YukiHomes Presents...

YukiHomes
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Places & Travel

Buying a home in Japan sounds like a fantasy until you meet the people who actually make it happen. YukiHomes Presents is a show about Japan... its houses, its regions, and what it really takes for a foreigner to own a piece of it. From the snow country of Hokkaido and Nagano to the cities, coasts, and small towns in between, it's a look at the country through the eyes of the people who help others put down a stake in it. Every episode goes deep on one thing. Sometimes that's property: what an akiya is and why old Japanese houses sell for the price of a used car, how a foreigner actually buys and renovates a home, which regions are worth it and which are hype. Sometimes it's everything around the houses: the food, the seasons, the onsen towns and ski hills, the design and craft, the culture, and the parts of doing this that are harder than anyone admits. Hosted by Nick and Derek, co-founders of YukiHomes, and Grant (YukiHomes PR & Media Lead). Along the way you'll meet the builders, guides, shop owners, and buyers who know this country better than any guidebook. No top-10 travel lists. Just honest conversations about Japan, and what it takes to own a piece of it. New episodes every other week. www.yukihomes.com www.nipponhomes.com

  1. 4d ago

    Japan Hot Takes: Language, Summer, Bureaucracy & Work Culture (Part 2)

    Nick, Derek and Vee continue rating hot takes about life in Japan. They discuss whether you need Japanese to live happily there, the country’s intense summer weather, bureaucracy and work culture, and whether solo karaoke is better than singing with friends. 🎙️ TOPICS COVERED 0:00 — Japanese work culture: whether people work as hard as they’re perceived to1:15 — Living in Japan without speaking Japanese: how far translation apps and a little effort can take you2:45 — Learning local phrases and connecting with people3:33 — Japanese humor and eccentricity4:08 — Japanese summer vs. winter: humidity, heat, and ways to stay cool8:19 — Japanese bureaucracy: paperwork, rules, and their place in daily life13:18 — Solo karaoke vs. singing with friends14:30 — Japanese work culture: whether people work as hard as they’re perceived to, and the difference between looking busy and being productive.🏠 LOOKING FOR PROPERTY IN JAPAN? Work with us -> yukihomes.com Property Search & Rentals -> nipponhomes.com 🔗 WHERE TO FIND USYukihomes IG instagram.com/yukihomesjapanMichikusa IG -> instagram.com/michikusa.worldSubstack -> yukihomes.substack.comPR -> vee@yukihomes.com Got a topic or question you want covered? Email hello@yukihomes.com or send us a DM!

    Japan Hot Takes: Language, Summer, Bureaucracy & Work Culture (Part 2)

  2. Nov 2

    Japan Hot Takes: Convenience Store Food, Ramen vs. Soba, Tourism & Tipping (Part 1)

    In this episode, we cover hot takes about life and culture in Japan. Nick and Derek rate each one on a "spice meter" from 1 (mild) to 4 (volcanic). Matching scores win a point. When the scores differ, they have to explain themselves. This episode covers the first two rounds, food and daily life, then travel and tourism. Along the way the hosts share stories about convenience stores, trash sorting, Kyoto crowds, training jiu-jitsu in Japan, and tipping culture in the US, UK and Japan. 🎙️ TOPICS COVERED How the game works (0:28): the spice meter, the point system and the three roundsConvenience store food (1:48): whether it beats US restaurants, favorite chains (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, Ministop), Wawa, and the Lawson steamed chicken snackRamen vs. soba and udon (6:26): which noodle is best, and why Tabelog beats Google for food reviewsJapanese breakfast (8:50): rice, miso soup, grilled fish and pickles vs. eggs and a full EnglishJapan's garbage sorting system (10:08): is it genius or annoying, whether sorted trash really stays sorted, and a trick for putting the rules in your calendarKyoto in cherry blossom and autumn leaf season (13:59): whether the crowds have ruined itOvertourism (14:42): Japan vs. France, and why visitors should spread out beyond the same few spotsJiu-jitsu in Japan vs. the US (16:39): training in Miyazaki, small-world coincidences, and all the apologies on the matPlanning vs. winging a trip to Japan (19:47): the one take where the hosts matched, and Vee's love of planning every detailTipping culture (23:18): the US, the UK and Japan🏠 LOOKING FOR PROPERTY IN JAPAN? Work with us -> yukihomes.com Property Search & Rentals -> nipponhomes.com 🔗 WHERE TO FIND USYukihomes IG instagram.com/yukihomesjapanMichikusa IG -> instagram.com/michikusa.worldSubstack -> yukihomes.substack.comPR -> vee@yukihomes.com Got a topic or question you want covered? Email hello@yukihomes.com or send us a DM!

