Top 6 Akiya Banks For Foreigners To Use In 2025

Want a free house? Why not look at akiya houses?

Akiya is a Japanese term that refers to an empty or abandoned house in Japan. According to a government survey published in 2024, there are approximately 9 million akiya in Japan, with the highest empty-house rate in Tokushima, Wakayama, and Yamanashi Prefectures.

The issue of Japan's vacant homes has led to a strong interest from prospective homeowners overseas in purchasing such property as either a second home, a vacation home, or a potential short-term rental.

Many such akiya houses are listed in Akiya banks, sites that help individuals search for and find vacant, abandoned, and cheap properties in Japan.

In today's article, we've listed 6 of the best akiya banks for foreigners that help interested individuals find free properties.

What is an akiya bank?

Akiya banks are online house databases that list vacant or abandoned properties for buyers and renters. These banks are often run by local governments, NPOs, or real estate agencies. However, not all the properties within a prefecture are available online, so you must contact the akiya bank for more information.

There are many akiya banks throughout Japan, and each prefecture has its specialized akiya bank for its area.

How do you find an akiya in Japan?

First, determine where you want to search for an akiya in Japan. Akiya exists everywhere in Japan, and it can be overwhelming to search all prefectures and cities to find the one you’re looking for.

To help simplify your search, use these akiya bank English websites to find properties.

6 akiya banks for foreigners to use

Here are 4 English akiya banks for you to use. 

Each site has akiya listings in English as well as provides other important information, such as property details, buying procedures, and contact information for further assistance

1. Akiya & Inaka 

Akiya & Inaka is an akiya bank platform to help international buyers acquire rural properties in Japan.

They offer three services to help with property purchasing, selling, and investing in rural Japan. 

• Buyer services: they will help buyers throughout the process from the initial searches to brokerage services, along with renovation guidance.

• Investor services: they provide research, registration assistance, and market entry support for investors in rural real estate development.

• Seller services: working with property owners, they will develop the best sale approach for the property while helping with property preparation, listing advice, and lead generation.

As an akiya bank for foreigners, Akiya & Inaka recognizes the challenges when it comes to akiya houses. So they will adjust their services to help you find the perfect house in Japan.

2. Akiya-Mart

Akiya-Mart is one of the best akiya banks for foreigners and English-speaking individuals looking to find and buy property in Japan.

This akiya bank was founded by Joey and Take, two people who met while studying abroad in Japan and who wanted to create a simplified platform to search for an akiya house. 

Their map search is the easiest way to look at akiyas throughout Japan.

All the real estate listings show:

• The price in yen and USD

• Building and land dimensions

• House or apartment layout

• Links to its Google map location and realtor’s website

Additionally, founders Joey and Take host a podcast where they share their firsthand experiences navigating the challenges and triumphs of purchasing Japanese property, offering valuable insights for prospective akiya buyers.

3. Akiyaz

While not your typical akiya bank, this is an English brokerage-style service, founded and led by Matt Ketchum, that provides its clients with an optimized list of properties to find the best property with the highest return on investment and community impact. 

Fill out their contact form to begin working with them to find properties that best suit your needs.

Their team works closely to support those seeking akiya in Japan and support long-term sustainability and cultural preservation.

4. Nippon Tradings International (NTI)

Nippon Tradings International is another brokerage-style firm in Japan, serving foreigners looking to invest in Japanese real estate. 

They provide access to different types of properties, including akiya properties and holiday homes. Their services include property research, settlement negotiation, and property ownership transfer. 

The NTI team will provide transparent property portfolios and help maximize your property investments.

5. AkiyaBanks

AkiyaBanks is a great online resource for looking at different akiya banks for foreigners; the site shows various akiya listed throughout Japan.

Their akiya bank (English website) collects and aggregates information from various Japanese local governments, including their respective akiya bank pages, recent listings for sale, and relevant resources.

While it is not a property listing site, AkiyaBanks is a bridge for potential buyers with the local governments or property owners.

6. Akiya Japan

Akiya Japan is an akiya bank for foreigners that offers akiya listings in English and other Japanese real estate properties.

To specifically look for akiyas, use their filter tool and select “akiya bank.” From there, their site will show you all available akiya properties in Tokyo, Osaka, or wherever you want to purchase one.

Akiya Japan is very user-friendly. Their map mode is impressive, allowing you to see all the available akiya properties throughout Japan.

What's the difference between a Japanese akiya bank and an English akiya bank?

Japanese akiya banks are run by local city governments with the aim of reducing vacancies and abandoned properties within their jurisdiction.

English akiya banks are often run by foreign entrepreneurs, companies, or intermediaries with commission-based goals.

Japanese akiya banks will contain a more complete listing of akiyas within a given area. Whereas English akiya banks will curate based on what they think might appeal to the international consumer.

Here's a table showcasing the primary differences in approaches:

How do I use an akiya bank?

