Live 1:1 Buying Plan calls$25 with a month of full platform access

AkiyaHub

Buying a home in Japan in the next 2 years?

Tired of browsing listings? Get the plan that gets you the keys!

Get My Buying Plan

Start free with your Snapshot. $25 when you book your call.

  • 1,800+ YouTube videos
  • 300+ vetted partners
  • 65,000+ members

One 30-minute video call with our team in Japan, and a written plan for your home: where to search, what your budget really buys, and what to do next. Then a month of full platform access to act on it: property search across Japan, cost tools, and English messaging with our team.

Sound familiar?

You know you want a home in Japan. Nobody has shown you the path.

  • You’ve scrolled through dozens of listings, and you still can’t tell which ones are real options.

  • The asking price looks low, and you have no idea what the full cost will be.

  • You emailed an agent in Japan, and nobody replied.

  • You don’t know if you can buy from overseas, or if you need to fly over first.

  • Every video and forum thread tells you something different.

  • You can’t tell which area fits your budget and the life you want there.

You aren’t short on interest. You’re short on a plan: where to look, what it really costs, and what to do first. We can build that with you in one call.

Why it feels so hard

Buying in Japan works differently. Most guides skip that part.

Three things foreign buyers usually learn too late.

  • 01

    The asking price is not the price

    Taxes, fees, registration, and repairs sit on top. A cheap listing can cost more than a better home.

  • 02

    The market runs in Japanese

    Listing agents work in Japanese, and many never reply to an overseas inquiry.

  • 03

    You can buy. Each step has rules.

    Foreigners can own land and buildings with or without residency. Funding, documents, and signing from abroad each have their own rules.

What we build with you

Your Japan Buying Plan. Built with you in one call.

You start with your free Snapshot. On a 30-minute video call, our team in Japan works through your goals, budget, and timeline with you. After the call, your written plan arrives in your Message Center, in four parts.

  1. Your free Snapshot2 to 3 minutes
  2. 1:1 video call30 minutes
  3. Your written planIn your Message Center
  4. A month to act on itFull platform access
  1. AreasExample
    • ChibaStrong
    • SaitamaGood
    • KanagawaThin

    01

    Where to search

    The areas where homes on the market now fit your budget and must-haves, across all 47 prefectures.

  2. BudgetExample

    $85,727

    for the home, from a $100,000 budget

    02

    What your budget buys

    What is left for the home after typical purchase taxes and fees, so a low asking price can’t fool you.

  3. Must-havesExample
    • 3 bedrooms
    • Under 60 min to Tokyo
    • Parking
    • Built after 1981

    03

    What matters most

    Your must-have criteria, written down, so you stop scrolling past the right home.

  4. Next stepExample

    Request inquiries on 2 saved homes

    04

    Your next best step

    The one thing to do next, and what to avoid before you spend time or money.

What the call looks like

See how it works. Then get your plan.

You pick a time right after checkout and meet one of our advisors in Japan on Google Meet. Every advisor has helped 100+ members take their next step toward buying in Japan.

  • Lynn from the AkiyaHub advisory team on a video call with a buyer
    30 minutes on video
  • An AkiyaHub team member and a buyer inside a Japanese home reviewing property details
    Our team in Japan
  • A bilingual AkiyaHub advisor in Japan sitting with buyers at a table with purchase paperwork
    From plan to keys

What you get for $25

The call and your written plan, plus a month of full platform access. Here is everything that covers.

  • A 30-minute 1:1 video call with an advisor in Japan
  • Your written Buying Plan, saved in your Message Center
  • Full property search across all 47 prefectures, with saved homes and cost tools
  • The 10-step buying roadmap and member guides
  • English messaging with our team in Japan
  • 10 Property Intelligence credits ($99 value)
Get My Buying Plan

Start free with your Snapshot. $25 when you book your call.

Who this is for

65,000+ members plan their Japan home with AkiyaHub. Most started where you are.

