paying bills on a japanese holiday home

[phileuro]

We are looking at buying a place in Japan to use as a holiday home. So - we won't be there all/most of the time (We won't be in Japan). How can we arrange for bills to be paid? Will they direct debit those from a Japanese bank account?

Thanks!

[KansaiBen]

We are looking at buying a place in Japan to use as a holiday home. So - we won't be there all/most of the time (We won't be in Japan). How can we arrange for bills to be paid? Will they direct debit those from a Japanese bank account?

Thanks!

I'm assuming you dont already live here. Things like power, water gas and electricity can usually be deducted by automatic payment from a japanese bank account. You have to get the utility companies to send you the forms and you will likely need a 'hanko' that works as your signature with the bank. Needless to say you only pay for what you use, even if you are not living there full time.

[phileuro]

Thanks! That's a relief. Now we just have to tackle the hurdle of getting the bank account.

No - we don't live in Japan, and we don't have residency or anything. We are just 'tourists'.

[KansaiBen]

Thanks! That's a relief. Now we just have to tackle the hurdle of getting the bank account.

No - we don't live in Japan, and we don't have residency or anything. We are just 'tourists'.

so if you are just tourists how do you plan to buy a house here? Im not sure tourists can open bank accounts though a post office account may be possible.

Best idea would be to ask a real estate agent as your representative.

[kentokun]

No - we don't live in Japan, and we don't have residency or anything. We are just 'tourists'.

You need a Japanese address to get yourself a "Alien Registration Card" to show you reside in Japan. Any gaijin who isnt on a tourist/vacation visa can get one! It doesnt guarantee you getting a bank account 100% but i'm sure you will find a place that will open a bank account for you. Plus you need to get yourself a hanko etc etc...

Very complicated process and if you dont have any connections in Japan.

[phileuro]

Thanks - it looks like our estate agent is going to come through on the bank account. There are some banks that allow non-residents to open accounts (or so it seems).

We won't BE resident in Japan - and probably won't be spending more than 90 days at a time in the country. So technically we don't need an ARC.

There is no restriction on buying property for non-residents. We don't need a mortgage, we're just buying cash. (If we needed a mortgage I think that would be nigh on impossible from what I've heard).

Its not like we've never been to Japan - we come a couple times a year (hence the decision to buy a place) - its just that things get different when you have property involved.

I imagine that getting a hanko is probably a good thing to do anyway (and getting it certified etc etc). This is quite the adventure we are embarking on (and yes it might be completely bonkers!)

Thanks for the advice!