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Dive into the fascinating world of akiya and rural Japanese living with the Old Houses Japan Blog! Here, you'll find everything you need to know about Japan's charming vacant homes, the unique opportunity to own one, and the lifestyle that comes with it. Explore, learn, and start your adventure with Old Houses Japan!

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Selling Your Home in Japan
Moving to Japan
Investing in Japan
Akiya to Airbnb
Renovating Your Akiya
Akiya Grants and Programs
All Things Akiya
Finance your Akiya
Buying an Akiya Tips
Japanese Culture
Why Tottori Is the Underrated Akiya Capital of Japan
Date
July 10, 2025

Why Tottori Is the Underrated Akiya Capital of Japan

Buying an Akiya Tips
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What Does “Border Unclear” Mean in Property Listings?
Date
July 9, 2025

What Does “Border Unclear” Mean in Property Listings?

All Things Akiya
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Understanding Japanese Land Use Zones Before You Buy
Date
July 8, 2025

Understanding Japanese Land Use Zones Before You Buy

All Things Akiya
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How to Find a Structural Engineer for an Akiya in Japan
Date
July 7, 2025

How to Find a Structural Engineer for an Akiya in Japan

Renovating Your Akiya
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What Happens When You Change the Roof Type on a Japanese Home?
Date
July 6, 2025

What Happens When You Change the Roof Type on a Japanese Home?

Renovating Your Akiya
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Why Japanese Akiya Homes Often Have No Heating
Date
July 5, 2025

Why Japanese Akiya Homes Often Have No Heating

All Things Akiya
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7 Things That Make an Akiya Hard to Sell
Date
July 4, 2025

7 Things That Make an Akiya Hard to Sell

Buying an Akiya Tips
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Can You Buy a Japanese Home While Living Abroad?
Date
July 3, 2025

Can You Buy a Japanese Home While Living Abroad?

Buying an Akiya Tips
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How to Contact City Hall About a Vacant Property in Japan
Date
July 2, 2025

How to Contact City Hall About a Vacant Property in Japan

Buying an Akiya Tips
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Buying a Home in Japan Without Knowing the Language
Date
July 1, 2025

Buying a Home in Japan Without Knowing the Language

Buying an Akiya Tips
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How Much Does It Cost to Tear Down a House in Japan?
Date
June 30, 2025

How Much Does It Cost to Tear Down a House in Japan?

All Things Akiya
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Understanding Japanese Inheritance Law for Akiya Homes
Date
June 29, 2025

Understanding Japanese Inheritance Law for Akiya Homes

All Things Akiya
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Are Japanese Real Estate Agents Required to Help Foreigners?
Date
June 28, 2025

Are Japanese Real Estate Agents Required to Help Foreigners?

All Things Akiya
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How to Secure an Old Japanese Home Against Earthquakes
Date
June 27, 2025

How to Secure an Old Japanese Home Against Earthquakes

All Things Akiya
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What Is the Fixed Asset Tax on Akiya Homes in Japan?
Date
June 26, 2025

What Is the Fixed Asset Tax on Akiya Homes in Japan?

All Things Akiya
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Buying Property with Shared Access Roads: Is It Worth It?
Date
June 25, 2025

Buying Property with Shared Access Roads: Is It Worth It?

All Things Akiya
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How to Interpret Old Japanese Blueprints and Floor Maps
Date
June 24, 2025

How to Interpret Old Japanese Blueprints and Floor Maps

All Things Akiya
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What You Need to Know About Snow Load Regulations in Japan
Date
June 23, 2025

What You Need to Know About Snow Load Regulations in Japan

All Things Akiya
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What Foreign Buyers Should Know About Japanese Septic Systems
Date
June 22, 2025

What Foreign Buyers Should Know About Japanese Septic Systems

All Things Akiya
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The Best Budget Renovations for Making an Akiya Livable
Date
June 21, 2025

The Best Budget Renovations for Making an Akiya Livable

Renovating Your Akiya
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How to Register as the New Owner of a Japanese Home
Date
June 20, 2025

How to Register as the New Owner of a Japanese Home

All Things Akiya
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How to Buy an Akiya in Japan in 30 Days (Yes, Really!)
Date
June 19, 2025

How to Buy an Akiya in Japan in 30 Days (Yes, Really!)

Buying an Akiya Tips
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What Happens If You Leave Your Japanese House Empty Too Long?
Date
June 19, 2025

What Happens If You Leave Your Japanese House Empty Too Long?

All Things Akiya
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Should You Register Your Akiya as a Sole Proprietor Business?
Date
June 18, 2025

Should You Register Your Akiya as a Sole Proprietor Business?

