Why I Bought an Abandoned House (Akiya) in Tokyo
Tokyo has always had a piece of my heart. I spent eight years here during my early 20s, and ever since, it has felt like my second home. But even after living in some of the world's most expensive major cities—including London, New York, Milan, and San Diego—over the last two decades, I never imagined I would actually own a piece of Tokyo real estate.
Then, I discovered the world of Akiya.
If you’ve been tracking global real estate prices lately, you know that buying a home in major Western cities feels almost impossible. So, when I found out that foreigners could legally buy property in Japan, I started digging. What I discovered blew my mind—and ultimately led me to buy my very own abandoned house right here in Tokyo.
Here is why I made the leap.
The Shocking Reality: 9 Million Vacant Homes
Japan is currently facing a unique demographic shift. Due to a low birth rate and a declining population, the country is filled with Akiyas—abandoned or vacant homes.
Nationwide, there are a staggering 9 million vacant homes. But here is the biggest misconception: people think Akiyas are only located out in the distant countryside. That is completely wrong. Right now, there are roughly 90,000 vacant homes hidden within Tokyo’s 23 wards.
Tokyo Prices vs. The West
Having paid rent and looked at property markets in cities like New York and London, I couldn't believe the prices of Tokyo Akiyas.
Of course, there is a catch: the houses are generally smaller, and they almost always need a significant amount of renovation. But even when you factor in the cost of a total overhaul, the price tag is incredibly manageable compared to the astronomical cost of a fixer-upper in Europe or the USA. For the price of a tiny down payment in London, you can completely own a house in one of the greatest cities on earth.
Look at where we started. This was the original layout—closed off by heavy sliding doors, retro checkered flooring, and dated lighting fixtures. It was functional, but it felt incredibly dark and cramped:
Craving a Peaceful Environment
Aside from the financial numbers, the ultimate key to my decision was the lifestyle. Despite being the largest metropolitan area in the world, Tokyo’s residential neighborhoods offer an unparalleled level of peace, safety, and quiet.
Stepping out of the bustling city center and into a quiet, historic Tokyo neighborhood gives you a peaceful environment that you simply cannot find in New York or London. It is the perfect place to slow down, build something with your own hands, and truly live like a local.
Want to Know the Whole Story?
Buying an abandoned house in a foreign country is a wild ride full of unexpected legal hurdles, renovation surprises, and deeply rewarding moments. I documented my exact step-by-step journey—and why it almost didn't happen—in my book, "The Akiya: The House I Wasn't Supposed to Buy."
Are you visiting Japan soon? I also host exclusive, in-person home tours of my renovated Tokyo Akiya so you can see the transformation for yourself!
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