Source: Based on Tokyo Kantei Report (Released July 24, 2025)
1. Greater Tokyo Area Sees 11th Straight Month of Price Increases
According to the latest market data from Tokyo Kantei, the average asking price for a 70 sq.m. used condominium in the Greater Tokyo Area rose to JPY 58.51 million in June 2025 — up +3.0% from May and continuing the strong upward trend seen over the past year.
As Osaka’s Deregulated Minpaku Booms, Residents Are Forced Out—Is Japan Trading Its Cities for Short-Term Gains?
Introduction
Japan’s post-COVID tourism recovery has been dramatic. With a record 36.87 million foreign visitors in 2024 and a national goal of 60 million by 2030, the demand for lodging has skyrocketed. To meet that demand, Japan introduced Special Zone Minpaku—a deregulated short-term rental scheme allowed only in government-designated areas.
But as the number of these properties explodes—particularly in Osaka, where over 90% of Special Zone Minpaku facilities are concentrated—so do the complaints, legal concerns, and social frictions. What began as a creative hospitality solution is now raising urgent questions about housing stability, governance, and even immigration abuse.
Freedom, Fairness, and the Future of Japanese Real Estate
A Deep Dive into the PIVOT Debate between Norihiko Sasaki and Tomohiro Makino
As residential property prices in Tokyo and other major cities surge to historic highs, a fundamental question has entered public discourse: Should Japan begin to regulate foreign ownership of its real estate?
Driving in Japan Now Requires Proof of Residence – What It Means for Foreign Residents and Property Buyers
Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) will implement stricter rules for converting foreign driver’s licenses into Japanese licenses (commonly called gaimen kirikae) starting October 1, 2025. This move is aimed at improving road safety and ensuring that foreign drivers fully understand Japanese traffic regulations.
No More Flipping: Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward Bans Resales for 5 Years
Introduction: The First of Its Kind
On July 18, 2025, Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward took a groundbreaking step in Japan’s real estate policy: it formally requested cooperation from the Real Estate Companies Association of Japan to curb speculative condominium transactions. This marks the first time a Japanese local government has directly asked the real estate industry to limit short-term resale activity due to housing price inflation and supply pressure.
An exclusive luxury chalet in the heart of Hakuba—just minutes from ski lifts, with sweeping mountain views and proven rental income
Discover Chestnuts Hakuba—A Refined Investment in Japan’s Mountain Paradise
Tucked away in the heart of Hakuba Village, Chestnuts Hakuba is a rare gem—combining architectural elegance, panoramic views of the Japanese Alps, and immediate access to world-class skiing and year-round tourism. Now offered at JPY 500,000,000 (~USD 3.33M @150/USD), this two-story luxury cottage presents a unique opportunity for discerning investors and alpine lifestyle seekers alike.
The Hidden Threat of Illegal Short-Term Rentals in Tokyo: A Growing Risk to Communities and Investors
Based on reporting by The Sankei Shimbun (June 24, 2025)
Tokyo is facing a serious and growing problem: illegal short-term rentals operating under the radar of authorities. According to a June 24 article by The Sankei Shimbun, violations of Japan’s lodging laws are rampant in the capital, with properties being used as “minpaku” (private lodgings) without proper registration, or exceeding the legal 180-day cap for annual use.
Before diving into market trends, it is important to understand the source of our data: REINS, or the Real Estate Information Network System.
REINS is Japan’s national multiple listing service, administered by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). Accessible only to licensed agents, it is the most authoritative database for tracking real estate listings, contract prices, and transaction volume across the country.
If you are familiar with the U.S. MLS or the UK Land Registry, REINS serves a similar role—offering professionals reliable, near-real-time insights into Japan’s property market. But our REINS totally sucks.
Nestled in the heart of Japan’s renowned Northern Alps, Hakuba has long been a favorite among international skiers, snowboarders, and nature lovers. With its world-class powder snow, charming alpine villages, and growing infrastructure, the region is rapidly becoming a hotspot for real estate investment—particularly for those seeking a peaceful second home or a well-located vacation rental.
In a city of nearly 700,000 condominiums, there are only 38 units that meet the following three conditions:
Located above the 40th floor
Feature an interior area of over 300 m²
Are available as privately owned freehold properties
This places the residence in the top 0.005% of all condominiums in Tokyo by size, elevation, and ownership status.