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- Japan Dream Houses: Fishing from Your Balcony, Parking in Kyoto, and More! | JDH 009
Japan Dream Houses: Fishing from Your Balcony, Parking in Kyoto, and More! | JDH 009
Welcome to Issue #9 of Japan Dream Houses!
Japan Dream Houses: From Bargain Retreats to Villain Lairs
Welcome back, dream house hunters!
Welcome to the latest edition of Japan Dream Houses, your gateway to discovering unique and affordable properties across the Land of the Rising Sun!
In this issue, we're unlocking the doors to an array of enchanting homes that cater to various tastes and budgets. From ultra-cheap writer's retreats in Hokkaido to luxurious evil genius lairs in Hyogo, we've scoured the Japanese real estate market to bring you some truly remarkable finds.
Whether you're a budget-conscious house hunter, a fishing enthusiast, or someone looking to invest in a property with rental income potential, we've got something to pique your interest. We'll take you on a journey through renovated kominkas, cozy seaside dwellings, and even a Kyoto gem with an unexpected parking bonus.
Plus, don't miss our "Ask the Experts" section, where we delve into the intricacies of buying a car in Japan and the crucial role of parking spaces in the process.
So, grab a cup of matcha (and have some chocolate), sit back, and let's explore the diverse world of Japanese real estate together.
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Click on any of the house images to view the respective real estate company's offering.
Ultra-Cheap Homes
 The writer’s retreat.  Couch for napping, err writing on… | It’s hot this summer, if only there was a place you could escape to and finally write that novel of the misunderstood English ALT who solved crimes at night… We found the place for you crime-fighter, this cheap, cheap, cheap home, is nestled next to Himawari Park, ensuring plenty of sunlight and a tranquil atmosphere. The sound of the waves nearby adds to the peaceful ambiance, providing inspiration right at your doorstep. This home offers ample space to set up your perfect writing nook, while the generous land area of 202.37m² invites you to create an outdoor haven for breaks between chapters. Though it may need some updates, this property is a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch. Conveniently located near local amenities, it’s the ideal spot for an author seeking solitude without sacrificing convenience. Prefecture: Hokkaido |
The Slow Life
 Oh hell yeah…  Bubble bath time! | Confession time: If I worked anywhere in Kyushu, I’d buy this place in a heartbeat. Look at that interior. Look at that view. Its small size means a minimalist lifestyle or the ideal getaway cabin for long weekends. I’ll probably regret showing this one…recently renovated and in pristine condition. Prefecture: Fukuoka |
 Better love seafood…  Not recommended for sleep walkers. | For the laid-back fisherman, this cozy home in Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, is a dream come true. Imagine casting your line right from your second-floor balcony and reeling in your catch. This property offers a truly unique and effortless fishing experience, perfect for those who love the sea but prefer to keep things easygoing. This property’s prime location makes it an ideal retreat for anyone seeking a relaxed, coastal lifestyle. With the ocean right at your doorstep, summer nights are made even better by the fireworks displays visible from the second floor. Prefecture: Hiroshima |
Kominkas and Machiyas
 Dude, way too short!  Dude, you need a haircut! | It doesn’t get more Japanese than this! This house in Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture, is perfect as a vacation home or if you’re one of the lucky WFH digerati! Located just a short drive from the sea and surrounded by lush greenery, this recently renovated Kominka is ready to move in as is. It features a spacious garden, with a great stone path and the home has ample sunlight throughout the day. Prefecture: Chiba |
 A deceptively small entrance…  Room with a view… | This house in Onga, Fukuoka Prefecture, is in part of the newly developing Onga River Station South area. The property features a traditional Kominka-style home with a spacious layout, ideal for those who appreciate craftsmanship and classic Japanese architecture. Located just an 8-minute walk from Onga River Station, this single-story home spans over 200m², offering plenty of room for a large family. With its solid construction and unique charm, this house could be transformed into something truly special with the right renovations. . Prefecture: Fukuoka |
Bright lights, Big City
 Expansive yard hiding a luxury home.  Parking for you and 27 of your friends. | A rare find in Kyoto's Kita Hanayama Yokota-cho: This luxurious home not only offers expansive living spaces but also includes a valuable asset—an attached monthly parking lot with 21 spaces, generating rental income. This feature alone makes the property an exceptional investment opportunity in one of Kyoto’s most sought-after areas. South-facing windows flood the home with natural light and open up to a private garden, perfect for BBQs, outdoor play, or simply enjoying the serene environment without concern for onlookers. Located just a short walk from the Goryo Station on the Tozai Line, this home provides quick access to Karasuma Oike, Osaka, and Otsu, making it a convenient hub for work and leisure. Prefecture: Kyoto |
