It’s no secret that Japan’s appeal has been continually surging, especially in the post-pandemic era. The numbers don’t lie: in the first half of 2025, the country welcomed 21.51 million visitors, a 21 per cent increase over the same period last year, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation. It’s clear: Japan is more popular than ever, and everyone wants in on the country’s hidden gems.
Nicole Wong would know. The fashion content creator and co-founder of creative agency NPLUSC has long been a Japanophile, hitting up the best thrift stores in Japan several times a year to scratch her thrifting itch, as well as for her annual ski trip.
But of late, the 36-year-old’s taken her love for Japan up a notch by actually getting a house there – without actually seeing it in person. “It definitely was an impulsive purchase — we didn’t view it in person or wait until our next trip. We just took the plunge based on photos and videos,” says Wong.
Before you judge… hear it from Wong herself first. Here, she shares more on what prompted her to embark on this major adulting moment, and how she went about doing so:
Hi Nicole! What made you decide to buy a home in Japan, and why now?
“There are two versions to this story—one serious and one not-so-serious. We could say it started as a joke that turned into reality. In February this year, during our annual ski trip with friends in Yuzawa (a small town in Niigata Prefecture), a lovely couple—whose parents own a home there—joked with my husband Clinton. They said, ‘Since you’re here every year for snowboarding, why not just buy a place?’ A few months later… we actually did.
Even though it started as a tease, getting the house made perfect sense. We were always renting expensive Airbnbs during peak season and ideally, we’d like to stay for a longer period but that would be cost-prohibitive. So why not have a place of our own?”
You also did so without having seen it in person. That’s a pretty bold move—tell us more about that decision.
“I like to think my husband and I take calculated risks as a couple. It might seem impulsive, but the apartment we bought is in a condo building—same one as our friend’s parents. Many Japanese condos have standardised layouts, which is pretty similar to Singapore, so it wasn’t that much of a gamble. Plus, the real estate agent we worked with owns a unit there and speaks both English and Mandarin.
So considering that we already knew the area, had stayed in the same building previously, and trusted the setup, it all added up to a decision that felt… well, logical. But of course, this isn’t for everyone.”
Why Yuzawa as the location for your first house in Japan?
“Yuzawa is a small town with plenty of slope options, and it’s just two hours from Tokyo by shinkansen (high-speed train) and makes for an easy weekend or road trip. Two years ago, there were barely any foreign tourists in Yuzawa — it was mostly Japanese locals who knew about it. This year, I’ve seen more Taiwanese visitors, but it still feels untouched compared to other, more touristy ski towns.
Yuzawa, a small town in the Niigata prefecture, was Wong’s pick for her first home in Japan. She goes there regularly to ski and enjoys its quietness and relatively low number of tourists.
Nicole Wong
I love that Yuzawa’s quiet in the summer—no taxis, no ride apps—we drive everywhere. In summer, we hike and go to Fuji Rock (Japan’s largest outdoor music festival). In winter, it’s all about snowboarding. I should probably stop talking about it—my friends keep telling me to stop promoting the place!”
Are you able to share more details about this house?
“It’s a freehold property and cost about the same as a downpayment for a home in Singapore. Cost-wise, it’s about S$60K for a 2LDK (a Japanese term for an apartment with two separate bedrooms and a combined living, dining and kitchen area, roughly equivalent to a three-room HDB flat).”
A peek into Wong’s new home in Yuzawa, sent to her by the agent.
Nicole Wong
How did you think through the financial side of a decision like this?
“My husband Clinton manages our finances. I usually just ask, ‘what’s our budget?’ and he gives the yes or no. Teamwork!”
What website or agent did you use?
“It was really thanks to our friends—they introduced us to the real estate agent. It made everything really fuss-free and straightforward.”
What was the process of buying property in Japan actually like?
“Once you find a good agent, half the battle is won—they’ll help with paperwork and make things smoother. We submitted an offer of interest, got a lawyer to notarise a letter allowing the agent to act on our behalf in Japan, and once the owner accepted, the rest was just paperwork and title transfer. The hardest part? Finding an agent who’s willing to work with foreigners. Many don’t, especially in small towns. Some owners also prefer not to sell to foreigners because they’re unsure how we’d integrate into the community.”
What were some challenges you encountered along the way?
“People often think Japan is always fast-paced—and that might be true for Tokyo. But in the countryside? Not quite. Two weeks to get a quotation, one week for basic paperwork… and only one renovation company was willing to work with a foreigner. I had to learn to accept their rhythm because we’re in their country; we adapt to their way of life.”
Any advice for other people looking to do the same?
“Take time to get to know the town or city you’re interested in. As impulsive as this journey sounds, I am familiar with Yuzawa – I’ve visited multiple times in the past five years. Knowing the area and its people helps. Everyone’s journey and reasons for buying a house in Japan are different—so I’d say make sure your decision is based on what you need.”
You’re already a homeowner in Singapore, so what are your plans for the Yuzawa house?
“It’s definitely a holiday home; I’m not planning to relocate anytime soon. But it’s the perfect place for a proper break from work. I love the idea of having little breaks throughout the year—it’s something to look forward to and work toward.
I’m heading there in two weeks to see it in person for the first time, maybe start buying furniture and prepping for the winter trip in September. Then I’ll close the year with a snow trip with friends and family in December.”
AloJapan.com