I’ve Never Seen This Happen in Japan… Until Now

So… it’s been a pretty wild ~2 years since starting this business.

Not only has our understanding grown, and our client base grown… but the market itself has changed—fast. In a lot of places, the traditional “rules” of buying in Japan are starting to crack.

Let’s start with those rules.

Japan is a conflict-averse society.

If you don’t understand that, you’re going to be confused the entire time you’re buying here. Straight up.

Bidding wars? They basically didn’t exist.

For the last two years, we’ve told every client the same thing:

Outside of Tokyo and a few major cities… bidding wars are not a thing.

If a house had an accepted full-price offer, that was it.

You couldn’t come in higher. You couldn’t “outbid.” You were just… late.

Why?

Because bidding creates conflict. And the system is built to avoid that.

That structure does a few things:

• Keeps prices relatively suppressed
• Respects the first buyer
• Makes the whole process way smoother and more predictable

But for the first time in my experience… I’ve seen that rule break.

Not in Tokyo.

In Myoko.

Myoko is one of the hottest markets in Japan right now. Houses get listed and—boom—5 offers, same day, full price, sight unseen.

And recently… we saw something new.

A house got bid over asking.

Not crazy. Not a back-and-forth war.

But it happened.

And once that line gets crossed… it changes things.

Those unwritten rules? They start to fade.

And in my opinion, you’re going to see more of that in Myoko.

Now… what about other markets?

Otaru is changing right in front of our eyes.

We wrote a few months ago that it was the most searched town on our site—and it’s only grown since then.

It makes sense:

Cheap homes + good snow + great food + solid rental potential.

It kind of has everything.

And yeah… I love it there lol.

Because of that, it’s attracting everyone.

We haven’t seen bidding wars in Otaru yet—and we’ve done a LOT of deals there. I honestly don’t think anyone is doing more volume in Otaru / Western Hokkaido than us.

But…

We are seeing things move way faster.

Last summer? Houses would sit for 3–4 weeks. Sometimes months. And not junk—good houses.

That’s not happening anymore.

Now we’re seeing properties go in a week or two.

Sometimes even faster.

And more and more:

• Sight unseen offers
• No inspection contingencies
• Buyers moving fast

It’s starting to feel… different.

So if you’re someone who’s been on the fence, but you know you want a ski house in Japan…

I’d seriously start moving.

If you guys are regular readers, you know I’m not here to push anyone into anything. That’s not my style.

I just want you to give you the full picture.

And if you’re serious about buying… it does feel like things could get more expensive.

Does this mean prices are about to spike everywhere? No.

There are still a ton of under-the-radar markets:

Asahikawa. Inawashiro. Hachimantai.

Places that are way less crowded than Otaru… for now.

But overall?

It feels like we’re at the start of a shift.

And these windows… don’t stay open forever.

Browse opportunities yourself: Check out current listings at Nipponhomes.com

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This content is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects my personal opinions and experience. I am not a licensed financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consult qualified professionals before making any investment decisions.