How I purchased my Akiya (abandoned house), and how you can too. Part 1!
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- Опубліковано 28 лют 2023
- Konichiwa Minasan! Hello Everyone!.
Thank you so much for all your support with this channel. I have loved your comments, please keep them coming! The main question I received so far is 'how did you do it?"... so, here is part 1 of How we purchased our Akiya (Abandoned house).
While painting the Washitsu (traditional Japanese rooms), I try my best to explain my story: Why we are moving to japan, how we did it, some recommendations of what I have seen work best, and some of the challenges to setting up a house in Japan. I will develop and upload part 2 in the coming weeks with greater specifications on price, agent fees, etc, so please follow along.
Thank you very much!
Please don't hesitate if you have any questions or comments, i love to hear from you. I am still beyond excited by this project and excited to share it with you. - Навчання та стиль
One thing to keep in mind for those who are looking to do this in Japan. Doing your own reno is one thing, but making it earthquake proof is something else entirely. During the most recent earthquake in Ishikawa and Toyama, most of the houses that collapsed are these traditional "Kominka" style houses, some of which had been renovated to be cafes and hostels (getting cheap house and renoing them has been a silent trend for Japanese too), but they were never earthquake proofed. Retro fitting will be costly to the point you might as well just buy a new house, but you are not safe from earthquake virtually anywhere in Japan. Some are safer than others, but you can't completely rule it out wherever you go. People in Toyama hadn't experienced bad earthquakes for so long they weren't prepared for it. The chance of having a catastrophic earthquake in Kanto area in the next 30 years is about 70% according to official report, so you need to add that into consideration.
this is so true...Japan as a whole, is a country where you must consider the dangers of typhoon, tsunami, landslide, flood, and earthquake. Either one or a multiple of these WILL affect the home you live in. Its literally unavoidable.
The Japanese are stoic and accepting of risks that come from nature. Are you ? You need to be sure of this BEFORE buying a home here.
Most homes in Japan are extremely well built, but poorly insulated with small kitchens, small bathrooms, and small lot sizes.
Anything older than 30yrs is not built to earthquake resistance and will fall down the first earthquake they get. And even homes 20 yrs old or less are drafty and poorly insulated. You will hot in summer, and freezing in winter.
They are very well built (construction wise) but poorly designed, poorly located, and poorly insulated.
Any westerners need to be aware of the dangers before buying. Caveat Emptor.
It's a lovely home!
What a dream. I’ve been binging your house videos. Wife and I also moved to Japan back in 2008, and have been loving life here so much. We’re gov’t employees in small town now and we plan to stay here for life. This country does so many things right, life is easier in a place that is so orderly and pristinely maintained, people are polite and community-centric. Congratulations on such an endeavor!
Thank you! I too love how community centric it is here.
how did you get a residence permit? Is it hard?
@@voskan I'll have a video on this very topic coming out in about two weeks. :)
@@EricJMcA I’m wondering the same thing regarding how you got your Gov’t jobs. I expect your wife must be Japanese, which must have helped you to get hired (?). I’m an English teacher and have experienced nothing but resistance when I apply for jobs in my Science and Engineering professions. I even tried getting hired as a carpenter, since my hobby is doing home renovation and construction and I have a lot of experience. But, without even interviewing me and assessing my Japanese language ability, I was automatically rejected since I’m a ‘gaijin’. I’ve given up on getting hired here for any work other than teaching. In my small city, finding f/t English teaching jobs is difficult. I own a house, which I bought long before Covid after I was guaranteed permanent employment. Then Covid hit and the company closed their school. Any advice on getting hired?
@@ShikokuFoodForest hmmm. I don't work for the government in japan. I used to work for the government in Canada back in the day years ago.
Instead of painting over the shikkui. You should replaster with shikkui. It has very good pest, mould and humidity control. There are many colours and textures. Happy reforming ❤😊
Aloha From Hawai'i Eric. I am looking forward to your progress on this project. I was born and raised until age 7 in Tokyo, and Chiba ken. My mother was Japanese, and my dad spoke fluent Japanese so Japanese is my first language. I have been away for close to 60 years, but I still consider Japan my home. I am retired from a State government job here in Hawai'i but my pension is way to small to survive here. I have been dreaming og "coming home" with my 3rd generation Japanese American wife, and finding a nice rural akiya to restore and live in the rest of our twilight years. I am hoping Shikoku or Kyushu since the weather is relatively mild. Ryu Kyus would be too hot and humid, like Hawai'i. Again, I look forward to seeing your progress. Keep up the great work.
