uninhabited
Who wouldn’t want to have their own private island? Imagine being able to get away from the world whenever you liked, free yourself from the stress of the daily grind and just relax under the sun or the nighttime stars on the beach.
Well the best place to start looking for such a private island is Japan. There are lots of small uninhabited islands owned by real estate companies that you can buy one almost as easily as you’d buy a house.
We recently visited one such island for sale to see what it was like and decide whether we should start saving up our pennies to buy one ourselves—after all, Rocket Island has quite a nice ring to it. Read on to see what our trip there was like, and to see some of the surprises that we ran into.
While living in Tokyo, or any of Japan’s big cities, it’s hard not to want to get away from the crowds every once and a while. Of course the countryside offers a considerable amount of extra breathing room, but we know you’ve no doubt day dreamed of being alone on your own private island as you were sandwiched between two sweaty salarymen on the rush hour train. For those unable to tolerate the constant congregation of city-dwellers, this list is for you. Take a look at five uninhabited islands for sale right now in Japan and start to plan your life of solitude.



Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
Japan’s famous Suica Penguin JR train pass card mascot is “graduating”/being laid off
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japan has $10 bananas from the coldest prefecture in the country, but how do they taste?
Japanese pop idol A-chan reveals she’s always wanted to marry a fan, and she’s done it
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
Japan’s plus-sized idol singer group releases new video about the joys of eating【Video】
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Does the maxixe live up to its promise of being a whole new flavor for our Japanese reporter?
New Japanese-made Godzilla movie announced, looks to be first direct sequel since 1999
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Tokyo all-you-can-eat senbei deal is perfect for newbies to the world of beloved Japanese snacks
Never forget that Mister Donut’s super-simple ramen is actually very hard to beat
The deluxe disappointment and basic brilliance of Japan’s oldest standing soba noodle chain
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
Japan’s plus-sized idol singer group releases new video about the joys of eating【Video】
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Does the maxixe live up to its promise of being a whole new flavor for our Japanese reporter?
New Japanese-made Godzilla movie announced, looks to be first direct sequel since 1999
School textbook is withdrawn after “teacher” on the front is recognized as Japanese adult video star
Starbucks releases final sakura Frappuccino in Japan for 2024 hanami season
Is Kyoto’s raindrop cake as good as the original from Yamanashi?
How to buy a cake in a gacha capsule from a vending machine in Japan
Tokyo has a brand new Harry Potter shop with its own butterbeer bar – Let’s see what’s inside【Pics】
Flower Ice Cream becomes Japan’s newest breathtaking dessert
Octopus tentacle ear plugs coming to Japanese capsule toy machines
Totoro embroidered bags and pouches are as fluffy and cute as the Ghibli star himself【Photos】