What We’ve Learned From Visiting 100 Akiya in Japan

What We’ve Learned From Visiting 100 Akiya in Japan

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Real insights, unexpected truths, and practical lessons from exploring Japan’s forgotten homes

At Old Houses Japan, we’ve personally visited over 100 akiya across the country this year—from snow-covered kominka in Hokkaido to seaside bungalows in Kyushu.

We’ve stepped over collapsed tatami, peeked inside perfectly preserved kura storehouses, and listened to dozens of elderly homeowners explain why they left—or why they never returned.

Here’s what we’ve learned after walking through so many of these homes, and what every potential buyer, renovator, or dreamer should know.

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🏚 1. The Listings Rarely Show the Whole Story

Many akiya listings show:

• Only one or two flattering angles
• Outdated or blurry photos
• Minimal information about condition

But in person, we’ve found:

• Major water damage not disclosed
• Rotting floorboards hidden by tatami
• Homes that looked derelict outside but were surprisingly solid inside

💡 Lesson: Never judge an akiya by the cover photo. If you can’t visit in person, work with someone who will.

🏔 2. The Most Beautiful Homes Are Often in the Most Remote Places

Some of the most incredible properties we’ve seen were:

• Nestled in mountain valleys only locals know
• Hidden down single-lane farm roads
• Abandoned by families decades ago, but still holding their shape

These homes often have:

• Old-growth timber, wide beams, irori hearths
• Garden space, outbuildings, and views that are impossible to buy in the city
• A sense of stillness you can’t put into words

💡 Lesson: If you’re willing to go where Google Maps stops, you’ll find treasure.

💡 3. Not All Akiya Are “Abandoned”

In fact, many:

• Still have a living owner
• Are used seasonally or for storage
• Are left untouched for emotional reasons (inheritance, trauma, etc.)

We've walked into akiya where:

• Family photos still line the walls
• Food sat untouched on the shelves
• Buddhist altars were kept dust-free by neighbors

💡 Lesson: These homes often carry stories. The process is not just physical—it’s emotional, for everyone involved.

🛠 4. Some Homes Are “Free” Because They’re Very Expensive

Yes, free homes exist. But we’ve found:

• Many need ¥3–10 million in repairs just to be livable
• Some are burdened by unregistered land, unclear ownership, or unpaid taxes
• Others are located in towns with no schools, shops, or regular transport

💡 Lesson: “Free” isn’t always cheap—and sometimes a ¥2 million home is the real deal.

🧱 5. Japanese Craftsmanship Is Resilient

We’ve entered homes built:

• 70, 90, even over 100 years ago
• With no insulation, no concrete, and no modern tools
• Yet many were still standing strong after decades of neglect

Traditional Japanese architecture—post-and-beam, clay walls, raised foundations—survives better than expected, even in typhoon or snow-heavy areas.

💡 Lesson: Don’t write off an old home until a professional has assessed it. That creaky house might just need a new roof and a fresh floor.

💬 6. The Town Matters Just as Much as the House

In some towns, we were:

• Greeted by warm neighbors and helpful city officials
• Offered local grants, renovation guides, and introductions to builders
• Encouraged to join festivals, events, and town life

In others, we were:

• Met with silence or suspicion
• Told “foreigners can’t buy here” (not legally true, but socially complex)
• Given no help with paperwork or interpretation

💡 Lesson: The people, policies, and energy of the town will shape your experience just as much as the home itself.

🌿 7. Not Every Akiya Is Meant to Be Saved

We’ve walked into homes where:

• Ceilings had caved in
• Mold covered every surface
• Termites had turned support beams to dust

Some homes are beyond renovation—and that’s okay. The land might still have value, or it may just be better to start over.

💡 Lesson: Fall in love with the idea, but stay rooted in reality. Not every akiya can—or should—be brought back.

🧭 How Old Houses Japan Helps

After visiting over 100 akiya, we’ve learned to:

• Ask the right questions before the showing
• Spot hidden issues even when agents can’t
• Build relationships with owners, neighbors, and town offices
• Know when to walk away—and when to say: this is the one

We don’t just list homes. We walk them. We listen. And we help you make the right call, every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

Exploring 100 akiya has taught us this: every home is a story.
Some are sad. Some are strange. Some are absolutely magical.

But with the right mindset, a little patience, and the right support, you might just find a home that changes your life—and brings new life to a place long forgotten.

Let Old Houses Japan help you find your place in that story.