Vintage 4K Station-Adjacent Home, $12,500, Tainai City

This charming Japanese house with an attached shop space is listed at just 2 million yen ($12,500 USD) in Tainai City, Niigata Prefecture. Located a mere 2-minute walk from Hirakida Station on the JR Uetsu Main Line, this property offers unbeatable convenience for commuters and train enthusiasts alike.

Check out the listing here.

Built in August 1967, this 145 square meter (1,560 sq ft) wooden house sits on a 151 square meter (1,625 sq ft) lot in the Hirakida area of Tainai City. The property features a spacious 4K (4 rooms plus kitchen) layout, providing ample living space for families or those who desire extra room for hobbies or home offices.

One of the most appealing aspects of this property is its prime location. Situated just a 2-minute walk from Hirakida Station on the JR Uetsu Main Line, it offers exceptional convenience for commuters or those who frequently travel by train. This proximity to public transportation is a rarity in rural Japan and significantly enhances the property’s value and livability.

The house itself spans 145 square meters across two floors, offering a generous amount of living space. The 4K layout provides flexibility for various living arrangements. While the exact room configuration isn’t specified, typical 4K layouts often include a kitchen, a living room, and three additional rooms that can serve as bedrooms, studies, or multipurpose spaces.

An interesting feature of this property is the attached shop space. This area could be repurposed for various uses, including a home business, a studio, or even converted into a garage, as suggested in the listing. This versatility adds value to the property and opens up possibilities for the new owner.

The property sits on a 151 square meter lot, which, while modest, still provides some outdoor space. The lot has road access on two sides, which can be advantageous for parking and accessibility.

Built in 1967, the house is now 56 years old. While this means it has character and history, it also suggests that some renovations or updates may be necessary. The listing mentions that some repairs are needed, and notably, there is no boiler for the bath, which would need to be purchased and installed.

The house is equipped with several modern conveniences, including separate bathroom and toilet facilities, electricity, municipal water supply, and city gas. However, it uses a traditional non-flush toilet system, which new owners might want to update.

In terms of local amenities, the property is well-situated. It’s 4.5 km from the city hall, 1.7 km from the police station, and just 100 meters from the post office. The nearest medical facility (internal medicine clinic) is a mere 300 meters away. While the nearest supermarket is 5.7 km distant, there’s a convenience store 2.8 km away for daily necessities.

Iconic nearby destinations:

1. Tainai Ski Resort: Located about 20 km from the property, this ski resort offers winter sports enthusiasts a chance to enjoy the famous Niigata snow.
2. Kurokawa Onsen: Approximately 30 km away, this hot spring town is known for its therapeutic waters and traditional ryokan inns.

Facts about Tainai City:

1. Tainai City is known for its high-quality rice production, benefiting from the rich soil of the Tainai River basin.
2. The city hosts the annual Tainai Tulip Festival, featuring over 500,000 tulips in bloom.
3. Tainai is home to the historic Nakajo Castle ruins, offering a glimpse into the area’s feudal past.

Facts about Niigata Prefecture:

1. Niigata is Japan’s largest producer of rice and is famous for its high-quality sake.
2. The prefecture is home to Sado Island, known for its gold mines and as a place of exile for political dissidents in ancient times.
3. Niigata experiences some of the heaviest snowfall in Japan, making it a popular destination for winter sports.

Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with this property or agent in any way. We are simply showcasing properties we find interesting to provide insight into the types of homes available in Japan.