How to Find an English-Speaking Real Estate Agent in Japan

Tips to Avoid Unnecessary Fees and Get the Right Help

Looking to buy a house or property in Japan but worried about the language barrier? You're not alone — and you're not without options. Finding an English-speaking real estate agent in Japan can make your entire home-buying journey smoother, clearer, and much less stressful.

In this article, we’ll show you how to find an English-speaking agent without paying unnecessary fees, and how we at Omoroi Osaka can support you no matter where in Japan you're looking.

Why You Should Work with an English-Speaking Real Estate Agent in Japan

Navigating Japan’s real estate system involves contracts, local rules, and a lot of paperwork — all usually in Japanese. Working directly with an agent who speaks English gives you:

• Clear communication and transparency

• Guidance through legal procedures

• Access to trustworthy listings

• Fewer misunderstandings and delays

Most importantly, it gives you peace of mind.

Avoid Paying Ridiculously High “Assistance” Fees

There are many companies online that offer “foreigner support” or “real estate assistance” services for people buying property in Japan — and they often advertise themselves as being the only way to buy a home if you don’t speak Japanese.

But here’s the truth:

⚠️ Some of these companies charge up to $10,000+ USD in "assistance" or "service" fees — just to connect you with an agent.

Yes, that’s ten thousand dollars out of your pocket before you’ve even found a house.

And here’s the kicker:

These companies usually just turn around and contact agents like us — after you've already paid them.

So why not skip the middleman, save yourself thousands, and work directly with someone who can actually help?

If you’re buying a home in Japan, your money is better spent on the property itself, not on a referral.

How to Find an English-Speaking Real Estate Agent (for Free)

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few easy (and free) ways to find an agent:

• Search online with keywords like “English-speaking real estate agent [your city or region]”

• Use Facebook or Instagram — many agents (including us) post listings and advice regularly

• Ask ChatGPT or Google for recommendations

• Message agents in large cities — even if they don’t cover your area, they often have trusted connections who do

If you're looking in the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hyogo, Shiga, Wakayama), we at Omoroi Osaka can represent you directly as your agent.

If you’re looking outside Kansai, we can still assist with your transaction through our network across Japan — or support a local Japanese agent on your behalf.

What If There Are No English-Speaking Agents in Your Area?

In smaller cities or rural areas, it’s possible that no English-speaking agents are available. But don’t worry — we can still help.

Here’s how:

If your only option is a Japanese-speaking agent, Omoroi Osaka can step in and assist them behind the scenes — translating documents, guiding you through the process, and making sure everything is done correctly.

This service allows the local agent to feel more confident working with you, since we’re handling the language and cultural bridge. We charge a separate support fee for this type of service, but it ensures your deal goes smoothly and that you’re not left in the dark.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right English-speaking real estate agent in Japan doesn’t have to be complicated — and it definitely shouldn’t cost you extra just to get started. Skip the overpriced middlemen, do a quick search, and reach out directly to someone experienced and trustworthy.

If you’re looking in Kansai or anywhere in Japan, Omoroi Osaka is here to help. Whether you're buying your dream home, investing in rental property, or just exploring the market — we're ready to guide you every step of the way.