Priced out of Hawaii, this couple bought a home in rural Japan instead

Jeff Layfield and his wife, Mamiko, left Hawaii to retire in Japan.

Provided by Jaff Layfield.

Jeff Layfield spent years imagining where in the US he and his wife would retire after leaving Hawaii. Instead, they now live in a traditional home overlooking the sea in Japan.Before retiring, the couple lived in an upstairs apartment at his parents' home on Oahu. Layfield worked in data management for the Marine Corps, while his wife, Mamiko, worked in retail.Every time they traveled to Mamiko's hometown of Nara to visit her mother, the couple carved out time to explore other parts of the country.In 2018, they visited Asuka, a rural town that was once the ancient capital of Japan. Captivated by the landscape, the visit cemented Layfield's desire to retire in Japan's countryside.

Back in Hawaii, the couple lived in the upstairs apartment of his parents' home.

Provided by Jeff Layfield.