💻 Turning Your Akiya Into a Remote Work Retreat

The world of work has changed. Remote jobs and location independence mean you don’t need to be in Tokyo—or New York—to make a living. For adventurous buyers, an akiya (abandoned house) in rural Japan can become more than just a home. It can be a remote work retreat: a place to live, work, and recharge.

Here’s how to transform an akiya into the perfect base for your digital nomad lifestyle—or even a rentable workation destination for others.

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🏡 Step 1: Choose the Right Property

Not all akiya are created equal. When buying with remote work in mind, prioritize:

• Strong internet access → Fiber (hikari) if possible, or Starlink for remote areas.
• Proximity to transport → Being within 30–60 minutes of a Shinkansen station or airport increases both convenience and rental appeal.
• Quiet surroundings → Forests, rivers, or rice fields create a peaceful backdrop for focus.
• Enough space → A dedicated workroom (or two) makes a big difference for productivity.

💡 Pro Tip: If you plan to rent to digital nomads, location matters more than bargain pricing.

🛠 Step 2: Renovate for Comfort & Function

Most akiya need some love before they’re work-ready. Focus on upgrades that improve livability and workability:

• Insulation & climate control → Ensure year-round comfort with modern heating/cooling.
• Quiet workspace → Convert a tatami room into a soundproof office with good lighting.
• Reliable utilities → Plumbing, septic, and electricity must be updated.
• Kitchen & bathroom modernizations → Remote workers want the basics handled.

Keep traditional charm (wood beams, engawa verandas) while layering in modern comforts.

🌐 Step 3: Get the Internet Right

Digital nomads won’t survive on weak Wi-Fi. Options include:

• Fiber-optic internet (hikari) → Ideal, if coverage exists.
• Home 5G routers → A backup option for smaller towns.
• Starlink → Reliable solution for mountain or coastal villages without fiber.

💡 Offer a secondary connection (like pocket Wi-Fi) as a backup for renters.

🛋 Step 4: Create Inspiring Work + Living Spaces

A retreat isn’t just about getting work done—it’s about feeling renewed.

Design ideas:

• Minimalist Japanese aesthetic → Shoji screens, natural wood, soft lighting.
• Flexible layouts → Moveable partitions to shift between “work” and “relax.”
• Outdoor integration → Engawa decks, garden seating, or mountain-view workstations.
• Communal areas → If renting to groups, create co-working style common rooms.

📈 Step 5: Monetize the Retreat

Once your akiya is remote-work ready, you can turn it into a workation rental property:

• Short-term stays (Airbnb, minpaku) → Market to digital nomads and tourists seeking longer stays.
• Corporate retreats → Offer the space to companies for team-building work trips.
• Subscriptions or memberships → Run a co-living model where remote workers rotate through.

💡 Pair your listing with lifestyle branding: “Escape the city, work in the mountains of Nagano.”

📊 Step 6: Market to the Right Audience

Your audience is global—and they care about the details. Highlight in listings:

• Internet speed (test results included).
• Desk/workspace photos.
• Quiet surroundings and views.
• Local perks (onsen, hiking trails, community experiences).

List on Airbnb, NomadX, Flatio, or even niche digital nomad forums.

🧭 Final Thoughts

An akiya doesn’t have to just sit empty or serve as a weekend getaway. With the right setup, it can become a remote work retreat—a home that blends productivity, nature, and cultural immersion.

For yourself, it’s a way to live affordably while working globally. For others, it’s a business model that taps into the booming workation market.

🏡 Ready to Create a Remote Work Retreat?

At Old Houses Japan, we help buyers find akiya with the right conditions for remote work—and guide renovations to make them inspiring, functional, and profitable.