    Japan Hot Takes: Convenience Store Food, Ramen vs. Soba, Tourism & Tipping (Part 1)

  3. Oct 26

    Skiing in Japan vs. North America: Why Everyone's Obsessed With JAPOW

    In this episode, Vee, Derek, and Nick explore their experiences with skiing and snowboarding, cultural differences in Japan, and quirky insights into Japanese obsession with perfection. They share practical tips for beginners and discuss fascinating cultural phenomena. Vee, Derek, and Nick share their experiences and insights on Japanese ski culture, travel logistics, and cultural nuances, offering valuable tips for international travelers and ski enthusiasts. 🎙️ TOPICS COVERED Differences between skiing and snowboardingTips for beginners in skiing and snowboardingCultural insights into Japanese obsession with perfectionTravel tips for skiing in Japan and EuropeUnique roadside attractions in Japan Differences between Japanese and Western ski resortsTravel logistics for Hokkaido and other regionsCultural nuances and language barriers in JapanSki gear rental vs. bringing your ownUnique Japanese resort features and architectureCultural behaviors on the slopes and in resortsTips for first-time skiers in JapanJapanese hospitality and helpful locals🔗 WHERE TO FIND USYukihomes -> instagram.com/yukihomesjapanMichikusa -> instagram.com/michikusa.worldSubstack -> yukihomes.substack.comPR -> vee@yukihomes.com Got a topic or question you want covered? Email hello@yukihomes.com or send us a DM!

    Skiing in Japan vs. North America: Why Everyone's Obsessed With JAPOW

  4. Oct 19

    The Wildest Japanese Akiya Houses Stories On The Internet

    In this episode, we explore fascinating stories about Japanese houses, from haunted homes to overgrown ruins, and discuss cultural nuances in real estate transactions. Join us for insights into unique property tales and the quirks of Japanese real estate culture. 🎙️ TOPICS COVERED Japanese haunted houses and ghost storiesNegotiation and family involvement in Japanese real estateOvergrown properties and renovation storiesCultural norms in Japanese property transactionsUnique architectural features and hidden rooms in Japanese houses💻  RESOURCES Strange Houses (Book): https://a.co/d/0bkSTsmd 🔗 WHERE TO FIND USYukihomes -> instagram.com/yukihomesjapanMichikusa -> instagram.com/michikusa.worldSubstack -> yukihomes.substack.comPR -> vee@yukihomes.com Got a topic or question you want covered? Email hello@yukihomes.com or send us a DM!

    The Wildest Japanese Akiya Houses Stories On The Internet

  5. Oct 12

    From Tokyo to Fukuoka: A Bilingual Agent Explains Living and Buying Property in Japan

    In this episode, Robin shares his unique experience growing up between Japan and the US, his journey into entrepreneurship in Fukuoka, and insights into Japanese culture and work ethic. Discover how his background shaped his career and the opportunities in Japan for foreigners. Robin shares insights into the Japanese real estate market, cultural nuances, and his experiences working with clients and agents in Japan. Discover how local practices differ from Western norms and what it takes to succeed in this unique environment. 🎙️ TOPICS COVERED Robin's background growing up in Chicago and TokyoThe startup ecosystem in Fukuoka and Startup Fukuoka City programCultural differences between Japan and the US, especially work ethic and lifestyleImpact of COVID-19 on Robin’s plans and life in JapanThe role of language and education in Japan for foreigners Differences between Japanese and Western real estate practicesThe importance of cultural sensitivity in JapanChallenges of working with Japanese agentsStrategies for successful client relationships in JapanThe impact of age and experience on agent behaviorShady practices in Japanese real estate and how to avoid them💻  RESOURCES Where to find Robin → instagram.com/studioapexjapan/ Real Gaijin Podcast → youtube.com/@RealGaijin 🔗 WHERE TO FIND USYukihomes -> instagram.com/yukihomesjapanMichikusa -> instagram.com/michikusa.worldSubstack -> yukihomes.substack.comPR -> vee@yukihomes.com Got a topic or question you want covered? Email hello@yukihomes.com or send us a DM!

