Can foreigners buy property in Japan?
Yes. There is no nationality ban on owning land or buildings in Japan. Foreigners — residents or not — can generally buy akiya under the same ownership rules as Japanese nationals.
What changed around 2026
Recent rules add transparency, not a purchase ban: nationality disclosure at title registration, and FEFTA reporting (Form 22) for non-resident acquisitions within about 20 days. Non-residents also need a Japan domestic contact on the registry.
What ownership does not do
Buying property does not grant a visa or residency. Living in Japan long-term still requires an independent immigration status.
Watch-outs
- Agricultural land (農地) is heavily restricted for everyone.
- Leasehold (借地) is not freehold — confirm term and ground rent.
- Neglected vacant houses can lose residential tax reductions after municipal designation.
- Use a judicial scrivener (司法書士) for title work.