How We Bought Our Abandoned House in Japan | Process, Costs, Risks, Finance, How to Find One

In this video I go into more (or too much?) detail about how we found and purchased our akiya/abandoned house in Japan. It's a traditional Japanese house style - a "minka" or "kominka".
In spite of there being a large number of vacant houses (akiya) in Japan, very few are on sale, so finding a suitable one can be difficult. Even if you find one you like it is not without its risks. Furthermore, though the house itself may be cheap, there are hidden costs like taxes. Renovation costs can quickly escalate, so it’s not necessarily the cheapest alternative to finding an affordable place to live. But if you’re after a certain combination of larger land size, lifestyle, country living, DIY/renovation, and yes, something perhaps cheaper than a new house, then it could be a viable option.
Values indicated in Yen/US dollars.
The video’s rather long, and there’s a lot of talking, so if you want go to certain sections here are the markers:
00:00 Intro
01:58 What is an akiya?
05:00 Why buy an akiya?
07:42 Buying an akiya
12:37 Risks
14:43 Hidden costs (taxes)
19:05 Renovation
23:40 Financing an akiya
27:45 Conclusion
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In between videos I'm posting
Instagram: / tokyo_llama
Patreon: / tokyollama
Website: tokyollama.com
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LINKS
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Akiya sites
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Akiya banks throughout Japan: www.akiya-athome.jp/
Marketplace for akiya: www.ieichiba.com/
Akiya listings: inakanoseikatsu.com
Site with a lot of kominka: www.inakanet.jp/
There are quite a few regional sites, for example this one in Kyushu with some nice, cheap houses:
This company buys, renovates, and sells properties including ex-akiya: katitas.jp
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Public Auction (公売）
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To find local tax offices holding public auctions google “prefecture name” 公売 e,g. 茨城県 公売
Government public online auctions: www.koubai.nta.go.jp/auctionx...
www.pages.kankocho.jp/event21...
Some regional sites (I'll keep adding to this list):
Gunma: www.pref.gunma.jp/04/a4310031...
Hokkaido: www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/sm/zim...
Ibaraki: ibaraki-sozei.jp/
Kumamoto: www.pref.kumamoto.jp/hpkiji/pu...
Nagano: www.nagano-kikou.jp/
Saitama: www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/a0209/...
Shizuoka: www.pref.shizuoka.jp/soumu/so-...
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Statistics
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www.pref.ibaraki.jp/doboku/ju...
www.mitsuifudosan.co.jp/engli...
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Taxes
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resources.realestate.co.jp/bu...
www.legacytomodachi.com/2018/...
www.realestate-tokyo.com/buy/...
sumaity.com/sell/press/232/
iekon.jp/koteishisanzei-keige...
ieul.jp/column/articles/538/
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General info on akiya
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www.rethinktokyo.com/free-hou...
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Websites used in video
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edition.cnn.com/2018/12/05/as...
www.cnbc.com/2018/11/22/japan...
www.businessinsider.com/japan...
iju-ibaraki.jp/residence/
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Stock video credits
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Video by Nithin Pa from Pexels www.pexels.com/video/variety-...
TV static: www.vidsplay.com/tvstatic.html
Maps by FreeVectorMaps.com: freevectormaps.com
#akiya #abandonedhouse #japanproperty

[@GamesMusicStudio]

"You're probably wondering why I'm crouching. Well, this is a pretty long video and I'm just trying to mix things up." one of the best lines I have ever heard in a video lol.

[@Fractus]

I love these kinds of off-the-cuff matter of fact statements in videos.

[@sp3ctr3scop3]

I fucking lost it when I heard that. xD

[@moonmushi]

He’s so serious the entire time then boom, he says that 😂🤣💀

[@danielhanson1434]

right after I read ur comment I thought "I wonder when he says that" then he started saying it right after that thought lol

[@jam2294]

19:55 Just throwing down a timestamp.

[@wholesome122]

Me a random American who has never even been to Japan: KZbin algorithm: You wanna buy and renovate a traditional Japanese home? Me: yeh

[@TheStoneWhisperer]

😁😒🤣🤣 Me too! It's like WTF? KZbin just decided I might wanna go to Japan and buy an abandoned house! LOL....

[@speggeri90]

Me a random Finn living in the rural area in Finland. Never even thought about buying a house in Japan.. until now...

[@kevincopeland5044]

I didn't even realize tht was an option, I had no idea Foreigner's could buy homes in Japan

[@Aliyaaaa]

Lmao now I wanna buy house in Japan

[@aloysfudanshi]

we don't like america, stay out from japan

[@ZafoolTV]

I'm not interested in buying one, yet this guy was so efficient in his explanations I watched the whole thing

[@AyanaLove12]

Same here

[@classifiedinformation6353]

Me too. But I am dreaming of owning a traditional Japanese house. The structure is very different than where I live in rural Missouri.

[@e.n.strowd1949]

Totoro…

[@alejandroz4048]

Fr watched every minute.

[@Zeron6789]

This, i was interested maybe at one point but decided against the idea of living in another country just yet, but dear lord did he explain it so well i watched the whole video too

[@LaNoir.]

"So why did I buy an abandoned house? Well, I love BBQing." That's a valid answer.

