Japan has millions of empty houses, called akiya, mainly due to rural depopulation as people move to cities, an aging population with fewer heirs wanting old family homes, and a cultural preference for new construction, creating a surplus of old properties that are often costly to renovate or maintain, despite government efforts to revitalize rural areas.
The 5-Minute Rule
To understand the importance of punctuality in Japan, acquaint yourself with the '5-minute rule'. This means that if a meeting is scheduled for 10:00 AM, you're expected to be there at 9:55 AM at the latest. Arriving exactly on time is cutting it close and is usually viewed the same as being late.
And while foreigners in Japan can buy one of these homes, there are restrictions to keep in mind. Some contracts to purchase an akiya require the buyer to live in the house permanently.
The problem of too many homes
Akiya are often passed down through generations. But with Japan's plummeting fertility rate, many are left with no heir to pass to, or are inherited by younger generations who have moved to the cities and see little value in returning to rural areas, experts told CNN.
Here's a snapshot of nations with the most vacant properties: China 🇨🇳 – Approximately 65 million vacant homes, including numerous "ghost cities" with vast uninhabited developments. United States 🇺🇸 – Over 5.6 million vacant housing units across major metropolitan areas, contributing to a 7.37% vacancy rate in 2023.
Q2: What factors have contributed to Japan's low homelessness rate? Japan's low homelessness rate is attributed to government policies such as the Homeless Self-Support Act, increased housing facilities, long-term shelters, and strict drug and mental health policies.
Australia ranks 18th overall in Compare the Market's 2025 Cost of Living Index, with an Affordability Index score of 58.01. While it doesn't make the top tier of the cheapest countries to live in 2025, it remains a strong contender.
Living in the Japanese countryside on $1,000 a month isn't for everyone. But for people who love nature, quiet mornings, and a simple lifestyle… It's not only possible — it's freeing.
Japan's working poor
Several factors have been found to be correlated with the working poor including single-parent households, shortcomings of the Public Assistance System, unstable employment and minimum wage insufficient to cover a minimum standard of living.
In an effort to revive these areas, some properties are being sold for astonishingly low prices—as little as $500, or in some cases, even offered for free—simply to encourage new owners to take responsibility for them.
Living Abroad in Japan: Expat Life, Culture, and Practical Tips. Living in Japan can be more affordable than many major Western countries, especially the United States. A single person typically spends around $1,097 per month, while a family's average expenses are about $2,818.
Short-term visas
However, a temporary tourist visa cannot exceed 180 days in a 12-month period. So, essentially, this visa limits you to a maximum of 6 months out of the year that you can spend on your Japanese property.
Japanese tend not to eat while walking along or standing around on the street. However, it is acceptable to drink while standing aside vending machines, which are ubiquitous in Japan. Eating and drinking on local trains is also frowned upon, but not long distance express trains such as the Shinkansen bullet train.
1. South Sudan ($455 | GDP-PPP per Capita) South Sudan ranks as the poorest country globally, grappling with prolonged civil war, oil dependency, and severe food insecurity.
Japan today faces a number of structural problems that have plagued the country for decades and are continually worsening. The most significant challenges can be divided into four main areas: demographic change, ongoing economic stagnation, record-high national debt, and acute labor shortages.
So How Much Is a Lot of Money in Japan? Generally speaking, whether you're a tourist, student, or worker in Japan, 10,000 yen per day is more than enough money to get by. That equates to about 300,000 yen per month, which is higher than the average salary that a Japanese person makes.
10 of the cheapest and safest places to live in the world
The amount considered a “good” salary in Japan varies based on several factors, including job type, age, location, and lifestyle. In general, for young professionals working in highly populated cities such as Tokyo or Osaka, a salary of 400,000 to 600,000 yen a month (2500-4500 USD) is often seen as comfortable.
Is $100 A Day Enough For Japan? As a budget traveller with careful planning, $100 a day is enough for travelling to Japan on a budget. Some day, you will even spend less than that. You can expect to spend around $50 on food (about 3 meals a day) and maybe $15 on transportation.
Hobart, Tasmania, is widely recognized as the cheapest major city, but smaller regional towns in Queensland and South Australia can offer even lower living costs.
The 10 Most Expensive Countries To Live In in 2025.