GenkanFinder.com was created with one simple goal: to make navigating Japan’s real estate landscape easier, clearer, and more accessible – for everyone.
Whether you’re thinking of buying a home in Tokyo, looking for a countryside retreat, or just trying to understand what “registration tax” means, we’re here to help you figure it out – step by step, in plain language, and with tools designed for people who don’t already speak “real estate.”
What We Do
We’re not real estate agents – and that’s on purpose.
In Japan, being a real estate intermediary requires a government-issued license. Since we aren’t trying to sell or rent properties ourselves, we don’t hold one. Instead, we focus entirely on helping you make better-informed decisions. We offer:
- ✅ Free real estate calculators for estimating total purchase costs, taxes, and more
- ✅ Consultation services tailored to your needs (in English or Japanese)
- ✅ Translation support for key documents like property descriptions or contracts
- ✅ Guides and articles covering everything from hidden costs to buyer pitfalls
- ✅ Service recommendations – we’ve tested and vetted them so you don’t have to
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a returning expat, we want you to feel equipped, not overwhelmed.
Why the Name “GenkanFinder”?
In Japanese homes, the genkan (玄関) is the entryway – the small but meaningful space where shoes are taken off and where the home truly begins.
It’s not flashy, but it’s where transition happens. A threshold between outside and inside. A place of pause, preparation, and intention.
We named ourselves GenkanFinder because we aim to be exactly that for people trying to find their way into Japan’s housing world — a reliable starting point, a helpful guide at the front door. But it’s not just about understanding the system – it’s also about helping people find their own genkan. Their space. Their entryway into a new chapter of life in Japan.
Who We’re For
We’re here for:
- Foreigners looking to buy or invest in Japan
- Expats and residents who want to understand the system better
- Curious browsers who aren’t sure where to begin
- People who want to ask questions without being sold to
You won’t find listings on our site. But you will find the clarity you need to understand what those listings actually mean – and what they might really cost you.
Let’s Make Real Estate in Japan Easier
Buying property in Japan doesn’t have to feel like decoding a puzzle. With the right tools and guidance, it’s absolutely doable – and even exciting.
So take a look around, try our calculators, read our guides, or reach out for help. No sales pitch. Just real, practical support from people who understand the system – and the struggle.
Welcome to GenkanFinder.
Your first step starts here.