Property Investment & ROI
How I Bought Real Estate in Japan as a Foreigner
A practical walkthrough of buying property in Japan as a foreigner — financing, agents, costs, due diligence, and what the process actually looks like.
BenStay Blog
Hospitality, tech, and business in Japan
All Articles 8/10
Tokyo Life
Best Craft Beer Spots Near Hamamatsucho Station
A local's guide to the best craft beer bars and taprooms near Hamamatsucho, Daimon, and Shimbashi — from hidden standing bars to well-known taprooms.
Operations & Property Management
What Property Managers Actually Do for Short-Term Rentals in Japan
A practical breakdown of what property management companies handle for Airbnb and vacation rental owners in Japan — from OTA distribution to cleaning and compliance.
Business in Japan
GK vs KK in Japan: Which Company Structure Should You Choose?
GK (合同会社) vs KK (株式会社): which Japanese company structure fits a small hospitality operator? An honest founder's breakdown of cost, tax, and credibility.
Japan Hospitality Regulations
The Minpaku Maze: A Practical Guide to Short-Term Rental Licensing in Japan
Japan's short-term rental licensing system is genuinely complex. Here's the clearest breakdown of minpaku vs ryokan licensing, regional rules, and common pitfalls.
Pricing & Revenue
Dynamic Pricing for Airbnb in Japan: How to Navigate Seasonal Demand
How to price your Airbnb for Japan's wild seasonality — cherry blossoms, Golden Week, Obon — and stop leaving revenue on the table in the quiet months.
Short-Term Rental Pricing & Revenue
The OTA Commission Trap: What Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia Really Cost Japanese Hosts
What Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia really cost Japanese hosts — commission rates, the hidden fees behind the headline, and Japan's accommodation tax traps.
Japan Hospitality Regulations
Japan's Accommodation Tax: A City-by-City Guide for Guesthouse Operators
Japan's accommodation tax varies by city, price bracket, and guest count. Here's a practical breakdown for guesthouse and short-term rental operators across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and more.
Product
Reshito: Why We Built an AI Receipt Scanner for Japan's Freelancers
How a pile of konbini receipts and the annual 確定申告 deadline led us to build Reshito — an AI-powered expense tool designed specifically for Japan's sole proprietors and freelancers.
Today is Thursday (pillar 4: Property Investment & ROI). I’ll write about the yen’s impact on …