Spacious Vintage Home in Usuki for Just $48,700

This historic Japanese house is listed at just 7,500,000 yen (approximately $48,700 USD), offering a glimpse into traditional living in the charming city of Usuki, Oita Prefecture. With its convenient location and expansive layout, this property presents an intriguing opportunity to experience life in a quiet Japanese neighborhood with easy access to modern amenities.

Check out the listing here.

Located in the Kaizoue Nishikaizoue area of Usuki City, this property showcases the generous space often found in older Japanese homes. Priced at 7,500,000 yen (approximately $48,700 USD), the house sits on a substantial 397 m² (4,273 sq ft) lot, providing ample space for gardening or outdoor activities. The house itself features an 8DK layout (8 rooms plus a dining-kitchen area), which is exceptionally spacious by Japanese standards, though the exact floor area is not specified.

Built in January 1962, this wooden structure is now 62 years old, offering a glimpse into mid-20th century Japanese architecture. However, it’s important to note that the property requires significant renovations. The listing indicates that major repairs are necessary, including work on the floors, ceilings, and various facilities throughout the house. The property has been vacant since around 2012, so potential buyers should be prepared for a comprehensive renovation project.

One of the property’s main advantages is its location. It’s just a 7-minute walk from Usuki Station on the JR Nippo Main Line, making commuting and travel highly convenient. This accessibility is particularly valuable in smaller cities where public transportation can be limited.

The property is well-situated in terms of local amenities. It’s 1.2 km from the Usuki government office, 4.2 km from Cosmos Hospital, and conveniently close to educational facilities with Usuki Elementary School and Higashi Junior High School both 1.1 km away. For daily necessities, there’s a supermarket 0.6 km away and a convenience store just 0.45 km from the property. The Usuki Interchange on the expressway is also relatively close at 3.0 km.

While the property needs significant work, it offers potential for those interested in a major renovation project. The listing notes that electricity is already connected, but CATV (cable television) would need to be installed. The property is equipped with basic amenities such as a toilet, bath, electricity, water supply, sewage system, and propane gas.

Iconic nearby destinations:

• Usuki Stone Buddhas: Located about 5 km away, these ancient stone Buddha carvings are a National Treasure and can be reached in about 15 minutes by car.
• Inaba Castle Ruins: Situated in the center of Usuki, this historic site is approximately 2 km away and can be reached in about 5 minutes by car or a pleasant 25-minute walk.

Facts about Usuki:

• Usuki is known for its well-preserved samurai district, featuring traditional Japanese architecture from the Edo period.
• The city is famous for its “Usuki Soy Sauce,” which has been produced using traditional methods for over 400 years.
• Usuki hosts the annual “Usuki Takeyoi” festival, where the old castle town is illuminated by thousands of bamboo lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.

Facts about Oita Prefecture:

• Oita is renowned for having the most hot spring sources in Japan, with the famous Beppu Onsen located in the prefecture.
• The prefecture is home to Usa Jingu, one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines and the head shrine of all Hachiman shrines in the country.
• Oita’s Kunisaki Peninsula is known for its unique fusion of Buddhism and Shinto, reflected in its numerous temples and shrines nestled in a dramatic volcanic landscape.

Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with this property or agent in any way. We’re just showing properties we find interesting for informational purposes.