Members buy every kind of home, in every part of Japan. You don’t need to speak Japanese, and you don’t need to live in Japan.

  • Vacation homes
  • City condos
  • Family bases
  • Homes to retire in
  • Rental income
  • New builds
  • Traditional houses
  • Resort apartments

Who you’ll work with

Real people in Japan. Members know them by name.

Your Buying Plan call is with our advisory team in Japan. These are the people members thank in their reviews.

  • Nicole from the AkiyaHub advisory team

    Nicole

    Advisory team

    “Nicole was so nice for our first call, I'm sure I asked a lot of silly questions, but she made me feel comfortable and walked through everything in clear, manageable steps.”

    Melissa S. · Google review
  • Emily from the AkiyaHub advisory team

    Emily

    Advisory team

    “I just closed on a home in Itabashi City, Tokyo, and I would not have gotten there without Emily at AkiyaHub.”

    Calvin K. · Google review
  • Lynn from the AkiyaHub advisory team

    Lynn

    Advisory team

    “Working with Lynn on purchasing our Japan vacation home was a pleasure to say the least.”

    Kai Z. · Google review
The AkiyaHub team holding a Japan Home Stewardship partner certificate at the program launch
Home Stewardship partner launchOur team certifies the local partners who care for members’ homes after the keys.

Founders

  • Brett Lee, co-founder and CEO of AkiyaHub

    Brett Lee

    Co-founder and CEO

  • Shu Matsuo Post

    Co-founder. Hosts our YouTube channel.

    Watch 1,800+ videos

AkiyaHub is run by Kintsugi Group GK, a Japanese company with its office in Tokyo. We help people who love Japan buy, own, and care for a home there, in English.

Our bilingual team in Japan handles the Japanese side for you. 300+ vetted brokerages, renovators, and Home Stewards across all 47 prefectures deliver the local work through AkiyaHub, and licensed partners handle the licensed steps.

We take no commission and no kickbacks from agents or sellers. We earn from platform access and the services you choose, so our advice does not change with the price of the home.

How it works

Start with a free Snapshot. Then book your call.

You see your free Market Match Snapshot first. When you are ready, $25 books your call and starts a month of full platform access. Your written plan arrives after the call.

  1. Step 1FreeYour Market Match SnapshotAnswer a few questions and see where your budget works in Japan today. About 2 to 3 minutes.
  2. Step 2$25Book your callStart your month of full platform access, then pick a 30-minute call time in your timezone.
  3. Step 3Your planGet your Buying PlanMeet your advisor on video. Your written plan arrives in your Message Center after the call.

Your Buying Plan call

$25first month

Then $25 a month. Cancel anytime from your account.

  • 1:1 Buying Plan call with our team in Japan, 30 minutes
  • Your written Buying Plan
  • A month of full platform access
  • 10 Property Intelligence credits
Get My Buying Plan

Free Snapshot first. Checkout secured by Stripe.

Platform access renews at $25 a month until you cancel. You can cancel anytime from your account, with no phone call. Book your call in your first 7 days for the best start. It stays included after that. Property services, such as inquiries, viewings, and purchase coordination, are priced separately, and you see each price before you buy.

Verified Google reviews

Don’t take our word for it. Take theirs.

Every review below is a five-star Google review from an AkiyaHub member. We are rated 4.8 on Google.

YouTube videos
1,800+
vetted partners
300+
members
65,000+

Members, in their own words

  • Jessie and Tom · Funabashi, Chiba

    Texas Couple Buys $160K Move-In Ready House Near Tokyo

  • Bree and Christian · Tondabayashi, Osaka

    Washington Mom Buys $65K Move-In-Ready House in Osaka, Japan

  • Kurt · Niiza, Saitama

    How He Bought, Renovated and Furnished a House Near Tokyo, All From America

  • Member story

    Retired Hawaii Couple Bought a House Near Tokyo for $88,000

  • Member story

    This Swiss Couple Bought a Home in Japan to See Their Kids and Grandkids

  • Member story

    They Left Colorado for Japan. Their Black Lab Came With Them.

