This Is The Reality of Buying a Cheap House in Japan

Living in a cheap house in Japan sounds like a dream… until things start to go wrong. In this video, I share the reality of buying an akiya in Japan and one of the most common hidden costs—an aging hot water system that could fail at any time. If you’re thinking about buying a cheap house in Japan, this is something you need to consider.

I’ve been putting this off for a while, but my hot water system is showing signs that it may not last much longer. These are the kinds of unexpected issues that come with older Japanese homes, and they’re often not talked about when people share the benefits of affordable housing in Japan.

This is part of my everyday life living in Japan at 50—navigating the challenges, making decisions on a budget, and learning as I go. Owning an akiya can be rewarding, but it also comes with responsibility, uncertainty, and ongoing maintenance.

If you’re interested in life in Japan, buying a house in Japan, or what it’s really like living in a rural Japanese home, I hope this video gives you a more honest look.

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If you are new to the channel, my name is Chani and I am a middle aged Australian who was stuck in a rut and moved to Japan to live. I bought an Akiya or empty house and started renovating. I'd love it if you subscribed and joined the community. I look forward to seeing you in the next video 😀

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