[@wilfred5820]

Yokai in house: “You just fell for the oldest trick in the book”

[@theworldoverheavan560]

lol

[@jaaams7199]

ᶦᵍʰᵗ ᶦᵐᵐᵃ ʰᵉᵃᵈ ᵒᵘᵗ

[@horatakeuchi6622]

はい、そうですが。。(+_+)

[@Vyrkhan]

As someone who spend all his childhood in really old houses (centuries) any kind of Yokai is a friend

[@sketchyqueen4023]

@Digby Dooright its a demon.

[@richardlongoria8661]

Aren’t you worried about your children meeting totoro there?

[@kazemizu]

Why would children meeting with Totoro be a problem??

[@zaph2580]

Meeting Ju On will be more dangerous.

[@constablebentonfraser5014]

I want to meet totoro

[@name6440]

😂

[@jmdesp]

@@kazemizu depends if it's rather totorot kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4fdqaeQf82BgMU&t=10

[@ExxonMobilCompany]

I think a housing crash will happen because all those people who bought homes over asking price, although it was at a low interest rate, they are over their heads. They have no equity if the housing prices continue to go down, and if for whatever reason they cannot afford the house anymore and it goes into foreclosure because even if they try to sell, they will not make any money. I think this will happen to a lot of people especially with the massive layoff predicted for the future and the cost of living rising at a high speed.

[@marcelrobert9569]

I suggest you offset your real estate and get into stocks, A recession as bad it can be, provides good buying opportunities in the markets if you’re careful and it can also create volatility giving great short time buy and sell opportunities too. This is not financial advise but get buying, cash isn’t king at all in this time!

[@obodoaghahenry9297]

You are right! I have diversified my 450K portfolio across various market with the aid of an investment coach, I have been able to generate a little bit above $830k in net profit across high dividend yield stocks, ETF and bonds.

[@robertlucas8288]

@@obodoaghahenry9297 Do you mind sharing info on the adviser who assisted you? been saving for pension since age 18 - company scheme. along the way I hit higher tax, so I added to my company pension with a SIPP (tax benefits) I'm 50 now and would love to grow my finance more aggressively, there are a few cars I still wish to drive, a few mega holidays, etc.

[@obodoaghahenry9297]

@@robertlucas8288 Julie Anne Hoover is the coach that guides me, She has years of financial market experience, you can use something else but for me her strategy works hence my result. She provides entry and exit point for the securities I focus on.

[@charlotteflair1043]

@@obodoaghahenry9297 I hope that’s when I can buy an apartment when the housing market thanks.

[@solarguy1702]

Went back in 1980 to visit an old friend and his wife. They were living legally in an abandoned bank. Even had a small backyard. Being right on a major highway, he played a cassette of bird sounds on loop. I enjoyed my time there.

[@amirhariz1786]

That house looks perfect for raising two wolf children

[@caitlynvaldes276]

Beat me to it 🤣

[@NickiiChii96]

Amir Hariz literally was about to say the same thing 😂

[@BenDover-qe4nb]

IT LOOKS EXACLY LIKE I I CRIED LOL

[@jaileneescribano8915]

Omg! Trueee!!!!

[@Bot-bg2cz]

lol

[@mikanmandarin]

“You may be wondering why I’m crouching” Me: listening closely expecting some reason related to your surroundings “I’m just trying to mix things up” 😂😂 super interesting vid, nowhere near the time of my life where I’m interested in buying houses but a fun video anyway

[@annabanana2529]

みかんMikan 😂😂😂😂 yes!!

[@kamiiu]

ily

[@kurozanovski]

That part got me good 🤣

[@dotscrunch]

Dude the houses in Japan are soo creepy, I used to live in Japan near abandoned houses. Its freaky, not denying.

[@Nevir202]

Cracked me up as well. I’d love to buy such a house, but not only am I not in a financial position to do so, being a foreigner creates even MORE problems... 😅

[@throwaway81818]

I have been researching Akiya with my partner for a while and this is THE most informative video we have ever found. From start to finish, explanations of tax processes and auction houses, to the actual renovation and financing, this is incredible. Thank you and well wishes for your home!

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

We bought a traditional house 5 years ago, a Cheap Traditional Japanese House in the rural countryside of Japan. ( akiya houses ) $30,000, and ( only pay $800 a year for everything).Okayama Province Japan. Please let me know if anyone would like to buy it, and We'll help you.

[@theIdlecrane]

this reminds me of during the early 2000s when people were buying holiday houses along the Victorian surf coast as hobbies for $100k, they are all over $1 million now. this seems like a fun project for those who have the time. Well done for finding greener pastures in Japan, Melbourne price has gotten nuts!

[@cameronspears1386]

I like the crouching. Really made things feel fresh.

[@MrGallinavoladora]

hahaha

[@Telrynn]

Ha came to say as much.

[@TokyoLlama]

There will be some crouching featured in future videos.

[@anton6432]

@@TokyoLlama Looking forward to it!

[@tieulam27]

That was rather refreshing!

[@Elitistt]

Not sure why this was recommended to me but it's interesting.

[@Sondaze]

I THINK THAT IM TOM CRUUUUISE

[@jeremys9283]

Same and it turned out very interesting ! :D

[@ItchyKneeSon]

Com Truise?

[@EmiMakesIt]

Same! I can't figure out why I was recommended, but I really enjoyed it! And that line about the crouching really made me laugh :)

[@holstfly1]

Very true, I'm ready looking for abandoned houses

[@PhilChavanne]

Been to Japan to visit several areas in 2008. Absolutely fell in love with the countryside around Kyoto. Loved your video all the way. Such an attention to details! Thank you for taking the time to do such a good job. I subscribed to your channel.

