Spacious Rural Traditional Home Only At $12,900, in Sayo

This affordable Japanese house is listed at just 2,000,000 yen ($12,900 USD), offering a rare opportunity to experience life in the picturesque countryside of Sayo Town, Hyogo Prefecture. Nestled in a quiet agricultural area surrounded by lush nature, this property provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Check out listing here.

Located in the northwestern part of Sayo Town, this traditional Japanese home sits on a generous 566 m² (6,092 sq ft) lot, with the house itself covering 112 m² (1,206 sq ft) of living space. The property features a spacious 7DK layout, providing ample room for a large family or those who enjoy having extra space for hobbies or guests.

While the exact construction date is unknown, the wooden structure showcases the enduring craftsmanship of traditional Japanese architecture. The interior layout includes seven rooms plus a dining-kitchen area, offering flexibility for various living arrangements. The property comes equipped with basic amenities such as a toilet, bath, septic tank, and propane gas system.

One of the most attractive features of this property is its location in a tranquil rural setting. The listing describes the area as a quiet farming region in the mountains, perfect for those seeking a close connection with nature. Interestingly, the prefectural road in front of the house leads over a mountain pass into neighboring Okayama Prefecture, adding to the sense of adventure and exploration.

Transportation-wise, the property is about a 17-minute drive from JR Sayo Station on the Kishin Line. While this might seem far by urban standards, it’s a reasonable distance for a rural property and ensures a good balance between seclusion and accessibility.

It’s worth noting that the property is located in a landslide warning area, which is not uncommon for mountainous regions in Japan. Potential residents should be aware of this and take appropriate precautions during heavy rains or other extreme weather events.

The listing doesn’t mention any recent renovations, suggesting that the property may be in its original condition. This could provide an opportunity for the new owner to update and customize the space to their liking, potentially blending traditional Japanese elements with modern conveniences.

Iconic nearby destinations:

• Himeji Castle: Located about 60 km east of Sayo, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles. It’s approximately a 1-hour drive from the property.
• Okayama Korakuen Garden: One of Japan’s three great gardens, it’s located about 70 km west of Sayo in neighboring Okayama Prefecture. It can be reached in about 1.5 hours by car.

Facts about Sayo Town:

• Sayo Town is known for its beautiful nature, including the Chikusa River which runs through the town.
• The town hosts the annual Sayo Sunflower Festival, featuring vast fields of sunflowers in bloom.
• Sayo is home to the JAXA Nishi-Harima Astronomical Observatory, one of the largest public observatories in Japan.

Facts about Hyogo Prefecture:

• Hyogo Prefecture is home to the cosmopolitan port city of Kobe, famous for its international atmosphere and Kobe beef.
• The prefecture boasts diverse landscapes, from the urban areas of Kobe and Himeji to the mountains of the interior and the beaches of the Seto Inland Sea.
• Hyogo is known for its hot springs, particularly in areas like Arima Onsen and Kinosaki Onsen.

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