Home Insurance in Japan: Protecting Your Old House or Akiya Investment

Why Old Houses in Japan Require Special Insurance Considerations

If you’ve purchased—or are considering buying—an old house (akiya) in Japan, insurance is a key part of protecting your investment.

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These homes are full of charm and history, but they often have higher exposure to risk due to:

• Older building materials that may be less fire-resistant.
• Pre-1981 construction that may not meet current earthquake safety standards.
• Rural locations where weather extremes or delayed emergency response can increase potential damage.

For foreign buyers, navigating Japan’s insurance market can be tricky—but the right coverage and provider make all the difference.

The Main Types of Property Insurance in Japan

Fire Insurance (Kasai-hoken / 火災保険)

This is the core coverage most homeowners start with. It typically protects against:

• Fire and lightning
• Explosions
• Wind and snow damage
• Theft and vandalism

However, it does not cover earthquake, tsunami, or volcanic damage, which is where earthquake insurance comes in.

Earthquake Insurance (Jishin-hoken / 地震保険)

This is an optional add-on to fire insurance and covers:

• Earthquake-related damage to your building and contents
• Damage from volcanic eruptions and tsunamis

Note: Payouts are often calculated as a percentage of your fire insurance coverage, not the full rebuild cost.

Average Home Insurance Costs for Older Properties

While costs vary depending on location, age, and structure type:

• Fire Insurance: ¥10,000–¥20,000/year
• Earthquake Insurance: ¥7,300–¥32,600/year
• Typical total for older homes: Around ¥50,000/year

Wooden homes in high-risk earthquake zones or rural snow regions can be on the higher end of this range.

Retrofitting and Risk Reduction

Many local governments offer grants and low-interest loans for seismic retrofitting, especially for homes built before 1981. Benefits include:

• Lower risk of severe earthquake damage
• Potential insurance premium discounts of up to 50%
• Improved resale value if you decide to sell in the future

Seasonal Risks to Consider for Old Houses

• Winter: Heavy snow can damage older roofs and gutters.
• Summer: Typhoons can cause wind and flooding damage.
• Year-round: Earthquakes remain a major concern in many parts of Japan.

Best Home Insurance Providers for Foreign Buyers

If you’re a non-Japanese resident, language and paperwork can be major hurdles. These companies are known for being foreigner-friendly:

Foreigner-Friendly Insurers (Shortlist)

• TRINITY Inc. — English support from quote to claims
• Chubb Insurance Japan — global brand, English assistance
• AIG Japan — broad options, multilingual resources
• Tokio Marine Nichido — works well via brokers used to foreign clients
• Sompo Japan — large network, flexible for non-residents

Tip: If you’re remote, pair your policy with a bilingual concierge/mail service to manage renewals and notices.

Key Takeaways for Old House Buyers

• Combine fire and earthquake insurance for full coverage.
• Check if your local municipality offers retrofitting grants.
• Choose a provider with English support if you’re not fluent in Japanese.
• Review your policy every few years—especially after renovations.

Final Word

Buying an old home in Japan is an adventure worth protecting. With the right coverage, you can enjoy your property knowing that fire, earthquakes, and seasonal risks are covered—and that help is just a phone call away, in a language you understand.