    From Tokyo to Fukuoka: A Bilingual Agent Explains Living and Buying Property in Japan

  6. Oct 5

    Buying Property in Japan: Rural Towns vs. Cities

    In this episode, we explore the differences between rural and urban living in Japan and the US, discuss property buying strategies, and share insights on language barriers and community integration for foreigners in Japan. We explore cultural differences in social interactions, health practices, and rural versus city living in Japan and beyond. Our panel discusses how these nuances impact daily life, community, and personal well-being. 🎙️ TOPICS COVERED Differences between rural and urban JapanProperty prices and budgets in JapanLanguage barriers and community integrationRenovation challenges in JapanLegal protections for properties in rural areasCity planning and walkability in JapanCultural differences in housing and communityImpact of local laws on property development Japanese social norms and greetingsRural versus urban community life in JapanJapan's health check system and waistline regulationsImpact of micro interactions on well-beingCultural differences in friendliness and social behavior🔗 WHERE TO FIND USYukihomes -> instagram.com/yukihomesjapanMichikusa -> instagram.com/michikusa.worldSubstack -> yukihomes.substack.comPR -> vee@yukihomes.com Got a topic or question you want covered? Email hello@yukihomes.com or send us a DM!

    Buying Property in Japan: Rural Towns vs. Cities

  7. Sep 28

    Why Japan Feels Different: Cleanliness, Craftsmanship & the Culture No One Talks About

    In this episode, Derek, Vee, and Nick explore the unique aspects of Japanese culture and society that stand out compared to their home countries. They discuss topics like cleanliness, craftsmanship, community pride, and the challenges and opportunities in Japan's urban and rural areas. 🎙️ TOPICS COVERED Japanese cleanliness and trash managementJapanese craftsmanship and pride in workCommunity and local business culture in JapanDifferences in infrastructure and urban planningImmigration policies and demographic challenges in Japan 🔗 WHERE TO FIND USYukihomes -> instagram.com/yukihomesjapanMichikusa -> instagram.com/michikusa.worldSubstack -> yukihomes.substack.comPR -> vee@yukihomes.com Got a topic or question you want covered? Email hello@yukihomes.com or send us a DM!

    Why Japan Feels Different: Cleanliness, Craftsmanship & the Culture No One Talks About

  8. Sep 21

    Visas 101 — What Actually Lets You Live in the Home You Just Bought in Japan

    In this episode, Vee, Derek, and Nick explore the intricacies of visas, residency, and life in Japan, sharing personal experiences and practical advice for navigating the Japanese immigration system. They explore Japan's visa system, citizenship laws, and the opportunities for foreigners to live and work in Japan. They discuss various visa types, the challenges of immigration, and practical tips for navigating Japan's legal landscape. 🎙️ TOPICS COVERED Types of visas needed to live in JapanThe process of obtaining a work visa in JapanDifferences between tourist and resident visasThe points-based system for permanent residencyChallenges of finding housing in Japan as a foreignerCultural differences in social integrationMyths about visas and property ownership in JapanThe impact of COVID-19 on visa processing and travelStrategies for long-term stay and residency in JapanPersonal experiences of moving to and living in Japan Japan visa types and requirementsCitizenship laws and citizenship by birthChallenges of immigration and community buildingPractical tips for visa application and switchingOpportunities for entrepreneurs and digital nomadsImpact of foreign investment on Japan's economyCultural perceptions of foreigners in Japan💻  RESOURCES https://jobs.gaijinpot.com/ 🔗 WHERE TO FIND USYukihomes -> instagram.com/yukihomesjapanMichikusa -> instagram.com/michikusa.worldSubstack -> yukihomes.substack.comPR -> vee@yukihomes.com Got a topic or question you want covered? Email hello@yukihomes.com or send us a DM!

    Visas 101 — What Actually Lets You Live in the Home You Just Bought in Japan
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Buying a home in Japan sounds like a fantasy until you meet the people who actually make it happen. YukiHomes Presents is a show about Japan... its houses, its regions, and what it really takes for a foreigner to own a piece of it. From the snow country of Hokkaido and Nagano to the cities, coasts, and small towns in between, it's a look at the country through the eyes of the people who help others put down a stake in it. Every episode goes deep on one thing. Sometimes that's property: what an akiya is and why old Japanese houses sell for the price of a used car, how a foreigner actually buys and renovates a home, which regions are worth it and which are hype. Sometimes it's everything around the houses: the food, the seasons, the onsen towns and ski hills, the design and craft, the culture, and the parts of doing this that are harder than anyone admits. Hosted by Nick and Derek, co-founders of YukiHomes, and Grant (YukiHomes PR & Media Lead). Along the way you'll meet the builders, guides, shop owners, and buyers who know this country better than any guidebook. No top-10 travel lists. Just honest conversations about Japan, and what it takes to own a piece of it. New episodes every other week. www.yukihomes.com www.nipponhomes.com

Information

  • Creator
    YukiHomes
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Senile Hog Productions
  • Show Website
    YukiHomes Presents...

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