Bento Box
8 min read

Bento Box: Issue 19

Written by
Michelle Flores
Published on
August 12, 2026

Hey guys! We started a podcast. Episode 2 is ALL ABOUT AKIYA’S and some interesting thing’s about our experience with them. Listen to Episode 2 - YukiHomes Presents

Hey everyone! I can’t believe how fast time flies. Another week, another bento box issue!

Lately, we’ve been preparing many of our projects for the upcoming winter season. As many of you know, renovations tend to slow down during winter because of the weather, so we are trying to complete as much work as possible now to have our houses winter-ready.

We have also been seeing fewer new listings in the Otaru area recently, so today’s selection will mostly focus on Asahikawa and Teine, which I also think are great areas for Airbnb investments or for having a vacation home.

We also have an investment guide for Asahikawa that I think is really worth checking out. Depending on the area and the property, some homes have the potential to generate around USD 53,000 in gross annual revenue. If you want to learn more about the area, definitely take a look at our investment guides!

Anyways, let’s get started!

Ingredient #1

  • 📍 Location: Otaru City, Hokkaido
  • 💰 Price: ¥14,800,000 (~$91,547 USD)
  • 🏠 Type: Detached House
  • 🛏 Layout: 4LDK
  • 📐 Building Size: 105.16 m² (1,132 sq ft)
  • 🌿 Land Size: 201.49 m² (2,169 sq ft)
  • 🚍 Access: 3-minute walk to Zenibako Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line

Learn more here: Live Listing!

This is a really nice family home, located close to Zenibako Station, which offers convenient access to two nearby ski resorts: Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine Highland Ski Center. Kiroro Resort is also only about an hour away by car, and Sapporo Station can be reached in around 30 minutes by train. We definitely think Zenibako is a great area to be in, as it offers easy access to both Otaru and Sapporo while still having a quieter coastal atmosphere.

Built in 1997, this house is on the newer side and is in great condition. It offers four bedrooms, a storage room, a small garden, and parking for two cars with both a carport and an outdoor parking space. One feature I really like is the groundwater-powered snow-melting system, which is a huge advantage during Hokkaido’s snowy winters.

The house has also been well maintained over the years. A new air conditioner was installed in the living room this year, and the living room wallpaper was replaced just a few years ago. Since the house is south-facing, it receives plenty of natural sunlight throughout the day, which also helps reduce heating costs during the winter.

Another great advantage is that it is located close to the beach, making it a perfect home to enjoy all year round. Overall, I think this house is truly move-in ready and would make a wonderful family home or vacation property

Ingredient #2

  • 📍 Location: Asahikawa, Hokkaido
  • 💰 Price: ¥12,400,000 (~$76,702 USD)
  • 🏠 Type: Detached House
  • 🛏 Layout: 4LDK
  • 📐 Building Size: 169.11 m² (1,820 sq ft)
  • 🌿 Land Size: 269.33 m² (2,899 sq ft)
  • 🚍 Access: 16-minute walk to Asahikawa Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line

Learn more here: Live Listing!

This house is really spacious and, considering it was built in 1987, it has been very well maintained over the years. It offers parking space for two or more cars and is in a really convenient location, it is close to the Ainu Memorial Museum, as well as several coffee shops and restaurants, making it a really convenient place to live while still enjoying the local area.

The house also features two toilets, which is always a great bonus, and the current owners have done a great job keeping it in excellent condition. The water heater was replaced in 2018, the kerosene tank has been professionally cleaned every four years, and other maintenance has included window tinting, roof caulking, and toilet replacements. It is always nice to see a house where regular maintenance has been kept up, as it gives you much more confidence about the condition of the property.

The kitchen and bathroom could definitely benefit from some renovations if you are looking for a more modern style, but overall I think this house has a lot of potential. With a few updates, it could become a really beautiful family home or even a great vacation property

Ingredient #3

  • 📍 Location: Teine-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
  • 💰 Price: ¥18,990,000 (~$117,465 USD)
  • 🏠 Type: Detached House
  • 🛏 Layout: 4LDK
  • 📐 Building Size: 109.46 m² (1,178 sq ft)
  • 🌿 Land Size: 181.25 m² (2,899 sq ft)
  • 🚍 Access: 8-minute walk to Inaho Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line

Learn more here: Live Listing!

The exterior of this house has been recently renovated, including the exterior wall painting and the parking area, so it already has a fresh and well-maintained look. The property offers four bedrooms, parking space for up to three cars, a garden, two toilets, and a really spacious balcony deck that I think has a lot of potential.

The location is another great advantage. It is only about a 20-minute train ride to Sapporo Station and around 25 minutes to Otaru Station. It is also conveniently located near Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine Highland Ski Center, making it a great option for anyone who enjoys skiing while still wanting easy access to the city.

The rooms are very spacious, and while I do think the house would benefit from some renovations, especially in the bathroom, shower, and kitchen, the overall condition is really good. I can see a lot of potential here, not only because of its location but also because of the amount of space it offers. The large balcony deck is one of my favorite features, as there are so many creative ways to transform it into an outdoor living area and really make the house your own.

That’s all for this week! This week’s selection was focused entirely on Hokkaido, but if there is a specific prefecture or area you would like me to feature in a future newsletter, let me know in the comments!

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.

YukiHomes Perks

We’re always looking to partner with great travel + ski brands.

If you’d like to be featured on our perks page or partner with us, reach out here:

Partner Here!

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.

Michelle Flores
July 18, 2026

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Meet the founders.

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Derek Cirillo
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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.

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Nick McLoota
Co-founder

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.