Historic 109-Year-Old Japanese Home, $11,875, Yame City

This charming century-old Japanese house in the traditional city of Yame is listed at just 1.9 million yen ($11,875 USD). Nestled in Fukuoka Prefecture, this property offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Japanese history in a region renowned for its stone lantern craftsmanship.

Check out the listing here.

Located in the Nagano district of Yame, this vintage home boasts 75 square meters (807 sq ft) of living space on a 139 square meter (1,497 sq ft) lot. Built in January 1915, this 109-year-old property features a spacious 6DK (6 rooms plus dining and kitchen) layout, perfect for those seeking an authentic Japanese home with historical significance.

The property’s age is one of its most intriguing features. Constructed during the Taisho era, it offers a glimpse into early 20th-century Japanese architecture. The house underwent an expansion in 1970, adding more living space while retaining its original charm. The 6DK layout provides ample room for a family or could be repurposed for various uses, such as a traditional guesthouse or artist retreat.

Situated in the Nagano area, famous for its stone lantern production, this home is surrounded by rich cultural heritage. It’s conveniently located just 400 meters from the Nagano bus stop on the Horikawa Bus Haya Line, ensuring easy access to public transportation.

While the property doesn’t include on-site parking, there’s a possibility to rent space on the vacant lot to the north of the house. This arrangement could provide a convenient parking solution for residents with vehicles.

The house does require some renovation work. The listing notes that there’s noticeable sagging in the first-floor tatami room floors, and the second-floor balcony shows signs of rust and deterioration, necessitating repairs for safety. These issues present an opportunity for the new owner to restore and customize the property while preserving its historical elements.

Inside, the home features separate bathroom and toilet facilities, electricity, a traditional well for water, and a septic tank system. These amenities provide a mix of modern convenience and traditional Japanese living.

Iconic nearby destinations:

1. Yame Traditional Crafts Museum: Located about 7 km from the property, this museum showcases the area’s rich history in traditional crafts, including Yame-fukushima Buddhist altars and local pottery.
2. Nyoirinji Temple: Approximately 10 km away, this historic temple is known for its beautiful garden and as the birthplace of the famous tea master Sen no Rikyu.

Facts about Yame:

1. Yame is renowned for its high-quality green tea production, particularly Gyokuro, a premium shade-grown green tea.
2. The city is famous for its traditional crafts, including Yame lanterns and Japanese washi paper.
3. Yame hosts an annual Lantern Festival in August, featuring thousands of handcrafted lanterns illuminating the city streets.

Facts about Fukuoka Prefecture:

1. Fukuoka is known for its unique food culture, including famous dishes like Hakata ramen and mentaiko (spicy cod roe).
2. The prefecture is home to Dazaifu Tenmangu, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines dedicated to the god of learning.
3. Fukuoka boasts the largest number of yatai (open-air food stalls) in Japan, offering a vibrant street food scene.

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.