1. The Private Island Market in Japan 

Across the 6,400 uninhabited islands in Japan, only about 100 can be bought and sold on the market. This is due to the complexity of legal registration – it is often rare for those private islands to have clear, indisputable title records that are required to register the ownership transfer (and therefore mark the transaction official.) However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the already-limited supply became even more scarce, as many people sought out private islands as an escape from cities, causing a surge in demand

2. What a Private Island Can Offer 

Most uninhabited islands typically do not have buildings or utilities available, so you may have to consider building structures from scratch to meet your needs. While there are tricky hurdles to jump over, it is hard to beat the unlimited freedom an island can offer; think of all the camping and marine activities or even hosting outdoor parties without worrying about prying eyes or ears! An island will also be a great destination if you enjoy cruising with your private boat or cruiser. Ultimately, owning an island provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to take advantage of new activities in an atmosphere catered specifically to you.

3. Private Islands as a Valuable Asset

Private islands as an asset also offer great financial benefits for various reasons. Due to the permanent supply shortage, their market value hardly ever drops, representing a reliable asset. The property tax of a private island is generally much lower than a similar-sized building lot, with some as low as 2-30,000 JPY per year for smaller islands. That immense gap between the market value and the assessed asset value also makes private islands an ideal asset for inheritance due to the minimized tax collection. (There are few other properties with similar beneficial characteristics in Japan, including land leased for military bases in Okinawa.) However, it is important to note that despite the stable demand, their liquidity is not very high, and finding a buyer may take up to 2 years in some cases.

4. How to Buy a Private Island in Japan

Purchasing a private island isn’t much different than buying an ordinary piece of land. You’ll be going through the usual real estate transaction procedures, and unless the island is located in a national park or other special zones, it will likely not have any building restrictions. However, you can forget about taking out a mortgage or loan to pay for it – cash only for these exclusive properties! Aqua Styles is virtually the only real estate agency in Japan listing all the private islands on the market, including the 5 currently available properties featured below. Make sure to take a look at their website and contact them if private island living is your thing.

・Komariyama-Jima (小鞠山島)

Price: 150,000,000 JPY (1,136,660 USD)
Size: 36,425 sqf (3,384 sqm)
Location: Shirahama, Wakayama Pref.
Access: 10-min. drive from Nanki-Shirahama Airport, then 5-min. boat ride from the closest port
Map: Google Map

Shirahama in Wakayama Pref. has some of the most stunning beach spots along Osaka/Kansai. It’s a beach-goer’s dream come true – you can scuba dive and snorkel in waters filled with dolphins and colorful tropical fish and even explore sunken shipwrecks! 

Komariyama-Jima, only a 5-minute boat ride from the main island, also boats a stretch of white sand beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters. The island is mostly covered by forest but has a wide flat area ideal for construction. 

・Komushiro-Jima (小筵島)

Price: 45,000,000 JPY (340,940 USD)
Size: 221,230 sqf (20,553 sqm)
Location: Shima, Mie Pref.
Access: 2h50min drive from Chubu Centrair International Airport, then 5-min. boat ride from the closest harbor
Map: Google Map

Shima, Mie Pref., where Komushiro Island is located, has a unique coastline dotted with beautiful capes, coves, and amazing surfing spots and is well known for fresh oysters, seafood, and pearls. Japan’s most sacred site, Ise Grand Shrine, is also in the vicinity. 

One of the most affordable islands on the list, Komushiro-Jima is an attractive prospect for those loving the idea of owning a private island without breaking the bank. It also has a readily developed building lot with an electricity supply to jump-start your island life.

・Icchaku-Jima (一着島)

Price: 120,000,000 JPY (908,918 USD)
Size: 595,082sqf (55,284 sqm)
Location: Kume, Okinawa Pref.
Access: 30-min. flight from Naha Airport, or 3-hour ferry ride from Okinawa Mainland
Map: Google Map

 Icchaku-Jima sits right next to Kume Island, Okinawa, a well-known scuba paradise attracting divers and beach-goers from all over the world. Kume Island is often referred to as the most beautiful island among the Ryukyu Islands, which include Okinawa, Amami, and Ishigaki.

Icchaku-Jima is a large, spacious island right beside Kume Island Airport and can be accessed on foot during low tides. While located within a national park, a building permit is expected to be available through negotiation with the Ministry of the Environment and the local fishery association.

・ Kuro-Shima (黒島)

Price: 180,000,000 JPY (1,363,644 USD)
Size: 225,396 sqf (20,940 sqm)
Location: Amakusa, Kumamoto Pref.
Access: 1h45min drive from Aso Kumamoto Airport, then 5-min. boat ride from the closest port
Map: Google Map

Amakusa, Kumamoto Pref. is a beautiful destination featuring pristine beaches and playful dolphins all year round. It’s an even more special place due to its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list – because of its fascinating mix of religious backgrounds in Christianity and Buddhism found throughout the area’s many churches, cultures, and flavors. 

Kuro-Shima (locally known as Sasa-Jima, or “bamboo island”) is surrounded by waters ripe for fishing, making it a paradise for all fishing enthusiasts. The entire island is generally cultivated as it has been inhabited for over 150 years until very recently. A new onsen hot-spring source can also be potentially found on the grounds, considering the abundance of onsen resorts nearby.

・Tachibana-Jima (橘島)

Price: 180,000,000 JPY (1,363,644 USD)
Size: 47,339 sqf (4,397.99 sqm)
Location: Saikai, Nagasaki Pref.
Access: 1-hour drive from Nagasaki Airport, then 15-min. boat ride from Huis Ten Bosch Harbor
Map: Google Map

Saikai, Nagasaki Pref. is a beautiful destination that appeals to travelers from all over the world. Along with the beautiful beaches, the area boasts Huis Ten Bosch, an impressive Holland-themed amusement park, US military bases, and Dejima, a small artificial island that was open for foreign trade during the national isolation period of 16th to 18th century Japan. 

Tachibana Island is surprisingly accessible with well-equipped, functional living quarters and docks, along with boats, canoes, and multiple appliances, including your own karaoke machine (!), readily available and included in the price tag. Water is supplied from a well on the island, and electricity (100V and 200V) is also available.