Shangri-La buys land next to Nijo Castle

Good news coming out of Kyoto last week with word that Shangri-La Group has acquired a large development site on the northern side of Nijo Castle in Kyoto. The 4,700 sqm site is about 90 meters west of our restored machiya townhouse.

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Rosenka land values increase for 4th year in a row

Kyoto's Minami-za Kabuki Theatre

The rosenka land values for 2019 were announced by the National Tax Agency on July 1. Nationwide, land values increased by 1.3%. This is the fourth year in a row to record a year-on-year increase. The rate of growth has also expanded, following 0.7% in 2018, 0.4% in 2017 and 0.2% in 2016. This is the first time to see four years of consecutive growth since 1992.

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Buying a mountain in Japan

Generally speaking, whether you are Japanese or a foreigner, it is possible to buy and own mountainside forest in Japan.

70% of Japan is forest. According to the Forestry Agency, 40% of that is national forest, with the remaining 60% owned by private individuals and companies.

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Foreigners buy 373 hectares of forestry in 2018

In 2018, foreign funds purchased 373 hectares of forestry across Japan. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), there were 30 acquisitions made across seven prefectures.

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MLIT to forcibly finish land hazard surveys across country

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) plans to publish embankment and liquefaction risk maps online later this year in an effort to provide more transparency for home owners and buyers. 

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Scandal-hit site in Gotanda sold by rightful owner

Real estate developer Asahi Kasei Realty & Residence Corporation has emerged as the successful buyer of a scandal-hit property near Tokyo’s Gotanda Station. 

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New development in Niseko sees strong sales

Sales in a new resort project in Niseko are off to a strong start with all villa lots sold. ‘Intuition’ is a condo-hotel and holiday home resort development by Hong Kong developer Zekkei Properties. 

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