You can, but it may collapse in an earthquake or landslide before you arrive. Common wisdom in Japan is an empty home will begin to collapse within two years. T

You can, but it may collapse in an earthquake or landslide before you arrive. Common wisdom in Japan is an empty home will begin to collapse within two years. Then you need to pay for disposal, which is a major expense. Buying a $500 home will be like adopting an old shelter dog. It requires lots of care and will still die soon. If you want to move in and make it a great place it might be possible. As a vacation home for one week a year to see sakura flowers? No, bad idea.