- Before we dive into this topic, I want to give a shoutout to our trusted partners, WISE.
If you’re interested in buying a home in Japan, download WISE now. There’s no reason not to. Honestly, even if you’re just a frequent traveler, download WISE.
It’s an amazing app that lets you seamlessly exchange your USD into foreign currencies, with transparent fees and exchange rates.
And when you’re making a big purchase like a house and sending money 6,000 miles away, I only trust Wise with it. -
We spend so much of our energy focused on Japanese winters.
Where the next “Niseko” is.
Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing,
What the coming season looks like, la niña, el niño.
Where we should take a trip outside our zone this winter.
And of course with clients it’s the same. So many of the questions we get are winter questions.
How much is it going to cost to shovel my house for a winter in xyz place?
For those wondering, it will vary every season based on how much snow we get. Are you renting your house out and need it shoveled regularly for guests? Or do you just want it maintained so the neighbors don’t get mad? It can be anywhere from 150K–500K yen a season. Even more if you’re in a luxury town like Niseko.
Will the town plow my block?
Likely yes. Sometimes no and I would avoid those spots.
Can my roof handle the snow?
These homes were built with snow load in mind. If you’re in a town full of flat roofs, leaking and mold are a much bigger concern than a roof collapsing.
You get the point. We’re so tunnel-visioned on winter that we forget summer here is AMAZING.
We’ve probably all spent summers in the mountains at some point.
Imagine that but it’s coastal Japan.
You’ve got the mountains behind you with endless hiking, AND the ocean right in front of you.
Little cove beaches with massive cliffs plummeting into the sea, covered in a green mat as far as you can see.
The whole coastline looks like it was carved and then left alone.
The beaches feel raw. We went two days in a row without another soul on the sand, and there was wildlife everywhere. Starfish. Crabs. Schools of fish leaping out of the water, chased by something bigger.
The fishing out here, I’m sure, is insane.
AND then add in the food. You’re in one of the best food regions in Japan for fresh fish.
The cold Sea of Japan right at your doorstep, teeming with it. Uni season. Squid boats blinking out on the horizon at night.
The morning market a ten-minute walk away, selling things that were swimming a few hours ago.
If all that wasn’t enough, you’ve got fire festivals, lanterns down the streets, drums echoing off the hills.
A city of two million people a short train ride away and the train hugs the coastline the whole way, so even the commute is a view.
//// If you made it this far, you clearly have an interest in Japanese real estate. Download WISE. You will need it when the time comes to buy your dream home////
Warm afternoons and slightly cool evenings.
Cycling. Mountain biking. The rare summer swell for some longboarding.
It’s honestly an insane summer place. The days are long, the light is soft, and the whole place moves at half speed.
If you bought a house up here and you’ve only been spending winters, take some time. Spend a few weeks up here in summer.
You will not regret it.
Ready to buy a house?: Book a call here
Browse opportunities yourself: Check out current listings at Nipponhomes.com
We’re always looking to partner with great travel + ski brands.
If you’d like to be featured on our perks page or partner with us, reach out here:
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.
Take the Next Step
Join our community for exclusive insights and resources on Japanese real estate investments.
Our team
Meet the founders.
Derek has been working in the Airbnb space for the past 10+ years and recently purchased a home in Japan. He is excited to bring this investment opportunity to others in the States & abroad.
Nick has a passion for adventure and has always dreamed of owning a property in Japan. His dreams finally came true when Derek brought him in on a deal of a lifetime in Hokkaido, Japan - one of Nick's favorite places on Earth.