Closed schools and akiya across Japan
Search akiya and closed schools across Japan with an estimate of the total: the price, the repairs to make the building usable, and the renovation for what you want to do.
Even a school offered for ¥1 can need tens of millions of yen for power equipment, septic systems, waterproofing and renovation. For every listing we estimate three separate costs.
Register your use, area and budget. We alert you when a matching property is listed, and municipalities and owners can send you offers.
Foreigners can own property in Japan. We connect you with bilingual agents, architects and contractors, and show the real costs — taxes, fees and repairs — before you buy.
Yes. Japan has no general restriction on foreign ownership of land or buildings, and non-residents can hold freehold title. Prior notification is required only in designated areas near defense facilities and remote border islands. Owning property does not give you a visa or the right to live in Japan.
Many municipalities transfer or lease closed schools for free or for a few million yen. The larger cost is usually replacing the power substation, septic tank and roof waterproofing, and converting the building for your use. Each listing on this site shows an estimate of that total.
Some municipalities accept individuals and foreign-owned companies. Most select the buyer or tenant through a proposal process that asks for a business plan that benefits the local community. Application documents are in Japanese, so most overseas applicants work with a Japanese partner, architect or agent.
It is difficult. Most Japanese banks lend only to residents with a local income, so many overseas buyers pay in cash. Low prices for akiya and closed schools make that easier, but budget for the renovation as well.
Expect a one-time real estate acquisition tax and registration tax, then the annual fixed asset tax (standard rate 1.4% of the assessed value) and, in some areas, city planning tax. Each listing shows estimated annual running costs such as tax, insurance, inspections and basic utilities.
We multiply the published floor area, land area, year built and facilities by standard construction unit costs. The acquisition price comes from the listed price, nearby cases, or official transaction prices from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. They are rough estimates for comparing properties, not quotes.