Thinking of Moving to Japan . But I Have Concerns About Earthquakes & Real Estate. Need Opinions.

I’ve been seriously considering moving to Japan, but I’m trying to be realistic about what life there actually looks like long-term. I’m not someone who wants a tiny apartment in the middle of Tokyo . I currently live on a 12,000 sq. ft. compound and I’m used to space, privacy, and building things that last.

So I have a few concerns and expectations, and I’d love honest input from people already living in Japan.

1. Earthquakes — How much should I really worry?

I know Japan has world-class seismic engineering, strict building codes, and people say “you get used to it.”

But for someone planning to build something permanent, not just rent, this is my biggest hesitation.

• Are modern houses truly safe during major quakes?

• Are some regions realistically safer or more stable than others?

• Do long-term residents still feel anxious about earthquakes, or is it just part of life?

Would love to hear from people who’ve been through quakes while living in cities like Fukuoka, Sapporo, Kobe, etc.

1. Real Estate Expectations Is building on a large plot even practical?

Here’s the challenge:

I’m used to having a lot of space. In Japan, that seems rare unless you move way outside the cities.

I’m curious about:

• Is it realistic for a foreigner to buy land big enough for a 10–12k sq. ft. compound?

• Which prefectures have land that’s affordable and not shrinking economically?

• How expensive is construction with Japan’s strict earthquake codes?

• Is it smarter to buy or just rent long-term?

I’m not looking for investment returns — more about quality of life.

But I also don’t want to build something that becomes a financial black hole or ends up in a depopulating town.

1. What I’m Actually Looking For

   • A colder climate

   • Peace, privacy, and nature

   • A stable, quiet life

   • A place I can eventually build a modern, permanent home

   • Reasonable access to a major city (1–2 hours is fine)

So far, regions like Hokkaido, Fukuoka outskirts, Nagano, and Kyushu seem promising.

But I’m open to hearing realistic pros and cons from people who’ve lived there.

1. Main Question

For someone who values space, quiet, and long-term stability, is building a home in Japan actually worth it?

Or is it better to live there, rent comfortably, and avoid the complications of land ownership?

Would appreciate any genuine experiences or advice, not sugarcoating.