English akiya banks often operate like an online Japanese real estate service. Here's a step-by-step on how to use an akiya bank to search for a Japanese property.

Note: quite a few of these sites have a membership component where a greater range of properties are only accessible once you've signed up.

1. Decide on a location

To help narrow down all the akiya houses in Japan, you’ll need to decide where in Japan you wish to purchase property.

You can start regionally, like Kanto, then look in more specific areas, such as Saitama or Chiba.

Some properties near the city center will be more expensive than in more rural areas of Japan. Property prices are further dependent on the property's condition, size, and location.

If you have a particular location in mind, you can do a quick search in Japanese: [place name]市空き家バンク. While an English site may exist, searching in Japanese may turn up more listings for your perusal.

2. Narrow your selection

Some akiya banks will have transparent listings, such as the date added, outside and layout photos, the property's total cost, the cost of renovation, and so on.

Other akiya banks might present the bare minimum information to allow potential buyers to contact them for specific consultations.

3. Visit the property

Schedule viewings for the properties you are interested in.

Brokerages, such as the English-speaking real estate brokerages listed in this article, can help guide you through the process, answering any questions you have, and can provide financing and renovation advice.

How do you set up an akiya house?

Before moving into your new akiya house, you’ll need to set up the water, electricity, and internet. But setting it up can be complex, as it often involves calling local services to coordinate on-property setups.

If you need help, MailMate is a bilingual property management service that can assist you as you begin your akiya journey.

How can MailMate help you set up your akiya?

MailMate’s Akiya & Vacation Home Package is perfect for foreigners abroad who want to set up their akiya properties so that everything is ready for them when they arrive in Japan. 

a. Utility liaison

Let MailMate set up and manage your essential utilities, such as electricity, water, and gas. We’ll make sure they are up and functioning.

Plus, we’ll ensure these bills are paid so you don’t incur late fees or get your utilities turned off. 

b. Tax agent representation for your property taxes

There are two main real estate taxes you have to pay in Japan after paying property acquisition tax: these are fixed asset tax (固定資産税, kotei shisan zei) and city planning tax (都市計画税, toshi keikaku zei).

If you do not reside in Japan, you will need to appoint someone to pay these taxes on your behalf. 

MailMate can act as your tax representative to ensure you and your property comply with local tax regulations. We’ll also manage all the necessary Japanese paperwork for you.

c. Bilingual mail translation

MailMate also provides a virtual mailbox address and will receive, scan, and translate your mail, so you can understand any important Japanese notifications that are sent to your Japanese property. 

d. Maintenance scheduling

Navigating maintenance issues in a foreign language can turn simple repairs and house to-dos into frustrating ordeals.

With MailMate's expert bilingual coordination, you'll never struggle through complicated Japanese maintenance conversations again.

Simply tell us what your property needs—from plumbing repairs to seasonal maintenance—and our team handles everything, communicating with local contractors and confirming quality work completion.

Frequently asked questions

Can anyone use an akiya bank?

Anyone can use an akiya bank in Japan, including foreigners and non-permanent residents. Akiya banks are open to all users.

Does the government fund akiya banks?

City-run Japanese akiya banks are funded by the local governments in Japan as these banks act as platforms to provide information about vacant or abandoned properties within the jurisdiction. The funding for the akiya banks is from local government budgets for urban development, housing initiatives, or revitalization programs. English akiya banks are privately owned and funded by foreign entrepreneurs and companies.

Can you buy a house in Japan as an American?

At present, there are no restrictions on foreigners buying a house in Japan.

What financing options are available to foreigners for purchasing akiya properties?

Given the relatively affordable prices of many akiya properties (often under ¥5 million), cash purchases represent the most straightforward approach for foreign buyers, eliminating complex approval processes and interest costs. Alternatively, specialized real estate investment companies offer comprehensive packages that include financing assistance, while some rural municipalities provide incentives like low-interest renovation loans or subsidies to attract new residents to areas with high vacancy rates.

In closing

The English-language akiya banks featured in this article provide essential tools for foreign buyers to discover their ideal Japanese property without language barriers.

These platforms simplify searching across different regions while offering crucial guidance on purchasing procedures and property specifics.

Once you've found your perfect akiya, preparing it for use presents another challenge.

MailMate's comprehensive property management services bridge the gap for overseas owners by handling utility setup, tax obligations, communication with contractors, and Japanese mail translation.

We do the following:

• Receive and pay your property tax bills without a Japanese bank account.

• Register MailMate as your Domestic Point of Contact at the time of your property purchase.

• Receive your Japanese Mail digitally with English summaries & an interactive Mail Concierge.

• Local point of contact and bill pay for your condo or building association.

• Local point of contact for utility set-up and ongoing bill-pay.

• Fiber optic internet set-up at your property (inclusive of monthly internet fees).

• Home owner's insurance quote and contract support.

...And much more. Get started on your akiya journey today!