeb]

does anyone know what they do for work ?

[@busterbiloxi3833]

Good job. Zentsuji is far off the beaten track. Nice house!

[@Lisa-rh3zr]

Wonderful home and wish I could buy a home there for me and my daughter. Thanks so much for the tour ❤😊

[@TOKYO64DOTCOM]

Okay I see the shutters outside the house too. Those are very helpful especially if that side of house gets the direct sun or wind. Ours is open now but when tsuyu is over and the heat comes we are going to close them again until October when it starts to cool down. We shut them in winter but we won’t have to worry this winter as our. Ew house will be completed by then.

[@Chuck8541]

Wow, what a beautiful home!

[@lolitaaquino5950]

Nicely done, spacious n so much character!🥰🧡❤️🩷Magnificent views !!😍🤩

[@SilverforceX]

Beautiful house! I would love to retire somewhere there. Nice, quiet, clean air.

[@laughingmonkeywatcher6993]

Then hop on an airplane and see if you like it :)

[@laughingmonkeywatcher6993]

You can. We did. Just need to figure out how. It is very possible :)

[@andie666]

Wow!! Absolutely amazing house for only 40,000!! I would do the same! You can't beat that!

[@usgp99]

Your family has beautifully brought a wonderful idea to life! We absolutely adore Japan and Shikoku-it’s magical. You all clearly have the perfect mindset for this. 👍🙏 We’d be thrilled to connect and share ideas about revitalizing an area and drawing in others who share our vision. 👍

[@laughingmonkeywatcher6993]

We agree！Tell us your vision. Lets make it happen ：）

[@tobiastranetellefsen4203]

Love this type home tour videoes, would love to see more of it on this channel.

[@diahan9896]

Aww the doggy wants to play😊

[@onlyinjapanGO]

He certainly does, all the time!! 😂

[@anne-mareehenry8360]

Beautiful home!!!!

[@UsurpersAndAssassins]

In New Zealand, I am paying $2000 a month to rent a room. Maybe I should move to Japan?

[@stacyscooby8488]

Beautiful it looks so beautiful home .

[@Catford_Bridge]

Things to keep in mind. If you are 6 feet these places aren’t liveable. Look at the entrance to each room. See that wood frame. You’ll be banging your head against it. Its 5’8” high if you are lucky. The town is full of elderly people. People dont speak English. Even if you speak some Japanese you still wont understand anyone because the regional dialect is soooo strong. Kagawa has good udon. Friendly people. I spent 2 weeks there. But if you want to live there and buy a house go spend lots of time in the town. Kagawa is the Japanese equivalent of Kentucky or Western Virginia.

[@SK-mm2dg]

I use to work in a Cedar sawmill. I can remember some of the Japanese buyers coming to the mill to look at the wood. Clear with no knots and a light colour was what they wanted. Price, it didn't matter.

[@Nxdkbfjfs6mc]

I've lived in Tokyo for 27 years. I really respect the people who buy these abandoned houses and renovate them. However, I would never live outside of Tokyo because of the lack of amenities and services.

[@barry3565]

Nice! Japan is much safer than any other countries...I know I heard health care system is much better and affordable in japan? How about akiya in Chibari hill area just outside of Tokyo?

[@riennekoh3901]

I just learnt from another channel that old akiyas built more than 30 years ago were not built to withstand earthquakes hence old akiyas are a big earthquake-collapse risk. Don't understand why you're promoting something without going into its risks.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

If they’re still standing, they were built very well - wouldn’t you think? They’re checked out and if they pass, they’re OK. Most people will do extra work. Big buildings like school built after WWII to 1975 or so aren’t as strong (concrete) and def would require earthquake proofing and a much larger cost. With that said, to rebuild it might be 3x the price but a better investment if you plan to stay for 2-3 decades

[@riennekoh3901]

@@onlyinjapanGO If old akiyas are still standing, it would mean it or the area has not experienced a big enough quake yet, you don't know when was the last time a quake hit that area, or even never before and you cannot assume a quake will never happen in that area. I won't want to depend on luck.

