We assist those who plan to travel or relocate to Shikoku.

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We are located in Shikoku and building a net work of English speakers who love Japan and want to build a life here. If that's you contact us. Tell us your stories , tell us what you want. Let's make it happen. We are happy to help.

Shikoku is an amazing island.To those who have never been, Japan equals Tokyo. However there is another Japan — just as clean, just as polite and with all the same qualities of Japanese culture — but without the complex mazes and crowds of modern cities. Life flows here at an island pace. Shikoku is Island flavored Japan. However there are little to no English services. We can be your local contact or assist in English for all things you need in Shikoku.

Shikoku is best known for the 88 temple pilgrimage. Many seekers of enlightment come to walk this ancient path. The traditional pilgrimage is done on foot however modern transportation is also available.

Shikoku is a small island. You can go to the woods, pristine rivers and beautiful coasts all within a few hours of driving. The inland sea has almost no waves but is full of delicious fish and beautiful views. A lesser known fact, Kagawa prefecture is the least natural disaster prone area in Japan.

Buying an Akiya in Japan can be complicated and hard to navigate. Having done it ourselves we hope to help others who wish to buy an Akiya. The end of the jurney is very rewarding. 

 https://youtu.be/y7WxBAMQjj8?si=bZ_x9MXSNJgB-27Z

This is us on Youtube.

 Akiya Japan 日本空き家 - English search for Japanese real estate. 

Akiya listings in English. A lot of great information here!

Last summer we decided to move to Japan in search of a safer place and stable culture to raise our children.

Many local governments throughout Japan offer furnished temporary housing for those who want to relocate to the area. Our first try was in Kagawa prefecture Shikoku. As soon as we arrived we fell in love with the island and started a search for our dream Akiya.

It took roughly15 to 20 showings before we found our place. The akiya we chose is about 50 years old, 7 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with a large fenced yard and walking distance to most things you need.

Akiyas come in many conditions so choosing the one that suits your ability and budget is key. Upon finding this one we put an offer within 30 min of the walk through.The price of the house was US$22,500/JPY3,500,000 and the total renovation cost has been about US$6,500/JPY1,000,000. (as of May 2024) Being accustomed to DIY, we were able to do most of the work ourselves. 

Since we moved from the US with only suitcases, buying an akiya fully furnished was ideal for us.  Some akiyas may come with heavy cleanup but ours was very minimal. We appreciated all the furnishings and tools that came with it.

In rural Japan , the community often expects you to participate in neighborhood functions either with your time or money depending on your personal capabilities. In our case, we pay US$25/JPY4,000 a year and that's all. No meeting or labor, so meet the neighbors and study the community expectations before you buy.

We have been very happy with our new house, the neighbors and our community. There is a large agricultural lot behind our backyard and the local farmers often give us fresh produce off their lot and give us very useful tips for our garden .

Shikoku has a very different vibe from mainland Japan. It isn't as high tech and modern like Tokyo but it offers a very calm and much more peaceful quality of life. If you like a calmer and peaceful life, Shikoku could be your next destination.

Zentsuji temple , Kukai's birth place, You can stay at the temple over night

https://zentsuji-com.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ja

Konpira shrine

https://www.konpira.or.jp/?stageID=hp_home&language=JAPANESE

Torii gate in the sky

 Takaya Shrine ~Torii Gate in the Sky~ - Kanonji City (www-city-kanonji-kagawa-jp.translate.goog) 

Sightseeing train rides in Shikoku

https://www.jr-shikoku.co.jp/global/en/

This one stops at Zentsuji station

https://www.jr-eki.com/global/en/travel/sennen_top/index.html

Chichibugahama

https://www.mitoyo-kanko.com/eng/chichibugahama/

Helpful links

 Work or Long-term stay | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (mofa.go.jp) 

Akiya Japan

 Akiya Japan 日本空き家 - English search for Japanese real estate. 

Akiya Banks

 AkiyaBanks | 空き家バンク | Japanese House Banks & Unoccupied / Vacant House Real Estate Information 

• We are opening our home to those who would like to stay and hunt an akiya. Let us know if you need a base to hunt from.
• Translate materials to or from English - Japanese
• Contact local agents on behalf of you
• Arrange showings on properties you wish to take a look at
• Shoot a video of a property you are interested in
• Adjustable to any unique requests you may have

If you don't know where to start, start with us!

 Zentsuji city contacted us to help promote the city in English to visitors and potential new residents. The project has just started so if you have any suggestions to help us improve it please let us know. To those who are considering visiting or relocating here, the city is ready to help navigate your journey. 

Here are some tours they created around the city.

 H.I.S. Co., Ltd 

For those who are on a budget and more adventurous we can help you plan your own tour.