Vacation properties

[Jack]

I am looking at buying a property in Japan like a vacation place in the country. Is that something that is doable or am I dreaming? I can always use my wife's name if citizenship is an issue. I have never heard Japanese people say "I will go to our cottage this weekend" like they do here so I am assuming that it is not a common thing to own a cottage there.

Any insight would be helpful.

Thanks

[gkanai]

Most Japanese people cant afford a second home, so you dont often hear about that sort of thing. That or they go back "home" to their parent's place, etc.

If you have the money, it is certainly doable. Personally, I'd rather spend that money travelling to other places in Asia than anywhere within driving distance of Tokyo, but that's my personal preference.

[stuckinkysuhu]

where I live in Beppu, a popular hot spring resorts there are many fancy bessou up in the hills were rich businessmen from Tokyo and Osaka come for getaways. I think if you have the extra cash it is a good time because a lot of them are up for sale (all around the country) now that even well-off people are keeping a closer eye on their spending.

[kotatsuneko]

didnt Alan mention a resort place, rather posh with incredibly expensive coffee in one of his books?

[Gestalt]

I have a friend whose family owns a holiday place overlooking the sea
on the Ise pennsinular in Mie. Fantastic view, very quiet. Like someone said earlier, it's very remote so you need a car to get there.
(Even though it's on top of a mountain, for some reason the design is just like a regular Japanese house from the suburbs. If I were building a place I would give it high ceiling, balconies, big windows etc.. )

[Video-Link Japan]

Most Japanese people cant afford a second home, so you dont often hear about that sort of thing. That or they go back "home" to their parent's place, etc.

I guess it depends on where you look to buy.. and what your actual budget is. We interviewed Gregory Clarkin Feb. and he owns this great little retreat called Nakadaki in Chiba. During the program we video tapedhe mentions there is lots of good land to buy out there.. for even less per acre than he pays for same in Australia..!!!

[GomiGirl]

Actually some friends of mine, who rent an apartment in Tokyo, built a holiday house in the country as a weekender.

They worked out that over the years it was cheaper than going to a ryokan once a month and they still own it.. it is possible. Just pick you area wisely.

I also know a group of guys who all chipped in together and bought a holiday house at the beach. They have a roster of who has it which weekend etc. None of them are residents or citizens - just working visa guys. When they leave they will sell it or just sell off their share etc to somebody else. Works well for them as interest rates are so low that contributions are tiny - plus they get the use of their own place at the beach. They didn't do it as an investment - just for fun while they live here so are not worried about selling out when they leave.

[kotatsuneko]

you live in Beppu! isnt that near oita?

Beppu is only second to Izu in the places here i would love to live in... u lucky devil!

[Jack]

Thanks for all the replies. Now I know it's doable so I will see. I just want something near water, lake, river or sea where my in-laws (and us) can escape the summer Tokyo heat.