I Dream of Akiya

Ryosuke Takemoto
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  • PLACES & TRAVEL

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.

Episodes

  1. Launching Our First Airbnb in Tokyo (with Sean from Seoul)

    06/12/2025

    Launching Our First Airbnb in Tokyo (with Sean from Seoul)

    On this episode of I Dream of Akiya, hosts Ryo and Kai sit down with their friend and business partner Sean to revisit their very first Airbnb project—an old home in Tamagawa, Ota Ward, Tokyo. They share stories of the design process, the local permitting hurdles, and the unique requirement of hosting a neighborhood meeting to gain approval. Sean also gives a peek into the Seoul rental market, where tenants often pay two years of rent upfront and landlords are more commercially minded—making lease arbitrage deals for Airbnb more straightforward than in Japan. Together, they contrast the two real estate ecosystems and reflect on what it takes to creatively navigate Japan’s tight housing norms. Whether you're curious about Tokyo Airbnb strategy, local real estate permitting, or how Korea compares, this episode offers both insights and laughs from on-the-ground operators.

    32 min

  2. 06/03/2025

    I Dream of Akiya – Owning a Home in Japan, From Countryside to Airbnb

    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 existThe real reasons people are buying homes in the Japanese countrysideOsaka’s rising appeal as an investment spotCultural quirks and legal stuff foreigners should knowHow to turn an old house into a cozy AirbnbWhether 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.

    29 min
  • 2 Episodes

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Ryosuke Takemoto
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 I Dream of Akiya
  • Show Website
    I Dream of Akiya