[@robinc3385]

For one who had toyed with that same idea of making an akiya purchase years ago...thanks for all the useful info! May you and family have many akiya blessings!

[@iitsLmo]

Things I learned today: Japan has Costco.

[@hahaifarded3047]

Bro I was blown away when I saw the Costco. Now I'm wondering what other countries have Costco?

[@Solful]

@@hahaifarded3047 Korea also has Costco.

[@hahaifarded3047]

@@Solful WHOA! Thanks for telling me, broski! :-)

[@WhiteWolfos]

Mexico has Costco for many years, and Walmart, & other giant warehouse stores

[@TimeWithGustavoo]

Usually big corporate companies are in many countries you wouldn’t expect

[@Jirachiluva101]

His voice is so expressive but his eyes are so serious haha

[@isa-dw5so]

Its because he’s NOT WINKING

[@alexaoo]

@@isa-dw5so soo true 🤣🤣

[@mknt5549]

True!! His eyes are expressionless but his voice is the complete opposite 😂

[@lizworthy5828]

He doesn't blink

[@ValerieGonzalez]

Loved all the driving and time lapse video you incorporated into this. It gives us a glimpse of everyday life that was quite beautiful. Thank you ❤

[@faithybyfaith]

I'm so impressed with these old homes that were built so long ago. It proves just how smart the Japanese people are and were in their construction skills. I love admiring the architecture.

[@buttsniffa7469]

Tell that to the people whose houses fall over in japanese earthquakes

[@dydx_]

@@buttsniffa7469 I don't get this, why are you trying to start an argument here for no reason? Who failed to raise you?

[@Spacemommy01]

​@@dydx_ ignore him. Japan truly a Nice place with the people

[@buttsniffa7469]

@@dydx_ argument? There was no argument. Who do you perceive conflict in an innocuous comment? Why failed to raise YOU?

[@chriss1686]

@@buttsniffa7469 You understand all buildings can potentially collapse in earthquakes, but Japan has some of the strictest building codes in the world, and pretty ancient techniques for countering those forces. Look at shinbashiras in pagodas--even modern earthquake-resistant high-rises emulate the counter-weight effect of shinbashiras.

[@jasonmarkus3834]

its like he edited out every time he blinked.

[@jiminsjams6050]

i was looking for this exact comment to make sure i wasn't crazy, thank you :')

[@latiolaisgradnigo]

🤣😂🤣

[@tonys07ss]

The amount of cuts and edits is unreal

[@TokyoLlama]

Lol. Yes, I was speaking from a script and was focused on trying to get through my lines, then editing it all together.

[@jasonmarkus3834]

@@TokyoLlama hahaha. Still though I watched the whole video and then a second so you must be doing something right.

[@elmeramuro]

The monotone delivery on all the jokes was hilarious.

[@ScarletASV]

@BBMute it's educational with some jokes spread around, which is in my opinion the best type of educational video.

[@sheFEISTY.43110]

And he never blinks 😂 its like im forced to do a staring contest while taking in all of these informations.

[@TexaslyfestyleOutdoors]

It’s a pretty long video, I’m just trying to mix it up.😂😂

[@bingcornista4335]

Interesting journey. Giving life to an abandoned house. It takes a lot of worthy traits . Can't wait for its transformation. Excited.

[@aalewis9937]

I’m so happy to find this video! Thank you so much for making it. I’ve been looking into this for a while, and this is definitely the most comprehensive source I’ve found so far. My husband and I would love to do what you did, but with a house in Saitama or Gunma. Thanks again!

[@leongclover9728]

I don’t know why am I listen to this and find it interesting, I’m not Japanese, I have no money in my pocket, and never been to japan

[@rosegarcia5069]

Knowledge..is a good thing.

[@pauljonorato4990]

Same here. Guess it's because covid time here Stay home shop from home dull dull

[@Cyromantik]

It's good to feed your brain!

[@johnrambo7264]

Volcano Insurance Salesman: "Well...Don't you think it's about time?"

[@j_go.]

The previous owner is still in your house, but you just can't see them.

[@zaph2580]

Watch out for long hairs out of nowhere!

[@hempev]

Someone with a grudge?

[@additiveartificer9365]

hey at least you got a friend

[@name6440]

😂🤷🏼‍♀️

[@yeastori]

Just talk to them and maybe they won’t hurt him

[@davidgielty9914]

This is one of the best presentations I've seen on any topic, ever. Well done dude.

[@boxcarjim1]

What a fascinating video. I visited Japan in 2019 and saw lots of akiya, especially in the countryside, and often wondered what the cost and regulations were around buying one, and now I know! I'm British and for me the prices even including taxes were ludicrously cheap, but the renovation costs are much more comparable. I was surprised about no bank lending for DIY renovation that's not the case here up to the existing value of the property, lenders get more strict when they are valuing plans but its not unheard of. I think the thing that surprised me most was the strict zoning and need for a farming permit - but Japan is a land full of surprises. I will look forward to watching the rest of your series.

[@ItzRetz]

I love the architecture of old Japanese houses/buildings... they just look so cool, especially the roofs.

[@eianfederle2715]

They're called traditional houses.

[@mgregg1967]

Very different from American houses for sure. I'm still trying to understand the space between the outside and inside of the house, the engawa I guess is what is called. Is it for insulation reasons? We have a large enclosed back porch but it is for enjoying the outside without getting eaten up by mosquitos...

