life

My Journey to Home Ownership in Japan

December 24, 2023

家を買うことは簡単ではありませんでしたが、夢が叶いました。

When I first arrived in Japan on June 1st, 2022, with my 業務 visa, owning a house seemed like a distant dream. Yet here I am, writing this post from my own garden in Hachioji. The journey wasn’t straightforward, but it’s a story worth sharing.

The Initial Challenge

My situation was unique:

  • Only 6 months of 確定申告 so income is below 300万円
  • 5-year 業務 visa
  • In japan for 1 year
  • Dream of having a garden ;)

Despite these constraints, I managed to secure a 70% loan. The banker’s reaction still makes me smile - it wasn’t just about the numbers, but about my passion for Japan.

The Market Research

私の家探しの旅:

  • Explored from Chiba to Saitama
  • Investigated Kanagawa
  • Finally found Hachioji

Yes, it’s 1.5 hours from my workplace. But the quiet neighborhood and the possibility of having my own garden made it worth every minute of the commute.

The First Disappointment

最初の家は逃してしまいました。 Even though I registered first, someone with cash payment took it away. It was disappointing, but looking back, it led me to something better.

The Success Story

When I found my current house, I didn’t hesitate:

  • Called the broker immediately after listing
  • Made 3 trips from 葛飾区 to 八王子
  • 2.5 hours each way
  • Completed documentation in 3 weeks

The Bank Interview

The interview was memorable. Instead of just financial questions, they asked about:

  • My motivation for coming to Japan
  • Passion for Japanese culture
  • Future plans with AI
  • Past experiences

The interviewer’s ほめる words reminded me why I love Japan. Each question reinforced my decision to build a life here.

The Final Twist

面白いことに、私の家の後ろに住んでいる方も買いたがっていたそうです。 It was a close call - the neighbor behind wanted to buy it too!

Reflection

This journey taught me that sometimes, the harder path leads to better destinations. My 1.5-hour commute gives me time to appreciate the transition between busy Tokyo life and my peaceful garden.

これからも、日本での新しい冒険を楽しみにしています。 家族のためにも、 庭のためにも、 夢のためにも。

頑張ります!