Businessman and fragrance entrepreneur Joel Cruz gives viewers a closer look at his sprawling home in Yokohama, Japan, through a house tour uploaded on his YouTube channel, Joel Cruz Official, on March 26, 2026.
Introducing the property as his “bagong bahay dito sa Japan,” Joel proudly walks viewers through the multi-level residence, which he describes as “very Japanese modern.”
While doing so, he shows glimpses of the home’s architecture, amenities, interiors, and even the realities of housing a large Filipino family abroad.
Located in Yamate, which is also known as "The Bluff" and is famous as a premier foreign residential area, the house immediately opens with sweeping city views, minimalist architecture, and a distinctly contemporary Japanese aesthetic marked by dark palettes, clean lines, layered flooring, and expansive glass panels.
Before even stepping inside, Joel shares one unexpected surprise tied to the property purchase: discovering that an additional 42-square-meter lot comes bundled with the home.
“Imagine bumibili ako ng bahay. Hindi ko alam na meron pang free na 42-something lot,” he says in amusement.
Outside the residence sit two BMW electric vehicles, which Joel proudly shows off before introducing the exterior facade of the house.
“Panay electric vehicles na ang aking kotse,” he says.
The property itself reflects the restrained elegance commonly associated with modern Japanese luxury homes.
The facade features dark-toned exteriors softened by warm lighting, while the elevated structure overlooks Yokohama’s cityscape and nearby port areas.
One striking detail that Joel repeatedly points out is the use of white decorative stones lining portions of the property.
According to him, the rocks are imported all the way from the Philippines.
“Tingnan mo naman yung mga lights nila no. Simple but very… it’s an open space dito,” he shares while giving viewers a look at the entrance area.
He also admits that the open railings inside the home initially worry him because of his children.
“Nung una, natakot ako kasi baka yung mga bata mahulog dito,” he recalls.
Joel says he has to carefully teach the children how to navigate the split-level structure safely.
“Yun lang talaga ang gusto kong ginagawa. Sa bahay lang, wala lang.”
“Tinuruan ko yung mga bata na ingat kayo… walang takbuhan, walang tulakan,” he says.
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OPEN-CONCEPT KITCHEN, CENTURIES-OLD WOOD TABLE DRAW ATTENTION
Upon entering the home, viewers are welcomed into a foyer area that follows the Japanese custom of removing shoes indoors.
Joel explains that the area has since evolved into a multipurpose storage space housing scented candles, electrical supplies, Afficionado products, humidifiers, sanitizers, and winter essentials.
A large mirror is strategically installed near the entrance for guests to check their appearance before entering the main living spaces, while a wooden rack stores coats and jackets during winter.
“Super lamig sa labas,” Joel says of Japan’s cold season.
The house also incorporates several smart-home features, including motion-sensor lights and automated doors.
At one point during the tour, Joel demonstrates how certain lights switch on automatically once movement is detected.
The first major communal area viewers are introduced to is the expansive kitchen and dining area, which Joel describes as one of the property’s highlights.
“Ang ganda ng kitchen niya kasi very open ng space niya,” he says.
The kitchen carries a distinctly professional feel, with Joel noting that the set-up is designed for serious cooking rather than ordinary household use.
“Hindi lang ito ordinary kitchen,” he explains, pointing out that the kitchen carries German-made fixtures and appliances.
One standout feature is the built-in grill station, which Joel associates with Japanese cooking culture.
“Sa Japan lagi silang naggi-grill ng mga fish,” he notes.
The space also showcases sleek concealed cabinetry, pull-out storage compartments, hidden appliances, integrated refrigerators and freezers, and neatly compartmentalized organization systems.
Joel enthusiastically shows viewers the content of his refrigerator, including oversized Japanese strawberries, which he describes as exceptionally sweet.
“Kung gusto niyong makatikim ng talagang matamis na Japanese strawberries na malalaki,” he says, recommending the January-to-March season for visitors.
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Abiding by Japan’s strict regulations
Another detail Joel highlights is Japan’s strict waste segregation system.
Opening multiple bins under the sink area, he explains how garbage has to be separated according to material categories such as paper and plastic.
The dining area itself becomes one of the visual centerpieces of the vlog.
Anchoring the room is an enormous live-edge wooden table topped with curved glass.
According to Joel, the wood used for the table supposedly comes from a tree estimated to be around 1,200 years old.
The table’s natural grain and irregular contours are preserved beneath the fitted glass surface, creating a striking blend of rustic texture and modern design.
Joel also reveals that the oversized table originally comes as one long piece before the modifications.
“Sabi ko gawin natin siyang buffet table,” he says, explaining that additional table legs have to be purchased to support the custom set-up.
