When it comes to buying an abandoned Japanese house, or akiya, the right website can make all the difference. For non-Japanese speakers, navigating the local real estate market can be a significant challenge, which is why a number of specialized websites have emerged to help. These platforms curate listings, translate key information, and sometimes offer additional support services to simplify the process.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the leading websites for finding akiya, outlining the pros and cons of each to help you decide which one best fits your needs.

AllAkiyas.com

AllAkiyas.com offers a broad range of listings including buildings and land, but prioritizes traditional houses made available by municipalities as part of their Akiya Bank programs.

Pros:

Multi-language Support: Listings are translated into English, French, and Spanish, making it easy for you to browse through thousands of properties even if you are not a Japanese speaker.

Advanced Search and Sort: The site provides powerful tools to find and sort listings by location, keywords, building and land size, age, and price.

Flexible Viewing: All Akiyas.com offers different view modes: List, Grid, and Map. Maps include satellite, street-level, and terrain options. The site offers also links to official environmental hazard maps.

Detailed Property Information: You can easily see essencial property information and nearby amenities like supermarkets and transportation, which is indispensable for understanding a property's livability.

Custom Alerts: The site allows you to save searches, get personalized email alerts, and take private notes on each property. Most importantly, it provides links to the original Japanese listings and the municipalities' official buying procedures.

Cons:

The focus on traditional houses and residences of charm means many of the listed properties may require some renovation work.

Akiya Japan

Akiya Japan is known for its user-friendly interface and focus on providing a seamless experience for foreign buyers.

Pros:

Powerful Search: It features a robust search with unique filters, such as "Days Old," which helps you find the freshest listings.

Custom Alerts: You can get notified when new properties that match your criteria become available.

Expert Local Support: The site offers partnerships with local support networks to help navigate cultural and legal nuances, a key advantage for non-Japanese residents.

Cons:

Limited Listings: The listings are curated, which means you may not have access to the full breadth of the market.

Akiya Hub

Akiya Hub focuses on building a community around the akiya buying journey and is well-suited for those looking for a property with a specific purpose or lifestyle in mind.

Pros:

Community-Oriented: The platform features "real success stories" and an active online presence with videos, making it a great resource for inspiration and advice.

Smart Filters: Its search filters are based on lifestyle and property condition, which can help you find a property that aligns with your goals, such as sustainable living or tourism.

Cons:

Limited Listings: Similar to other curated sites, the number of listings may be more limited compared to a broader tool like AllAkiyas.com

Cheap Houses Japan

As the name suggests, this site is ideal for budget-conscious buyers who are ready to take on a renovation project.

Pros:

Focus on Affordability: The site specializes in uncovering some of the most affordable real estate in Japan, often priced under ¥5 million.

Hand-picked Listings: It provides a curated selection of properties that might not appear on typical real estate portals.

Renovation Guides: The platform provides comprehensive guides on renovation and ownership, which is invaluable for buyers looking at fixer-uppers.

Cons:

Remote Properties: The properties are often in rural areas and in need of significant work, which may not be suitable for all buyers.

Paid Selections: Some services, like its top 20 listings, are part of a paid subscription.

Akiya-Mart

Akiya-Mart is a broader real estate platform that includes also non-akiya listings, making it a good tool for comparing different types of properties.

Pros:

Mixed Inventory: It offers a wide range of listings, including urban and rural properties, which is helpful if you're not exclusively set on an akiya.

Good for Comparison: The site is useful for comparing the akiya market with the general real estate market in Japan.

Map-Focused: Just like AllAkiyas.com, it provides a map that allows for easy geographical search across the country.

Cons:

Not Specialized: Since it's not solely focused on akiya, the number of specific listings might be fewer than on a specialized site.

Paid Services: Some content is behind a premium plan subscription.

Old Houses Japan

Old Houses Japan specializes in traditional Japanese homes and kominka, appealing to those who want a property with historical character.

Pros:

Expertise in Traditional Homes: The platform has deep expertise in the unique market for older, traditional Japanese houses.

Personalized Support: It offers dedicated assistance from the initial search through to the final purchase, helping with cultural and legal nuances.

Accessibility: The site is designed to be user-friendly, making the search for a traditional home enjoyable.

Cons:

Renovation Needed: The properties on this site may be in need of specialized restoration, and their prices can vary widely.

Making Your Choice

Ultimately, the best website for you will depend on your specific needs.

If you are looking for a comprehensive, multi-lingual platform with great search tools and access to important contact information, look no further than AllAkiyas.com. All Akiyas has everything you need to find your dream property anywhere in Japan, regardless of your budget or the type of property you are looking for.

If you're a bargain hunter, Cheap Houses Japan might be a good bet. For a broader search that includes non-akiya properties, Akiya-Mart offers a good balance, while those interested in traditional or lifestyle-focused properties may find these more suitable: Akiya Hub, Old Houses Japan or AllAkiyas.com.