Wow! Amazing. Thank you for the kind words of encouragement and best of luck in finding your own akiya!
Japan is the most beautiful country in the world...
Bold statement! In many ways I totally agree!
great advice & insights!
That layer of paint sure did a lot! Really interesting to get some insight into how the whole process of buying an akiya works. From picking the location, to talking to the locals, to making sure your email translations ended up correctly, one can really feel your passion for this project. Please keep the videos coming, and 日本語頑張ってください！
Thank you!!! Part two is coming, I finished this one today and already working on the next video :)
Also, I agree, a bit of paint while staying respectful of the house, can make a massive difference!
Wow! That carved panel, that home shrine altar, those sliding doors, even the tatami are gorgeous. You are so lucky. The house is old, but is pristine.
Couldn't agree more! There are More fun finds still to show!
Awesome can’t wait to go on the adventure with you and live vicariously through you guys
Thank you :) I'll try to keep the adventure fun and coming along!
Oh wow! This is really cool! Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure :) glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome!!!
Thank you!
That was wonderful. Congratulations!
Thank you!
Man you are wonderful, how open and honest you are, please keep it up!
Thank you! I will for sure. New material coming soon!
You bought yourself a beautiful house. The white paint looks (to me) a bit stark at the moment, though in keeping with the shoji.
I laughed when you explained writing emails and checking translations. I bought a house in France and have to do the same until my French skills are much improved. Arigato, great video.
Thank you! So much!
I agree it's a bit stark. I think as I put in "warm white" LED instead of blaring white neon, it will make a big difference... And then of course a few colourful paintings / pictures should hopefully warm it all up and add some personality.
Bonne chance avec ton maison aussi! Whereabouts in France?
I love the view so peaceful and quiet
Thank you. I find it peaceful too.
What a Dream!! 😊Thank you for Making this video!!
My pleasure! More fun coming as well!
Those painted paper doors are gorgeous!! The paint really brought the home to life!!
Thank you :) there's more upstairs. I'll make sure to show them in a future video!
Congratulations. The good care, aesthetic vision is evident.
Thank you!
Such an incredible house and you guys have really honored it!!
Thank you very much!
Excellent job!
Thank you!
Absolutely beautiful home
Thank you so much!
woww amazing video, thank you for nice information!
Thank you!
Wow beautiful home
Wow. Just so beautiful. You have done a lovely job with the paint, the house was already awesome but that paint really added a special touch! I am sure the previous owner, though she is now in the spirit world, would be very pleased to have you living there and taking such good care of the home. Many thanks to you for sharing this. ✌
I have so much respect for the previous owner. I hope her family is happy with the new life/adventure I can bring to the house. My neighbor was her best friend and we have a great relationship. Rural communities are amazing.
The white looks amazing!
Thank you :)
Beautiful home your doing a great job
Thank you!
Nice video again. It’s a great part of the world Nagano I’m just 30 minutes away from nozawaonsen. Your place is rocking along good work.
Thank you!!!
Thank you for this video, it is very inspiring. I love your dedication and your patience, you have done a great job. One of my dreams would be to own a house in Japan as well.
Thank you so much!!
Hi Eric great video, I'm planning to visit Japan in the summer of 2024 and after that will be my initial steps to relocate.
Beautiful
thank you!
Great info! Changing the walls to white definitely a good call to brighten the rooms up.
Thank you! What a change a little paint has made. After this I think the washitsu are almost done... Just some seating and good to go... I guess I'll have to think up some new projects 🤣
Diligence, patience, respect and creativity produce masterpiece. Good job well done👍 Amazing!
Thank you!
Wow, beautifully done. Painting it white makes such a difference.
Thank you :)
You altered the rough green walls that always catch on wool sweaters to smooth white walls. Well done.
Thank you!!!
Amazing
Thank you!
Eric, I have to just sit back and admire your energy and faith in pursuing this project. I too want to find a way to relocate to Japan and want to follow a similar home finding path as you guys. Ill be relocating from Phils to Tokyo in September this year to begin my journey as well. So I subscribed and will be following your progress. Best of luck!
Thank you so much Joel! Great to hear, and best of luck in your own adventure as well! Tokyo is an amazing city! Keep in touch.
