Unpacking Japan How Tokyo Llama found their dream house in Japan
Jan 27, 2026
Jaya (Tokyo Llama), a content creator and renovator documenting kominka restorations, shares his akiya hunt and tax-auction win. He talks about blind bidding, secret inspections, massive site clears, working with traditional carpenters, and balancing preservation with modern upgrades. He also covers unexpected structural surprises, budgeting realities, and plans for a huge attic conversion.
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Akiya Myth Versus Reality
- Akiya simply means vacant house, not always picturesque kominka worth saving.
- Only a tiny fraction of vacant houses are listed for sale, so 'free house' headlines are misleading.
Clearing The Overgrown Garden
- The first renovation step was clearing bamboo and making space for a k-truck with help from local friends.
- They filled bags, used municipal tips, and relied on neighbors to disperse large amounts of waste.
Get Local Quotes And Do Work Yourself
- Get multiple quotes and favor local carpenters who'll let you participate to save costs.
- Aim for a realistic renovation budget and negotiate which tasks you can safely do yourself.