[@phoenixcraft9940]

@@mgregg1967 The engawa serves multiple purposes. First, it opens the house to the environment whilst not getting it too wet. This was especially important in the times that large panes of glass were essentially impossible to create. Engawa also allowed people to casually observe the environment and perform outside recreation, as most shoji walls were sliding - this allowed people to quickly and easily open their home to scenery. Finally, engawa played a structural roll as a part of the supporting structure of the main house still on stilts. You can imagine it as a sort of extended foundation because of this, also doubling as a way to drain water.

[@PlantagenetRose]

I love that style of home. One of my fantasies is to live in an old traditional Japanese home.

[@Maxinekaskamin]

Same here but I live all the way in Canada and don’t even have a passport yet. T^T

[@hei.bk2017]

I agree

[@amandasmit9328]

Me too...

[@ohdaUtube]

Very poor insulation when humidity during the summer literally gets to 100% every single day. It has its down sides

[@ohdaUtube]

@Lovecraftian Face I don't understand your point

[@katachiaudio]

This video has some of the most useful information I have found so far on Akiya, thank you very much

[@TokyoLlama]

You’re welcome!

[@pegbirmingham1192]

Have really enjoyed your videos. Reminding me of my husband and I in younger years. We renovated an 1886 Italianate home, built another and have bought another to renovate in our retirement. Your woodworking skills remind me of my husband who told me he wanted to work on houses soon after graduating from college with Photography degree. He is an amazing carpenter who jumped into renovation work and learned as he went along while I worked a ft job with benefits. Unfortunately I appreciate only the best quality in his work as I see it in yours. A beautiful job you and your wife have done and thank you to bringing me back to our years of hard work and joy in creating the homes we love. ❤

[@natsunoneko]

Me, seeing him crouch next to the wall: expecting him to start talking about the foundations Tokyo Llama: You may be wondering why I'm crouching right now. Well, this is a pretty long video. I'm just trying to mix things up.

[@anonymous38741]

profile picture from kuragehime? love this series

[@Fireflame420]

Best part of the video by far 😂

[@plushiie_]

youtube algorithm gathers us again

[@jeromekhies4948]

oh yeah i Love youtube past time. by:khriegsss

[@brianwang9017]

Thats scary, because we are watching the same videos curated and the current alternative is Liveleak. In terms of quality, KZbin has the gold hidden under clickbait junks.

[@nicholaslopez6384]

I searched for this :(

[@Ryuhoshi7]

Very, very exhaustive video and truly educative. Thanks a ton for taking so much time to make the video with such amount of details!

[@lovemood7079]

Damm, I was living in that area till 14. It was for about 4 years. It was a very good place to live at. Tbh I'm really happy for seeing this place again. Thank you so much for making this video.

[@90akanezora]

that kind of house for free? I'll be good friends with every ghost inside the house

[@theworldoverheavan560]

lol

[@Kt-cn2rq]

Same. Aha you have a room and you can have a room and this be my room unless you want it 😂

[@honestabe5153]

You need to live in Japan

[@sapphirepayne2138]

I mean as long as you dont speak Japanese can they really bother you 😂

[@elleofhearts8471]

@@sapphirepayne2138 I'm sure they'll get your attention one way or another 👀

[@AK-gt8zy]

I really want to see a cleaning timelapse LOL

[@TokyoLlama]

Sorry, didn't manage to do one. Have a shed demolition time lapse coming though.

[@luzperras728]

Loved this!!! Plus child friendly backgrounds noise! My young son loved the sound at the end of your video. Thanks for sharing!

[@joeldcb5304]

Excellent video. Well put together, clear explanations, hype free. Beautiful scenery, too. Kudos.

[@zawzawaung6789]

This is the best example of how to present complicated information I've seen in quite some time.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much, appreciate the feedback.

[@ttaibe]

Yeah, I was impressed as well

[@TheMsJna]

shouldn’t there be a wooden deck around the house? Looks like it was taken out. I hope you’re adding one. Imagine walking out one of those sliding doors, straight down to the floor lol

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes! I am building a wooden deck around the house. Have been researching temple decks, and of course the carpenters are giving me advice.

[@nobleaj8]

Probably rotted to the point where it had to be removed. The one on my childhood home had to be rebuilt three times over 25 years due to rot.

[@kaku2189]

Harry ... I reached the top! *Whuuaa-haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!*

[@lebimas]

I've rarely sat down to watch a video this long, but great stuff. I actually stayed all the way through.

[@craigkeller]

I love the Japanese esthetic. Excellent presentation. Thank you all!

[@jasminecorvic9519]

Love this! I borrowed a book from my Japanese language school, which was an auto biography about a guy who in the 70s backpacked through Japan. He then returned in his late twenties, to a small village he visited and bought an Akiya. The biography followed his journey of restoring the house, with one of my favourite scenes where he had to rethatch the traditional straw roof and the whole town pitched in. He used straw grown from a local neighbour, and then had all these old guys tell him how to pull down the roof and do it again. Absolutely fascinating! The government should really incentivise buying Akiyas, especially to young people because it could boost local economies, instead of everyone buying in Tokyo.

[@earlysda]

There are no jobs in the countrside, Jasmine. And almost no people under age 65 anymore. Japan is dying.

