Can You Buy in a Depopulated Village and Still Get Internet?

Can You Buy in a Depopulated Village and Still Get Internet?

So, you found the perfect akiya. It’s cheap, it’s surrounded by rice fields and forest, and it’s in a village where the only sounds at night are wind and crickets. But then the question hits:

Can I actually get internet here?

If you’re a remote worker, digital nomad, or just someone who relies on a stable connection to live and work, this is one of the most important things to check before buying a home in the Japanese countryside.

Here’s what you need to know about buying in depopulated villages—and what your options are for staying connected.

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🛰 First, Yes—You Can Get Internet in Most Rural Areas

Japan consistently ranks among the world’s most connected countries, and fiber-optic infrastructure (光回線 / hikari kaisen) has reached surprisingly deep into the countryside.

Even many villages marked by population decline (限界集落 / genkai shūraku) still have:

• Fiber lines to community hubs or schools
• Mobile signal coverage from at least one carrier
• A history of residents who relied on phone or fax-based services (that have since transitioned to mobile)

But “most” doesn’t mean all—and the final answer comes down to location, providers, and terrain.

🔍 How to Check Internet Availability Before You Buy

Here’s what to do:

1. Ask the seller or real estate agent directly
   They may know whether fiber, DSL, or LTE is available at the property.
2. Search your address on major ISP websites
   Use sites like:
   • NTT East/West (for fiber availability)
   • au Hikari, SoftBank Hikari, or NURO
     Just plug in the address and see what comes up.
3. Use the "Speed Map" tools from telecom providers
   Companies like docomo and Rakuten Mobile publish live maps showing 4G/5G coverage across Japan.
4. Contact the local city office or akiya bank
   If the house is in a small village, local officials often know exactly what’s available—and may even be trying to attract remote workers.

✅ Tip: Use Google Maps street view to check for utility poles with fiber tags (white labels with "光" on them). It’s a DIY sign of fiber availability.

🌐 What If There’s No Fiber? Alternative Internet Options

If you’ve fallen in love with a home but it doesn’t have fiber, don’t panic. Here are your backup plans:

📡 1. Pocket Wi-Fi or 4G/5G Routers

• Uses mobile network data
• Reliable in areas with good signal
• Speeds vary, but can reach 50–150 Mbps in many places

Great for: Most tasks, including streaming and video calls

🚀 2. Starlink (Satellite Internet)

• Elon Musk’s Starlink is now available in Japan
• Works in very remote places with clear sky access
• Speeds of 100–200 Mbps in many areas

Great for: Off-grid or mountainous homes with no mobile signal

🔌 3. Local Cable or Wireless Cooperatives

• Some rural areas have small telecom co-ops offering niche solutions
• May involve rooftop antennas or shared infrastructure
• Coverage varies wildly—but can be solid

Great for: Hyper-local communities that support alternative infrastructure

🏠 What This Means for Buying in Depopulated Villages

You absolutely can buy a home in the middle of nowhere and still stay connected—but you must confirm before you commit.

Here’s how to approach it:

• Check before you buy, not after
• Budget for installation—some homes require wiring upgrades
• Verify power stability, especially if you’ll be working or using electric heating
• Consider seasonality—weather can affect signal strength in remote areas

How Old Houses Japan Helps

We assist buyers by:

• Verifying internet availability for akiya listings
• Contacting ISPs or city offices on your behalf
• Recommending the best setup for your needs (fiber, LTE, satellite, or hybrid)
• Connecting you with bilingual tech setup support in rural areas
• Helping remote workers, digital nomads, and tech-savvy buyers live confidently in the countryside

Whether you're Zooming into client meetings or uploading YouTube videos from a rice terrace—we make sure your home is ready for it.

Final Thoughts

Yes—you can buy in a depopulated village and still get internet. But it’s not guaranteed, and the details matter.

With the right prep, there’s no reason you can’t have both: a peaceful, remote home and the connectivity to keep living life on your terms.

Let Old Houses Japan help you find a home that’s unplugged from the noise—but still plugged into the world.