Compact 1LDK Mountain Retreat, $15,625, Nakatsugawa City

This charming woodland retreat is listed at just 2.5 million yen (15,625 USD) in the picturesque city of Nakatsugawa, Gifu Prefecture. Nestled within a vacation home community and surrounded by trees, this compact two-story property is ideal as a weekend getaway or a serene second home for those seeking tranquility in nature.

Check out the listing here.

Located in the Tsukecho area of Nakatsugawa City, this wooden house offers a cozy 74 square meter (797 sq ft) living space on a generous 177 square meter (1,905 sq ft) lot. Built in January 1998, this 26-year-old property provides an affordable opportunity to own a slice of Japanese mountain living.

The standout feature of this property is its location within a vacation home community, making it perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from urban life. The 1LDK (1 bedroom, living-dining-kitchen) layout provides a compact yet functional living space, ideal for individuals or couples looking for a weekend escape or a quiet retirement home.

Situated amidst lush greenery, the property offers a serene environment with beautiful mountain views. It’s located about a 35-minute drive from JR Nakatsugawa Station on the Chuo Main Line, providing a good balance between accessibility and seclusion.

The house comes equipped with separate bath and toilet facilities, a septic tank system, and propane gas for cooking and heating. Interestingly, the property uses well water, which is common in rural mountain areas of Japan. This self-sufficient water supply is included in the annual management fees.

While the house is relatively young at 26 years old, some minor repairs may be needed, particularly to a part of the veranda. The listing mentions that these repairs would be the responsibility of the new owner. It’s also worth noting that the property is located in a Yellow Zone of a landslide disaster warning area, which is common for properties in mountainous regions.

One unique aspect of this property is the annual management fee of 55,000 yen, which includes road maintenance and well water supply. This ensures that the infrastructure of the vacation home community is well-maintained.

Despite its secluded location, the property offers reasonable access to local amenities. The nearest supermarket is about 2.3 km away, while a convenience store can be found 3.4 km from the property. For families with children, the Tsuki North Elementary School is approximately 4.3 km away, and Tsuki Junior High School is about 3.1 km distant.

Iconic nearby destinations:

1. Nakasendo Trail: About 30 minutes by car, this historic route between Kyoto and Tokyo offers beautiful hiking and glimpses into Japan’s feudal past.
2. Magome-juku: Approximately 40 minutes by car, this beautifully preserved post town on the Nakasendo Trail is a popular tourist destination.

Facts about Nakatsugawa City:

1. Nakatsugawa is known for its beautifully preserved sections of the historic Nakasendo Trail.
2. The city is famous for its “kurikinton,” a sweet made from candied chestnuts.
3. Nakatsugawa hosts the annual Nakatsugawa Festival in October, featuring traditional dances and parades.

Facts about Gifu Prefecture:

1. Gifu is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
2. The prefecture is famous for its cormorant fishing on the Nagara River, a 1,300-year-old tradition.
3. Gifu produces over 90% of Japan’s decorative umbrellas, known as “wagasa.”

Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with this property or agent in any way. We are simply showcasing properties we find interesting to provide insight into the types of homes available in Japan.