[@jasminecorvic9519]

@@earlysda Yes I understand the aging population/lack of births is a huge problem for Japan. But it's kind of all connected though, because young people don't want to just work to pay for an expensive house in Tokyo for a family, therefore no family.

[@earlysda]

@@jasminecorvic9519 Yes, God never intended us to cram ourselves like sardines into a big city all the time. . Another big reason for fewer births is that relationships are seen as a hassle, so just live alone.

[@LioMei3]

Hi Jasmine, do you perhaps remember the name of the book? I'd really love to read it. Thanks in advance.

[@jasminecorvic9519]

@@LioMei3 sorry I can't remember the name of the book :( I tried Googling it but nothing came up unfortunately

[@thatgirl3757]

20:09 Such a serious look you had when " mixing things up a bit", I had to laugh. This was an awesome video. Thank you for all the research. I'll be saving this for my son, who plans to move to Japan.

[@TokyoLlama]

Great, glad it has been of help - thanks for watching!

[@lloydiekennedy3754]

“You might also be wondering why I’m crouching right now..” - I loved that, ’ gotta keep things fresh! A very insightful and interesting explanation. Thank you

[@dentron9885]

Thank you very much for this video, this was my plan for a few years in the future. Currently saving money to do what you have done, and its awesome to see a real world example and what to look out for!

[@archONtour]

this guy is a genius. came her by accident and stayed for his competence. .he deserves

[@hannahw111]

I did the same 🤙🏻

[@GamingwithSteeeve]

ditto

[@Rac00n]

He made me want to buy a house in japan. I mean I already like the country but dam I actually spent all night last night searching for houses and found a decent 180m^2 house for 500 000 yen. It does require quite a bit of reno but I might go for it some time soon

[@MrMcKnite]

@@Rac00n send the link, i might want to see the surroundings.

[@666Blush]

@@Rac00n update???

[@KP-dd2ci]

Who else is watching with great fascination, even though they will never even set foot in Japan?

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks for watching. The beauty of youtube...

[@krappykro]

Me, I can only dream about it

[@darigoldmilk]

What makes you say you'll never go? I thought the same thing and after saving for two years will be headed to Japan for a month next year. You can make it happen.

[@KP-dd2ci]

@@darigoldmilk Well, I've actually been about 6 times in my life, and it's definitely one of my favorite countries. Just thought I would make a pithy comment with my post! Anyway, you will love it there...enjoy!

[@drac124]

Me!

[@campeau29]

Breathing is expensive no matter where one goes. Thank you for sharing the details and costs of owning a home in JP. I DIYed a new build in rural Gunma, taxes are about half of what you quoted, and it made me happy! Good luck with your renovation.

[@Miya-ub5qn]

Thank you for helping the Japanese rural area! Japan needs more people like you!

[@olitorres8159]

*i just wanted to edit my comment*

[@lilyflavin5108]

oli torres that’s exactly what I thought

[@begformeowcy]

oli torres I was about to say the same thing 😂. I’m convinced it’s the same house and field!

[@Xombert]

@@begformeowcy My Neighbour Totoro is exactly like this.

[@BevuesetRevues]

Ame & Yuki ♥

[@deweydarkyt8479]

@@BevuesetRevues yeah i love that movie

[@RustyParadox]

I really can't stop looking at that beautify timber used for the beams and pillars. Makes me think I should move to Japan and retire, it could clearly be infinitely cheaper to buy a house in Japan vs Auckland.

[@GalironRunner]

Your telling me he worries about the property taxes of 1400 im in ohio and mine are over 6k a year lol

[@Phlegethon]

Funny how you think Auckland is an expensive place to live

[@Minmin-jy1gq]

@@Phlegethon Relative to wages and cost of living, it is.

[@DaRUde117]

I dont wanna see your foreign ass down there in Japan. Stay in your own country and stop ruining ours.

[@rogerelzenga4465]

@@DaRUde117 Who are you talking to? so you rather want to see those beautifull homes demolished?

[@ata4135]

I’ve been looking into this for awhile. Appreciate all the info my braddah🤙

[@annatheartperson]

"There are so many, some are being given away for free." Weebs: **it's free real estate**

[@dianasaur2442]

Literally lol

[@sheFEISTY.43110]

And its haunted! Jk

[@yamiyami4926]

They are, but most often than not the rebuilding and updating of the house would probably cost you more than just buying a new house

[@annatheartperson]

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart bruh it’s a joke. Not all weebs are “social rejects”. I wouldn’t appreciate a country or a culture without looking at its other aspects, which is why I came to this video, to appreciate the architecture of these houses.

[@OpWo45]

free still comes with costs

[@mR-dc4oq]

Overall, the reason to buy this house are at least a few: it’s beautiful and your quality of life will be so much better- although a lot of work- it will be peaceful.

[@emilyeah]

Great video!! So informative, you really exhausted all aspects of this. Thanks!

[@a_bravestrong]

This is the best video explaining the process, thanks a million!

[@VncentValntine]

What an interesting premise for a drama: move into the house but don't kick out the old tenant.

[@licriss]

This is a legit subplot on The Ozarks

[@sontrajamfemininegaze145]

That makes me think of Shoplifters (万引き家族 Manbiki Kazoku)

[@David_P132]

recent movie "My Old Lady" starring Kevin Kline had this theme from memory - about an old apartment in Paris that was inherited but came with a tenant in place

[@Finalymadename]

Two and a half men when Ashton Kutcher joins.

