Your Own Apartment in a Japanese Resort for a Fraction of the Price!

Owning your own place in a picturesque resort for just a fraction of the price may sound like a dream. But in Japan – it’s becoming a reality! Forget the sky-high prices of Tokyo or Osaka. Right now, you have the opportunity to purchase a fully furnished apartment by the sea, in the mountains, near hot springs or ski slopes – for less than $1,000. Sounds like a fairytale? Discover the unique world of Japan’s “vacation” real estate market!

Resorts from Japan’s Economic Boom – Luxury of the Past, Opportunity of the Present

To understand why it’s possible today to buy an apartment in a Japanese resort so affordably, we need to take a step back to the 1980s. This was the era of Japan’s famous “bubble economy” – a remarkable economic boom that made the country the world’s second-largest economy at the time. As wealth rapidly increased, it triggered a construction explosion across the nation.

Developers built modern resort complexes – both in the mountains and by the sea – designed for comfort, prestige, and proximity to nature. These properties featured spacious apartments and entire buildings equipped with what we now call “resort-style amenities”:

Swimming pools – often indoor, with scenic views, usable year-round
Gyms – fully equipped for everyday fitness
Hot springs (onsen) – natural thermal baths accessible to residents, the essence of Japanese relaxation
Restaurants & cafés – located within the buildings for added convenience
Recreation rooms & lounges – communal spaces for socializing and entertainment

For years, these locations thrived, offering Japanese city dwellers a peaceful escape. But over time, lifestyle preferences changed. Younger generations increasingly chose life in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka, where job markets and urban lifestyles are concentrated.

This shift has created an incredible opportunity for foreign buyers. With declining local demand, developers and property owners are lowering prices significantly to attract new residents. As a result, you can now purchase a well-situated resort apartment with full amenities for less than the cost of a new television.

What’s more, many of these units come fully furnished and ready to move in, eliminating the need for extra investments in renovations or furniture.

Where to Buy? A Guide to Japan’s Most Attractive Resort Areas

Japan offers extraordinary geographical diversity – from alpine mountains to tropical coastlines. When choosing your location, you decide whether to wake up to snow-covered peaks or listen to the ocean waves from your balcony. Here are the most appealing and affordable resort destinations to explore:

🏔️ Mountain & Ski Resorts

Yuzawa (Niigata Prefecture): Just 70 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo, Yuzawa is one of Japan’s top mountain resorts. With excellent skiing, natural hot springs, and well-maintained complexes featuring gyms, pools, and restaurants – it’s a year-round favorite.
Kawaguchiko / Fuji-Q Highlands (Fuji area): The Fuji Five Lakes region offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, as well as parks, museums, and hiking trails. An apartment here is not only a luxury – it’s a soulful investment.

🌊 Coastal Destinations

Onjuku (Chiba Prefecture): A laid-back surfer town with wide beaches, only an hour from Tokyo. Perfect for summer getaways or peaceful year-round living by the sea.
Shirahama (Wakayama Prefecture): White sand, palm trees, hot springs, and even a theme park – Shirahama has everything you need for relaxation and family fun.
Atami (Shizuoka Prefecture): A historic resort town with onsen and access to Sagami Bay. Its upscale apartments with sea and mountain views are popular among those seeking tranquility within reach of Tokyo.

♨️ Onsen Resorts – For Hot Spring Enthusiasts

Beppu (Oita Prefecture): Famous for its geothermal “Hells of Beppu,” mud baths, and extensive spa offerings. Beppu combines local onsen culture, affordable living, and scenic mountain views.
Kusatsu (Gunma Prefecture): A classic mountain spa town centered around the iconic Yubatake hot water field. One of Japan’s top three onsen resorts – ideal for healing, peace, and connection with tradition.

Is This Only for Tourists? Not at All!

Although vacation properties are popular with seasonal visitors, many buyers use them in completely different ways. For digital nomads, freelancers, or remote workers, a Japanese resort can offer a serene and affordable lifestyle – complete with fresh air, nature, and reliable infrastructure.

Many complexes are equipped with fiber-optic internet, coworking spaces, or study rooms, making them a serious alternative to cramped city apartments.

Yes – Foreigners Can Buy Property!

Japan places no restrictions on foreigners purchasing property. You can acquire an apartment with full freehold ownership, regardless of your nationality or residence status. You don’t need a visa or residency to buy – and the process is simpler than you might think.

All of these destinations – whether in the mountains, by the coast, or near hot springs – offer move-in ready apartments at remarkably low prices. This is your chance to own a piece of Japan – in places that most people only visit briefly, while you can make them your second home.

Detailed descriptions of each resort, lifestyle guides, and buying advice are available in dedicated articles on our website. If one of these locations caught your attention – explore more and discover what it can offer you.

Are you ready for your real estate adventure in Japan?