🌍 Best Towns for Foreigners Buying Akiya Homes in 2025

Japan’s akiya boom has opened doors for adventurous buyers worldwide. With hundreds of thousands of abandoned homes scattered across the country, the question isn’t if you can buy an akiya—it’s where.

For foreigners, the right town can make all the difference. Accessibility, community support, tourism potential, and local government attitude all affect how easy (and rewarding) your akiya journey will be.

Here are the best towns for foreigners buying akiya homes in 2025.

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🏔 1. Karuizawa, Nagano

Why it’s great:

• Just over an hour from Tokyo via Shinkansen.
• Popular with urban Japanese and international buyers.
• Four-season appeal: skiing, hiking, hot springs, and summer retreats.

Why foreigners love it:

• Bilingual agents and service providers are common.
• Strong rental demand for vacation homes.
• International community already thriving here.

💡 Best for: Buyers who want countryside charm with city convenience.

🌊 2. Onomichi, Hiroshima

Why it’s great:

• Coastal town famous for cycling along the Shimanami Kaido.
• Strong tourism scene, with cafes, guesthouses, and art culture.
• Affordable akiya stock in scenic settings.

Why foreigners love it:

• Known as an artsy, international-friendly hub.
• Creative scene attracts expats and digital nomads.
• Local government actively promotes revitalization.

💡 Best for: Buyers seeking community + tourism-driven ROI.

🏯 3. Kanazawa, Ishikawa

Why it’s great:

• Historic samurai and geisha districts.
• Easy Shinkansen access from Tokyo.
• Rising tourism makes it one of Japan’s hottest cultural cities.

Why foreigners love it:

• A balance of traditional culture and modern amenities.
• Plenty of akiya in surrounding villages at affordable prices.
• Strong art, food, and craft culture.

💡 Best for: Buyers who want history and elegance with income potential.

🏝 4. Okinawa Islands

Why it’s great:

• Subtropical climate, beaches, diving, and resort appeal.
• Akiya available inland at affordable prices compared to coastal resorts.
• Growing remote-worker and retiree population.

Why foreigners love it:

• Laid-back island lifestyle.
• Rental demand from domestic + international tourists.
• More open, multicultural vibe compared to mainland Japan.

💡 Best for: Buyers seeking sun, sand, and Airbnb opportunities.

🏙 5. Fukuoka City & Surroundings

Why it’s great:

• Kyushu’s biggest city—growing tech hub with urban convenience.
• Affordable akiya in nearby towns within commuting distance.
• Airport and Shinkansen connections make it accessible.

Why foreigners love it:

• Cosmopolitan, young, and foreigner-friendly.
• Easy balance of work opportunities and rural getaways.
• Akiya in Fukuoka’s countryside offer both lifestyle and income potential.

💡 Best for: Buyers who want a city base with countryside escapes nearby.

🏞 6. Matsumoto, Nagano

Why it’s great:

• Scenic castle town surrounded by the Japanese Alps.
• Vibrant local food and craft scene.
• Hiking, skiing, and onsen within reach.

Why foreigners love it:

• Slower pace with solid infrastructure.
• Akiya homes in the countryside still affordable.
• Growing reputation as a livable, creative hub.

💡 Best for: Buyers who want an alpine lifestyle with year-round activity.

🛶 7. Kagawa Coastal Towns (Takamatsu, Naoshima Area)

Why it’s great:

• Heart of Japan’s art islands, drawing global visitors.
• Coastal scenery and cheap akiya inland.
• Local governments actively supporting newcomers.

Why foreigners love it:

• Affordable entry point compared to big-name cities.
• Chance to blend into art and culture-driven revitalization projects.
• Unique setting for guesthouses and creative ventures.

💡 Best for: Buyers seeking culture + community revitalization.

🧭 Final Thoughts

The best towns for foreigners buying akiya in 2025 are those that offer:

• Accessibility (Shinkansen, airports, good roads)
• Welcoming communities
• Tourism or creative potential
• Affordable but promising real estate

Whether you’re drawn to Nagano’s mountains, Hiroshima’s coasts, Ishikawa’s culture, or Okinawa’s beaches, there’s a town waiting to match your lifestyle and investment goals.

🏡 Need Help Finding the Right Town for You?

At Old Houses Japan, we specialize in guiding foreign buyers to towns where they’ll thrive. With access to 300+ akiya banks nationwide, we’ll match you to properties in communities that fit your vision.