❤How lovely. 🌹You picked the perfect color may you enjoy you're new home for many years to come.🤗🤗❤️❤️
Thank you!!!
Very cool story! Our process was different because it was a listed house by a realtor. I will be following!
I'll check your channel for the process with the real estate agent! Always interested in how it's done!
Beautiful 😊
Thank you!!!
Wow interesting! Looking forward to seeing more adventures from Nozawaonsen!
Thank you! More coming soon!
Wow! Wow! Wow!
Thank you!
Wow this is amazing ❤you are so smart what a lovely 🥰 japan is a peaceful place nice watching ❤⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you!
You have done a great job ,would like to see the garden.!
Thank you! I'll be showing the garden soon! :)
On our second holiday to Japan we spent a lovely few days at Nozawa Onsen. Great skiing and a lovely traditional hotel.
That's how I started this adventure as well 😁
Great videos, thanks for sharing! I am also very interested to hear more about long term visa solutions/residency 😊
Sounds great Shani. I'll see what I can find. One option I am exploring is the manager visa. It requires starting a business.... But if you have a good idea, it's one way.
Other options I know of are student visas to learn Japanese, or other studies.
I'll talk more about it at some point as I learn more... But I'm definitely not an expert :)
That was most interesting, thanks fro sharing it. Looking forward to seeing the next videos
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
@@EricJMcA may I ask how good was your Japanese when you’ve started your house project? Just wondering how “easy” it was to communicate with the local community, purchasing construction material, speaking with professionals, and such :)
@@hardstylelife5749 I could say a few basic phrases... and a bit more. I could understand some words when speaking, but it was a challenge. I could often get the subject matter but couldn't express myself.
A lot of smiles, nodding, and with some hand gestures (I know not the best).... We got through to each other.
It was a surprisingly great and warm reception and even with that basic we could start a relationship.
@@EricJMcA I really thank you for this, truly insightful; I’m doing my best in learning Japanese and that was quite a boost of supportive motivation! Much appreciated
@@hardstylelife5749 my pleasure :)
Wow what a lovely romantic story that goes so well with the romantic look of the house!! Thank you for showing the beauty of Japanese houses. I am also looking for a house in the countryside of Hokkaido right now…it probably will take some time….but I’m excited to go out to look for my dream house too…..I’m a garden person so Could you please show us what kind of garden you have and. And can you do gardening too? Looking forward to your next post!@@!
Sounds great! I'll get on that. I plan to do some spring clean up this week, so expect a video on that in a few weeks!
très beau, quel travail.
Merci!
Thank you for investing in the Japanese local area! You are helping its economy to get revitalized
It is my pleasure. It's a wonderful community to be involved in. I'm the thankful one!
Not sure how I discovered this channel and show, but glad I did. Very interesting. Wish Japan made it easier to stay. I subscribed and liked. Happy Trails from Florida
Thank you very much!
Beautiful house
Thank you!
❤wow..
Moving the spirits to the grave. 🙏🙏
It was really good being able to chat with the brother of the previous owner. It was important for him to complete the ceremony with the priests, and for me to get a connection to the place and the previous family was great.
What a dream house...
I love Japan , i been there before...
I love to visit again my sister in Shizouka
Thank you! I too love Japan! Hope you get to visit again soon :)
That paint was a super idea. Typically a rental house (like ours) will have wallpaper over the older materials, but that paint turned out great. A trip to the hardware store, like Cainz or Joyful Honda was always fun for the wife and I as we have a limited ability to read directions on things. However, both stores were very helpful when it came to recovering tatami, wallpaper, shoji, gutters, etc. A discussion/video on how to go to a Japanese hardware store might help some people. We had Cainz send someone to recover our tatami, and they did a good job. However, we regret not asking our friendly Japanese neighbor “Block Captain” to recommend a local tradesman to do the job.
Awesome feedback. I'll definitely put that on the list and go into that. The paint I have is from Cainz :)
great video
Thank you!
Thanks for the great video!
My wife's Japanese and from Matsuyama.
While her and our daughter are currently living with her parents in Matsuyama, I'm saving money back in America with the hopes of getting an 空き家 in Matsuyama.
My pleasure! Awesome, Best of luck! I've never been to Matsuyama, but it looks gorgeous. I've read about the hiking and nature around Skikoku and i can't wait to visit.
