Bento Box
5 min read

Bento Box: Issue 15

Written by
Michelle Flores
Published on
July 17, 2026

Hello everyone! Thank you so much to everyone who takes the time to read everything I put into words on this blog!

For us, we got to meet half of the team in Tokyo at a sushi restaurant in Shinjuku. We didn’t get to sing karaoke, but if you are in Japan, I definitely recommend going to a karaoke place and giving it a try, it is really fun!

On another note, I had a house tour in Iiyama, in the Nagano area, and it was a really amazing house. Our client put in an offer first thing on Monday (the reality is that we submitted it on Sunday night, but it wasn’t seen until Monday), and there was another person visiting the house that same day who also seemed to make an offer.

The thing is, in Japan there are so many variables when it comes to how offers are accepted. For example, if a client has visited the house in person, they may get priority over someone who has not. There are so many unwritten rules, but thankfully, the majority of our offers have been accepted by the seller’s side.

Anyways, I promised some houses on the more expensive side this week, so let’s go!

Ingredient #1

  • 📍 Location: Otaru, Hokkaido
  • 💰 Price: ¥35,000,000 (~$218,391 USD)
  • 🏠 Type: Detached House
  • 🛏 Layout: 4LDK
  • 📐 Building Size: 137.16 m² (1,476 sq ft)
  • 🌿 Land Size: 2301.03 m² (24,769 sq ft)
  • 🚍 Access: 9-minute walk to Otaru Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line

Learn more here: Live Listing!

This property is huge! One of its biggest highlights is the large garden, which includes a separate kitchen house, a shower room, and even its own camping area. The house is located on a hilltop, offering amazing views of both the mountains and Otaru City.

The property has already been renovated, so there is no immediate need for additional work unless you would like to customize it further to match your own style. It also includes parking space for three or more cars, two toilets (one downstairs and one upstairs), and plenty of room both inside and outside.

Even though it is located relatively close to Otaru Station, the house sits in a quiet residential neighborhood, giving you the best of both worlds: convenience and privacy. This property was only recently added to the market, and I honestly think it is an amazing house with a lot of potential and plenty of space to bring all kinds of ideas to life.

Ingredient #2

  • 📍 Location: Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture
  • 💰 Price: ¥22,000,000 (~$137,274 USD)
  • 🏠 Type: Detached House
  • 🛏 Layout: 4LDK
  • 📐 Building Size: 225.64 m² (2,429 sq ft)
  • 🌿 Land Size: 600 m² (6,458 sq ft)
  • 🚍 Access: 30-minute walk to Takada Station on the Myoko Haneuma Line

Learn more here: Live Listing!

This house is located near the Myoko area, giving easy access to many ski resorts and making it a great option for anyone looking for a mountain getaway or a property with rental potential during ski season.

The house features a large garden and parking space for three or more cars, which is always a great bonus. The kitchen has been recently renovated, and an air conditioner has also been added to the space, making it much more comfortable year-round.

One thing I really like about this property is that it does not require any major renovations. It could benefit from replacing some of the tatami mats and updating the bathroom, but overall the house is ready to move in. It is also located close to the city center while still being situated in a quiet neighborhood, giving you both convenience and privacy.

The property includes two toilets, both equipped with heated toilet seats, which is always a nice feature to have, especially during winter. Overall, I think this is a great house with plenty of space and lots of potential to make it your own.

Ingredient #3

  • 📍 Location: 3-chome, Tanigawa, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture
  • 💰 Price: ¥39,500,000 (~$246,470 USD)
  • 🏠 Type: Detached House
  • 🛏 Layout: 5LDK
  • 📐 Building Size: 191.82 m² (2,065 sq ft)
  • 🌿 Land Size: 692.85 m² (7,458 sq ft)
  • 🚍 Access: 21-minute walk to Minami-Miyazaki Station on the JR Nippo Main Line

Learn more here: Live Listing!

This house offers a really open and spacious layout, along with parking space for three or more cars. One of its best features is the ocean view, which can be enjoyed from the wooden terrace. The outdoor space is also quite large, giving plenty of room to create your own garden or bring to life any ideas you may have for the property.

Although the house was originally built in 1987, it has been completely renovated, so there is no need to worry about major renovations. Everything has already been updated, making it truly move-in ready. It could also be a great option for someone looking to start renting the property right away.

The location is another strong point. It is conveniently close to the city center while also being near the airport, making access easy for both owners and guests. The house also includes two toilets and air conditioners throughout the property, adding to the overall comfort and convenience.

That’s a wrap-up for this week! I tried to include houses that were a little more on the expensive side while still offering something unique. To be honest, many newer homes in Japan tend to have a very similar modern style. They are beautiful and practical, of course, but sometimes they lack the character and unique features that make a property truly memorable. I hope you enjoyed this week’s selection, and as always, let me know which house was your favorite!

Browse opportunities yourself: Check out current listings at Nipponhomes.com

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This content is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects my personal opinions and experience. I am not a licensed financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consult qualified professionals before making any investment decisions.

Michelle Flores
June 19, 2026

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