Real buyers. Real results.

Client Stories

From ski chalets in Niseko to akiya renovations in Otaru – read how real people bought their piece of Japan.

50+

Homes Purchased

25+

Renovations

Prefectures

$7M+

Total Invested

客

Asahikawa, Hokkaido

James Lilly

Roof First: James's Asahikawa House and the Renovation That Grew

James bought a meticulously kept 1997 house by the river in Asahikawa for ¥7.6 million. It barely needed anything – until the roof got a proper look. Nine months later it's a re-roofed, re-plumbed, licensed lodging business.

The House That Came With Extra Land: Mark & Paula's Vacation Home in Otaru

Mark and Paula wanted a year-round base in Japan that worked for a skier and a non-skier. They found it in Tenjin, Otaru — and learned at the signing table that they'd bought more land than they thought. Renovations kicked off three days after settlement.

Under Budget in Otaru: How Joe Bought a Whole House for ¥3M

Joe told us he'd be in Japan the following week. We put viewings and a 270-checkpoint professional inspection in front of him, and he walked away with a detached house in Otaru for ¥3 million, less than half what he'd set aside.

The Corner Unit With a Ski-Slope View: Steve's Otaru Condo

Steve bought a third-floor corner condo in Otaru with a clear view of the ski slopes – then put a deposit on a renovation a month before he actually owned it. Nine weeks after settlement the job was finished and signed off.

Snowed Out, Sold Anyway: How Tim & Allie Bought a Concrete House in Teine Sight Unseen

Tim and Allie wanted Otaru. They ended up with a designer concrete house in Teine – negotiated ¥1M off, closed from Colorado in 66 days, and renovated it into a ryokan-licensed ski rental. They bought it without ever stepping inside.

The Flood, the Fix, and the Free Floor: Mayer's Ski Rental in Tenjin, Otaru

Mayer's renovation started with a burst pipe and a flooded ground floor. Here's how a disaster became a free new floor, a fired contractor became a better one, and a dated Otaru house became a Japandi ski rental – in a neighborhood the Shinkansen is coming to.

From Texas to Tokyo: How Tal & Bronwyn Bought a 1,335 sqft Home in Hachioji for $50K

Tal and Bronwyn had one goal: own a slice of Japan they could actually live in part of the year, and Airbnb the rest. They found a 1,335 sqft home just one hour from Tokyo for $50K – an akiya with character, history, and a full renovation ahead of it.