  • Member story

    This Foreigner Couple Bought a Massive Vacation Home in Izu

  • Member story

    A Bay Area Couple Just Bought This House Near Tokyo for $80,000

  • Member story

    This Foreigner Couple Bought a Mountain Home in Tokyo

  • Member story

    This Foreigner Couple Bought a Massive Japanese House in Niigata

  • Member story

    $75K House Near Tokyo. They’re Leaving California for It.

See all 1,800+ videos on YouTube
  • “That changed when we sat down with Nicole. She helped us clarify our goals, understand our options, and figure out a realistic plan.”

    John S.Google review · Yachimata, Chiba
  • “Initial consultation via zoom Feb.2 this year. We got our Hirado Yokohama house on March 27th. That is how efficient AkiyaHub are!”

    Valarie M.Google review · Hirado, Yokohama
  • “They really take you step by step during the process from initially looking at houses all the way through to contracts and walking through the house once you're there in Japan.”

    Prashneveet I.Google review · 2025
  • “I originally was interested in a house in Chiba, but due to the location they convinced me it wouldn't be a good fit for what I was looking for. They sent me a couple of similar suggestions in different locations that matched more of what I wanted in a property/location.”

    Christopher S.Google review · Yokosuka, Kanagawa
  • “Once we added it up, the Yokohama apartment was the smarter buy. Not because the Akiya dream wasn't real, but because we finally had real numbers instead of guesses.”

    Scot K.Google review · Yokohama
  • “We purchased our home, without needing to fly to Japan or struggle with language barriers.”

    Michael P.Google review · USA
  • “We interviewed with the first gentleman for an hour during a visit to Japan. We never heard from him again. … I contacted Akiya Hub blindly not expecting to get a reply from them. Ivan replied and set up an interview with Shu.”

    Daren A.Google review · USA
  • “From my own experience, the path to purchasing my first house in Japan was easy through the step-by-step guidance of the AkiyaHub platform and staff.”

    Joe P.Google review · Shiga, near Kyoto
  • “Before finding Akiyahub, I reached out to two other real estate agents and never heard back after the initial call, a stark contrast to the proactive and reliable support I received from the Akiyahub team.”

    Armando N.Google review · Dec 2025
  • “We started looking at houses in May and now own our very own vacation home in July.”

    Chad Y.Google review · USA
  • “Even though I did a lot of research myself, Shu gave me peace of mind in that I could email him anytime to ask, "Does this look right?" and he'd respond quickly and honestly.”

    Jason A.Google review · USA
  • “I had specifics for the type of property I was looking for and they were very patient and communicated promptly even given the time difference between countries.”

    Andrew F.Google review · Feb 2026
Show more reviews (37 more)Show fewer reviews
  • “They don't just sell you a home and walk away, they help you with getting the new home set up once your purchase is complete.”

    Michelle B.Google review · Oct 2026
  • “We also worked with Emily when we purchased another property in Kanagawa. This one was an investment property (Condo). Without AkiyaHub's help, we probably would never have had the guts to actually do it!”

    Kai Z.Google review · Kanagawa
  • “Akiyahub made our Japan vacation home dream a reality in under 70 days. They helped us find properties, sent us videos, and were our eyes on the ground.”

    Gerry D.Google review · Sep 2026
  • “I just closed on a home in Itabashi City, Tokyo, and I would not have gotten there without Emily at AkiyaHub.”

    Calvin K.Google review · Itabashi, Tokyo
  • “We found a great place in Uji and closed on our dream home in just about two months. We've already been back twice since closing, and we love it so much.”

    Shirley P.Google review · Uji, Kyoto
  • “It seems expensive at first, but when you actually realise what you're getting it is completely worth it. We would easily have spent the cost alone on just flights coming back and forth.”

