Top 10 Japanese Towns With the Most Free House Offers

Top 10 Japanese Towns With the Most Free House Offers

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Where to Look if You Want a Home in Japan for ¥0—and What to Know Before You Claim One

You’ve seen the headlines: “Japan is giving away houses!”
And yes—it’s true. Some towns across Japan really are offering homes for free, or nearly free, as part of broader efforts to combat depopulation and revitalize shrinking communities.

But not all free homes are listed publicly, and not all towns offer them equally.

Based on akiya bank data, municipal records, and listings from platforms like FreeAkiya.com, which is brought to you by Old Houses Japan, where are the top 10 towns and cities in Japan currently offering the most “free house” opportunities—plus what to expect from each one.

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🏡 What Does “Free House” Really Mean?

In most cases, these are homes that are:

• Offered at ¥0, but the buyer must pay registration, taxes, and renovations
• Given in exchange for a commitment to live in or renovate the home
• Sometimes bundled with grants or subsidies from local government
• Often old, unmaintained, or partially damaged structures

While they're technically “free,” buyers should budget ¥1M–¥5M yen for repairs depending on condition.

🏆 Top 10 Towns With the Most Free House Offers (2025)

1. Okutama, Tokyo (Tokyo Metropolis)

✅ Yes—free homes exist even in Tokyo!
This remote mountain town on the western edge of Tokyo offers abandoned homes to families willing to relocate. Their akiya bank is active, with homes starting at ¥0 for long-term residents.

Why it's great:

• Access to Tokyo
• Stunning natural surroundings
• Active local support for newcomers

Sources: Okutama Akiya Bank

2. Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture

A historic town often called "Little Kyoto of the West," Tsuwano offers free akiya to families and creatives interested in settling long-term.

Why it's great:

• Preserved samurai-era streets
• Culture-friendly town
• Government incentives for children and home repairs

Sources: Tsuwano Town Website

3. Shirosato, Ibaraki Prefecture

This small agricultural town near Mito has made headlines for giving away akiya to young couples and entrepreneurs.

Why it's great:

• Close to Tokyo (2 hours by train)
• Well-documented free housing program
• Includes farmland options

Sources: Shirosato Town PR Program

4. Yuni, Hokkaido

Yuni is actively trying to rebuild its population by offering akiya at ¥0—especially to people interested in agriculture, tourism, or remote work.

Why it’s great:

• Open spaces, natural beauty
• Focused on revitalizing the town through newcomers
• Proximity to Sapporo

Sources: Yuni Town Hall

5. Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture

The Tokushima regional akiya bank has several free or nearly-free homes, especially in outer wards and surrounding towns.

Why it’s great:

• Shikoku access and affordability
• Government interest in cultural revitalization
• Popular with foreign buyers looking for smaller cities

Sources: Tokushima Akiya Bank

6. Hino, Tottori Prefecture

This mountain village offers free akiya to families and entrepreneurs, with grants for remodeling and business use.

Why it’s great:

• Proactive town with relocation incentives
• Offers cash for child-rearing and business startups
• Near hiking trails and beautiful forests

Sources: Hino Town Relocation Page

7. Nagawa, Nagano Prefecture

Located in Nagano’s countryside, Nagawa gives away homes to families under 45, with special incentives for those with children.

Why it’s great:

• Proximity to ski resorts and nature
• Strong infrastructure for such a small town
• Stunning traditional architecture

Sources: Nagawa Akiya Bank

8. Kamiyama, Tokushima Prefecture

Kamiyama is famous for embracing rural tech startups and creative residents, offering akiya at low or no cost.

Why it’s great:

• Fast internet for remote workers
• Art, IT, and farming all supported
• Known for successful rural revitalization

Sources: Kamiyama Creative Village

9. Sakuragawa, Ibaraki Prefecture

This town runs one of Japan’s most accessible akiya programs—with free homes, language support, and clear steps for buyers.

Why it’s great:

• Under 2 hours from Tokyo
• Clean website with updated listings
• Close to hiking and onsen towns

Sources: Sakuragawa City Akiya Bank

10. Iki Island, Nagasaki Prefecture

Yes, even islands are in on the action. Iki offers free or symbolic-cost homes in exchange for island residency and contribution to the local community.

Why it’s great:

• Ocean views, fresh seafood, rich history
• Isolated but peaceful
• Tourism and agriculture potential

Sources: Iki Island Relocation Office

🧠 What to Know Before You Claim a Free Home

• 📝 Application paperwork is real. You'll need ID, a plan, and sometimes a Japanese address.
• 🔧 “Free” doesn’t mean turnkey. Budget for renovation, plumbing, and pest control.
• 🧑‍💼 Some towns require interviews or residency commitments (usually 5+ years).
• 💬 Language support varies. You may need a bilingual liaison or agent.
• 🏛️ Expect taxes and registration fees even if the house itself is free.

📚 Sources & Listings

• FreeAkiya.com
• Akiya & Inaka
• Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs & Communications
• Individual akiya banks for each listed municipality

🧭 How Old Houses Japan Helps

We support free house seekers by:

• Vetting listings for legitimacy and condition
• Helping with paperwork, negotiations, and language
• Connecting you with town officials and agents
• Advising on grants, renovation options, and timelines
• Offering honest insight into whether “free” is right for you

Final Thoughts

Free homes in Japan are real—but claiming one takes more than luck. With the right town, the right plan, and the right support, you can turn an abandoned house into your next adventure.

Let Old Houses Japan help you find the free home that’s truly worth the move.