Spacious Hillside Home in Takehara for just $48,700

This expansive Japanese house is listed at just 7,500,000 yen (approximately $48,700 USD), offering a generous living space in the historic city of Takehara, Hiroshima Prefecture. With its large property size and multiple rooms, this home provides an opportunity to experience countryside living in a city known for its preserved Edo-period architecture.

Check out the listing here.

Nestled in the Shimono-cho area of Takehara City, this two-story home showcases the spaciousness often found in rural Japanese properties. Priced at 7,500,000 yen (approximately $48,700 USD), the house sits on a substantial 393 m² (4,231 sq ft) lot, offering ample space for outdoor activities or gardening. The house itself boasts a generous 145 m² (1,561 sq ft) of living space, featuring a 7LDK layout (7 rooms, living room, dining area, and kitchen).

Built in April 1975, this 49-year-old home presents a blend of traditional and modern Japanese architecture. The property consists of two parts: a single-story steel-frame structure and a two-story wooden addition constructed in 1995. While generally well-maintained, the listing notes that some repairs to the entrance ceiling are necessary, offering an opportunity for personalization.

One of the property’s notable features is its location in a hilly area, which is designated as a yellow zone in the steep slope caution area. This positioning likely offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape, a common attraction in rural Japanese homes.

The house is equipped with parking space for multiple vehicles, a significant advantage in a country where parking can often be limited. The property’s large size, both in terms of land and building area, is particularly noteworthy, especially when compared to typical urban dwellings in Japan.

Regarding transportation, the house is located a 29-minute walk from Takehara Station on the Kure Line. While this might seem far by urban standards, it’s relatively convenient for a rural property and provides access to the wider rail network.

The area is zoned as a Category 1 Medium-High Rise Residential District, indicating a balance between residential comfort and development potential. With a building coverage ratio of 60% and a floor area ratio of 200%, there’s room for potential expansion or renovation within regulatory limits.

Iconic nearby destinations:

• Takehara Preservation District: About 3 km away, or a 10-minute drive, this area is known for its well-preserved Edo-period merchant houses and is often called the “Little Kyoto of Aki Province.”
• Okunoshima (Rabbit Island): Approximately 20 km away, or a 40-minute drive plus a short ferry ride, this small island is famous for its large population of friendly rabbits and its abandoned World War II military facilities.

Facts about Takehara:

• Takehara is known as the “Little Kyoto of Aki Province” due to its well-preserved historical district with traditional architecture from the Edo period.
• The city has a long history of salt production, which was a key industry from the Edo period until the early 20th century.
• Takehara is the birthplace of Masataka Taketsuru, known as the father of Japanese whisky, who founded Nikka Whisky.

Facts about Hiroshima Prefecture:

• Hiroshima is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) and Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island.
• The prefecture is famous for its oyster production, accounting for about 60-70% of Japan’s total oyster production.
• Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake with layers of noodles, cabbage, and various toppings, is a renowned local specialty.

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