Owning an Apartment in Japan – A Smart Move for Vacations, Remote Work, and Investment

Japan isn’t just a travel destination anymore – more and more people are dreaming of owning a place in this fascinating country. Buying an apartment in Japan doesn’t have to mean relocating permanently. For many, it’s a seasonal getaway, a base for remote work, or an attractive real estate investment. Low property prices outside major cities and the growing demand for short-term rentals make this an increasingly realistic and rewarding option.

A Vacation Apartment? Why Not!

Many foreigners choose to buy a small apartment in Japan to use several weeks or months each year. It’s a perfect choice for those who:

return to Japan regularly for holidays
are passionate about Japanese culture and language
want to avoid hotel and rental costs
dream of their own private space in Tokyo, Kyoto, or a seaside town

Owning a home means more comfort and freedom. Some owners combine leisure with remote work, treating their Japanese apartment as a seasonal home office with a mountain, ocean, or city view.

Remote Work from Japan

With the rise of remote work, geographic flexibility allows many to swap their everyday routine for a few inspiring weeks in Japan. Having your own place means:

a safe and stable workspace
fast internet and reliable infrastructure
a peaceful, motivating environment
lower cost of living

It’s an ideal setup for freelancers, programmers, creatives, translators, and digital nomads.

An Apartment as an Investment

A Japanese apartment can also be a source of passive income. Many owners:

rent out the property to tourists via Airbnb or Minpaku
lease it long-term to local tenants
use it for part of the year and earn income the rest of the time

The short-term rental market in Japan is growing steadily, especially in scenic or tourist-heavy regions. Preparing a property for rental is straightforward, and our trusted agency partners support you with:

renovation and furnishing
legal registration for short-term rental use
guest and booking management

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Japan?

Yes – with no restrictions!
Foreigners can legally buy apartments or houses in Japan with full ownership rights, regardless of citizenship or residency status. No special permits or local partners are required. This is one of the biggest advantages of investing in Japanese real estate – equal rights and a transparent, secure legal process.

Affordable Apartments in Japanese Resort Towns

While Tokyo and Osaka are known for high prices, many resort areas in Japan offer surprisingly affordable vacation apartments, often in locations where tourism lasts year-round or nearly so. Popular and budget-friendly spots include:

Yuzawa – a ski resort town with hot springs and bullet train access from Tokyo in about 80 minutes
Atami – a coastal town with hot springs, palm trees, and beautiful ocean views
Onjuku – a quiet beach destination near Tokyo, loved by surfers and holidaymakers
Shirahama – famous for white sand beaches, tropical climate, and scenic seaside onsen

Prices in these areas are often far lower than in major cities, and many listings are move-in ready or need only minor updates. It’s a great choice for vacationing, short-term rental income, or simply enjoying a calmer lifestyle.

Listings from All Over Japan – In One Place

Our platform offers access to properties across every region of Japan. From symbolically priced apartments to fully furnished luxury units, you’ll find homes in the mountains, by the sea, in resort towns and in urban hubs. New listings are added daily – including exclusive deals available only to registered users.

Conclusion

Owning an apartment in Japan is no longer just a dream – it’s a smart and accessible lifestyle choice.
Whether you want to return regularly, work remotely, or generate income from short-term rentals, there’s a perfect place waiting for you.
Our platform will help you find the ideal property, while our partner real estate agencies will guide you through every step of the purchase process.