Check out Dylan Graves "72 hours in Japan"
It’s a recurring story for the traveling surfer. They roam the globe chasing less crowded waves, searching for that sense of discovery, even though, let’s be honest, there’s not much left to “discover.”
They find a town they love: good waves, friendly locals, a laid-back rhythm. They start dreaming, maybe I’ll buy a place here one day, or come back every season.
Then reality hits. They check the local real estate listings and get slapped back to earth. $700,000. $500,000.
Even in places like Nicaragua, Costa Rica, or Mexico, what used to be affordable dream surf towns have become luxury investment zones.
Beachfront bungalows that once sold for $80K now go for half a million, and even the “cheap” fixer-uppers are priced like Los Angeles suburbs. The surf dream, for many, has been priced out.
But is there anywhere left in the world with good surf, empty lineups, and affordable homes?
Surprisingly, yes. Japan checks all those boxes.
No, it’s not Indonesia in terms of year-round consistency. But during typhoon season, Japan gets world-class waves, powerful, glassy, and often completely empty.
You can still buy a house, not a cramped apartment, but a full 1,200-square-foot detached home, within a 10–15 minute drive of quality breaks for under $50,000 USD.
There’s almost nowhere else on Earth where you can find that combination: affordable housing, empty waves, safety, clean infrastructure, and a low cost of living.
Add Japan’s efficient public transport and overall quality of life, and you’ve got a surf base that’s just a few hours from Tokyo, for less than the price of a new Toyota Tacoma.
I’m writing this from a café in Capbreton, France, on a surf trip where the homes are eye-wateringly expensive.
It makes me think back to Japan’s ski towns like Niseko or Hakuba, which have exploded in popularity (and price) over the past decade. Are Japan’s surf towns next? Maybe. Maybe not.
For now, they remain one of surfing’s best-kept secrets, small coastal communities with friendly locals, great food, and waves that are still yours for the taking.
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a beach house with fun, uncrowded surf out front… Japan might just be the last place left where that dream is still within reach.
Ready to discuss your specific investment goals?
Book a free consultation to review your budget and see current opportunities that match your criteria.
Want to see properties before committing?
Our consultation fee applies toward your success fee if you purchase, so there’s no additional cost to start exploring.
Browse opportunities yourself: Check out current listings at Nipponhomes.com
Book consultation | Subscribe to our newsletter
Share this post and get 5 new subscribers to earn your custom Yuki Homes heavyweight tee—designed in Brooklyn, quality you can actually feel.
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.