[@jeremybernal7721]

Mr. Belvedere?

[@upperdecker9992]

When buying a home, there's never "too much" info. The more the better. Nice video. Thanks

[@sparklingdiamond505]

KZbin recommended it. Good video, it’s nice to know new things! I hope you guys get to build the house of your dreams!

[@habibmirza924]

Detailed, informative and really enjoyable video/ tutorial - brilliant !

[@ryotaarai3816]

"I'm just trying to mix things up" 😅

[@TokyoLlama]

Lol, also working on my crouch technique for DIY and gardening videos!

[@stream2watch]

Yeah that part was hilarious.

[@tetheredthinker]

I was drinking some water at this part and it ended up all over my screen - actually hilarious :)

[@gennyprofetana7566]

Hahaha this got me too 😂

[@user-jw3gl3zj5k]

That rooftop looks really gorgeous

[@bochan1000]

The most informative video I’ve seen on this subject. 😊

[@taolino40]

Super useful info as I'm exactly looking to start this process. Thank you very much for this. I'll definitely use your experience. thank you

[@vivoslibertos]

Don't forget to do the spirit cleansing. Especially if you want to remove the shrine and the butsudan.

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, have done both. See one of my more recent videos for the cleansing of the kamidana. Thanks for watching!

[@bunnystrasse]

Tokyo Llama oh damn....why did you remove it

[@xGARIDx]

@@TokyoLlama That's great no matter where you live you should respect their culture for your health tho spirits will no give a shit about your nationalities

[@juliusplaras5536]

@RexXflash isn't that the same thing? All falls under fairy tales.

[@Kusunoky]

@@juliusplaras5536 may be yes for some but not for others. Important thing is that we respect each other believe. ;)

[@titaniumwolf2]

This is so helpful. 9 years in inner Tokyo and i'm looking to live in the country side.

[@TokyoLlama]

Glad it's helped. Sometimes I wish I lived in Tokyo again though but at the same time it's nice to live out here and then pop in to Tokyo from time to time.

[@TokyoLlama]

@@dhodgsondesign Thanks very much. I think you appreciate Tokyo more when you don't live there maybe. Good luck with your search!

[@sliduyzamnoyu]

Lol been living in Tokyo 22 years and no to countryside

[@Artix13]

Very interesting video. So well explained, so comprehensively, especially compared to attention-grabbing headlines. The house looks amazing, can’t wait to see it after it gets renovated. Plus, that bit with crouching was funny!

[@966396631]

Very well researched and thoughtfully done. Thank you.

[@KaorukosCandy]

Japan: We have too many empty houses in the countryside! Also Japan: You have to pay this tax and this tax and this tax and this tax........

[@wind7519]

Well duh. Nothing is free in life especially in one of the most highly developed and rich countries in the world.

[@sleepysartorialist]

That’s how it works damn near everywhere on earth

[@MrFuzziiWuzzii]

still nothing compared to buying a house in most places in the US

[@spatoinker8743]

I live in the states and it's way worse than this

[@superp2222]

Dude, have you even BEEN to Canada?

[@magpie4999]

When he said 4 bedroom house for $46,000 dollars I lost my mind. Seriously?!

[@Mwoods2272]

Watch some HGTV shows, they have house flipping shows on all the time. People buy houses dirt cheap, fix them up and resell them for 5 times what they bought it for.

[@ansom1036]

Even in Detroit it's $80,000 for a dump.

[@JapanFamilyGuy]

Bought one myself ten years ago for a percentage over that price ($56k). Newer style/type, waaay better condition, but still could do with insulating more; bigger (300+m floor space 2 floors) with a garden outbuilding as large as an English cottage (we use for Table tennis training & tools/storage). Countryside is 10x cheaper than a big city. Must learn to speak the local language (but am paid $50 an hour to teach a doctor English). Oh, and we get free mountain water pumped from under the land (ski resort nearby). Not sure why I left Perfidious Albion.... Oh, Thank you Lord above.

[@basspig]

Yeah Japan is like a private club and we aren't in it. Meanwhile back in the Northeast us we pay $28,000 a year in property taxes. It's disgusting.

[@JohnSmith-qf1jd]

Keep in mind.. real estate doesn’t appreciate in japan as it does in north america. Like he said.. in 20 years the house will be worth very little, so don’t go in thinking u can reno and flip it for huge profits. It doesn’t work that way in Japan.

[@fleurafricaine5740]

An excellent video, Jaya. The primary focus on finances, taxes, residential border designation, etc is of vital interest. What got left out was the architectural process and display of this marvelous temple-esque structure which would have been fascinating to see. Alas, probably in some other video.

[@rickhayhoe]

Jaya, you've created a valuable public service in making this video. I hope it helps many other people, and the akiya they adopt.

[@MurderMostFowl]

it never occurred to me that anyone would ever need a license for farming. It feels like that should be a guaranteed right for anyone who owns the land. how interesting

[@largelampard3721]

Because rich people in Asia especially Chinese like to buy property and make it unavailable for farmers. ( or me, as a normal working class ) Therefore, it's not you need a license to farm. It's that you need to be licensed farmer to buy farm land.

[@MurderMostFowl]

scrappy coco thank you for teaching me this. That makes a lot of sense, especially in areas where there is not a lot of open land.

[@VV-nw4cz]

@@largelampard3721 are they not allowed to buy a license?