[@laughingmonkeywatcher6993]

There are trees and buildings that have been standing here for more than a thousand years show me somewhere else on earth where that happens.

[@ForeverBijou]

Why are there so many abandoned homes in Japan? No one addresses that.

[@zhangliubao]

a small country is convenient, a small and highly advanced country is superb

[@mandycroptonfun]

This house is fabulous. A great find

[@rztrzt]

That's a lovely house!

[@honest_words803]

Gorgeous 👍👍Hi, how did you start this journey... curious to know..I find there are numerous websites about Akiya which made me dizzy...🧐😵‍💫

[@albertafu3971]

It’s such a good house. I love the wooden features. I love the view and trees.

[@yukiagu]

Oh thank you so much for this video! I do have a budget saved up enough to buy one and was wondering how to do this! Again, being a US citizen the only thing stopping me is that visa but would love to retire there but also, would have to look into the Healthcare system to see what can be done about that? Thanks again John! I took a screen shot of that website so I'll be looking into it! 😊

[@earlysda]

No retirement visa for Japan.

[@davidvasta]

This guy is living the dream!

[@carolineindacityphx]

Aww. Poe should be able to go anywhere he wants. He's part of the family. He's adorable. But the house is amazing. Wow. Thanks for sharing this. Japanese craftsmanship is impeccable.

[@ssmith6550]

Japanese countryside has many unoccupied houses owned by old people. When they die, their children either sell them for a small amount or just leave them. In some prefectures you can apply for grants to renovate these old houses. If you're retired or working remotely you'll be able to enjoy peaceful living. Only set back is they may not have heating or hot water. They can be very cold in the winter.

[@Boomdizzle99]

Thats so awesome! If I were to want to live in japan it would be doing it this way. owning your own home and property. an akiya that doesnt take too much to renovate. Rather than a tiny cramped apartment in Tokyo where you just throw your money away. building no equity and enriching the apartment owner. Im surprised your still renting john, have you considered going to buy your own home at this point?

[@enjoystraveling]

Owning a house does not always build equity since you also have to subtract the cost of renovations and property tax. If there is any plus the price of the house could actually go down. Decrease from when you bought it. many people always repeat this slogan that, owning a house builds equity but you have to really look at the advantages and disadvantages.

[@enjoystraveling]

Just to warn you, in some places, Koi ponds attract frogs, or toads that croak at night loudly. You could also make one of those Japanese rock stone gardens that you rake into different patterns. You can put decorations to the stone Japanese lantern and a Buddha or Shinto fox

[@laughingmonkeywatcher6993]

we already got frongs from the farm land and irregation systems behind our house. lol The sound of frongs are the most calming sound we can get. lol

[@enjoystraveling]

@@laughingmonkeywatcher6993 to some the sound of frogs are calming, but to others 50 frogs croaking at night sound like they’re having a wild party !!

[@bobbyclemente21]

Regarding Daryl trying to find the owners of the houses nearby, he could ask a fudosan to pull a tohon, but they're not free. We used to do it when I worked at my friend's brokerage in Tokyo to find owners, usually costs ¥1,000~¥1,500 for fudosan, but not sure if they'll do it because their time is money also. Maybe if he or his wife can develop a relationship with one in or around Zentsuji it might be possible!

[@teambigornia]

So beautiful!!! ❤

[@LadyJay114]

Question: Did they spend any money for installation of earthquake protection??

[@寝坊太郎-h5j]

Really nice. The only thing I'm always worried about, when I check akiya on the net, is termites. But this one looks to be in quite a good shape.

[@laughingmonkeywatcher6993]

Akiya comes in every conditions so know your price range and your DIY skills.

[@M3mane]

Wow that place is gorgeous, and the price... whatttttt. Smaller homes with that size property by me are 2 million cheapest, and thats only if they need some fixing haha. Price difference depending on where you are its insane.