Your resources on life in Japan, akiya renovation, and charming rural destinations in Japan.
Follow our Japanese akiya renovation journey with real-time cost tracking, structural roadmaps, and the gritty realities of reviving a 150-year-old traditional home.
Restoring a 150-Year-Old Japanese House: Our Plans, Progress & Costs Read More »
Buying an akiya in Japan sounds simple. But before you commit, there are a few things worth thinking through before taking the big leap.
Is an Akiya Right for You? What to Know Before Buying an Old House in Japan Read More »
From early train cutoffs to cash-only buses and disappearing internet signals, these are the 15 travel lessons about traveling through the Japanese countryside I learned (so you don’t have to make my same mistakes.)
15 Rural Japan Travel Tips That Have Saved Me Stress, Time & Money Read More »
How disposal actually works in Japan and why garbage needs to be planned like its own renovation phase.
A Guide to Garbage Disposal When Renovating an Akiya House in Japan Read More »
Here are some trade-offs about the Japanese inaka, plus my 7 takeaways that have helped us adapt.
Is Inaka Life For You? 7 Truths To Consider Before Making The Big Leap Read More »
From installing traditional Japanese storm doors to packing emergency kits and stocking up on supplies, here are things we do each year to prepare for typhoon season in Japan.
How We Prepare for Typhoon Season in Japan Read More »
There’s a lot more to buying an akiya than finding an inexpensive house. Here’s what we learned about finding listings, navigating the process, and avoiding expensive surprises
Everything You Need to Know About Akiya Houses in Japan Read More »
I’m sharing my full vlogging setup—my Fujifilm X-T5 and DJI Pocket 3, microphones, tripod, camera bags, editing software, and the royalty-free music platforms I rely on—plus honest notes on what each item is best for.
My Rural Japan YouTube Setup: The Vlogging Gear I Actually Use Read More »
It’s a fusion of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship, as we take you through a day in day in the life of a YouTuber and blacksmith in the Japanese countryside.
A Day in the Life: Blacksmithing & YouTube in Rural Japan Read More »
The full story on how we moved from English teaching to our current non-teaching jobs, visas, FAQs, and top tips when finding work in Japan.
What We Do for Work in Japan (And How We Got Our Visas) Read More »
Dreaming of a traditional Japanese futon? We took the plunge and learned a few hard-won lessons along the way.
The Practical Guide to Japanese Futons: A Dream vs. Reality Check Read More »