[@TokyoLlama]

@@VV-nw4cz No, you have to demonstrate you're a farmer (qualifications, business plan etc. but depends on the area).

[@lesliekilgore648]

plus, it keeps people from 'trying to farm with no clue'. Japan had a kinda big problem with that... what was it TokyoLlama? 10 years ago? or 20? a lot of Prefectures (and small dying towns/villages) tried to advertise 'open lands! move back to the country! farm the land! live off the land! live off the sweat of your brow!' kinds of movements and PR campaigns. they got a lot of nibbles, buyers from cities etc. but, a big number of their farms went under because the 'city folks' didn't know a thing about what they were doing. mortgages went unpaid, taxes went unpaid, land went fallow and wasn't farmed correctly. and the 'city folks' sold it all or just pulled up stakes and left their farm behind. the work was too hard, or they didn't have enough capital to invest in equipment, or they bought the wrong equipment, or they planted the wrong crops in the wrong seasons, dozens of reasons why the farms went under. so. 'license for farming' came about. it keeps ignorant idiots from throwing away their big city jobs and moving to the country and becoming a 'gentlemen/woman farmer'. :>

[@icreatedanaccountforthis1852]

I would love to see the completed reno. It's a nice home.

[@joanleenakayama7939]

Suddenly this video came right on my face while I was scrolling. And so surprised that I hv watched finished it without skipping!!! 😱👍👍👍

[@backyardkampungku7770]

I've never been to Japan, but i love the explanation given. Very clear and informative.

[@tatzecom]

Oh my lord the first minute where you showed all the footage, the weeb inside of me wanted to burst out Like, Im sitting here, weak and wary, looking at this gorgeous house, countless lifes I never lived, memories i never made and people I never knew popping into my head. From the bottom of my heart, I am jealous of your home and I want you to be proud of it.

[@dianasaur2442]

Dude cringe

[@youssefb3412]

@@dianasaur2442 ya fr

[@lostchild7774]

WEEB SPOTTED

[@graceggale]

Not cringe lmfao, these commenters are total sociopaths.

[@lostchild7774]

@@graceggale she went on a rant like fucking JK Rowling writing that fiction. It’s a comment section, not a slam poetry night.

[@KCDarkRanger]

Oh my god... I love this whole property! The architecture is absolutely beautiful. I am an architecture student with a particular love for japanese and medieval european architecture, so getting to work on a property like this would be an absolute dream!... sadly I will likely never have an opportunity to live and work in Japan, but this video gives me a good idea for how I would go about buying if I ever do.

[@TokyoLlama]

You never know where life may take you so maybe you will end up here one day. Thanks for watching - good luck with your studies.

[@mackjeez]

Me too! Love Japanese and medieval era European architecture. Went to Greece last summer and they had some amazing Medieval houses in Rhodes, a open house was being showcased, thinking it might be a dream to own one of these house I took the tour and asked how much for the 2 bedroom 2 story 160 sq.meters house that needed extensive renovations and it was 1.8 mil Euros lol, so I think these amazing Japanese houses are worth it, well until foreign investors catch on.

[@Miquelalalaa]

mackjeez The Street of the Knights is said to me the most untouched medieval street I’m Europe.

[@josemaciel232]

Thank you well done! The Video and your way of explaining the process is perfect

[@xolcapital3908]

Your house have a gorgeous bones, it's sad how these beauties being left behind, vacant and dying..

[@Strawberrypersonoffixial]

Spirits demons yoki etc. If it's abandoned its usually for a that reason or the family has died off.

[@zamiaramirez1390]

X A N the Alien yokai are spirts my guy. Its just the Japanese word for it

[@zamiaramirez1390]

X A N the Alien often those houses are a lot of work and don’t really have modern amenities like ac. Thats why people dont always buy them.

[@Ouranorable]

That house is absolutely gorgeous, even in its abaondoned state! Beautiful! Can't wait to see the rest of the video later!

[@cyrixfive]

Thanks for this really useful insights and good luck with your project!

[@junkjournaldavao]

I'm surprised realizing that I indeed finished the video from start to end. Excellent and thorough explanation!

[@UVtec]

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

[@MrJ79041]

Vítězslav Ureš very clever comment!

[@elleofhearts8471]

and being cultured is tossing the salad [$̲̅(̲̅ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°̲̅)̲̅$̲̅]

[@ryw00d]

Jamie J. Yummy yummy?

[@GrugTheJust]

Intellect is realizing a tomato fruit salad is just a salsa.

[@D.Holliday112]

Two things are certain in life: Death and Taxes.

[@paradox7601]

AND HILLTOP HOODS WORKING THE MIC!

[@RapiDEraZeR]

And only one is for free, lol! At least for you.

[@JapanFamilyGuy]

Thank goodness for both!

[@DailyCodClips]

Lol. What my 8th grade science teacher used to tell me

[@kewintaylor7056]

If wuhan virus cant kill u.....Taxes could!...😫😱💀

[@jodanmawashi]

This is a very thorough explanation of buying an Akiya in Japan. Thank you.

[@OpWo45]

thank you, I appreciate the time and work you put into making this very informative video

[@maikutsukino4743]

I've been toying with this idea for almost 3 years and I'm now going to act on it this summer. Your vid is a great intro to akiya and the associated expenses and time needed to do it. This was actually a great help to me so I'm subscribing and watching your other vids soon. Arigato gozaimasu!

[@TokyoLlama]

You're welcome - good luck with it!

