I hope you are having a great June! Here in Japan, it is currently rainy season, and honestly, it has been one of the coldest Junes I have experienced since moving to Tokyo. Normally by this time of the year, temperatures are already around 28°C or higher, so it has felt quite unusual. The weather has also slowed down some of our renovation projects, as certain outdoor work such as roof repairs and garden improvements cannot move forward as planned when it rains so frequently.
I recently read that this has actually been one of the coolest Junes in Japan since 2006, so I guess I was not imagining things when I felt it was colder than last year! That being said, summer is definitely on its way, and temperatures are expected to rise quickly from now on. If you are planning a trip to Japan in the coming weeks, please be careful of heatstroke, drink plenty of water, and remember to take breaks throughout the day, especially if you are sightseeing.
On another note, the Nagano area continues to be incredibly popular among our clients. I actually have another house tour scheduled there soon, and it seems more and more people are interested in the region because of its combination of nature, ski resorts, and investment potential. As a reminder, we also have an investment guide focused on the Myoko area if you would like to learn more.
So, for this week, I wanted to start with a beautiful home in this region!
Ingredient #1
- 📍 Location: Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture
- 💰 Price: ¥6,000,000 (~$37,459 USD)
- 🏠 Type: Detached House
- 🛏 Layout: 7DK
- 📐 Building Size: 160.04 m² (1,723 sq ft)
- 🌿 Land Size: 161.15 m² (1,735 sq ft)
- 🚍 Access: 17-minute walk to Minami-Takada Station on the Myoko Haneuma Line
Learn more here: Live Listing!
This house has a lot of potential for someone looking for a traditional Japanese home with plenty of space. From the photos, the house appears to be in fairly good condition overall, but it would definitely benefit from some interior updates depending on what you would like to use it for.
One of the things I like most about this property is the amount of space it offers, both inside and outside. It has that classic Japanese countryside atmosphere while still being conveniently located and accessible. Another great advantage is its proximity to the ski resorts of the Myoko area, making it an attractive option for those looking for a vacation home or a property with rental potential during ski season.
The kitchen, bathrooms, and some of the interior finishes have an older style, but they are functional and provide a great opportunity to renovate and customize the house to your own taste. The structure itself appears to have been well maintained over the years, which is always a big plus when looking at older properties.
Ingredient #2
- 📍 Location: Otaru City, Hokkaido
- 💰 Price: ¥4,200,000 (~$26,161 USD)
- 🏠 Type: Detached House
- 🛏 Layout: 3LDK
- 📐 Building Size: 69.12 m² (744 sq ft)
- 🌿 Land Size: 66.11 m² (712 sq ft)
- 🚍 Access: 14-minute walk to Otaru Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line
- 🚍 Access: 12-minute walk to Minami-Otaru Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line
Learn more here: Live Listing!
This house is in an amazing location, which I think is one of its biggest selling points. Supermarkets, convenience stores, and drugstores are all within easy reach, and there are also several sightseeing spots within walking distance. Considering both the location and the price, I think this property offers excellent value.
While the exact year the house was built is unknown, it appears to be in good condition and looks like it has been lived in or used relatively recently. The current owners seem to have maintained the property well, which is always reassuring when looking at older homes. Of course, there is still room for renovations and personal updates, but the house already provides a solid foundation to work with.
The house is on the smaller side, offering three bedrooms, but I actually think that makes it very practical and easy to maintain. It has a lot of potential as either a vacation rental or a personal getaway for those times when you want to come to Japan to enjoy the ski season or simply relax during the summer months.
Overall, I think this is one of those properties where the combination of location, condition, and affordability makes it a really attractive opportunity.
Ingredient #3
- 📍 Location: Miyazaki, Miyazaki Prefecture, Fukuoka
- 💰 Price: ¥13,400,000 (~$84,713 USD)
- 🏠 Type: Detached House
- 🛏 Layout: 5LDK
- 📐 Building Size: 133.65 m² (1,439 sq ft)
- 🌿 Land Size: 238.38 m² (2,565 sq ft)
- 🚍 Access: 24-minute walk to Minami-Miyazaki Station on the JR Nippo Main Line
Learn more here: Live Listing!
This house is beautiful and located almost right in front of the beach. It is a charming Japanese-style home that is just minutes away from the airport—you could even walk there because it is that close! I think this is one of those properties that immediately gives you a relaxed summer lifestyle feeling.
Overall, the house appears to be in good condition. Of course, some renovations could be made if you prefer a more modern style, but it already looks very livable as it is. The property offers five bedrooms, plenty of natural sunlight, and a cozy atmosphere throughout the house.
One feature I really liked is the outdoor space. It includes bonsai trees, a small garden area, and a parking space, making it easy to explore the surrounding beaches and coastal areas by car. The neighborhood is also quiet and convenient, with supermarkets and convenience stores nearby for daily necessities.
I think this property would be perfect for someone looking for a summer house in Japan, whether you enjoy surfing, beach walks, or simply want a relaxing place to escape to. It could also be a great option for anyone interested in living in the Fukuoka area while enjoying a more laid-back coastal lifestyle.
That’s all I have for this week! I had already finished putting together this newsletter when I saw a comment on the previous post asking for more modern homes. So next time, I’ll put together a selection of modern properties in the USD 100,000–200,000 range so you can compare the differences.
Let me know in the comments—which prefecture in Japan is your favorite?
Browse opportunities yourself: Check out current listings at Nipponhomes.com
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We’ve been building out a solid list of travel + ski partnerships lately.
If you’re gearing up for a trip and need things like luggage, Goggles, insurance and much much more there are some really good deals below.
We’re always looking to partner with great travel + ski brands.
If you’d like to be featured on our perks page, reach out at: Grant@yukihomes.com
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects my personal opinions and experience. I am not a licensed financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consult qualified professionals before making any investment decisions.
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Derek has been working in the Airbnb space for the past 10+ years and recently purchased a home in Japan. He is excited to bring this investment opportunity to others in the States & abroad.
Nick has a passion for adventure and has always dreamed of owning a property in Japan. His dreams finally came true when Derek brought him in on a deal of a lifetime in Hokkaido, Japan - one of Nick's favorite places on Earth.