Akiya to Airbnb
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What to Do With an Empty Kura (Storehouse) on Your Property
Date
June 17, 2025

What to Do With an Empty Kura (Storehouse) on Your Property

All Things Akiya
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A Beginner's Guide to Japanese Tatami Sizes and Room Names
Date
June 16, 2025

A Beginner's Guide to Japanese Tatami Sizes and Room Names

All Things Akiya
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What Does “Reform Needed” Mean in Japanese Listings?
Date
June 15, 2025

What Does “Reform Needed” Mean in Japanese Listings?

All Things Akiya
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Buying a Home in Japan Without a Realtor: Pros and Cons
Date
June 14, 2025

Buying a Home in Japan Without a Realtor: Pros and Cons

Buying an Akiya Tips
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How to Check If a Japanese Property Has an Unregistered Owner
Date
June 13, 2025

How to Check If a Japanese Property Has an Unregistered Owner

All Things Akiya
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Akiya vs. Haikyo: What's the Difference Between Vacant and Abandoned Homes?
Date
June 12, 2025

Akiya vs. Haikyo: What's the Difference Between Vacant and Abandoned Homes?

All Things Akiya
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Can You Really Get a Free House in Japan? Debunking the Hype
Date
June 11, 2025

Can You Really Get a Free House in Japan? Debunking the Hype

All Things Akiya
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How to Work With Local Carpenters on Your Akiya Renovation
Date
June 10, 2025

How to Work With Local Carpenters on Your Akiya Renovation

Renovating Your Akiya
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What Is a 6DK? Understanding Traditional Japanese Floorplans
Date
June 10, 2025

What Is a 6DK? Understanding Traditional Japanese Floorplans

All Things Akiya
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How to Pitch Your Own Akiya Story for the OHJ Blog
Date
June 9, 2025

How to Pitch Your Own Akiya Story for the OHJ Blog

All Things Akiya
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So You Want to Move to Japan and Buy a House? Start Here.
Date
April 11, 2025

So You Want to Move to Japan and Buy a House? Start Here.

All Things Akiya
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Are Millennials the New Owners of Japan’s Forgotten Real Estate?
Date
April 10, 2025

Are Millennials the New Owners of Japan’s Forgotten Real Estate?

All Things Akiya
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The Importance of Having Your Paperwork Ready Before You Sell
Date
March 31, 2025

The Importance of Having Your Paperwork Ready Before You Sell

Selling Your Home in Japan
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How to Stay Organized for a Smooth Closing Process
Date
March 31, 2025

How to Stay Organized for a Smooth Closing Process

Selling Your Home in Japan
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What to Do While Waiting for the Right Offer
Date
March 30, 2025

What to Do While Waiting for the Right Offer

Selling Your Home in Japan
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How Closing Works in Japan: A Seller’s Guide
Date
March 29, 2025

How Closing Works in Japan: A Seller’s Guide

Selling Your Home in Japan
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What to Do If Your Home Hasn’t Sold Yet: Next Steps for Sellers
Date
March 28, 2025

What to Do If Your Home Hasn’t Sold Yet: Next Steps for Sellers

Selling Your Home in Japan
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How Much to Sell Your House For: A Guide for Homeowners in Japan
Date
March 28, 2025

How Much to Sell Your House For: A Guide for Homeowners in Japan

Selling Your Home in Japan
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Should You Accept the First Offer or Wait? A Seller’s Guide
Date
March 27, 2025

Should You Accept the First Offer or Wait? A Seller’s Guide

Selling Your Home in Japan
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How to Stay Patient When Your Home Isn’t Selling as Fast as You’d Like
Date
March 26, 2025

How to Stay Patient When Your Home Isn’t Selling as Fast as You’d Like

Selling Your Home in Japan
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How to Handle Lowball Offers Without Losing Buyers
Date
March 26, 2025

How to Handle Lowball Offers Without Losing Buyers

Selling Your Home in Japan
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Understanding Buyer Questions: What They’ll Ask & How to Answer
Date
March 26, 2025

Understanding Buyer Questions: What They’ll Ask & How to Answer

Selling Your Home in Japan
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Should I Sell or Rent My Home in Japan?
Date
March 25, 2025

Should I Sell or Rent My Home in Japan?

Selling Your Home in Japan
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How to Choose a Real Estate Agent in Japan
Date
March 24, 2025

How to Choose a Real Estate Agent in Japan

Selling Your Home in Japan
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How Much Is Real Estate Commission in Japan?
Date
March 23, 2025

How Much Is Real Estate Commission in Japan?

