Land Matters More: A tip for buying land in Japan

Tonetoedo’s recent post about "akiya" inspired me to share a practical tip for anyone thinking about buying property in Japan. My husband and I bought a pre‑owned home twenty years ago, and from the beginning we understood that we weren’t really investing in a house; we were investing in the land beneath it.

Unlike in many Western countries, Japanese used houses are notoriously difficult to resell and have very little value. As Tonetoedo pointed out, the building itself is often considered “worthless.” But the land is a completely different story. Our home is a good example. We may not get much for the building if we sell, but the land has appreciated significantly, so we will come out ahead. Mainly, because of development in the area. So, my advice to you:

Check Urban‑Planning Resources Before You Buy

My 'tip' for buying land in Japan: Look closely at municipal and prefectural urban‑planning information. Future developments, roads, rail lines, commercial zones, hotels, schools, and public facilities can dramatically increase the value of land.  Conversely, facilities like landfills, incinerators, or large data centers can decrease the value of land. A house in Japan may depreciate, but the land can quietly grow in value for years if the surrounding area is zoned for future development, as was the case for us.