Bento Box: Issue 16

Hello, another week has passed by so fast! I have my last house tours tomorrow in the Nara area, which will actually be my first time touring houses there, as I will be going back home for a month afterward!

I was talking with a friend about my post last week regarding modern houses that do not really have any interesting features. If you visit Tokyo, you’ll probably notice that many of the newer houses tend to have the same design and layout, without the unique characteristics that you often find in older Japanese homes in places like Kyoto or other regional areas.

What are your thoughts on that? Of course, they are really nice houses, but sometimes they all start to look the same, and lately I feel like finding truly interesting properties has become more difficult. I think that is one of the reasons I enjoy searching for houses outside of the major cities, because you can still find homes with a lot of personality and charm.

Anyways, let’s get started! The areas that continue to be really popular among our customers are the Myoko area and, of course, Otaru. We have also been seeing more interest from clients looking at properties in the Miyazaki area!

Ingredient #1

• 📍 Location: Showa-cho 1-chome, Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture
• 💰 Price: ¥11,000,000 (~$68,019 USD)
• 🏠 Type: Detached House
• 🛏 Layout: 4LDK
• 📐 Building Size: 152.09 m² (1,637 sq ft)
• 🌿 Land Size: 208.22 m² (2,241 sq ft)
• 🚍 Access: 18-minute walk to Takada Station on the Myoko Haneuma Line

Learn more here: Live Listing!

This house was built in 1994, so it is relatively recent by Japanese standards, and it looks to be in great condition. It is located near the Myoko area, more towards the northern side close to Joetsu, but it still offers quick access to Myoko City and the nearby ski resorts.

The property has plenty of parking space for up to three vehicles and also includes two bathrooms, one downstairs and one upstairs, which is always a big plus since many Japanese homes only have one toilet. The house has a more modern feel compared to many of the traditional homes in the area and faces a small garden that gives it a really pleasant atmosphere.

Another great feature is the location. It is close to the train station and has many local restaurants and daily amenities nearby, making it convenient for both full-time living and vacation use. Overall, I think this is a really nice house in a great area and would make a wonderful home or investment property.

Ingredient #2

• 📍 Location: Otaru City, Hokkaido
• 💰 Price: ¥7,800,000 (~$48,232 USD)
• 🏠 Type: Detached House
• 🛏 Layout: 6LDK
• 📐 Building Size: 140.94 m² (1,517 sq ft)
• 🌿 Land Size: 689.58 m² (7,423 sq ft)
• 🚍 Access: 13-minute bus ride to Otaru Station

Learn more here: Live Listing!

This house is located a little further from Otaru Station, but it is still conveniently close and very accessible by car. It is a really spacious property, offering six bedrooms, two toilets (one upstairs and one downstairs), a vegetable garden, and parking space for three or more cars.

The property has undergone several renovations over the years, so both the interior and exterior are in good condition overall. It is also situated in a quiet residential neighborhood, making it a great option for those looking for a peaceful place to live or enjoy as a vacation home.

Of course, some additional renovations could be made to modernize the interior a bit more, especially the bathrooms, but I think that is part of the charm of this house. It has a lot of potential and plenty of space to customize and make it exactly how you would like it.

Ingredient #3

• 📍 Location: Oaza Komatsu, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture
• 💰 Price: ¥13,500,000 (~$83,421 USD)
• 🏠 Type: Detached House
• 🛏 Layout: 5DK
• 📐 Building Size: 95.09 m² (1,024 sq ft)
• 🌿 Land Size: 260.30 m² (2,802 sq ft)
• 🚍 Access: 37-minute walk to Miyazaki-Jingu Station on the JR Nippo Main Line

Learn more here: Live Listing!

This house offers a lot of space and possibilities! Located in the convenient Komatsu area of Miyazaki, the property features a spacious 5DK layout and a large lot with parking space for up to five cars, which is honestly quite rare to find. There is a large warehouse and garage located behind the house. It could be used as a workshop, storage area, a place for motorcycles, or even transformed into your own hobby space. There are so many possibilities depending on what you have in mind.

The house itself has a nice traditional feel and offers plenty of room for a family, a vacation home, or even someone looking for extra space while enjoying a slower lifestyle in Miyazaki. The south-facing lot also provides great sunlight throughout the day, making the property feel bright and open.

Overall, I think this is a really interesting property with a lot of potential. With a few updates and your own personal touch, it could become a fantastic home with plenty of indoor and outdoor space to enjoy.

That’s a wrap-up for this week! Let me know what areas would you like to see next!

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

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We’ve been building out a solid list of travel + ski partnerships lately.

If you’re gearing up for a trip and need things like luggage, Goggles, insurance and much much more there are some really good deals below.

YukiHomes Perks

We’re always looking to partner with great travel + ski brands.

If you’d like to be featured on our perks page, reach out at: Grant@yukihomes.com

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.

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