    Mitch K.Google review · Jul 2026
  • “Even the fact my wife is Japanese we still found it easier for us to do a remote purchase with the team at Akiyahub negotiating all the purchase details.”

    Gavin K.Google review · Near Odawara, Kanagawa
  • “Amazing service. Trustworthy. Very Responsive. Highly Recommended.”

    Traci S.Google review · Jul 2026
  • “Before the end of March, we already closed the deal. 8 weeks from start to finish is such an awesome feat and I couldn't have done it without Nicole and the Akiyahub team.”

    Erwin M.Google review · Jun 2026
  • “I cannot believe the quickness of reaching out to AkiyaHub staff, their response, search, offer, and closing, all done under 3 months.”

    JSC LawGoogle review · May 2026
  • “They are extremely professional, transparent & thorough. Emily provided first class customer experience throughout.”

    Elizabeth P.Google review · Apr 2026
  • “The house had a buyer waiting. They told me not to worry. Within a week, I put in my deposit. Within a month, I got my house.”

    Yume Y.Google review · Jan 2026
  • “Our initial intent was to provide a base for family and friends to use in their visits to this vibrant country. We all look forward to creating many happy memories here.”

    Ellen M.Google review · Chiba
  • “Stress free streamlined processing. Done it all remotely within few weeks. Can't go wrong with AkiyaHub.”

    SalGoogle review · Dec 2025
  • “As a real estate broker, I do have to mention, it is definitely different from buying property in the US. There are costs to each step but well worth it.”

    Shaun K.Google review · USA
  • “We had a successful and rewarding relationship working with AkiyaHub to find and purchase a lovely home in Fukuoka Prefecture. We couldn't be more happy.”

    Patrick K.Google review · Fukuoka
  • “This home was meant to be a special Valentine's gift for my wife, and Shu made that dream come true. We secured a verbal agreement just in time, before February 14th!”

    Peter C.Google review · Near Mt. Fuji
  • “We're now proud owners of two income generating properties in Japan and are excited about contributing to the economic growth and social revitalization of regional neighborhoods.”

    Wency B.Google review · 2025
  • “After a deal fell through, Shu contacted me within a day with an off-market deal. Post closing, they connected me with my property manager and judicial scrivener.”

    Jon Y.Google review · USA
  • “Making the process of buying a house in Japan remotely much easier than we expected. We truly couldn't have achieved this dream without them.”

    Sophia X.Google review · 2025
  • “Because I am a Real Estate Agent in the US, we initially attempted through an Agent in Japan. We quickly realized that wasn't going to work. AkiyaHub exceeded expectations.”

    Thomas I.Google review · Minamiashigara, Kanagawa
  • “The website was broken down into smaller commitments from exploration to closing that let me feel comfortable moving at my own pace. I'm sure I didn't dive into half of the features.”

    Melissa S.Google review · USA
  • “While we went in having already found the property we wanted, Akiyahub took the lead in terms of legalities: contacting the seller's agent, arranging the showings and inspection, securing an administrative scrivener, and orchestrating the signing.”

    Rick S.Google review · USA
  • “The house we really wanted was already taken. We ended up being third in line for it and thanks in large part to Akiyahub's persistence and support, we were eventually accepted.”

    Robert G.Google review · USA
  • “Thanks to their help and expertise I have been able to build a rental portfolio in Japan, and plan to expand to more properties in the future.”

    ジョジョGoogle review · 2025
  • “White glove, red carpet treatment is the bare minimum for this team. Within two months, I got the keys completely hassle free.”

    Kenneth B.Google review · 2025
  • “I found him on YouTube because of the algorithm. If you can't speak Japanese and you don't know where to start, just contact Shu, he can help you from 0 to 100.”

    Banden T.Google review · Malaysia
  • “After doing some research I was able to close on a property in under a month with AkiyaHub's help. Their service didn't just stop after closing either.”

