Best Prefectures for Foreign Buyers Looking for Quiet

Best Prefectures for Foreign Buyers Looking for Quiet

If the city lights and tourist crowds aren’t your thing—and you’re dreaming instead of starry skies, soft breezes, and the quiet rhythm of rural life—then buying a home in the Japanese countryside might be the perfect fit.

But not all prefectures are created equal when it comes to peace, affordability, accessibility, and foreign-friendliness. Whether you’re after total seclusion or a small town with community charm, these are some of the best prefectures in Japan for foreign buyers looking for quiet—and the lifestyle that comes with it.

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1. Shimane Prefecture – Peace, History, and Underrated Coastlines

Shimane is one of Japan’s least populated prefectures—and one of its most peaceful. From the quiet castle town of Matsue to the coastal fishing villages of Oda and Masuda, it’s packed with affordable akiya, deep cultural roots, and low-key living.

✅ Why it's great:

• Quiet towns, low traffic, and stunning nature
• Many akiya homes near the sea or rice fields
• Little tourism = true escape
• Supportive municipalities for relocation

💡 Perfect for: Writers, retirees, or anyone seeking a life away from everything but beauty.

2. Kochi Prefecture – Surf, Rivers, and Zero Crowds

Kochi sits on Shikoku’s Pacific coast and offers a rare mix of wild ocean, clean rivers, and almost total solitude in some towns. You can still find whole homes with land for under ¥1 million here—and the locals are known for their warmth.

✅ Why it's great:

• Laid-back, outdoor lifestyle
• Affordable properties inland and along the coast
• Excellent surfing, kayaking, and hiking
• Minimal tourist traffic

💡 Perfect for: Surfers, nature lovers, and digital nomads who want community but not congestion.

3. Nagano Prefecture – Mountain Life Without Isolation

Nagano offers a rare combo: quiet villages, clean air, and real infrastructure. With high-speed train lines and mountain towns that never feel overcrowded, it’s one of the easiest ways to live rurally without sacrificing too much access.

✅ Why it's great:

• Cooler summers, snowy winters
• Ski chalet akiya and traditional kominka available
• Good road and rail access
• Farmer’s markets, onsens, and clean air

💡 Perfect for: Remote workers, homesteaders, and people who want “quiet” without being cut off.

4. Tottori Prefecture – Hidden and Peaceful (But Still Gorgeous)

Tottori is Japan’s least populated prefecture—and possibly its best-kept secret. Think empty beaches, vast farmland, and mountains without the tourism. If you’re looking for the ultimate slow life, Tottori is it.

✅ Why it's great:

• Extremely low property prices
• Very few tourists
• Mountain and sea in one prefecture
• Close-knit, welcoming communities

💡 Perfect for: Deep retreats, off-grid living, or low-cost retirement.

5. Ehime Prefecture – Island Calm with Mainland Access

Located in western Shikoku, Ehime is peaceful without being hard to reach. It’s known for hot springs, castles, and the Seto Inland Sea, and many akiya are located in scenic valleys or near the water.

✅ Why it's great:

• Slower pace of life
• Strong local culture, but foreigner-friendly
• Warm climate and beautiful cycling routes
• Active akiya programs

💡 Perfect for: Couples or creatives who want nature and community in balance.

6. Akita Prefecture – Northern Stillness and Forests

If you want serious seclusion, head north. Akita offers vast stretches of forest, deep winters, and traditional farming villages where time moves slower. Plus, it’s home to some of the most affordable real estate in the country.

✅ Why it's great:

• Remote mountain homes
• Hot springs, hiking, and wild beauty
• Low cost of living
• Traditional festivals and culture

💡 Perfect for: Off-grid living, snow lovers, and those wanting peace on a deep level.

What to Expect Living in a Quiet Prefecture

• 🛻 A car is usually necessary
• 🧱 Homes may need renovation (and patience)
• 💬 Language barrier can be real in more remote towns
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 You’ll stand out—but also be welcomed if you engage
• 🌱 You’ll trade convenience for peace—but it’s worth it

How Old Houses Japan Helps

We guide quiet-seeking buyers by:

• Recommending prefectures that match your lifestyle goals
• Finding akiya in non-touristy towns
• Communicating with local agents and city offices
• Helping you manage renovation and move-in logistics
• Offering tips on community integration and long-term living

Whether you want silence for your art, a place to retire, or land to build your slow life—we’ll help you get there.

Final Thoughts

The most peaceful places in Japan don’t shout—they whisper. And for foreign buyers seeking stillness, these prefectures offer the chance to live differently, more slowly, and more intentionally.

Want help finding your quiet corner of Japan? Old Houses Japan is ready when you are.