Hokkaido Hobby Homes helps foreign buyers find, purchase and keep a second home on Japan’s northernmost island — from Sapporo apartments to Niseko chalets to Biei farmsteads.
We are a small, bilingual team based in Otaru, on the western coast of Hokkaido. Some of us grew up on the island; others moved here from abroad and never quite left. Several members of our team purchased property in Hokkaido as foreign buyers before we began doing it professionally, which shapes how we approach every client.
We do not list everything. We list the homes we would recommend to a friend. Every property on this site has been visited in person by a member of our team, photographed by a local architect, and reviewed by our licensed 宅地建物取引士, the Japanese real estate qualification required to transact on your behalf.
If a property has concerns around dampness, snow loading, access or title complexity, we share that before you visit, not after. That transparency is the foundation of how we work.
Required copies before property search
Certified originals posted to HHH HQ
The Power of Attorney allows our licensed judicial scrivener to complete title registration at the 法務局 on your behalf. You do not need to be present in Japan.
Property viewing & transport
Payable before property search begins
Deposit
Approx. 10% of purchase price, at contract exchange
Closing costs
Remaining balance + taxes + fees + insurance
Financial verification
Confirms buyer credibility for sellers and agents
Identity compliance
Required under Japanese AML law
Non-resident requirements
Notarised docs replace Japanese residence card and seal
Legal registration
Ownership recorded at the 法務局
Judicial scrivener
Licensed to register title at the Legal Affairs Bureau via POA
Purchase process flow
Submit documents
Verify funds & identity
Sign LOI
Sales contract & sign
Pay deposit
Assign scrivener (POA)
Close & register ownership