    Brad R.Google review · 2025
  • “Shu has helped us purchase our dream home here in Japan, in Chiba Prefecture. And the process was so smooth and easy.”

    Sharon V.Google review · Chiba
  • “I have now done multiple transactions with them, and have come to the realization that they have created the best platform and support system for foreigners.”

    Polo O.Google review · 2025
  • “With so many hiccups trying to get help from real estate companies on our own, we almost gave up! Thanks to the AkiyaHub team, we bought our first house in Japan!”

    Chris W.Google review · USA
  • “I have even seen people balk at the expense of what this program offers but understand this isn't a discount service. They offer a premium bespoke experience tailored to each purchase.”

    Marcus P.Google review · USA
  • “I was trepidatious at first, but they helped me find a great house near Osaka and worked with me at every stop.”

    Sean W.Google review · Near Osaka
  • “I was able to find my dream property in Yokohama and have it renovated. Shu made the whole process very clear and easy to navigate.”

    Alex D.Google review · Yokohama
  • “Having bought a couple of properties with his help, I have been more than happy with his honesty and superb service. I look forward to purchasing more properties with his help!!”

    TamakiGoogle review · 2025
  • “The purchasing process was easy as it was helpful to have Shu explaining things throughout the entire process.”

    Dad VenturerGoogle review · 2025
  • “Working with Shu and his team, like four thumbs up. It's also very fast, convenient and clear. Looking forward to the next project.”

    Dinda S.Google review · 2025

Each review describes one member’s own experience. Your timeline and costs depend on the property, the seller, your documents, and your funding.

Questions

Questions buyers ask before they book.

Who is this for?

Anyone planning to buy a home in Japan in the next 12 to 24 months: a vacation home, a family base, a place to live, or a rental. Still years away, with no budget range yet? Start with our free guides, and come back when you’re closer.

Do I pay before I see anything?

No. You start with a free Market Match Snapshot: answer a few questions and see where your budget works in Japan today. You pay $25 only when you choose to book your call.

Do I need to speak Japanese?

No. The call, the plan, and the platform are in English. Our team in Japan handles the Japanese side.

Can I buy from overseas?

Often, yes. Many members buy without a trip to Japan. Some steps depend on the seller, your documents, your funding, and the property, so your plan tells you early which steps you can do from home.

What do I walk away with?

A written Buying Plan in your Message Center with your recommended areas, your realistic purchase budget, your must-have criteria, and your next best step. Plus a month of full platform access to act on it: property search across Japan, cost tools, and English messaging with our team.

How much is it?

$25, after your free Snapshot. That is one month of full platform access, and the call and your written plan are included. It renews at $25 a month until you cancel, and you can cancel anytime from your account. The price is low on purpose: we earn from platform access and the services you choose, never from commission on the home.

When is the call?

You pick a time right after checkout, shown in your local timezone. Book it in your first 7 days for the best start. It stays included after that.

Does buying a home in Japan give me a visa?

No. Owning property and immigration status are separate. How long you can stay depends on your nationality and your visa.

Who handles the licensed steps?

Licensed partners handle the offer, contract, and registration through AkiyaHub. AkiyaHub is not a brokerage. Our bilingual team in Japan coordinates the work and explains each step in plain English.

Plan first, then buy

Stop scrolling listings. Start your plan.

Get My Buying Plan

Start free with your Snapshot. $25 when you book your call. Cancel anytime.

AkiyaHub is operated by Kintsugi Group GK, Tokyo. AkiyaHub is not a brokerage. Licensed partners handle the licensed steps through AkiyaHub. Purchase funds are held by a licensed escrow partner, a regulated Japanese trust business, and not by AkiyaHub, the agent, or the seller. Member experiences vary. Timelines and costs depend on the property, the seller, your documents, and your funding. Nothing on this page is legal, tax, or immigration advice.