JAPAN is currently in the midst of a record-breaking influx of tourists to the country.
The tourism boom is largely attributed to a weak currency, with the yen at its lowest in years, making flights, goods and services more affordable for consumers.
A March 2025 article by Japanese publication NHK has stated that some areas are now struggling to deal with the over-tourism of its most popular attractions and cities, primarily “the big three” prefectures, Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
“Some areas are struggling to cope with all the attention. Others are still waiting for a piece of the pie,” the article said.
But even with so many tourists visiting Japan, some travellers still find it difficult to secure foreign-friendly accommodations, especially those wanting to stay for extended periods for other purposes such as work, study or simply to have a fully immersive cultural experience.
TT national Akim Logan has been living in Japan for two years in Hyogo Prefecture, Aioi City. His own personal struggle to secure an apartment after moving to the city for work led Logan to an opportunity for him to make the transition into life in Japan, for short or long-term visitors, a bit easier. He now owns a property in his city and has partnered with a local Japanese language school to house visitors from abroad, and is inviting his fellow Trinis to visit the country.
Speaking to Newsday about his new business venture, Logan emphasised how difficult it can be as a foreigner to secure an apartment.
“The additional hidden fees and formalities are not things we are familiar with.”
One practice that usually takes foreigners wishing to rent in Japan by surprise is called “key money”, an upfront fee renters must pay as a gratuity to the landlord or real estate agency. Logan works in the automotive industry sourcing car parts from used vehicles in Japan to be shipped to TT and sold at Sarransingh Auto Ltd, his employer, located in the Bamboo Settlement. He said despite the difficulties foreigners sometimes face in Japan, there is a need for more foreigners in the Japanese workforce to boost their economy as the country has an aging population.
“I saw this as an opportunity to provide a service that is much more foreigner-friendly for people who come to Japan for work. At least, this was my initial plan.”
Logan said even the process of acquiring the property was stressful.
“I started the process last year in October. I needed to do a lot of research about the house, its location and proximity to Kobe (Hyogo’s capital and most popular city) to see if it falls within the boundaries that would allow for this kind of (rental) arrangement.”
Japan has very strict rules about most things, especially when it comes to real estate.
[caption id="attachment_1147980" align="alignnone" width="768"] Hiroki sensei, one of the teachers at Local Life Japan, left, Akim Logan, centre, and Yuriko Minagi, founder of Local Life Japan. -[/caption]
“There are rules about the location of a property and what is and isn’t allowed. I didn’t w
