Spacious Vintage Country Home: $43,975 in Akaiwa

This vintage Japanese home is available at a modest 6,800,000 yen ($43,975 USD) in the peaceful fruit-growing region of Akaiwa City, Okayama Prefecture. The property offers generous living space in a region famous for its abundant sunshine and premium grape production.

Check out the listing here.

Located in the serene countryside of Okayama Prefecture, this 1974-built traditional home presents an authentic glimpse into rural Japanese living. The property offers a spacious 117 square meters (1,259 sqft) of living space configured in a practical 5DK layout, situated on a generous 264 square meter (2,842 sqft) lot. While maintaining its classic character, the house has undergone select renovations to enhance livability while preserving its traditional charm.

The location provides a balance of rural tranquility and practical convenience, with the nearest bus stop just a 4-minute drive away. Access to Okayama Airport is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by car, making regional and international travel manageable. The Akaiwa City Museum, just a 10-minute drive away, offers insights into the area’s rich cultural heritage.

The property sits in a region renowned for its agricultural excellence, particularly its premium Muscat grape production. The area experiences remarkably pleasant weather throughout the year, earning Okayama Prefecture its nickname as the “Land of Sunshine.” This climate creates ideal conditions for both farming and comfortable living.

The home’s layout maximizes its substantial square footage, providing ample space for both living and storage. The surrounding land offers potential for gardening or outdoor living space, a common feature in Japanese country homes. Local amenities include traditional shopping areas, markets, and restaurants specializing in regional cuisine.

Iconic nearby destinations:
• Okayama Castle, also known as “Crow Castle” due to its distinctive black exterior, is accessible within 40 minutes by car, offering visitors a glimpse into feudal Japanese history.
• Korakuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s three great gardens, is also a 40-minute drive away, providing a masterpiece of traditional Japanese landscape design dating back to the Edo period.

Facts about Akaiwa City:

1. The city is a prominent producer of high-quality Muscat grapes, considered among Japan’s finest fruit products.
2. September brings the vibrant annual Grape Festival, a celebration of the local harvest featuring fresh fruits and local products.
3. The area boasts several natural hot springs (onsen), offering traditional Japanese bathing experiences in mineral-rich waters.

Facts about Okayama Prefecture:

1. The region enjoys one of Japan’s lowest annual rainfall rates, with approximately 270 sunny days per year.
2. Okayama’s cultural heritage includes being the setting for the beloved Momotaro legend, which remains an important part of Japanese folklore.
3. The prefecture ranks among Japan’s top peach producers, with the fruit being so significant that Okayama is often called the “Fruit Kingdom.”

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.