I Went Akiya Hunting in Tokyo’s Busiest Tourist Area

Quick Overview

The host found a total of 14 potentially abandoned houses (Akiya) during a one-hour run through Tokyo's Taito ward, concluding that while many look abandoned, factors like narrow access roads (less than 4 meters wide) and the presence of mail or signs of recent utility use mean most are not officially classified as Akiya, although one fully renovated but vacant property was listed for ¥34.8 million ($230,000).

Key Points: The host conducted an 'Akiya Marathon' run through Taito-ku, Tokyo, aiming to count visible abandoned houses. The run lasted approximately one hour, covering areas including Senso-ji Temple, Ameyoko Shotengai, and Ueno Park. The host identified 14 properties that appeared abandoned or were for sale, including one in the dense back alleys near Senso-ji. One specific abandoned-looking property found was listed online for ¥34.8 million ($230,000), was built in 1965, and had 39 sqm of living space on a tight 27 sqm lot, but was not rebuildable because its access alley was too narrow (under 4 meters). The host clarified that a property is officially an 'Akiya' if it is vacant, even if it is fully renovated, but abandoned appearances often indicate vacancy. The final count reached 14 potential Akiya, though the host noted that many that looked abandoned either had signs of life (like mail) or were on non-public roads, restricting rebuilding potential.

Context: The video documents a self-imposed challenge called the 'Tokyo Akiya Marathon' undertaken by the host, Shu Matsuo Post of AkiyaHub. The goal was to run through the smallest ward of Tokyo, Taito-ku, to scout for 'Akiya' (vacant houses) to see if opportunities exist even in densely populated, expensive tourist areas like Asakusa and Ueno. The search contrasts the high-traffic tourist zones with the quieter, narrow residential backstreets where older, potentially abandoned properties are more likely to be found.

Detailed Analysis

The video follows the host, Shu Matsuo Post of AkiyaHub, as he runs through Taito-ku, Tokyo, searching for Akiya (vacant houses) while simultaneously training for the Tokyo Marathon 2026. The run starts near Senso-ji Temple, passes through the busy Ameyoko Shotengai market, and enters Ueno Park, noting the contrast between tourist hubs and quieter areas. The host explains that Akiya literally means 'empty house,' and while many abandoned-looking buildings exist, factors like narrow access roads (under 4 meters) prevent rebuilding, making them less desirable investment opportunities. He found several properties that looked abandoned (like one with a taped mailbox), but signs of life often disqualified them. The final count reached 14 potential Akiya in one hour. One specific non-rebuildable property found was listed online for ¥34.8 million ($230,000), which was built in 1965, featuring 39 sqm of living space on a 27 sqm lot. The host concluded that while Taito-ku is small and prime real estate, finding truly cheap, rebuildable Akiya is challenging due to these zoning and access restrictions.