Renovated 4LDK in Otsu City – Close to Lake Biwa for $70K

This well-positioned Japanese house is available at just 10,800,000 yen ($69,677 USD) in historic Otsu City, offering convenient access to three major cities while enjoying the serenity of Lake Biwa. This spacious property features modern updates including a 2016 eco-friendly water heater, while maintaining its traditional charm in one of Japan’s most historically significant regions.

Check out the listing here.

Located in the Hiei-dai district of Otsu City, this traditional home offers a generous 111 square meters (1,195 sqft) of living space on a substantial 239 square meter (2,572 sqft) lot. The 4LDK layout provides ample living space, and the property has received thoughtful updates including a renovated kitchen, unit bath, and first-floor toilet in 2002, plus an efficient Eco-Jozu water heater installed in 2016. The location offers excellent accessibility, being just a 19-minute bus ride and 4-minute walk from Otsu-Kyō Station, and approximately one hour from Osaka International Airport.

The property’s position near Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, provides residents with opportunities for waterfront activities and scenic views. The surrounding area balances natural beauty with urban convenience, offering easy access to both outdoor recreation and city amenities. The generous land size is particularly valuable in this region, providing space for gardening or outdoor living.

The home’s setting is particularly attractive for those interested in exploring Japan’s cultural heritage, with three major historical cities within easy reach. The property’s location in Otsu City, itself a former imperial capital, adds historical significance to daily life while modern renovations ensure comfortable living standards.

Iconic nearby destinations:

• Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart and former imperial capital, is just 30 minutes away by train, offering access to countless temples, shrines, and traditional gardens.
• Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital and home to the famous deer park and Great Buddha, can be reached in 1 hour by train.
• Osaka, known for its vibrant food culture and modern entertainment, is also just 1 hour away by train.

Facts about Otsu City:

1. As the capital of Shiga Prefecture, Otsu’s position on Lake Biwa’s southwest shore has made it a crucial historical transportation hub and cultural center.
2. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Enryaku-ji, perched atop Mount Hiei, has been a center of Buddhist learning for over 1,200 years, influencing Japanese religious and political history.
3. The city’s brief reign as imperial capital in the 7th century has left a legacy of historical sites and cultural traditions that continue to enrich the area.

Facts about Shiga Prefecture:

1. Lake Biwa not only holds one-sixth of Japan’s freshwater but also supports unique species found nowhere else in the world, making it a crucial ecological treasure.
2. The traditional funazushi, a fermented fish dish made from Lake Biwa carp, represents one of Japan’s oldest forms of sushi and showcases the region’s unique culinary heritage.
3. The prefecture’s impressive collection of samurai-era castles, including the national treasure Hikone Castle, provides tangible links to Japan’s feudal past.

Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with this property or agent in any way. We are simply showcasing interesting properties available in Japan for informational purposes.