Why Digital Nomads Should Consider Owning and Not Renting in Japan

With Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa allowing you to live and work remotely in the country for up to six months, more and more remote workers are flocking to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. They’re staying in Airbnbs, hotels, and co-living spaces and racking up hefty bills for temporary stays.

But what if I told you there’s a smarter option?

Buy a home.

Seriously. Instead of burning thousands on short-term rentals, you could invest in your own piece of Japan, sometimes for less than what you’d spend on a single six-month stay in the city.

The Cost of Renting Adds Up—Fast

A decent rental in Tokyo will run you anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 USD/month, depending on location and comfort level. Unless you’re shelling out $3,000 or more, you’re probably staying outside the Yamanote Line, far from the center of the city.

Let’s do the math:
Six months at $2,500/month = $15,000 USD
Higher-end stays can easily top $20,000+ USD.
And once your visa ends? You walk away with nothing to show for it.

You Could Own a Home for Less

Now imagine spending that same amount (or even less) to buy a home.

‍Home Link Ito City

• We’ve seen move-in ready houses for as low as $25,000 USD on the Izu Peninsula, just 2 hours by train from Tokyo. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and mountains.

‍Home Link Osaka

• Homes within 50 minutes of Central Osaka can be had for under $50,000.

These aren’t crumbling ruins either. They’re livable, charming homes in beautiful countryside towns, perfect for a digital nomad base.

Why Owning Makes Sense for Nomads

• Cost-Effective: Property taxes and home insurance in Japan often cost under $1,000 per year combined. And thanks to compact lot sizes, there’s rarely yard work or major exterior maintenance.
• Your Own Space: No more bland Airbnb’s. Decorate how you like. Leave personal belongings locked in a closet. Bring an empty suitcase and fill it with souvenirs. Come back year after year to a place that feels like yours.
• Income Potential: If the property is properly zoned and licensed, you can legally rent it out, sometimes for 180 or even 365 days a year. That means your home earns for you while you’re gone.

Future-Proof Your Stay in Japan

Since the Digital Nomad Visa can be renewed each year (with a 6-month wait in between), owning gives you a permanent home base. No scrambling to find a place. No Airbnb roulette. Just hop off the plane and head “home.”

And yes, while you legally can’t work on a tourist visa (not even check email, technically), some people do leave and immediately return on tourist visas between nomad stints. Let’s just say… I’m not encouraging that. (Wink.)

Final Thoughts

Renting in Japan might seem like the obvious choice, but it’s a short-term solution for long-term dreamers. If you’re planning to take full advantage of Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa, or just want a foothold in one of the safest, most beautiful, and most fascinating countries in the world, buying a home just makes sense.

You get stability, freedom, and potentially, income all for the price of a few months' rent.

So why not own your slice of Japan?
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Contact us at Yuki Homes, and we’ll help you find the perfect property before you even arrive. Your home, your rules, your Japan.

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Check out our new Home search and discovery tool

www.Nipponhomes.com

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