Akiya & Inaka is a resource and service for global citizens looking to stake their claim to a piece of rural Japan.

The Japanese countryside has become a global myth of sorts. Frequently, news articles and blogs tell tales of free houses in Japan. Occasionally, a headline comes along detailing fantastic makeovers of old houses. Recently, topics like #urbex, #haikyo, and #cottagecore are trending across social media, capturing the world’s attention.

However, the reality is less sensational. Rural Japanese real estate is often cheap rather than free. Furthermore, buying property in Japan by yourself can be a major bureaucratic headache. Finally, the ambience of the region the property exists in should also be considered prior to purchase.

In short, it’s a nuanced process. Luckily, we’re here to help out. If you’re interested in exploring Japan’s outstanding rural reaches, you’ve come to the right place.