What recurring and acquisition taxes apply to Japanese real estate?

Last verified: August 31, 2026

Answer

Japanese real estate can involve taxes at acquisition, registration and during ownership. Official sources include real estate acquisition tax, registration and license tax, fixed asset tax and city planning tax. Rates, reductions and filing rules depend on the property and location.

Tokyo example

In Tokyo’s 23 wards, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government administers fixed asset tax and city planning tax. The official page states a 1.4% fixed asset tax rate and a 0.3% city planning tax rate for the 23 wards, subject to assessment and applicable reductions.

Check before relying on an estimate

• Assessed value
• Property use and residential reductions
• Acquisition date and current-year rules
• Municipality or Tokyo ward location

Related guides