I Dream of Akiya

Ever thought about buying a home in Japan—or turning a countryside akiya into a cozy Airbnb?

I Dream of Akiya takes you inside the real-life stories of people chasing adventure, building homes, and creating new lives in Japan.

From charming rural villages to the heart of Osaka, we talk to folks who’ve bought vacant homes, started Airbnbs, and made the leap to live or invest abroad.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Could I really own a place in Japan?”—you’re in the right place.

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I Dream of Akiya

I Dream of Akiya Ep 1

June 03, 2025 • Ryosuke Takemoto • Season 1 • Episode 1

Ever wondered what it’s like to own a home in Japan—maybe even a super cheap one in the countryside? In this first episode of I Dream of Akiya, Ryo Takemoto and Kai Boyd dive into the world of Akiya—Japan’s vacant homes—and why they might just be the hidden gems you’ve been looking for.

From rural adventures and real estate surprises to Airbnb hacks and moving-to-Japan tips, this episode covers:

What Akiya are and why so many exist
The real reasons people are buying homes in the Japanese countryside
Osaka’s rising appeal as an investment spot
Cultural quirks and legal stuff foreigners should know
How to turn an old house into a cozy Airbnb

Whether you're dreaming of a slow life in Japan or just curious about a totally different side of the country, this is a fun, eye-opening place to start.