Dear Diary Series: Southern Japan - Island Vibes, Empty Hotels, and Protective Locals

In this episode, Take and Joey reflect on their journeys around southern Japan, including Nagasaki, Kagoshima, and Yakushima. Between nearly missing a ferry ride and getting accosted in a seaside onsen, they also saw some of the most stunning landscapes in the country and secured their fifth akiya purchase. With a greater understanding of the state of Japan outside the major cities, they give their thoughts on the opportunity—or lack thereof—in the countryside.

00:00 Introduction

01:29 An empty hotel on Yakushima island

02:32 Buying a 5th Akiya + Our plans for the property

07:33 Thoughts on Nagasaki… and Champon

09:38 Nearly missing a ferry ride

13:01 Yakushima - The inspiration for “Princess Mononoke”

13:58 An awkward onsen experience

16:56 Protective locals, difficult banks, and other struggles to buy as a foreigner

19:03 Can foreigners revitalize abandoned businesses?

20:29 Akiya Mondai (“The Akiya Problem”) - Causes and local opinions