The adjacent living area continues the home’s dark, minimalist aesthetic.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Yokohama’s skyline, while layered flooring emphasizes the home’s split-level architectural design.
A massive television dominates one wall, though Joel admits it still needs adjustments because he finds its placement too low.
Scattered throughout the space are various decorative pieces and memorabilia collected through the years, including crosses, international souvenirs, and items transported from Joel’s Philippine homes in Sampaloc and Baguio.
The living room also reflects Joel’s identity as a father.
A framed family portrait featuring Joel and his children occupies a prominent place in the area, while the room itself appears designed for shared family activities.
A chessboard sits near the lounge area for the children to use, while a telescope is positioned near the windows so the family can observe the moon, stars, and surrounding cityscape.
“Para makita rin natin ang outer space,” Joel says enthusiastically.
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Joel Cruz’s Japan home standout features: Infinity pool, master’s bedroom
Apart from the main living areas, Joel tours viewers through the guest spaces and entertainment sections of the home.
Unlike the polished perfection often seen in celebrity house tours, Joel repeatedly acknowledges the lived-in state of the property, openly showing luggage, stacked pasalubong items, and clutter from the family’s stay.
“Ganyan kagulo,” he admits with laughter, explaining that the family is preparing to return home soon.
“Usual Filipino thing na pasalubong chocolates,” he adds while showing bags and supplies scattered around the lower levels of the house.
One guest room features futon beds, a television set-up for the children, and direct view of the pool area.
Joel explains that the television downstairs is intentionally relocated because his children tend to become noisy while watching programs in the main living room.
“Pagka nanood, alam mo pagka natutuwa sila, ingay,” he shares.
Meanwhile, the guest wing also includes its own shower area and access to the outdoor swimming pool.
Among the more luxurious features of the property is the sleek swimming pool area lined with soft lighting and minimalist landscaping.
Long, narrow, and visually integrated into the architecture of the house, the pool overlooks Yokohama’s nighttime scenery and gives the residence a resort-like atmosphere.
Joel says he hopes to eventually add tables to the area so the family can host gatherings and parties outdoors.
“Puwede kaming mag-party-party rito,” he says.
Large sliding glass doors connect the pool area to the interior spaces. Joel reveals that the doors are among the home’s most expensive features.
The house tour eventually leads viewers into the master’s bedroom, which carries a more sophisticated aesthetic than the communal spaces downstairs.
Warm lighting contrasts against charcoal walls and dark wood finishes, while floor-to-ceiling windows open toward another panoramic view of Yokohama.
Inside the room are several luxury touches, including a hidden television panel integrated into a mirrored wall feature.
Joel excitedly demonstrates how the seemingly ordinary panel transforms into a television.
“TV pala ito,” he remarks in fascination.
The master’s suite also contains a private veranda, a mini refrigerator, lounge seating, and a large walk-in closet carrying Italian-made storage systems.
Joel notes how the closet uses a Rimadesio system—an Italian luxury interior brand known for high-end architectural storage designs.
The room also incorporates German-made laundry appliances, textured walls without visible grout lines, and decorative faux bamboo accents that complement the Japanese-inspired interior design.
The bathroom area, meanwhile, leans heavily into spa-like luxury.
It includes his-and-her sinks, motion-sensor lighting, shower areas, and a jacuzzi spacious enough for multiple people.
“Puwedeng limang tao dito sa jacuzzi,” Joel says.
A bathtub positioned near the windows also offers relaxing views of the surrounding city.
Throughout the vlog, Joel repeatedly emphasizes how much he enjoys spending time in Japan.
According to him, he regularly visits the country every month and typically stays for seven to 10 days at a time.
“It’s a new atmosphere, new vibes sa akin dito,” he explains.
Beyond the aesthetics and luxury of the home itself, Joel also reflects on his admiration for Japanese discipline and organization.
He praises the country’s pedestrian culture, road etiquette, cleanliness, and public order, expressing hope that the Philippines could someday achieve similar standards.
“Napakadisiplinado ng mga tao,” he says.
He also hints at plans to venture into real-estate business opportunities in Japan.
While the vlog highlights upscale amenities, imported furnishings, luxury appliances, and panoramic city views, much of the tour’s charm comes from Joel himself.
He openly narrates household clutter, joking with family members, calling out children in the background, and casually mixing Filipino warmth with polished Japanese minimalism.
Rather than presenting the home as a sterile showroom, the vlog ultimately shows it as a lived-in family space.
His home is one filled with children, stacked pasalubong, rearranged furniture, swimming plans, shared meals, and the everyday chaos that follows even the most luxurious households abroad.
“Ganyan talaga kagulo,” Joel repeats at one point during the tour—a line that perhaps best sums up his preference for the home to be lived in.
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