How to Contact City Hall About a Vacant Property in Japan

How to Contact City Hall About a Vacant Property in Japan

If you've found a vacant home in Japan—or have your eye on an akiya that’s not listed for sale—you might be wondering how to get more information. In many cases, the best place to start is City Hall (市役所 / shiyakusho). Municipal offices manage local property data, akiya banks, taxes, and infrastructure—and can often help you learn more about an empty property’s status.

But how do you contact City Hall in Japan? What should you ask? And what can you realistically expect as a non-Japanese speaker?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to contacting local government about a vacant property in Japan, whether you’re already in the country or overseas.

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Why Contact City Hall?

City Hall staff can help you:

• Confirm if a home is officially registered as vacant
• Check if it’s listed in the local akiya bank (空き家バンク)
• Provide the land registration number (地番 / chiban)
• Share zoning or building use restrictions
• Identify the current owner (in some cases)
• Explain how to apply for subsidies or renovation grants
• Provide information about roads, water, and utility access

Not every home is listed publicly—especially in rural areas. City staff may have internal records or insight not available online.

Step 1: Identify the Municipality

First, determine which city, town, or village the property is located in. You’ll need:

• The full address, or
• The land parcel number (if you have a map or blueprint)

Look up the corresponding City Hall (市役所), Town Hall (町役場), or Village Office (村役場) online. Many municipalities have a dedicated akiya page on their website with contact info.

Step 2: Prepare What to Say (or Write)

If you're not fluent in Japanese, it’s best to write a short message in both Japanese and English, like:

"こんにちは。空き家の情報を探しています。以下の住所の物件について、市役所で確認できることを教えていただけますか？

I’m interested in information about a vacant house. Could you please let me know what information is available at City Hall for the following address?"

Then include:

• The address of the property
• Any photos or maps you have
• Your name and contact information
• A clear request for what you’d like to know (owner info, listing status, road access, etc.)

Most cities prefer to communicate in Japanese. If you're not confident writing it, use a simple translation tool, or have a bilingual friend help you.

Step 3: Choose How to Contact Them

🖥 Email
This is the most common and low-pressure method. Look for a “Contact Us” form or direct email address on the city website.

📞 Phone Call
If you speak Japanese—or have someone who can call on your behalf—this is often the fastest way to get answers.

🏢 In Person
If you’re already in Japan, visit City Hall directly. Go to the Kensetsu-ka (建設課 - construction division) or Toshi-keikaku-ka (都市計画課 - city planning division). Be respectful, bring documents, and speak slowly.

✍️ Fax
Yes, some smaller city offices still use fax machines. If that’s the only option listed, you can use an online fax service to send your inquiry.

Step 4: Be Patient and Respectful

City Hall staff are usually helpful but may:

• Take time to reply
• Only respond in Japanese
• Ask for additional documents
• Decline to share private ownership info due to privacy laws

If they can’t help you directly, they may refer you to:

• A local real estate agent
• The municipal akiya coordinator
• A neighborhood association

How Old Houses Japan Helps

We contact City Halls across Japan every day to gather:

• Listing availability
• Ownership status (when accessible)
• Akiya bank registration info
• Road width or zoning restrictions
• Utility access confirmation
• Local grant and subsidy programs

If you don’t speak Japanese or just don’t want to deal with bureaucracy, we handle this for you and deliver accurate, verified information in plain English.

Final Thoughts

City Hall is one of the most valuable resources when researching vacant properties in Japan—but getting answers requires preparation, patience, and sometimes a bit of translation help. Whether you're trying to verify a listing or learn more about a seemingly abandoned home, it’s always worth reaching out.

Need help contacting a municipality? Reach out to Old Houses Japan and let us handle the communication so you can focus on finding your future home.