Find Your Place in Japan, One-to-One

A personal consultation. Tell us how you want to live, and we'll research Japan for you, then send 3 to 5 homes in the places that fit, written up like our newsletter.

Who it's for

The consultation is for people who are serious about a home in Japan but don't know where to start, or want a second opinion from people who live here.

Not sure whereYou love Japan, but don't know whether you're a ski town, surf coast or island person.
Short on timeYou don't have weeks to search Japanese listing sites and akiya banks yourself.
Buying from abroadYou want someone on the ground to tell you what a town is really like.
Ready to planYou have a budget in mind and want to know what it gets you, and where.

How it works

Book your callChoose a time that suits you and pay online. We'll send a short questionnaire about your budget, timing and the life you're after.
Talk it through (30 to 60 minutes)On a video call, we go through how you'll use the home, the seasons and activities that matter, how you'll travel, and how much work you're happy to take on.
We research for youWe search listings, akiya banks and the towns themselves, using the same lifestyle ratings as our newsletter.
Receive your shortlistWithin [REPLACE: number] days, you get 3 to 5 homes chosen for you, each with photos, price, a deep dive on the town, lifestyle ratings, and our honest pros and cons.

What's included, and what isn't

You get

A 30 to 60 minute video call in English
3 to 5 homes matched to your budget and lifestyle
A write-up of each town: access, seasons, services and community
Lifestyle ratings for every home
Our honest view of the risks, from building age to snow and road access
Pointers to the guides and next steps that fit your situation

We don't

Act as your real estate agent or broker
Negotiate with sellers or take part in the purchase
Take commissions or referral fees from agents or sellers
Give legal, tax, visa or investment advice

When you're ready to buy, you'll work with a licensed real estate agent of your choice. Our guide to how to buy a house in Japan explains each step.

Questions about the consultation

Is the consultation included in the newsletter subscription?

No. It's a separate product, booked and paid for on its own. You don't need to subscribe to book a call.

Do I need to know which region I want?

No. Many people book because they don't know yet. Helping you choose a region is part of the call.

Will you help me buy one of the homes?

We help you find and judge homes, but we're not real estate agents. The purchase itself is handled by a licensed agent you choose.

What if none of the homes suit me?

It can happen, and we'd rather tell you honestly than oversell. Our job is to show you the reality of homes in Japan. Sometimes the homes that suit your lifestyle are above your budget, need more renovation than you planned, or sit in a different area from the one you had in mind. We'll always find the best homes we can, and if your brief is hard to match, we may suggest homes slightly over budget, fixer-uppers, or other towns and regions worth considering.

What time zone are calls in?

We're based in Japan, and the booking page shows available times in your own time zone.

Can I cancel or reschedule?

Rescheduling: free up to 48 hours before your call. Changes made within 48 hours of the call carry a ¥5,000 admin fee (about US$32).

Cancelling: free up to 7 days before your call. Between 7 days and 48 hours before, a 50% admin fee applies. Within 48 hours of the call, we can't offer a refund.

When you book, you'll get a confirmation email. Just reply to it to let us know you need to reschedule or cancel.

The Shogun Homes consultation provides general information and research about homes and regions in Japan. We are not a licensed real estate brokerage, lawyers, tax advisers or immigration specialists, and we do not act on your behalf in any purchase. Confirm details with a licensed professional before you act.

Last updated 23 October 2026.