In this installment in the “what can you buy” series, by popular request, we are going up market… to the $1.5 million to $2million price range. This is equivalent to between ¥162 million and ¥217 million.
To put this price point in perspective, in 2018, the average listing price for a single-family home in the Tokyo 23 Wards was about ¥64,870,000 (a year-on-year increase of 8.5%).
After the examples, we give answers to FAQs about buying property in Japan as a foreigner.
Let’s look at a few examples of what’s currently on the market.
Luxury House for sale in Niseko – Hokkaido vacation home – Breathtaking view of Mt. Yotei views – Near ski slopes
Location: About a 3-min (1.6-km) drive to Niseko Village Ski Resort and Golf Course. Breathtaking views of Mt. Yotei.
Price: ¥152,500,000 ($1.4 million USD)
Size and Layout: 195.61 m² (2,099-sqft) 3BR (3LDK)
Floors: 2-story house
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 2017
Notes: This property is part of the first master-planned luxury housing development in the Niseko Higashiyama area. Underground power, master-planned landscaping, Mount Yotei and ski-hill views.
Luxury Apartment for Sale in Omotesando – Sunny, spacious 3-bedroom in prime location – Surround sound stereo system, mist sauna, wine cellar
Location: Minutes from the fashionable, tree-lined luxury fashion shops of Omotesando. This property is located in one of Tokyo’s premiere high-end shopping destinations. Omotesando is home to some of the city’s best examples of modern architecture, posh cafes, and renowned art museums. From here it is a 13-min walk to Shibuya to the west and a 15-min walk to Roppongi Hills to the east.
Price: ¥229,800,000 ($2.2 million USD)
Size and Layout: 151.44 m² (1,625-sqft) 3BR (3LDK)
Floor: 5th-floor in 7-story building
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 1985, interior renovated in 2017
Notes: This is a sunny, south-facing corner unit with an excellent view. Interior completely renovated in 2017, including the addition of a surround sound system, mist sauna, and wine cellar. Renovation design work done by the firm of Ueki Kenichi.
Luxury Apartment for Sale in Azabu Juban – Stunning Central Tokyo Views from 29th-story 3BR apartment
Location: Excellent central Tokyo location, 4-min walk from Azabu Juban station. This luxury tower condominium development is located in one of Tokyo’s most exclusive residential neighborhoods near many embassies, the Tokyo American Club, and Tokyo Tower.
Price: ¥228,00,000 ($2.0 million USD)
Size and Layout: 105.66 m² (1,130-sqft) 3BR (3LDK)
Floor: 29th-floor in 38-story building
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 2009
Notes: Corner unit with wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows. Breathtaking views in a premiere location.
Luxury Apartment for Sale in Ebisu – Newly renovated
Location: Excellent central Tokyo location, 5-min walk from Ebisu station on the Yamanote line, 12-min walk from Hiroo Station. Ex-pat friendly neighborhood with high-end shopping and many restaurants and Japanese-style pubs (izakaya) nearby. Also near international schools.
Price: ¥188,00,000 ($1.7 million USD)
Size and Layout: 117.30 m² (1,259-sqft) 3BR (3LDK)
Floor: 13th-floor in 14-story building
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 1999, recently renovated
Renovated Kyoto Town House for Sale – Near Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace
Location: Premiere Kyoto location, between Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace, 5-min walk from Marutamachi Station, about a 7-min direct ride to Kyoto Station.
Price: ¥198,00,000 ($1.8 million USD)
Size and Layout: 194.60 m² (2,088-sqft) 6BR (6LDK)
Floors: 2-stories
Land rights: Freehold
Year Built: 1950, renovated in June 2016
Notes: There are a total 6 bedrooms plus a bonus loft, interior courtyard and deck. Ideal for a vacation home. Can be renovated to be used as a guest house or long-term rental.
FAQs About Buying Property in Japan
Can a foreigner buy property in Japan?
Yes. You can buy property in Japan regardless of your nationality or country of origin. There are also no residency requirements for buying real estate in Japan. Securing financing as a resident foreigner is more complicated. For info on financing, please see “Basic Requirements for Getting a Mortgage as a Foreigner in Japan“.
How do I get a property loan as a foreigner in Japan?
Please see this article for information on: Getting a property loan as a foreigner in Japan
What is the process for buying a property in Japan?
Please see our step-by-step guide: Guide to Property in Japan
See how much you can borrow and your monthly payments in yen: Yen Mortgage Loan Calculator
For information about purchase and brokerage fees: Breakdown of real estate purchase fees and taxes in Japan
Need to know: Earthquake building codes and technology in Japan
Bilingual Real Estate Agent in Tokyo Answers Your FAQs on Buying and Managing an Investment Property
How much is my property worth?
Real Estate Japan is pleased to offer free, no obligation appraisals for owners of property in Japan. Please click here and fill out the form: How much is my property worth?
7 situations when you should consider selling your investment property in Japan
Seminars on Buying Property in Japan
Please see our seminar page for a current list of seminars on: how to buy a home in Japan, investing in Japanese real estate for beginners, how to apply for permanent residency in Japan, how to sell property in Japan, and much more.
Lead photo: Unobstructed Mt. Yotei views from the living room of the Niseko house for sale described above.