“Can foreigners really buy property in Japan?”

“What if I don’t speak Japanese?”

These were the initial concerns of one Thai high-net-worth individual. But through their journey of purchasing real estate in Japan, a powerful transformation unfolded—from hesitation to certainty.

In this article, we share their authentic story—how they navigated the search, selection, and acquisition process, and how they now leverage their Tokyo property.

◆ CASE 1： A Long-Stay Family Residence in Tokyo

Owner Profile: Physician based in Bangkok
Purpose: Base for two to three annual visits to Japan
Acquisition: New 2LDK condominium in Bunkyo, Tokyo | Approx. ¥80 million

“We cannot put up with hotels anymore. Each time the children made noise, we felt pressured. And no kitchen equipped.

A friend in Tokyo said, ‘Honestly, owning a place is far less stressful.’ That was the turning point. Since the purchase, it truly feels like we’re coming home.

We shop at local markets, do laundry, take walks—it feels less like a visit and more like living in Tokyo.
The entire family now refers to it as ‘our second home in Japan.’”

◆ CASE 2：Future-Proofing Through Family-Driven Investment

Owner Profile: Entrepreneur based in Chiang Mai
Purpose: A future residence for their child’s university studies in Japan, with interim leasing
Acquisition: Renovated 1LDK pre-owned unit in Nakano, Tokyo | Approx. ¥55 million

“My teenage child may attend university in Japan in the future. Rather than a dormitory or shared housing, I wanted my child to live in a real home with peace of mind.”

“In the meantime, we’ve entrusted a management company to handle both short- and long-term rentals. To our surprise, demand has been incredibly strong—we’ve leased it out for nearly eight months of the year. Our family is very satisfied with returns.”

◆ CASE 3：Acquired Solely for Strategic Investment Purposes

Owner Profile: Real Estate Professional based in Bangkok
Purpose: Asset diversification for stable yield
Acquisition: Location-specific 1LDK property in Sakyo, Kyoto | Approx. ¥42 million

“Real estate markets in places like Thailand and Singapore are far too volatile. Kyoto, by contrast, offers limited supply, deep cultural value, and consistent demand—it’s a place where I felt the asset would never go to zero.”

“Japan’s real estate market is entirely manageable with the right local partners—With clear renovation and maintenance frameworks, this is a solid, long-term asset I feel confident holding for years to come.”

◆ What Thai Buyers Consistently Value After Purchasing in Japan

• Transaction procedures were far more transparent and well-structured than expected, offering immediate peace of mind
• Real estate firms provided full support—including interpretation, documentation, and legal registration
• Post-purchase services such as leasing, property management, and tax support were seamlessly handled by professionals
• The cleanliness and tranquility of Tokyo’s residential neighborhoods proved ideal for their families

But above all, they share a deeper realization: “Owning a home in Japan has added a layer of lasting reassurance to my life.”

◆ Still Deciding? Let the Experiences of Buyers Speak for Themselves

No matter how much research you conduct, few sources are more credible than those who’ve already made the move.

And what many affluent Thai buyers have discovered is this: Purchasing real estate in Japan is far simpler, more transparent, and more reassuring than they ever imagined.

Most began with hesitation—but that uncertainty evolved into conviction.

This transition—from cautious consideration to assured ownership—is what unites the experiences of many affluent Thai buyers in Japan.