This Single-Mom Nurse Bought a Dream Vacation Home Near Tokyo

Quick Overview

A single mother and nurse from California successfully purchased and renovated a vacation home in Kimitsu, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, for a total cost of approximately $150,000 (¥16 million purchase + ¥5 million renovation), motivated by the desire for a peaceful, nature-filled retreat close to Disneyland and to support her family back in the Philippines.

Key Points: The buyer, Shirley, is a single mother and RN supervisor from Glendale, California, who purchased a vacation home in Kimitsu, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The total investment for the property was approximately ¥23 million (about $150,000 USD), comprising a ¥16 million purchase price and a ¥5 million ($35,000 USD) renovation. The two-story house is located 7 minutes from Kimitsu Station and is situated across from a local park, which was a key deciding factor. The renovation preserved some traditional Japanese elements, such as the shoji screens and tatami rooms (three 6-tatami rooms mentioned), while updating the kitchen and living spaces with modern wood paneling. Shirley owns seven other properties in the Philippines (all single-family homes, all paid off) and two ADUs in Glendale, California, which provide income to support her family. She emphasized the importance of having a supportive relationship, like the one she built with the Akeiya Hunters team, for successful international property acquisition. Her primary motivation for the Japan purchase was to have a beautiful place near Disneyland for her grandson.

Context: The video documents an interview conducted by Shu Matsuo of Akeiya Hub with Shirley, a single mother and registered nurse supervisor from Glendale, California. Shirley decided to purchase a property in Japan as a vacation home for her family, specifically valuing its proximity to Tokyo Disneyland and the surrounding natural environment. The interview focuses on her purchasing journey, the costs involved, the features of the renovated Japanese home, and her philosophy on life and investment across the three countries where she holds property (USA, Philippines, Japan).