Selling Your Home in Japan
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Avoiding Legal Pitfalls: What Sellers Need to Watch Out For
Date
March 17, 2025

Avoiding Legal Pitfalls: What Sellers Need to Watch Out For

Selling Your Home in Japan
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Simple Home Improvements to Increase Your Selling Price
Date
March 17, 2025

Simple Home Improvements to Increase Your Selling Price

Selling Your Home in Japan
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How to Price Your Home in Japan for a Fast Sale
Date
March 16, 2025

How to Price Your Home in Japan for a Fast Sale

Selling Your Home in Japan
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Akiya Pricing Strategies: How to Get the Best Deal for Your Property
Date
March 16, 2025

Akiya Pricing Strategies: How to Get the Best Deal for Your Property

Selling Your Home in Japan
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How Long Does It Take to Sell a Home in Japan?
Date
March 15, 2025

How Long Does It Take to Sell a Home in Japan?

Selling Your Home in Japan
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Cash Buyers vs. Mortgages: What It Means for Selling Your Home
Date
March 15, 2025

Cash Buyers vs. Mortgages: What It Means for Selling Your Home

Selling Your Home in Japan
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Can Foreigners Buy My Property? Understanding International Buyers
Date
March 15, 2025

Can Foreigners Buy My Property? Understanding International Buyers

Selling Your Home in Japan
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Common Challenges When Selling a Home in Japan & How to Overcome Them
Date
March 14, 2025

Common Challenges When Selling a Home in Japan & How to Overcome Them

Selling Your Home in Japan
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What Documents Do You Need to Sell Your House in Japan?
Date
March 14, 2025

What Documents Do You Need to Sell Your House in Japan?

Selling Your Home in Japan
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How to List Your Property with Old Houses Japan
Date
March 13, 2025

How to List Your Property with Old Houses Japan

Selling Your Home in Japan
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Selling Your Japanese Home as a Foreigner: What You Need to Know
Date
March 13, 2025

Selling Your Japanese Home as a Foreigner: What You Need to Know

Selling Your Home in Japan
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Understanding the Japanese Real Estate Market Before Selling
Date
March 13, 2025

Understanding the Japanese Real Estate Market Before Selling

Selling Your Home in Japan
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Akiya vs. Traditional Home Sales: What You Need to Know
Date
March 12, 2025

Akiya vs. Traditional Home Sales: What You Need to Know

Selling Your Home in Japan
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How to Sell Your Home in Japan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Date
March 12, 2025

How to Sell Your Home in Japan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Selling Your Home in Japan
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The Best Prefectures for Affordable Old Homes in Japan
Date
February 25, 2025

The Best Prefectures for Affordable Old Homes in Japan

All Things Akiya
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How to Buy a Cheap Home in Japan in 2025: A Beginner’s Guide
Date
February 24, 2025

How to Buy a Cheap Home in Japan in 2025: A Beginner’s Guide

All Things Akiya
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Discover Your Dream Home with Old Houses Japan: The Most Extensive Akiya Bank Across All Regions and Prefectures
Date
February 23, 2025

Discover Your Dream Home with Old Houses Japan: The Most Extensive Akiya Bank Across All Regions and Prefectures

Buying an Akiya Tips
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How to Find an Akiya Near Japan’s National Parks
Date
February 22, 2025

How to Find an Akiya Near Japan’s National Parks

Buying an Akiya Tips
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Starting an Airbnb in Japan: Legal Requirements and Compliance in 2025
Date
February 21, 2025

Starting an Airbnb in Japan: Legal Requirements and Compliance in 2025

Akiya to Airbnb
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Top Tourist Hotspots in Japan: Where to Open Your Airbnb
Date
February 20, 2025

Top Tourist Hotspots in Japan: Where to Open Your Airbnb

Akiya to Airbnb
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Grants and Subsidies for Renovating Old Homes in Japan (2025 Edition)
Date
February 19, 2025

Grants and Subsidies for Renovating Old Homes in Japan (2025 Edition)

Akiya Grants and Programs
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Off-the-Grid Living in Japan: Are Old Houses the Key?
Date
February 18, 2025

Off-the-Grid Living in Japan: Are Old Houses the Key?

All Things Akiya
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Navigating Building Codes and Permits for Akiya Renovations
Date
February 17, 2025

Navigating Building Codes and Permits for Akiya Renovations

Buying an Akiya Tips
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Living in Japan’s Countryside: The Pros and Cons of Rural Life
Date
February 16, 2025

Living in Japan’s Countryside: The Pros and Cons of Rural Life

All Things Akiya
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Adopting a Sustainable Lifestyle in an Akiya Home
Date
February 15, 2025

Adopting a Sustainable Lifestyle in an Akiya Home

Renovating Your Akiya
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Discover How to Find and Acquire a Free Akiya in Japan
Date
February 14, 2025

Discover How to Find and Acquire a Free Akiya in Japan

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The Basics of Investing in Japanese Real Estate: What You Need to Know
Date
February 9, 2025