I love it. It's beautiful. I'm obsessed with Japan and it's culture and constantly watch video and read about it. I plan to visit in the Spring. I fantasize about living there. Pretty certain I couldn't work in Japan as I am a hair stylist and would be difficult to take state boards in another country. I've checked into this. I'm old too, although single, I doubt finding and eligible old Japanese man would rarely happen...so, I can dream away. I'll just settle for a visit.
That's how it started for me, with just a vacation :) Have a great trip, it is definitely a beautiful country to explore!!
Cool
Thank you!
You have got one fantastic tshirt collection!
Hahaha. Thank you!
I have a weakness for Japan i just love it, i believe in reïncarnation i know i lived there in my past life greetings from the Netherlands
That's awesome! Thank you for commenting and following the adventure :) I too obviously have an attraction to Japan! Cheers!
Thanks❤
My pleasure! Thank you!
i’m just going to rent and hope for patience, and if Matt from Akyia & I are just helpful if nothing else. spent on them already to consult . will keep people informed if anything works. a lesson learned.
Best of luck!
So my plan is to retire at 60-62. I am 49 now and just want to retire when I can get the best pension deal. In between then and now, I plan to visit Japan at least 2x a year. I haven't even visited for the first time yet, I am hoping to do that right before Cherry Blossom season on Honshu and am busy studying up.
Cool! Did you consider shikkui plaster? I've yet to try my hand renovating a house we have in Hokkaido - and a bit uncertain about my ability to apply that stuff successfully. Maybe I'll do paint instead as well...
Looking forward to more episodes in your journey.
I considered shikkui for a while, but I think it would be the death of me. I don't think I have it in me. Drywall plaster maybe, but shikkui....🤣
congratulations,buddy for your dream property come true by overcome so many difficulties in the past year.
Thank you very much!!!
This is a wonderful video. My wife and I are interested in doing something similar. Would you be able to list similar towns near ski resorts? We will be touring around this fall to check them out!
Great to hear and I wish you the best of luck! It's hard for me to list towns as there are hundreds of ski resorts in japan, but if you have a favourote hill / area which you love.... Look on the map 5Km in any direction and I'm sure you will find some! Getting in touch with them though means going there yourself as most akiya are locally managed and need personal introduction. Alternatively finding a real estate agent!
Curious about your eight years in Indonesia. I lived and worked there in the 70’s and 80’s, first in Bandung and later in Jogya. Also spent a bit of time in japan coming and going from Indonesia. Ultimately I was not berani enough to go all in and stay. Glad you have found your place in the sun.
I spent three+ years in NTB, and 5 in bali. I lived in the remote countryside building a scuba diving resort before moving to bali. You can see the resort in the video I do on residency in Japan :).
I love Jogja! I actually have some wayang up in the house from there :)
I have skied Nozawa several times and like to hike the Japanese Alps. We have an apartment we rent in Nagano and spend time there per our 2 90 day visas and the balance of the year in the US or Thailand. I find what you are doing very interesting and have done major remodels on 5 homes in the US. The issue is the long-term visa to Japan for a US citizen. Can you shed any light on how you deal with that? Looks fantastic and is my favorite ski area on Honshu.
Great to hear! Long term visas are a massive challenge. I'm in the same boat with 2X90 but have a plan!
I think I'll make a video about that in a couple weeks!
お疲れ様です、ありがとうございました。
Hello, your house is very traditional and lovely! I’m a Canadian who bought a 70-year old, traditional house in southern Shikoku in late 2015. I’ve been an English teacher here and have been doing renovation work on the house in my free time. I’m doing more now, since my work contract ended. Due to Covid, my school closed and where I live, finding a new f/t job has been very difficult. I’m trying to figure out alternative sources of income to stay in Japan or may decide to sell my house and move. I also have shikkui plaster and some mortar walls. Completely re-doing the walls with shikkui plaster is a lot more difficult than it looks. I have done repair work to the walls and will also apply sealer and paint. It will be way easier!
I've seen some shikkui videos and it looks like a challenge. Maybe one day!
Thank you so much for the inspiration of someday getting my own Akiya!
And also, you and other youtubers inspired me for making 2 videos about Akiya and differences between each kominka, let me know if I said something wrong in the videos, I'd appreciate it so much.
Wish you the very best!
I'll check it out!
Thanks, wish you the very best, @@EricJMcA !
I am curious what you will be doing for residency.
