How it started

Matt and Tania first visited Japan in the early 2020s, at a time when housing affordability in Australia was becoming increasingly difficult. What began as a casual conversation about life elsewhere slowly turned into a serious idea.

Friends already living in Japan played an important role. They didn’t just share the highlights, but also the realities — what was wonderful, what was difficult, and what life in rural Japan was really like. That honesty helped Japan feel less like a fantasy and more like a place they could genuinely imagine living.

Their first visit confirmed that feeling. They were drawn to the landscapes, the slower pace of life, and the sense of everyday comfort they saw in their friends’ lives. After returning home, they began researching more seriously, discovering Japan’s surprisingly affordable housing and planning further trips to explore different regions.

“Being close to the ocean was important to us. We’re Australian — we need water nearby.”

Narrowing Down a Big Country

With so many appealing places, choosing where to live wasn’t easy. To narrow things down, they focused on what mattered most to them: being close to the ocean, having reasonable access to an airport, and living in a smaller town rather than a big city.

Over four trips to Japan in two years, they visited areas such as Kyotango (North of Kyoto prefecture) and Wakayama. Kyotango’s traditional Kominka houses and deep sense of history were very tempting, but heavy snowfall, winter maintenance, and a feeling of isolation made them hesitate.

They ultimately chose Yuasa, Wakayama — a historic port town known as the birthplace of Japanese soy sauce, with preserved streetscapes, long-established local businesses, and a walkable, lived-in atmosphere. Rather than feeling like a tourist destination, Yuasa felt like a real town where everyday life continues at a gentle pace. With the ocean close by, shops and services within walking distance, and a strong sense of community, it felt practical, comfortable, and somewhere they could imagine living year after year.

Yuasa town (Wakayama prefecture) is a sun-blessed historic port town, known for its traditional streetscape and its long reputation as one of Wakayama’s leading mikan-growing regions.

Choosing the Right House

When they finally found the house they would buy, the decision wasn’t rushed. In fact, it was intentionally practical. While the home didn’t have the deep history of some older kominka, it offered balance — close to town, walkable amenities, and a layout they could imagine living in long-term.

After their offer was accepted, they returned to stand in front of the house once more. Without planning it, both of them said the same thing at the same time: “This is it.” It felt right — not because of emotion alone, but because the decision had been carefully considered.

Support from experienced professionals such as KORYOYA and the helpful local realtor gave them confidence. They felt guided rather than rushed, informed rather than pressured.

With light updates and thoughtful touches, this traditional Japanese house has become their home — supported from the start by kind neighbors who embraced them into local life.

Becoming Part of the Community

What they didn’t expect was how quickly the house would feel like home. For Tania, that feeling came largely from the neighbors. From the moment they arrived, they were welcomed warmly — meals delivered, cakes shared, help offered without hesitation. Neighbors helped with practical challenges too, like receiving deliveries or handling bills that still require in-person payment.

Living in Yuasa surprised locals as much as it delighted Tania and Matt. Many neighbors wondered why foreigners would choose their town — a place they themselves saw as ordinary. For Tania and Matt, that ordinariness was exactly what made it special. Everything they need is within walking or cycling distance: supermarkets, bathhouses, the ocean. Wakayama city is just a short drive away, offering more than enough urban access while preserving a slower pace of life.

Pastries shared, stories exchanged, antiques passed down — a growing connection with the neighborhood.

Looking Ahead

They didn’t buy the house as an investment or a holiday rental. They bought it to live in. Their long-term dream is to obtain visas and fully relocate to Japan. Until then, they plan to split their time between Japan and Australia, staying several months at a time.

They also have ideas for the future of the house itself: a small coffee and pastry space, a gallery for art and vintage items, private dinners, or creative collaborations with local businesses. Matt, trained in French patisserie, dreams of setting up a proper oven and coffee machine. Tania hopes to host art-related activities one day.

For now, though, they’re simply enjoying being home — in a place that feels right, surrounded by a community that has welcomed them wholeheartedly.