A LITTLE CLOSER. A LITTLE DEEPER.

Bring Japan closer to you.

Closer to Japan is a media platform for discovering Japan through its craftsmanship, travel, everyday life, and places to call home.

Explore Japan

Discover homes in Japan

EXPLORE JAPAN YOUR WAY

Find your own way to experience Japan.

Traditional Japanese house in a quiet neighborhood

Own

Own in Japan

Find a place—or something meaningful—to call your own in Japan.

Shop

Shop Japan

Bring Japanese craftsmanship into everyday life.

Experience

Experience Japan

Go beyond sightseeing and discover experiences rooted in place.

Live

Live in Japan

From visiting Japan to living here.

DISCOVER JAPAN BY REGION

There’s more to Japan than Tokyo and Kyoto.

Craftsmanship, food, nature, homes, and everyday life. Discover the distinct character of Japan’s regions beyond the usual travel experience.

Shizuoka

The scent of tea and a slower pace among the mountains.

Setouchi

Travel between islands, where the sea meets art and culture.

Hokkaido

Wide-open skies and a way of life shaped by nature.

Kyushu

Rich food traditions and craftsmanship shaped by the land.

Hokuriku

Discover towns where craftsmanship lives on, surrounded by the gifts of sea and mountains.

Tohoku

Experience local food and everyday life among forests and lakes.

Explore by region

Japanese ceramic tableware and craftsmanship

MADE IN JAPAN

Made to last. Made in Japan.

From techniques and materials passed down through generations to contemporary Japanese design, discover craftsmanship rooted in place—and the stories behind it.

Ceramics / Knives / Woodwork / Furniture / Textiles / Lacquerware / Tea / Everyday Objects

Explore Japanese craftsmanship

MADE IN JAPAN

Made to last. Made in Japan.

From techniques and materials passed down through generations to contemporary Japanese design, discover craftsmanship rooted in place—and the stories behind it.

Ceramics / Knives / Woodwork / Furniture / Textiles / Lacquerware / Tea / Everyday Objects

Explore Japanese craftsmanship

MADE IN JAPAN

Made to last. Made in Japan.

From techniques and materials passed down through generations to contemporary Japanese design, discover craftsmanship rooted in place—and the stories behind it.

Ceramics / Knives / Woodwork / Furniture / Textiles / Lacquerware / Tea / Everyday Objects

Explore Japanese craftsmanship

Residential street and everyday life in Japan

EXPERIENCE JAPAN

Experiences worth traveling for.

Go beyond famous sights and discover stays, food, culture, and encounters that can only be experienced in that place.

Ryokan / Food / Onsen / Craft Workshops / Cultural Experiences / Nature / Regional Travel

Discover experiences in Japan

EXPERIENCE JAPAN

Experiences worth traveling for.

Go beyond famous sights and discover stays, food, culture, and encounters that can only be experienced in that place.

Ryokan / Food / Onsen / Craft Workshops / Cultural Experiences / Nature / Regional Travel

Discover experiences in Japan

EXPERIENCE JAPAN

Experiences worth traveling for.

Go beyond famous sights and discover stays, food, culture, and encounters that can only be experienced in that place.

Ryokan / Food / Onsen / Craft Workshops / Cultural Experiences / Nature / Regional Travel

Discover experiences in Japan

PROPERTY IN JAPAN

A place of your own in Japan.

Whether you value the convenience and potential of Japan’s major cities, or dream of a second home and a different pace of life in the regions, discover your options for owning a home in Japan.

CITY PROPERTY

Own in the city

Explore what you need to know about owning a home or property in major Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Tokyo Property / Osaka Property / Kyoto Property / Investment Property / High-end Apartments / Buying Costs / Taxes / Buying as a Non-Resident / Property Ownership

Explore city property

REGIONAL HOMES

Own beyond the city

Discover different ways to make a home in Japan—from second homes and relocation to a life closer to nature.

Second Home / Rural Housing / Akiya (Vacant Homes) / Relocation / Living with Nature / Community Life / Shizuoka / Hokkaido / Setouchi / Kyushu, etc.

Explore regional homes

LIVING IN JAPAN

From visiting Japan to living here.

For those considering a longer stay in Japan, discover practical information about housing, relocation, education, banking, and everyday life.

Housing / Long-term Stays / Relocation / Education / Banking & Finance / Everyday Life

Explore living in Japan

LIVING IN JAPAN

From visiting Japan to living here.

For those considering a longer stay in Japan, discover practical information about housing, relocation, education, banking, and everyday life.

Housing / Long-term Stays / Relocation / Education / Banking & Finance / Everyday Life

Explore living in Japan

LIVING IN JAPAN

From visiting Japan to living here.

For those considering a longer stay in Japan, discover practical information about housing, relocation, education, banking, and everyday life.

Housing / Long-term Stays / Relocation / Education / Banking & Finance / Everyday Life

Explore living in Japan

START HERE

Your first step into Japan.

Closer to Japan isn’t only for people who already know Japan well. Start with whatever interests you—homes, craftsmanship, travel, food, or everyday life.

Start here

THE JOURNAL

Five ways to discover Japan.

Own

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Japan? What You Need to Know

Own

How to Buy Property in Japan as a Non-Resident

Own

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Home in Japan?

Shop

10 Japanese Crafts Worth Discovering

Experience

Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto: Discover a Different Side of Japan

View all stories

LETTERS FROM JAPAN

Get a little closer to Japan.

Craftsmanship, travel, homes, and everyday life. Discover stories and ideas that bring Japan a little closer, wherever you are.

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