🖥 Can You Work Remotely From a Japanese Akiya?

Imagine waking up in a 100-year-old kominka nestled in the mountains, brewing tea in a sunlit kitchen, and logging into Zoom with a view of rice fields behind you.
Sound like a dream? It’s not—more and more digital nomads and remote workers are living and working from akiya homes across Japan.

If you're thinking about buying an abandoned or vacant home in Japan and turning it into your base for remote work, here's everything you need to know—from internet speeds to visa types and what to expect in daily life.

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💡 Yes, You Can Work Remotely From a Japanese Akiya

In short: yes—as long as you plan ahead.
Remote work from rural Japan is absolutely possible, and in some ways, even more peaceful and productive than city life.

We’ve helped clients turn akiya into:

• Creative studios
• Home offices
• Content creation hubs
• Airbnb+Work locations
• Remote tech or consulting bases

📶 The Internet Situation: Can You Get High-Speed Wi-Fi?

Yes, but coverage varies. Here’s what you need to know:

🟢 Good Coverage (Fiber-Optic Available)

• Semi-rural towns and suburbs
• Near train stations or existing neighborhoods
• Many homes already wired for NTT fiber

🟡 Moderate Coverage (WiMAX or Mobile Router Needed)

• Countryside homes or villages
• May require line installation or LTE-based solution

🔴 Poor Coverage (No Signal or Dial-Up)

• Deep in the mountains or remote islands
• May require satellite internet or relocation of router towers

✅ Tip: We can check internet availability by address before you buy.
In fact, we often include internet feasibility as part of our OHJ property reports.

🛂 What Visa Do You Need to Work Remotely in Japan?

To live and work remotely in Japan, you must legally reside in the country. Here's a breakdown of options:

1. Business Manager Visa

Start your own business (e.g., content studio, online shop, guesthouse).
You’ll need to:

• Invest ¥5 million (~$34,000 USD)
• Register a Japanese business
• Show a real office (your akiya counts!)

2. Spouse Visa

If you’re married to a Japanese national or permanent resident, this visa allows full freedom to work from home.

3. Engineer/Specialist Visa

Already employed by a Japanese company? You can live in an akiya while working remotely.

4. Self-Sponsored Freelance Visa (More complex)

If you have clients and tax history in Japan, you may qualify by showing steady income.

❌ Note: Japan does not (yet) offer a digital nomad visa.

🪑 What Makes an Akiya a Great Remote Work Base?

✔ Privacy – No loud neighbors or tiny walls
✔ Space – Set up a dedicated office, studio, or soundproof recording room
✔ Inspiration – Beautiful surroundings spark creativity
✔ Low Cost – No ¥300,000/month Tokyo rent
✔ Mental Clarity – Nature helps with focus and balance

🧱 Akiya Renovation Tips for Remote Work

If you're renovating your akiya, here’s how to make it WFH-friendly:

• Upgrade insulation for year-round comfort
• Install strong Wi-Fi with extenders for kominka layouts
• Add a dedicated workspace with natural light
• Consider a studio shed or second building on the lot
• Invest in noise insulation for Zoom calls or recording content

🌐 Stories From the Field

💬 Claire (Content Creator, Canada)

“I renovated a ¥1.5M akiya into a studio for my YouTube channel. It’s peaceful, productive, and I finally feel like I’m living my dream life in Japan.”

💬 Andre (DevOps Engineer, Germany)

“I work East Coast hours from the Japanese countryside. No commute, better food, and I still make meetings from my tatami office.”

🧭 How to Get Started

Here’s your quick-start checklist:

1. Check internet availability at the property address
2. Choose a visa path that allows remote work
3. Buy or lease an akiya with space for living + work
4. Renovate with functionality and comfort in mind
5. Register your home address with the local city office
6. Set up utilities, Wi-Fi, and your workspace

We help with all of this.

🧘‍♀️ Final Thoughts: From Remote Work to Real Living

Living in Japan while working remotely from a traditional home isn’t just possible—it’s one of the most freeing and inspiring ways to experience the country.

Your akiya doesn’t have to be just a place to live—it can be a base for creativity, productivity, and peace.

🚀 Want to Work From a House in Japan?

Old Houses Japan makes it easy to:

• Find remote-work-suitable akiya homes
• Verify internet access
• Plan for visas and renovations
• Turn dream homes into real ones

📩 Start your remote work journey »