The Basics of Investing in Japanese Real Estate: What You Need to Know

Investing in Japan
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Turning Forgotten Treasures into Functional Pieces: Repurposing Items Left Behind in an Akiya
Date
February 4, 2025

Turning Forgotten Treasures into Functional Pieces: Repurposing Items Left Behind in an Akiya

Renovating Your Akiya
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How to Spot and Repair Damage from Termites in Japanese Homes
Date
February 1, 2025

How to Spot and Repair Damage from Termites in Japanese Homes

Renovating Your Akiya
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Maintaining Septic Systems in Rural Akiya Properties
Date
January 31, 2025

Maintaining Septic Systems in Rural Akiya Properties

Renovating Your Akiya
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Preserving Traditional Wooden Features in Akiya Properties
Date
January 30, 2025

Preserving Traditional Wooden Features in Akiya Properties

Renovating Your Akiya
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The Role of Sustainability in Japan’s Real Estate Future
Date
January 29, 2025

The Role of Sustainability in Japan’s Real Estate Future

Investing in Japan
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When to Walk Away: Red Flags That an Akiya Might Be Too Expensive to Renovate
Date
January 29, 2025

When to Walk Away: Red Flags That an Akiya Might Be Too Expensive to Renovate

All Things Akiya
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Exploring Hiroshima’s Real Estate Potential
Date
January 28, 2025

Exploring Hiroshima’s Real Estate Potential

Investing in Japan
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Luxury Properties in Tokyo: Are They Worth the Investment?
Date
January 27, 2025

Luxury Properties in Tokyo: Are They Worth the Investment?

Investing in Japan
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Understanding Japan’s Real Estate Financing Options for Foreigners
Date
January 26, 2025

Understanding Japan’s Real Estate Financing Options for Foreigners

Buying an Akiya Tips
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How Japan’s Aging Population Affects the Real Estate Market
Date
January 25, 2025

How Japan’s Aging Population Affects the Real Estate Market

Investing in Japan
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Finding the Right Contractors for Your Akiya Project: Tips on Vetting Builders and Specialists Familiar with Traditional Japanese Homes
Date
January 25, 2025

Finding the Right Contractors for Your Akiya Project: Tips on Vetting Builders and Specialists Familiar with Traditional Japanese Homes

All Things Akiya
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Yokohama: A Coastal City with High Investment Potential
Date
January 24, 2025

Yokohama: A Coastal City with High Investment Potential

Investing in Japan
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Investing in Ski Resorts: Japan’s Growing Winter Tourism Market
Date
January 23, 2025

Investing in Ski Resorts: Japan’s Growing Winter Tourism Market

Investing in Japan
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Japan’s Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A Beginner’s Guide
Date
January 22, 2025

Japan’s Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A Beginner’s Guide

Investing in Japan
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How to Find an Akiya Perfect for Airbnb Hosting
Date
January 21, 2025

How to Find an Akiya Perfect for Airbnb Hosting

Akiya to Airbnb
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Why Compliance is Key: Risks of Illegal Airbnb Hosting in Japan
Date
January 20, 2025

Why Compliance is Key: Risks of Illegal Airbnb Hosting in Japan

Akiya to Airbnb
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A Guide to Sourcing Traditional Japanese Building Materials for Your Akiya Renovation
Date
January 20, 2025

A Guide to Sourcing Traditional Japanese Building Materials for Your Akiya Renovation

All Things Akiya
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Handling Guest Communication as a Foreign Airbnb Host in Japan
Date
January 19, 2025

Handling Guest Communication as a Foreign Airbnb Host in Japan

Akiya to Airbnb
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Foreign-Friendly Resources for Airbnb Hosting in Japan
Date
January 18, 2025

Foreign-Friendly Resources for Airbnb Hosting in Japan

Akiya to Airbnb
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The Benefits of Hosting a Traditional Japanese-Style Airbnb
Date
January 17, 2025

The Benefits of Hosting a Traditional Japanese-Style Airbnb

Akiya to Airbnb
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Why Seasonal Maintenance is Crucial for Akiya Properties
Date
January 16, 2025

Why Seasonal Maintenance is Crucial for Akiya Properties

Renovating Your Akiya
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Foundation Checks: Ensuring the Stability of Your Akiya
Date
January 15, 2025

Foundation Checks: Ensuring the Stability of Your Akiya

Renovating Your Akiya
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Windows and Doors: Securing and Sealing Your Akiya
Date
January 14, 2025

Windows and Doors: Securing and Sealing Your Akiya

Renovating Your Akiya
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Managing Overgrown Gardens in Vacant Properties
Date
January 13, 2025

Managing Overgrown Gardens in Vacant Properties

Renovating Your Akiya
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