Three of the best ways I know of are getting a job so residency is employer sponsored, study visa, or start a business... Or marry someone.... But I'm already married so the last one won't work for me!
Whatever it is it’s not going to be an easy process….almost impossible actually lol.
What a beautifully put together narrative of this journey.
What are some suggestions for learning the language?
I think finding a way to make it fun is key... And then it's consistency. If you don't use it, you lose it.
I have an ap called Dr. Moku which helped (and was fun) with the hiragana and katakana alphabets. Still working on kanji.... And by working I mean I have forever and a day to go.
Otherwise a very big thing that worked was writing down 50 key phrases... "How are you? ", " I am from wherever", " I do ___ for work".... Then learning the key words in there (gengki, koko kara, or shigoto respectively.... How, from, and work...), you then know what the subject is and you have a response. It gets the discussion going :)
@@EricJMcA thank you. I wondered about short term language schools but likely in the countryside it would be hard to find one.
@@hed2410 about an hour down the road (local train) there are language schools. Definitely an option
You did a great DIY job. I live in a Japanese house with similar walls to yours. Could you please tell me what tape and paint you used as I might have a go myself. All the best, Gareth.
For sure! I sealed the walls with Acdomel, and then used cainz pure white. I got it all on Amazon. For the tape I used 50mm painting tape (3m). It's important to spend the extra time being careful with not getting it on the tsuchikabe. When taking it off, best to go around with a cutting blade when pulling it off. Best of luck!
Thank you so much. Your results look so good. It made me decide to have a go. The Xmas holiday will probably be the best time. All the best, Gareth.@@EricJMcA
Drool..... The shrine room is divine. Look forward to the next renovation. Did you ever find the naked snake that left his suit behind?
Regards from Australia.
Never found the snake.... Although a friend has some snake flavoured rice wine...
@@EricJMcA 😂
@@EricJMcA Would that wine be ssssssssake.?
@@michellevanderbyl well played! I think it was slightly more potent at 40-50% alcohol.... I might have to try it one day!
Lovely home, I wonder whether there is heating inside and great insulation. Nice clean color, white
There are a number of heating methods... but I wouldn't say it too warm just yet. working on the insulation :)
@@EricJMcA , Thank you for your reply. I moved every 7 years to different countries lol
Great video and looking forward to other parts. So if i understand correctly: If one would to fix a temp. visa just anyone could buy a house? Even without a permanent residency visa?
to my knowledge...no. A house doesn't help in any way towards residency.
If you set up a business, some or all of the house purchase value may be applied to the minimum investment value needed to set up a business to then process manager visa.... But I am not sure how this would work😅 and then you still need to run a business and everything associated with that.
@@EricJMcA Thanks for your reply
I've been looking at akiya and would also repaint as you did to brighten the spaces. What was the first product used before the paint? Was it a sealer coat or clear primer? Thanks for sharing.
it's a sealer similar to that used on cement. acodmel is the name
Wow! What a great renovation. I agree it is very inspirational. By the way, what kind of Visa did you get? I know that moving to Japan without sponsorship is really difficult. Any information about that would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you! I did a video on permanent residency / visa options where i talk about it a bit more. ua-cam.com/video/xfjDteXt9Mk/v-deo.html
The short answer is you pretty much need sponsorship (still seems to be the way) but some places are making it super interesting with start-up visas, etc. :)
がんばってください❤
ありがとうございます😃
Where in Canada are you from? I’m from Detroit. Can spot a Canadian within two sentences. I’m intrigued by akiyas. I’d love to get one. Japan is such a wonderful place.
I like the white paint! How did you go about getting residency or a visa?
Video on that next week! :)
Eric...what documents do I need to purchase a home!?...thanks...
Have you ever seen the Japanese movie, "Tampopo"? I have a copy, and it's one of my all-time favorites!
I have not! but it is now on my list. sounds like the best combination ever. comedy, story, food.... and the legend himself KEN WATANABE!!!! I must see this soon.
it’s not that hard I liked hearing that. no snow for me but can I come visit in june? i will be looking for one, lived there 5 years in early eighties. was it free? besides the fees? thanks.
It wasn't free. There's a cost and the land itself still is seen as desirable. Most of the free ones I've seen here, in wakayama, and kagoshima need so much work you will still end up spending tens and tens and tens of thousands on them.
@@EricJMcA thanks. no free lunch they say. anyway my friend at small island near you really had a free cute one but before 2017 .
