Top Regions for Remote Workers Buying in Japan

Top Regions for Remote Workers Buying in Japan

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Where Digital Nomads and Remote Professionals Are Putting Down Roots—and Why

Japan’s countryside may be known for its aging population and empty homes, but there’s a new wave moving in: remote workers.

Thanks to flexible work arrangements, a weak yen, and a growing ecosystem of digital tools and real estate platforms, more remote professionals—both foreign and domestic—are buying property in rural Japan than ever before.

If you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or work-from-anywhere creative, here are the top regions in Japan where remote workers are choosing to settle, and what makes each area uniquely appealing.

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💻 Why Remote Workers Are Choosing Japan

• Affordability: Homes in rural Japan cost a fraction of what you’d pay in Tokyo, Kyoto, or overseas cities.
• Safety: Japan continues to rank among the safest countries in the world.
• Lifestyle: Mountains, rice fields, beaches, and historic towns offer peace and inspiration.
• Connectivity: Fiber internet is surprisingly widespread—even in the countryside.
• Visa opportunities: Some remote workers qualify for cultural, investor, or startup visas.

🏆 Top Regions for Remote Workers Buying in Japan (2025)

1. Nagano Prefecture

Why it's popular:

• Cool summers, mountain views, and excellent skiing
• Strong infrastructure with Shinkansen access to Tokyo
• Active creative communities in towns like Matsumoto, Ueda, and Komoro
• Many homes have gardens, workshops, or extra buildings for studios

💡 Bonus: Some areas offer coworking spaces and fast fiber internet in renovated kominka.

2. Kyoto Prefecture (Outside Kyoto City)

Why it's popular:

• Towns like Ayabe, Fukuchiyama, and Miyama are attracting creatives, remote workers, and boutique guesthouse owners
• Strong support from local governments for revitalization and foreign ownership
• Historic homes with easy access to Kyoto via local rail lines
• A balance of tradition and innovation

💡 Look for: Akiya properties with engawa views and access to JR lines.

3. Okinawa Prefecture

Why it's popular:

• Subtropical climate, beaches, and laid-back island life
• Fast-growing community of remote workers and freelancers
• Local governments offering incentives for relocation and business startups
• Reasonable real estate costs compared to mainland resort areas

💡 Note: While dreamy, Okinawa can be humid and typhoon-prone—choose elevation wisely.

4. Yamanashi Prefecture

Why it's popular:

• Just 1–2 hours from Tokyo by train or car
• Mt. Fuji views, vineyards, and hot springs
• Ideal for part-time remote workers or hybrid commuters
• Growing popularity with Tokyo expats and telecommuters

💡 Best towns: Fujikawaguchiko, Kofu, and Hokuto

5. Kamiyama, Tokushima (Shikoku)

Why it’s popular:

• Famous for its “startup village” model
• Strong fiber internet and a culture of remote collaboration
• Local grants for relocating creatives, IT workers, and business founders
• Surrounded by nature but connected to Japan’s innovation ecosystem

💡 Pro tip: Kamiyama even offers coworking residency programs and creative visas.

6. Beppu & Yufuin, Oita Prefecture

Why it's popular:

• Thermal hot springs, scenic mountains, and creative enclaves
• Strong regional revitalization efforts with foreign-friendly outreach
• Affordable akiya with guesthouse and home-office potential
• Popular among remote wellness professionals and digital nomads

💡 Great region for: Building a balance between work, wellness, and tourism.

7. Karuizawa, Nagano

Why it’s popular:

• High-end resort town with cool summers and strong infrastructure
• Direct Shinkansen access to Tokyo in just over an hour
• Popular among executives, remote creatives, and entrepreneurs
• Great restaurants, cafes, coworking spaces, and international flair

💡 Note: Prices here are higher than most countryside towns but still far cheaper than Tokyo.

🧠 What Remote Workers Are Looking For

• 🧑‍💻 Fast and stable internet
• 🏠 Space for an office or studio
• ☕ Cafés or coworking hubs
• 🛒 Proximity to essentials (grocery, train, post office)
• 🌿 Quiet, safe, and inspiring surroundings
• 🧾 Support for visa, taxes, or business setup (especially for freelancers)

📚 Sources

• Japan Startup Visa Program – Kamiyama Model
• Furusato Kaiki Support Center (Local Relocation Data)
• [Old Houses Japan buyer trends and inquiries – internal data 2024–2025]
• Global Remote Work Index – Safety, Internet, Cost Rankings
• Google Trends – “Move to Japan remote work”

🧭 How Old Houses Japan Helps

We support remote workers by:

• Identifying akiya in fiber-connected regions with remote work potential
• Highlighting homes with ideal layouts for home offices, studios, or rentals
• Connecting buyers to visa help, legal support, and renovation experts
• Offering buyer guides tailored to digital nomads and creatives
• Curating properties in regions welcoming to international remote workers

Final Thoughts

Japan’s countryside isn’t just for retirees or nostalgia-seekers anymore. For remote professionals, it offers a peaceful, connected, and deeply fulfilling lifestyle—with homes you can actually afford.

Let Old Houses Japan help you find a house that fits not just your needs—but your rhythm.