The Standard Kitchen Height in Japan In Japan, the standard kitchen counter height is typically around 85 cm .This dimension has been used for many years and works reasonably well for a large portion of the population. However, a “standard” is simply an average —it doesn’t necessarily reflect what feels comfortable for every individual. Why Height Can Feel Different for Taller People For taller people, an 85 cm counter can feel noticeably low. This often becomes apparent duri

For many years, solar power in Japan was discussed mainly as a way to sell electricity . High feed-in tariffs made it relatively easy to calculate returns based on how much power could be sold back to the grid. That situation has changed. Feed-in Tariffs Are Lower, Electricity Prices Are Higher Over time, feed-in tariffs in Japan have steadily declined. At the same time, household electricity prices have increased. This combination has quietly shifted the role of solar power.

When people plan to build a house in Japan, the conversation usually centers around one number: the total construction cost. While that number is important, many first-time builders discover that the real challenge lies elsewhere — cash flow . Specifically, understanding when cash is required, how much is needed, and for what purpose  can make a significant difference in how smoothly a project progresses. Costs That Usually Require Cash or Bank Transfer During a typical home-

Understanding refunds, contracts, and why exit terms matter When planning a construction project in Japan, most people focus on things like design, total cost, and schedule. These are all important, of course. However, there is one topic that often gets overlooked until it is too late: If the project has to be cancelled midway, how much of the money actually comes back? The answer is not simple, and that is exactly why it is important to understand this issue before  signing

"If there is a defect in the house, who fixes it, and for how long?" In Japan, the answer depends on a mix of mandatory laws and individual company policies. It is crucial to understand the distinction. The Legal Baseline: 10 Years for Everyone By law (The Housing Quality Assurance Act), all new housing builders must provide a 10-year warranty for: 1. Structural Stability (Columns, beams, foundations) 2. Rainwater Prevention (Roofs, walls, windows) This is mandatory. Whe

You are planning a new life in Japan with your favorite large furniture. But there is a physical reality you need to know: the width of the hallways and stairs. This is a common issue, especially for those with large imported items. While dimensions vary slightly by manufacturer, the "effective width" (clearance) of hallways and staircases in typical Japanese homes is generally around 80cm. While domestic furniture is usually designed to pass through this space, large importe

When discussing large numbers like "50 million yen," our sense of money can sometimes get paralyzed. But here is a sober reality check: Japan's Consumption Tax is 10%. If the construction cost is 50 million JPY, the tax alone is 5 million JPY. This is enough to buy a luxury car. The "Tax-Excluded" Trap If you build your budget based on "Tax-Excluded" prices, you will face a 5 million yen deficit at the final contract stage. This can cause loan applications to fail. Always ens

When comparing builders in Japan, "Tsubo-tanka" (Unit Price per 3.3 sqm) is the most common metric. However, this term is ambiguous. Depending on the company or even the specific salesperson, the definition changes. One might quote a price for just the "building shell," while another includes insurance and registration fees in their calculation. You cannot compare apples to oranges. You must ask: "Where does this price stop?" The "Standard Grade" Trap Recently, more quotes in

While a very small fraction of land brokers in Japan can handle foreign languages, the construction sector remains largely domestic. Even in a shrinking market for new homes, many builders do not actively seek international clients. The Cost of "Tema" (Hassle) The reason is practical rather than ideological. Builders worry that language barriers will lead to mistakes in meetings, misunderstandings about specifications, or difficulties in mediating with neighbours. In short, i

When building a custom home, it's easy to get absorbed in choosing kitchens, flooring, and wallpapers. As a result, many buyers fall into a classic trap: spending their entire budget on the building and leaving almost nothing for the **Exterior (Gaikou)**—the garden, fences, and approach. The Face of Your Home The exterior is more than just decoration; it drastically changes the home's image and value. More importantly, it is crucial for privacy. Without a properly designed f

When planning a budget for a new home, the golden rule is: "The amount a bank lends is not the amount you should borrow." To bridge this gap, wise buyers consult a Financial Planner (FP) to simulate future cash flows, including education and retirement costs. The "Cash Flow" vs. "Asset Value" Gap While most FPs are excellent at analyzing long-term cash flow and insurance needs, very few are experts in buildings as physical assets. Specifically, they may not fully account for

One of the most common dilemmas for homebuyers in Japan is choosing who will build their house. The industry is broadly divided into two camps: Major House Makers  and Design Offices (or Local Builders/Komuten).  Both have distinct advantages and disadvantages. The Safety of Standards vs. The Freedom of Design Major House Makers offer an undeniable sense of security. They build thousands of homes annually, offering streamlined processes, robust warranties, and proven earthqua

Buying land with an old building (Furuya-tsuki tochi) is a common way to find prime locations in Japan. However, the cost of clearing that land can vary significantly based on factors that aren't immediately visible. Asbestos and Other Hidden Obstacles One well-known factor is Asbestos.  With recent stricter regulations in Japan, its discovery requires specialized disposal that increases the overall cost. But the "unseen" isn't limited to asbestos. Demolition often uncovers "

Finding a plot of land that feels "right" is an emotional moment. However, in the complex world of Japanese custom home building, buying land before  narrowing down your potential builders or architects is a significant risk. The Method vs. Environment Problem Every piece of land has strict legal constraints, but it also has physical ones. Crucially, every builder has their own preferred construction methods. Some of these methods may be impossible to execute depending on the

Finding a beautiful, level plot of land is an exciting milestone. However, in the world of Japanese construction, the most critical factor is often invisible: the strength of the soil beneath your feet. Before a new house is built, a soil test is mandatory. If the ground is found to be soft, Soil Improvement (地盤改良)  is required to ensure structural safety. These costs are "hidden" because they aren't included in the land price. Costs vary significantly depending on the specif

When considering a plot of land in Japan, it is important to look beyond its current state. The legal framework of Zoning (用途地域)  plays a significant role in determining what can be built in the neighborhood, as well as the possibilities for your own home. For those prioritizing a consistent, quiet environment, "Low-Rise Exclusive Residential Zones"  are often a preferred choice. However, these zones usually have stricter "Sloping Line Restrictions" and height limits. This ca

In Japan, it is not uncommon for the road leading to your property to be a "Private Road" (Shido). However, failing to properly understand the ownership and rights associated with it can lead to significant trouble down the line. Simply put, because a private road is someone's property, you need the owner's permission (consent) to pass through it or to excavate it for utilities like water and gas. If you don't have a share in the road or can't obtain a written consent form, y

When buying land in a residential area in Japan, many envision maximizing the space with a large, box-shaped house. However, the reality often involves a strict rule known as the "North-side Sloping Line Restriction. (北側斜線制限)" Simply put, to ensure sunlight for neighbors to your north, the law mandates a height limit for the northern side of your building. Depending on the plan, this might make a 3-story house impossible, or significantly reduce living space on the 2nd floor,

Finding a great deal on land is the first step toward your dream home. However, many buyers are shocked to discover that the "advertised area" and the "buildable area" are not the same. This is primarily due to Setback (Setback/道路後退)  regulations. In many older residential areas in Japan, roads are narrower than the required 4 meters. To ensure safety and access, the law requires you to set your building back from the center of the road. This "setback" portion cannot be built

When you buy a home in Japan, you are building a sanctuary for your family. Part of that sanctuary is "Danshin" (Group Credit Life Insurance). It is designed to clear your mortgage balance in the event of death or serious disability. But for many expats, the first hurdle is a complex medical disclosure form entirely in Japanese. Misinterpreting a medical term or overlooking a past condition can have devastating consequences. If a claim is made later and the bank finds a "duty