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    • Spring
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.

        Solace and Giant Salamanders in Akiota

        Just beyond Hiroshima City is a tranquil outdoor destination home to some of Japan's last remaining oosanshouo, the elusive giant salamander.
        Kyoto Oni Trail Outdoor Japanvideo

        The Oni Trail: Hiking Coastal Kyoto

        The mystical oni is prevalent in Japanese children’s stories, usually as a way to scare kids straight. Adventure Travel Kyoto is shedding a new light on this folklore and developing a new hiking route in the countryside of Kyoto.
    • Summer
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        mead brewing in japan

        The Sweet Secrets of Brewing Mead

        Wander into the world of mead brewing and find yourself immersed in a fascinating journey spanning centuries and continents.
        the knights in white lycra

        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
        sea to table yamagata

        Sea to Table in Yamagata

        An unforgettable way to intimately explore the Shonai Region in Yamagata is a culinary experience bringing bounty of the sea straight to your table.
    • Autumn
    • Winter
    • Near Tokyo
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Near Kyoto
    • All Regions
    • Article Map
    • Ocean and Beach
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • River and Lake
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Mountain and Land
    • Sky
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Snow and Ice
      • climbing mt. fuji off season

        Mt. Fuji: The Path Less Traveled

        Fuji-san is the most climbed mountain in the world. If you are in good shape, there is a way to avoid the traffic for a more peaceful Mt. Fuji experience during the off-season.
    • Travel
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
    • Food and Drinks
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
    • Races and Events
      • dd4d brewing

        DD4D Brewing

        In nearly e...
        fuji rock japan

        2023 Summer Music Festivals

        Get into the groove this green season while enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends.
        Summer Events Fireworks Festivals in Japan

        2023 Fireworks Festivals in Japan

        Enjoy these fireworks festivals held throughout Japan this summer and autumn.

Getting Started

Buying real estate in Japan need not be much more difficult than it would be in one’s own country. Here we’ll take you through the process step-by-step from start to finish, so you know what to expect.  

Step 1: Get educated. For most people, a house is their single biggest investment. As with any investment, buying real estate means consulting a real estate professional or, better yet, several. Find someone with whom you are comfortable, do your homework and ask plenty of questions. Decide what things (the cost, the view, the commute) are most important to you and go for it.

Step 2: Get a licensed agent. Agents must have their licenses displayed on the wall of their offices. (Builders and construction companies are required to do so as well.) This doesn’t always guarantee mistakes won’t occur, but it does offer a better chance of protection against unscrupulous and substandard practices (particularly earthquake resistance).  

Much of the work done by the agents will overlap that normally done by lawyers in other countries (such as contract preparation and requisitions on title). That makes choosing a competent agent doubly important.

Step 3: Once you find the property you like, make sure you understand any zoning or other restrictions that might hamper your efforts. Building height restrictions, setback restrictions and any quirky local ordinances (such as snow shedding rules) should be understood prior to building. Even the location of the telephone poles and garbage drop-off should be taken into account (particularly if either is in front of your property).  

Step 4: Before building, development approval is needed prior to offering the contract. Once approved, the contracts can be exchanged and the deadlines set for returning the contracts and the deposit.  

Step 5: Transfer of the deposit is handled through the seller’s side with a fixed deadline for complete settlement. Once the funds are transferred from buyer to seller, you are in the home stretch.  

Step 6: Construction can commence. Don’t forget to agree on a timetable for progress reports. These are particularly helpful if you are out of the country during construction. For existing houses, the keys will be handed over and the new owners are free to move in.  

One last piece of advice, “Be nice to your agent,” says Charlie Dawson of Niseko Real Estate. A good relationship with your agent can get you first crack at a prime piece of real estate or your dream house.

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