Were planning to buy an abandon house in Japan and plan to move there but we dont the real process
Lovely transition to your dream place 👍🏻👍🏻
I am indonesian, where did you live for 8 years ?
Thank you!
Bima and Bali. :)
Nice Jeff Goldblum reference!
Haha! You're the first to notice or at least first to comment. Glad you got it!
@@EricJMcA Good luck living the dream in Japan!
It’s beautiful. If you don’t mind me asking, do you speak Japanese and how much did you pay for the house?
I speak a little (very little) Japanese, but enough for some small conversation and chatting with my neighbors. :) I'll go more into cost breakdown in a bit as I want to look at original cost, vs. How much the renovations will cost me once I forecast a bit. Because the range akiyas go for can be huge.
What do you guys do for work? I want to move to Japan's countryside too, however, I'm concerned about work opportunities.
Great question. I'm still trying to figure out what to do in the countryside as I'm not there full time yet. I have a scuba diving company which I oversee from anywhere.... But still trying to figure out what's next.
A teaching Job is one of the most popular near our house in Japan. We have a lot of friends there.
If you’re a foreigner who does not know Japanese then yeah you will have basically no options for work because you can’t expect to work for and with Japanese people and not speak Japanese, lol.
Would love to live there.
Heard lots of stories about Japanese people not happy with foreigners living there.
Been there as a tourist and they love tourists but living there totally different story.
I have amazing relationships with my neighbors and the whole community. I have been welcomed in and it's super amazing. I had heard those stories before as well, but haven't experienced that at all luckily :)
Please give details of expenses & groceries,utilities,day to day life,crimes etc. Please!
Will do! I'll get a video going on that topic in a few weeks! :) thank you
Interesting....I hope the spirit of former sister's was successfully moved. (Japanese horror movies are pretty scary)hope it's a good place to live in
So far so great :)
Thanks for another great informative video. Personally I don't get why they leave so much of their timber untreated or raw. I would be so tempted to give it a really good drink of clear colourless oil.
Thats the plan I think! . I've been soaking the floors in orange oil when cleaning it. I'll hope to move onto the beams when I get a chance :)
I've used tung oil in the past on iron wood in Indonesia. Any recommendations on oil?
A lot of Japanese believe it takes away from the beauty of the natural timber and thus an abomination to use stains. That is changing a bit now.
@@RealRuralJapan the big beams and old shoji doors apparently used to be washed with the water from cleaning the rice, my friend said this was the kids job in her grandma's time, which gives a natural polish / finish on the doors. Like a lustre... Is this still a common / accepted way?
I won't be staining the wood, that's for sure!
@@EricJMcA The soot is what keeps the bugs out and also acts a fire proofing measure for the house back in the day in the attic part of the roof. This was in thatched times its sort of like a continual shou sugi ban that gets better and better over time for this purpose, As for cleaning the beams this would be for the exposed part i assume in the living areas.
I might have missed it before, but I'm curious on your visa/residency and how that part works out to be confidently able to move to Japan long-term?
im trying to work out how you get visa/residency for indonesia and japan
If you’re a foreigner who doesn’t know fluent Japanese and you need a job in Japan with a stable income, it’s pretty much going to be impossible for you to live in Japan long term. That pretty much limits you to English teacher and while it might be long term.
,it wouldn’t be permanent. You would eventually have to move back.
I just published a video on this :)
I just published a video on this :)
This is the first one of your videos I’ve seen, and if this is the condition you both today and then I’m dumbfounded. Didn’t you have to do any earthquake proofing?
Earthquake proofing no, but general insulation has definitely been needed!
How do you deal with the lack of insolation in almost all Akiya homes? The walls tend to be paper thin; so, you may fix up an Akiya but most of the time you cannot update the home with modern AC and insolation to make the home comfortable.
The housing market in Japan is such that an Akiya home is one that you want to live in forever as you more than likely will not make a profit from the home: the homes in the country-side will not appreciate in value.
I'm adding more insulation which is helping but it is true that it can be very cold in winter. I have installed heating, but more solutions will be needed in the future.
You are right about the house value. Very different market.
Is it true that one has to stay for 10 years without travelling abroad for 10 years?
How’s the internet in your home? Mobile hot spot or local internet company?
So far i have always used mobile hotspot with Japan wireless.... But their rates seem to be going up. So I'm looking for a different solution moving forward. 😅