Big Dreams, Deeper Pockets
 Sleek look for the evil genius  Perfect view for night parties… | Step into your very own James Bond villain lair with this stunningly modern masterpiece in Koyoen, Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture. Perched high on a hill, this architectural marvel by a renowned designer is the perfect hideout for a spy or an evil genius. With its sleek S-curve design creating expansive open spaces, this 2-story RC-built home offers panoramic views of Nishinomiya city. The house boasts high-performance insulated glass walls, ensuring both privacy and energy efficiency—ideal for plotting your next big move. From the underground level to the second floor, every inch of this lair is equipped with underfloor heating, keeping you comfortable as you scheme in the luxurious living spaces. The property is surrounded by lush greenery, offering the seclusion every mastermind requires, yet it’s just a short drive to the city. And the triple garage ensures ample space for your fleet of getaway cars. Prefecture: Hyogo |
Ask the Experts: To Park or Not to Park?
You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers. Ask questions to our team about anything related to buying property in Japan. Send your questions to: [email protected]
We chose this issue’s question about parking partly due to the Kyoto listing with 21 parking spaces for rent. Sometimes the timing is just too perfect to resist!
Question: What’s the process for buying a car in Japan, and do you really need a parking space?
Answer: Buying a car in Japan involves several steps, and yes, securing a parking space is a critical part of the process.
Here’s an overview:
Secure a Parking Space:
Before you can even purchase a car, you need to prove that you have a parking space. This is known as the "Shako Shomei" or "Parking Space Certificate." It’s a legal requirement in most urban areas in Japan. You’ll need to secure a parking space and obtain a certificate from the local police department that verifies the space. This certificate typically requires a fee and can take a few days to process. Of course if your dream house comes with a parking space, then you don't need to pay! (You still need the certificate from the police however.)
Parking Space Costs: In major cities like Tokyo, renting a parking space can range from ¥20,000 to ¥50,000 (approx. $140 to $350 USD) per month, depending on the location. In Kyoto, you can expect to pay slightly less, with prices ranging from ¥10,000 to ¥30,000 (approx. $70 to $210 USD) per month. Many older homes in Japan may not have a parking space.
Choose Your Car:
Once you’ve secured a parking space, you can start shopping for a car. Whether you choose a new or used car, dealerships will guide you through the necessary paperwork, including registration and insurance.
Car Registration:
After purchasing the car, you’ll need to register it with the local Transport Bureau. The dealer usually handles this process, but if you’re buying from a private seller, you may need to do it yourself. This involves providing the Shako Shomei, identification, and proof of insurance.
Purchase Insurance:
Car insurance is mandatory in Japan. You’ll need to buy both Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (CALI), which covers basic liability, and optional insurance for more comprehensive coverage. We cannot stress enough that you should insure yourself as much as possible. Do not rely only on CALI.
Receive Your License Plates:
After all the paperwork is complete and the car is registered, you’ll receive your license plates. These need to be affixed to the car before you can legally drive it.
Annual Maintenance and Shaken:
Owning a car in Japan also means keeping up with regular maintenance and passing the Shaken, a mandatory vehicle inspection that occurs every two to three years, depending on the age of the vehicle.
In short, having a parking space is not just recommended; it’s a legal necessity in most cases when buying a car in Japan. Without it, you won’t be able to register or purchase a vehicle.
Want your question answered in a future newsletter? Send your questions to: [email protected]
Japan Dream Houses: Making your dream possible!
If you're dreaming of owning a home in Japan, let "Japan Dream Houses" guide you through the process. With our extensive experience in helping foreign buyers, we can provide bilingual support, expert advice, and seamless assistance from start to finish. Contact us today to make your dream of owning a home in Japan a reality!
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Disclaimer: Japan Dream Houses is not affiliated with any of the companies from the listings and offers this newsletter purely as a free information service. Prices, and information should be verified independently, as they are subject to change and may vary.