Client Success Story Interview: Jaci’s Holiday Home in Kawagoe Saitama

After experiencing the beauty and warmth of Japan, Jaci dreamed of finding a place she could call her second home. In 2024, she and her family found that home in the charming town of Kawagoe, Saitama. They wanted to be able to enjoy regular visits from the U.S., and always return to a familiar base after exploring different parts of Japan.

We had the chance to sit down with Jaci in her cozy home and ask about her home-buying journey, what made Japan stand out, and her advice for others looking to purchase a holiday home in Japan.

Watch the full length interview video on Youtube here!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi, I’m Jaclyn—though most people call me Jaci. I’m a mom, a sister, a daughter, and originally from upstate New York—about two hours north of NYC. I’ve spent my whole life in the U.S., living in New York, California, and other parts of the Northeast. New York is home, but I’ve always been searching for another place to call home. That’s what brought us to Kawagoe, Japan.

Professionally, I’ve worked in human resources—mainly in recruiting and workforce development. But I recently retired to focus more on my family, travel, and spending time in Japan.

What made you decide to purchase a home here in Japan?

After traveling to Japan multiple times, we realized there was nowhere else in the world we felt more drawn to. We’ve been fortunate to see many countries, but Japan was the one place we immediately wanted to return to.

Especially with a young child, we felt that being able to return to the same home in the same town would be a really sort of magical experience for all of us, and the decision came quite easy and quite naturally.

What is it about Japan that makes it different from other countries?

It’s hard to describe exactly, especially to someone who hasn’t spent much time here, but Japan has a certain lightness—an energy. There’s so much kindness in the air. People will go out of their way to help us when I  look lost, which I often do, or I can’t find the elevator to bring a stroller upstairs or my daughter drops a toy on the ground, people will just run out of nowhere to come help us. People go out of their way to help. If I’m lost or struggling with my stroller, someone will show up out of nowhere to lend a hand.

The food is incredible—I’ve never had a bad meal. Public transportation is unbelievably easy, and everything is so clean. These may seem like small things, but together, they make life here feel wonderful.

What was the buying process like for you?

Honestly, it was very straightforward. I saw four properties in one day, which I thought would take several visits. But everything was so organized that I could make a decision that very evening.

From there, each step was laid out clearly—offer, negotiation, documentation—like a checklist. Mr.LAND gave me helpful English-language materials, including booklets on buying property in Japan as a foreigner. It made the process feel accessible and stress-free. From start to finish, it all took just a couple of months.

Can you tell me a little bit more about how you searched for properties?

Once we narrowed down the area to Kawagoe, my partner browsed listings online—similar to U.S.-based property sites—and we found the listing for the home we eventually purchased.

We sent it to Mr.LAND, and they followed up with thoughtful questions: number of bedrooms, price range, proximity to stations, desire for outdoor space, etc. They helped us consider options beyond what we found on our own, which was incredibly helpful.

Did you face any challenges during the purchase process?

There was just one minor issue—a small leak in the tatami room—but it was quickly identified and repaired well before our arrival. Since we weren’t moving in right away, everything could be handled in a timely, stress-free manner.

How did you know that this was the ONE?

The moment I walked in, I felt at ease—it just felt like home. It checked all the boxes: comfort, accessibility, and price. We’re less than an hour from Tokyo, which is amazing, and yet we have the peace and charm of a smaller town. It felt like a smart investment and a place we’d enjoy returning to for long stretches.

What was your first impression when you started working with us?

It felt comfortable from the start. I could ask anything and communicate easily in English—whether over email, Zoom, or in person. I appreciated that Mr.LAND specializes in international buyers. I never felt like an outlier in the process.

Because of their experience, they anticipated many of my concerns before I voiced them. That kind of support made a huge difference.

What was the process like after you made your Offer?

The whole process from Offer to Close was really simple. Each step came clearly via email – I always knew what was next. I didn’t have to think too hard; the next task was always waiting for me in my inbox.

What part of our service did you find the most helpful?

What stood out most was how personal the experience felt. Mr.LAND truly wanted what was best for us—not just to close a deal.

After our viewings, they even invited us for coffee, which made everything feel more human. They shared honest opinions and perspectives I hadn’t considered, and I always felt like they had our best interests at heart. That trust was there from the very beginning.

What advice would you give to others thinking of buying a home in Japan?

Start by thinking about the area you’d like to live in. Which prefecture do you want to live in. Do you want to be close to airports? To Tokyo? Do you prefer a quiet, family-friendly area or something more urban? For us, a smaller home made sense—we didn’t want a lot of upkeep during our holidays. But we also didn’t want it to be so small that we’d grow out of it quickly. Figuring out what kind of day-to-day experience you want is key to finding the right place.

Any final thoughts?

I’ve made a real effort to become part of the community here. I visit my favorite coffee shop regularly, and just this past weekend, my daughter Pepper and I joined a local children’s book event near Kawagoe Station at a store called Little Fish.

They read a book about bugs in English, then we all went to the park to search for bugs together. Not everyone spoke English, but many were curious and engaging. My daughter had the best time.

If you’re thinking of buying a home here, I highly recommend taking the extra step to connect with your new neighborhood. It makes the experience even more meaningful.