[@javi5109]

Did u do it

[@maikutsukino4743]

@@javi5109 Close to it. I have located several akiya homes around my target area. And some homes for sale by normal means. I'll just say that compared to where I live, even rural Japan is pretty steep in land/home prices. COVID has placed a little bit of a delay on things to say the least. And since here in the US we have a problem trying to get people to solve that issue (antivaxxers, antimaskers and Trump Supporters) I'm guessing at the minimum it will take 2 more years before we see open boarders again. But I have several akiya on my "Most Desired" list and it seems no one is going to snap them up soon. I only hesitate to buy an akiya house right now because I'd like to see it in person before I buy. Not just staring at it on Google Maps/World! It is actually an adventure for a foreigner to being the journey of home buying in Japan whether an akiya or normal home. So until the boarders open back up, I'll keep my eyes on my prizes to make sure they don't go anywhere and stay in touch with the brokers/banks/sellers so that I'm not kicked out of the loop.

[@Maxmason.artist]

Did you do it?

[@maikutsukino4743]

@@Maxmason.artist I had zeroed in on 2 houses just NorthEast of Omachi, Nagano Prefecture. Very open area there. I was setting up for one year in Kyoto at a language school before actually moving to the house but wanted to buy it and start the repairs. Then my family stepped in. A family that took offence that I wanted to move out of the States. They found a brutal and permenant way to stop me from the move and years of prep and planning were destroyed forever. I'm 51 years old. So family shouldn't be able to anything, right? WRONG. Never underestimate the people that wish you harm. But now they have a problem. As they sit there laughing at what they did to me, I am now trapped in the same country as them. They are happy. I am ENRAGED. A note to people out there: never trap yourself in a room with a bear you just poked with a stick. I won't end well.

[@rella277]

If I lived in japan I would love to own a house like that

[@harvindersekhon]

Very detailed and excellent video. Cheers !

[@iCantCuTTofu]

Crouching to “mix things up”, took the content quality to a whole new level

[@void3793]

That's such a cool house you found even if its abandoned. 35k?!? That's INSANE, such a big house for so cheap. Would love to fix up something like that and live there its seems like I would be super expensive if it wasn't abandoned.

[@HenryTan-pj2oi]

If you are already a millionaire, why not? Imagine stuck in an old house braving termites and foundation issues tomorrow, and a life with no supermarkets and facilities nearby... ... ie, if you have a copter to fly to town or city and bulk send back supplies per weak, and sanitation issues can be auto-resolved... ... Not so simple. But for me, it will be ok... ... Hee hee hee hee hee... ... I have the technology to do up everything I need. Even food supplies and such... ... And... ... I can move very very very far without vehicles... ... ...

[@buttsniffa7469]

​@@HenryTan-pj2oi what?

[@HenryTan-pj2oi]

@@buttsniffa7469 Forget it... ...

[@velocirapture89]

If I did not have a job (in the USA) and I had a certain amount of money to live off, this would be a very exciting project for me.

[@wegelingetje]

Keep in mind its not 35K , you need to renovate it and add all the costs he said + all the yearly costs (taxes) too, that initial 35k is a bait if you look at it like this, with renovating everything yourself its sti welll over 100K, and i still consider that a bargain for such a beautiful property

[@shinobu3817]

this looks like that one demon slayer episode when the rooms kept changing and flipping from that one demon

[@iwakuralain1459]

ikr

[@ScarletASV]

Yes I thought the same when he put the footage of the time they went in to inspect it.

[@rickster255]

@#1 Mawg when?

[@oddylongkumer8887]

"Kimetsu no yaiba" yassss 🙌

[@ibeloly]

Thank you for extremely useful video and much detailed explanation!!!

[@transplantman2287]

I’m currently researching akiya in the hopes that I can buy one in the future so this is REALLY helpful, thank you!

[@TeganRose12345]

The depressing realisation that my 1 bed flat in Bath, England costs more than a 4 bed to rent in rural japan 😭

[@NihazVIDZ]

Same in Singapore 😜

[@aatsista]

The fact that we've paid $50K in 5 years to rent our apartment in Alberta, Canada really smarts too! :/

[@toyotahachiroku8509]

@@aatsista thats not too bad compared to ontario, were close to vaughan and one of our properties rent for $2600 a month

[@elleofhearts8471]

@@aatsista that's actually not bad considering in america a decent 2-3 bedroom apartment ~1-2000 sqft costs about $2000 right now. And yourr not even in the heart of a major city. ASSUMING rent doesn't go up further (which it does about every 2 years at about $50-200 at a time), that's twice as much for the same amount of time you're paying now. Although $50,000 is a great down payment for a house, just know that your situation isnt the worse it could be :*)

[@gzer0x]

A whole fifth the cost of a studio apartment in my county in California

[@LittleParade_]

Video: How to buy an Akiya Me: :0 there's Costco in Japan?

[@benbunyip]

LittleParade yeah, sure.

[@maiyenish8552]

They are all over Japan! and theflyingpig.com will shop for you, if you can't go.

[@LittleParade_]

@@maiyenish8552 that's really cool, I never really considered if Japan would have Costco, I figured maybe they had their own bulk buy store!

[@elleofhearts8471]

@@LittleParade_ they probably do and its possible that Costco owns it but calls it something different for cultural reasons. businesses do it all the time when introducing their product or business to a foreign market.

[@Kaizoushin]

Quite a few. That's the Tsukuba Costco.