In fact I booked a trip to Tokyo in 2021.

Tokyo and Stockholm followed, where prices increased 8.6% and 4.4%, respectively.

Out here, that involves a trip to the Embassy in Tokyo for the only place that provides notary services.

Completely agree about Berlin, like most internationally renown metropolis, returns are pitiful - I invest in Japan, but would steer clear of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and the Hokkaido ski resorts, for the same reasons.

Think NYC, Tokyo, etc.

If you're still looking for a PM I may be able to help you out in some way as well - I have time on my hands now since moving back from Tokyo.  

I actually have a cousin in the Netherlands who helps European investors buy larger buildings in other countries, but his company's focus has always been on larger markets like NYC, Tokyo, LA, Shanghai, etc.

Not sure of market fees, but last time I checked in the Tokyo market, it was like 30% of "rents".That said, I have heard of people that do it, and Niseko seems to be one of the best markets for it (based entirely on word-of-mouth, not on any research I've done). 

if you came from Singapore, Hongkong, Tokyo, KL even London, this is the only option that's available.

You can never make the COL equation work if you compare CA with most other US states but if you compare an SF or LA to say NYC or Paris or London or Tokyo, your numbers will not look so bad after all.