The Allure of Japan
Recently or rather for a while now people have been posting videos and some other blogs about “buy a cheap home in Japan” and then renovating it to make it what you want. And while I’m certain this is a thing, I’m not certain that it’s for everyone. There are a lot of hidden problems that come with this mindset but if you are able to overcome these then perhaps it will be something worthwhile for you.
Buying a home in Japan is possible as a foreigner, almost anyone can purchase a home here.
SOME properties are cheap, but keep in mind generally speaking most of the “cheap” homes need mid to a lot of work to be comfortable to live in.
The home could have been abandoned for man years prior to your purchase which could lead to broken pipes, poor electrical and possible structural matters that are unseen.
Pests could have made “home” to your home.
The home due to it’s potential age may not be insurable
The home you purchase even if you renovate could be considered “worthless” due to age.
Buying a home does NOT guarantee a visa will be issued to you. You either still need to find a job here or create a business and try to self sponsor a visa. I think this is something a lot of people overlook. Owning the home does not give you access to the country.
Depending on the time you want to come to Japan after you buy the home, for example if you purchase it in September but don’t arrive till November or December, depending where the home is in the country, it could be covered in snow.
I guess overall what i’m saying is that there are MANY hurdles to consider when thinking of buying a home to live in Japan. You want to ensure to do things LEGALLY. There are some who do the Tourist Visa hack where they spend the 90 day maximum, leave for a day and come back for another 90 days etc. But this is not legal and could end with you being barred from the country. I will ALWAYS recommend to do things legally so that you can stay in Japan without worry.
As a property owner in Japan I can say that ownership here has been different then most places I have had experience with. It’s funny to think that our home that is around 50 years old is “worthless”, when it has so much meaning to us. But of course it only matters if one is considering resale.
After talking to a lot of people about their moves to Japan, one of the items you should be aware of is the garbage situation. Trash is separated into several different bags and thrown out on different days. And it all differs depending on where you live. Which is crazy because our friend in Kanagawa has a completely different trash procedure then us in Hokkaido. And someone who lives in Sapporo (HOkkaido) will have a different procedure then us in Otaru (Hokkaido). It’s confusing, and slightly difficult in the beginning but you get used to it.
Another interesting fact or my experience rather is neighbors. While most of our neighbors have been great, there are some who have been in the neighborhood for generations who essentially feel they are the “boss” of the road. Being honest, we have NOT come across anyone who we’ve had issues with personally but our other neighbors have crossed them and now are almost “outcasts” of the road. And while I agree, your home is your kingdom, making sure to ease into the community and neighborhood is something I think everyone should strive to do.
Japan is Japan, or at least that is what I always say. It’s not America, it’s not Thailand and it’s not Korea. Japan has it’s own culture, traditions and expectations of their citizens and of course those who live in its walls from abroad. I won’t say that I agree with EVERYTHING they believe in in regards to how one should live in their home and treat their neighbors but I believe you and we have to make the effort to honor their expectations to a degree.
A google search says these are the top ten things to know about moving to Japan:
Cultural Etiquette: Understanding Japanese customs, such as bowing and polite language, is essential for integrating into society and showing respect.
Public Transportation: Japan boasts an efficient public transportation system, including trains and buses, making it easy to navigate cities and rural areas alike.
Cost of Living: While urban centers like Tokyo can be expensive, understanding the cost of living, including housing, food, and entertainment, is crucial for budgeting.
Language Barrier: While many Japanese people speak English, learning basic Japanese phrases can enhance your experience and ease daily interactions.
Local Cuisine: Japanese food is diverse and delicious. Exploring local specialties, from sushi to ramen, will enrich your culinary experience.
Seasonal Festivals: Japan celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year. Participating in these events can provide unique cultural insights and community engagement.
Healthcare System: Japan has a high-quality healthcare system. Understanding how insurance works and accessing medical services is important for expats.
Safety and Cleanliness: Japan is known for its low crime rates and cleanliness. Embracing these societal values can lead to a comfortable living experience.
Work-Life Balance: The work culture in Japan can be intense. Finding a balance between work and leisure is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Nature and Travel: Japan’s stunning landscapes, from mountains to beaches, offer countless opportunities for exploration. Embrace the beauty of nature on weekends and holidays!
In any case, this might be the place for you. Who knows… You’ll have to try it to see if it’s worth it for you. My suggestion to you is IF you want to move to Japan or it’s a thought, then find a way to spend a while here. And I mean long enough to get the feeling of living. So make friends or something and stay here for 1 to two months. Experience the garbage schedules, experience grocery shopping, driving, etc. Then make a more informed decision about what to do with your dream.
Until the next one…
