minpaku Archives - Yamamoto Property Advisory

Tag Archive for minpaku

Japan Gets Tough: Stricter Business Manager Visa Renewals from July 2025

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Japan Redefines Business Management — Passive Investment No Longer Counts

Introduction

From July 10, 2025, the renewal process for Japan’s Business Manager Visa has become significantly stricter. In addition to financial statements, applicants are now required to submit a detailed written report explaining their actual management and business activities during their period of stay.

This shift reflects the government’s growing concerns about abuses of the system and will have direct implications for foreign entrepreneurs and investors.

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Luxury Meets Tradition: Why This Riverside Machiya Townhouse in Kyoto Is a Unique Global Asset

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A Riverside Machiya (町家、Traditional Kyoto Townhouse) – A 400-Year Legacy, A Modern Investment

1. Introduction – Kyoto as a Global Destination

Kyoto is not only Japan’s ancient capital but also one of the world’s most celebrated cities.
It has repeatedly ranked at the very top of international travel surveys. In 2020, Condé Nast Traveler readers named it the Best Big City in the World, surpassing Tokyo. In 2024, National Geographic included Kyoto in its “Top 20 Travel Experiences,” while Architectural Digest placed it among the “Most Beautiful Cities in the World.”

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The Dark Side of Japan’s Special Zone Minpaku: Osaka’s Struggle with Regulation, Displacement, and Foreign Ownershi

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As Osaka’s Deregulated Minpaku Booms, Residents Are Forced Out—Is Japan Trading Its Cities for Short-Term Gains?

Introduction

Japan’s post-COVID tourism recovery has been dramatic. With a record 36.87 million foreign visitors in 2024 and a national goal of 60 million by 2030, the demand for lodging has skyrocketed. To meet that demand, Japan introduced Special Zone Minpaku—a deregulated short-term rental scheme allowed only in government-designated areas.

But as the number of these properties explodes—particularly in Osaka, where over 90% of Special Zone Minpaku facilities are concentrated—so do the complaints, legal concerns, and social frictions. What began as a creative hospitality solution is now raising urgent questions about housing stability, governance, and even immigration abuse.

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Invest in Japan’s Alpine Paradise: Affordable Ski Home Opportunity in Hakuba Village

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Discover a Tranquil Alpine Retreat in Hakuba（白馬） – Ideal for Private Use or Investment

Nestled in the heart of Japan’s renowned Northern Alps, Hakuba has long been a favorite among international skiers, snowboarders, and nature lovers. With its world-class powder snow, charming alpine villages, and growing infrastructure, the region is rapidly becoming a hotspot for real estate investment—particularly for those seeking a peaceful second home or a well-located vacation rental.

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Invest in Japan’s Cultural Heritage: How Foreign Buyers Can Transform Abandoned Akiya Homes into Profitable Ventures

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Invest in Japan’s Cultural Heritage:

 

How Foreign Buyers Can Transform

 

Abandoned Akiya Homes

 

into Profitable Ventures

 

 

As Japan’s population declines and properties go unclaimed, an emerging segment of buyers is seeking out

 

rural architecture in need of renovation.

 

There are about 8.5 million abandoned houses, or akiya, across Japan,

 

accounting for roughly 14% of the country’s housing stock.

 

This number is expected to rise as the population continues to shrink.

 

According to an article in NYT, Australian software developer Jaya Thursfield and his Japanese-born wife,

 

Chihiro, purchased an akiya for 3 million yen (about $23,000) after relocating from London to Japan.

 

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Retro Kominka (Japanese old folk house、古民家) for sale near Mt. Fuji : You can run a hotel with view of Mt.Fuji and the lake

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(Lake Saiko)

Glamorous and chic.

One of my friends is now listing the great KOMINKA (古民家) in Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Yamanashi prefecture (by Lake Saiko)

The house is less than two hours drive from Shinjuku station and its takes about 2 hours and 15 mins by express bus/train from Shinjuku.

The access is excellent from central Tokyo.

Where is Yamanashi and what is its feature ?

Located within two hours of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, Yamanashi boasts fresh air, crystal clean water, and a multitude of attractions

which people come to see all year round. Starting with the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Yamanashi is surrounded by four national and quasi-national parks

– but the region’s natural charms do not end there. You can stroll along the shores of the Fuji Five Lakes, hiking along the Southern Alps,

and feasting your eyes upon Yamanashi’s plateaus, valleys, and lush fields of flowers.

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1.5 hour by car from the center of Tokyo, enjoy the magnificent ocean view adjacent to Pacific Ocean: Unspoiled real estate opportunities in Kamogawa

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(Sunset in Katsuura city)

* Foreigners can buy a property in Japan without having special qualification.

The days with the ocean view spreading in front of you will make your time away from your busy city life. You can enjoy BBQ, parties etc in the garden with your friends.
Minamiboso area -Minamiboso city, Tateyama city, Kamogawa city and Katsuura city- in Chiba prefecture
can offer you such priceless time.
If you have never been there, you would be amazed to see the beautiful blue ocean.
Okinawa is better ?
Well, there is really no comparison.
I am not saying Kamogawa is the most beautiful in the world and have topped the list of dream holiday destinations.
There’s no doubting the allure of its perfect white sand beaches and swaying palms in Okinawa or Ishigaki islands.
But you can’t go to Okinawa every week.
Kamogawa certainly is a good place to get away from busy Tokyo and treat yourself to a view of the blue oceans, and wide skies.
In fact, in order to captivate the opportunities due to the recent market dynamics in private lodging law, I am seeking a property (house) to renovate and run as a hotel in Kamogawa right now.
Today I am discussing the viability of the investment in Kamogawa and surrounding area.

Where is Kamogawa ?

(Map from Tokyo to Kamogawa city)

Kamogawa (鴨川市 Kamogawa-shi) is a city located in Chiba Prefecture, Japan.
As of May 2018, the city had an estimated population of 32,789. It is a small city.
Kamogawa is near the southeastern tip of the Boso Peninsula, facing the Pacific Ocean, about 70 km south of the prefectural capital, Chiba City,
and about 85 km from Tokyo.
The area has a warm maritime climate with hot summers and mild winters.
(perfect for weekend villa or second house !)
Kamogawa is home to Mount Atago, which at 408.2 m (1,339 ft) is the highest point in Chiba Prefecture.

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A solution to the hotel shortage ? New minpaku (民泊, private lodging) law in Japan : How does it work ? and how can you tap your property ?

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I have a friend who has enjoyed hosting international visitors in Tokyo in her
own condo.
She has been hosting international visitors in her spare two-bedroom apartment
but will have to stop it because her building association (管理組合）has decided to
ban the minpaku business ahead of the law’s
enactment in June 2018.
She was able to meet many different people she would have not met otherwise.
A lot of foreign friends have been asking me a question about minpaku (民泊、private lodging) in Japan.
Today I am going to discuss the basic knowledge about minpaku and minpaku law
set by the government in 2016.
How does the new minpaku law work ?
What is the implication on the real estate industry ?

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