Spacious Traditional Kominka, in Hokuei for Only $48,800

This historic Japanese house is listed at just 7,500,000 yen (approximately $48,800 USD), offering a glimpse into traditional rural living in Hokuei Town, Tottori Prefecture. With its kominka (old folk house) style and expansive garden, this property provides a unique opportunity to experience authentic Japanese architecture and countryside charm.

Check out listing here.

Nestled in the Seto area of Hokuei Town, this traditional Japanese home, built in July 1968, stands as a testament to classic rural architecture. The property, priced at 7,500,000 yen (approximately $46,875 USD), boasts an impressive 202 m² (2,174 sq ft) of living space on a sprawling 1,361 m² (14,650 sq ft) lot, providing ample room for both indoor and outdoor living.

The house features a spacious 8DK (8 rooms plus dining-kitchen) layout, offering versatile living arrangements that can accommodate large families or those who enjoy having plenty of space. While the listing mentions that some minor repairs might be necessary, particularly to the flooring, the property’s overall condition seems to reflect its age and character.

One of the standout features of this property is its additional structures. The listing mentions a separate garage that can accommodate three cars, as well as a detached building, a workshop, and a traditional earthen storehouse (dozo) on the premises. These additional spaces add significant value and functionality to the property.

In terms of location, the house is situated about a 29-minute walk from JR Yura Station on the San’in Main Line. While this might seem far for those used to urban living, it’s a reasonable distance for a rural property and provides a nice balance of accessibility and privacy.

The surrounding area offers a mix of conveniences and rural charm. The Miyagawa Clinic is just 500 meters away, ensuring easy access to medical care. The Hokuei Town Office’s Daiei Branch is 1.9 km from the property, while a supermarket (Toho Store Yura Branch) and a convenience store (Lawson Poplar Hokuei Town Yura Store) are both 1.5 km away.

For families with children, the Taisei Kindergarten is 650 meters away, Daiei Elementary School is 2.2 km away, and Daiei Junior High School is 2.3 km from the property. A police box is conveniently located just 500 meters away, and an evacuation center (Taisei Gymnasium) is 550 meters from the house, adding to the area’s safety infrastructure.

The property is described as being in a non-demarcation zone for urban planning purposes, with a building coverage ratio of 70% and a floor area ratio of 400%. These zoning details suggest potential for future development or expansion if desired.

Iconic nearby destinations:

• Tottori Sand Dunes: Located about 50 km east of Hokuei, or roughly a 1-hour drive, these are the largest sand dunes in Japan and a major tourist attraction.
• Mizuki Shigeru Road: This unique street in Sakaiminato City, about 40 km northwest of Hokuei (45-minute drive), is lined with bronze statues of yokai (supernatural creatures) from the famous manga artist Shigeru Mizuki’s works.

Facts about Hokuei:

• Hokuei is known as the birthplace of Gosho Aoyama, the creator of the popular manga and anime series “Detective Conan” (Case Closed).
• The town features a Conan-themed train station and various attractions related to the anime, making it a pilgrimage site for fans.
• Hokuei is part of the Tottori Hana Kairo (Flower Corridor), known for its beautiful flower fields, especially poppies and sunflowers.

Facts about Tottori Prefecture:

• Tottori is the least populous prefecture in Japan, known for its natural beauty and tranquil lifestyle.
• The prefecture is famous for its high-quality nashi (Asian pears), which are larger and juicier than typical pears.
• Tottori hosts the “Kurayoshi Utsubuki Taiko Festival” every October, featuring impressive performances with large taiko drums.

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.