Why Marokama?
Written by a Takken-shi
All content is written by a holder of the takken-shi (宅地建物取引士) qualification — not by a marketing team, and not by a brokerage with property to sell. Sources are named so you can verify them yourself.
Japan-Wide Coverage
From Tokyo’s waterfront districts to Hokkaido’s ski resorts — in-depth guides and expert advice for foreign buyers and investors across Japan.
No Language Barrier
All guides, data, and tools are in English — making Japan real estate accessible and understandable for international buyers and investors.
Our Credentials
Takken-shi (宅地建物取引士) — the Japanese national real-estate qualification
Every guide on this site is written by one person who holds that qualification and is registered with the Tokyo Governor. Market data is taken directly from official Japanese government sources, and the source is named each time so you can check it yourself.
- Qualification: Takken-shi (宅地建物取引士), registered with the Tokyo Governor
- Not a brokerage: Marokama does not hold a real-estate business licence (宅地建物取引業者), does not act as your agent, and never takes a commission from your transaction
- Focus: Tokyo waterfront rentals and Hokkaido property for foreign buyers
How It Works
Browse our in-depth guides on Tokyo rentals, Hokkaido ski property, and Japan real estate for foreign buyers. Understand the market before making any decisions.Use our interactive charts powered by government data to understand price trends, transaction volumes, and investment potential across Tokyo neighborhoods.Have a 15-minute English-language call with our team. We’ll help clarify your goals, flag potential pitfalls, and point you toward the right area and local partners before you engage an agent.
Armed with data and local insights, connect with trusted agents in Tokyo or Hokkaido when you are ready to take action.Latest Guides & News
Featured Guides
FAQ
Q: Can I apply for an apartment from overseas?
A: Yes, we support online viewings and digital applications for many properties in Koto-ku.
Q: Do you handle properties outside of Toyosu?
A: Yes — our guides now cover both Tokyo (rental and purchase) and Hokkaido property for foreign buyers. Contact us for a free consultation on any Japan real estate enquiry.
Q: Is there an English-speaking support fee?
A: Yes, all our data, guides, and tools are completely free. No registration or fees required.
Ready to explore Japan real estate?
Our Complete Guide Library
All guides are free, written by a licensed takken-shi (宅建士) — not by a brokerage — and updated for 2026.
🏠 Renting in Japan
- How to Rent an Apartment in Japan as a Foreigner — Complete step-by-step guide to the entire rental process
- Monthly, Furnished & Serviced Apartments in Toyosu — Furnished short-to-medium stays in Toyosu and the bay area, no key money or guarantor
- How Much Does It Cost to Rent an Apartment in Tokyo? — Asking rents by ward and layout, plus the four hidden monthly costs
- Japan Apartment Initial Costs Explained — Every upfront fee decoded, with a worked cost example
- Japan Guarantor System Explained — Options for foreigners who need a guarantor
- Japan Lease Agreement Explained in English — Key clauses, rights, and what to watch out for
📍 Neighborhoods
- Best Neighborhoods in Tokyo for Expats — Comprehensive area comparison with rent ranges and lifestyle profiles
- Living in Toyosu: Complete Expat Guide — Deep dive into Tokyo’s top waterfront expat neighborhood
- Moving to Koto-ku: An Honest Expat Review — On-the-ground review of Koto-ku from a local resident
🏢 Buying in Tokyo
- Can a Foreigner Buy Property in Japan? — Nationwide eligibility: the rules, the exceptions, and non-resident buying
- Buying Property in Tokyo as a Foreigner — Complete guide: process, costs, mortgages, and legal requirements
- Japan Property Purchase Costs Explained — Every fee decoded, with a full cost table for a ¥30M purchase
- New vs. Resale Property in Tokyo — Honest comparison: yields, earthquake standards, inspection rights
- How to Get a Mortgage in Japan as a Foreigner — Which banks lend, what LTV to expect, what to do without PR
- Japan Property Sales Contract Explained in English — Every key clause of the 売買契約書 in plain English
📈 Investment
- Who Actually Buys Tokyo’s Waterfront Towers? — 2025 foreign-buyer data: only 3.5% overseas, and Taiwan leads by a wide margin
- Tokyo Real Estate Investment Guide — Yields, property types, financing, taxes, and exit strategy for foreign investors
- Tokyo Rental Yield by Ward: 2026 Data — Gross yield data across all 23 wards, by unit type
- Managing Tokyo Property as a Non-Resident — Management companies, sublease pitfalls, tax representative setup
- Can a Non-Resident Get a Mortgage in Japan? — Why most banks say no, and the financing routes that actually work
- Japan Real Estate Tax Guide for Foreign Investors — Withholding tax, capital gains, depreciation strategy, and tax treaties
🏔️ Hokkaido Property
Area Guides
- Hokkaido Real Estate: Complete Guide — The full overview for foreign buyers
- Asahikawa Real Estate Guide — Gateway city, affordable prices, year-round livability
- Furano Property Guide — Ski & lavender town, significant value upside
- Niseko vs Asahikawa — Direct comparison for foreign buyers
- Ski Vacation Property in Hokkaido — What to know before buying
Buying & Investment
- What ¥10 Million Can Buy in Hokkaido — A practical buyer’s guide by area
- How to Buy Property in Hokkaido as a Foreigner — Step-by-step purchase guide
- Hokkaido Property Costs: Taxes & Fees — Every cost explained
- Hokkaido Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Investment — Is it worth it?
- Vacation Home Mortgage in Japan — Non-resident financing options
🏚️ Akiya (Vacant House)
Finding & Evaluating
- Finding Your Akiya in Japan — Complete roadmap for foreign buyers
- Where Foreigners Find Akiya — 7 Channels — Beyond the akiya bank websites
- Akiya Bank Reality Check — What to expect from municipal listings
- Akiya Inspection Checklist — What to verify before signing
Costs & Case Studies
- Hidden Costs of Akiya Ownership — The all-in number beyond the headline price
- What ¥3M / ¥10M / ¥30M Buys — Realistic budget tiers explained
- Akiya in Hokkaido: Asahikawa Area — Regional spotlight with zone-by-zone breakdown
- 5 Foreigners Who Regretted Their Akiya — Real case studies and prevention checklist