Japan Dream Houses: The Faster, Stronger, Bigger Post | JDH 019

Dream Houses for Dreamers and Lovers of Japan life

October 25, 2024

Welcome to Issue #19 of Japan Dream Houses!

Japan Dream Houses: 7 Amazing Houses

Greetings Dreamers!

You spoke and we listened! You want more houses, more houses, and more houses - and you shall get them. Enjoy our latest issue with 8 great houses and a new section; “Battle of the Best” - where we nominate two houses as our dream houses of the week. Finally there’s our FAQ section offering valuable insights into the Japan property market!

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Click on any of the house images to view the respective real estate company's offering.

Battle of the Best - 2 Dream Houses of the Week

150 years old!

Going to need a lot of roombas…

Contender number 1 for our house of the week is this 150 year old country charmer. This house in Yamaguchi City offers a spacious farm-style home, originally built in 1877, and is perfect as a large family residence or vacation property. While impressively old, it features some renovations inside to improve comfort while preserving its historical charm. Located just a short walk from the Oumi Elementary School and the scenic Aio coast, this traditional farmhouse boasts a vast 11-room layout with 5 connected tatami rooms, large storage spaces, and the convenience of two kitchens. With parking for four cars and an outdoor storage shed, it also provides easy access to local amenities and scenic spots.

Prefecture: Yamaguchi
Price: $36,000
Floor Space: 322.65 m²
Land Area: 1,427.91 m²

Kyoto! Kyoto! Kyoto!

Need we say more?

Contender number 2 for our house of the week is this house in Nantan City, Kyoto. It offers an elegant and rare traditional Japanese estate, perfect as a luxury vacation rental or guest house. Unlike the rustic farmhouse in Yamaguchi City, this property is a sophisticated oasis located just a 5-minute walk from Sonobe Station, making it an ideal base for exploring Kyoto, Osaka, or the Sea of Japan. Encircled by hedges and walls, the estate exudes a special charm, with a beautiful entrance gate enhancing its traditional appeal. Featuring a 9-room layout, the house is spacious yet more compact than the Yamaguchi farmhouse, with well-maintained gardens perfect for a peaceful retreat.

Prefecture: Kyoto
Price: $864,000
Floor Space: 207.23 m²
Land Area: 1,485.3 m²

Really Cheap Houses

Hiroshima for $6,500. Cheaper than a car.

Don’t be fooled! Amazing Interior - $9,800 with lots of land.

City Access

Kyoto, six minutes from the station - $64,000 (recent price drop!)

2020 Build, Views of Fuji, Fireworks, and Ocean! 1 Hour from Tokyo - $358k

Ocean Views

View of Suruga Bay and no neighbors - $65,000

Hokkaido Ocean View and ready to move in - $64,000

Ask the Experts:

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’ve had tremendous growth in our subscribers recently so we would like to point out that each issue has a great question and (if we be so bold to say) greater answer. If you’re a new dreamer, consider looking up the other issues on our site (click here) for some interesting facts about Japan.

Q: What are some good areas to live that are close to Tokyo but not in Tokyo, and how do housing prices compare?

A: If you're looking for a place near Tokyo that offers a quieter lifestyle but still provides easy access to the city, there are several great options. Here are a few, along with typical housing prices (please note these are for new builds) and a brief overview of each area:

  • Kawasaki (Kanagawa Prefecture):

    • Housing Prices: The average cost of a home in Kawasaki ranges from ¥40 million to ¥80 million, depending on the size and proximity to train stations.

    • Kawasaki is known for its urban energy and excellent transportation links to both Tokyo and Yokohama. It offers a vibrant mix of residential areas, shopping, and cultural spots, making it ideal for city dwellers seeking a balance. We also highly recommend the IMAX theater here!

  • Yokohama (Kanagawa Prefecture):

    • Housing Prices: Homes in Yokohama can range from ¥50 million to ¥100 million, with prices higher for properties near the waterfront or in upscale neighborhoods like Minato Mirai.

    • Overview: Yokohama is a cosmopolitan port city with stunning waterfront views, numerous parks, and international communities. It offers a modern lifestyle with a blend of history, culture, and a slower pace compared to Tokyo.

  • Chiba (Chiba Prefecture):

    • Housing Prices: Chiba is one of the more affordable areas near Tokyo. Houses here typically range from ¥20 million to ¥50 million.

    • Overview: Chiba is a quieter suburban area known for its family-friendly neighborhoods and proximity to nature, including parks and beaches. It’s perfect for those looking for an affordable and peaceful lifestyle while staying connected to Tokyo.

  • Tachikawa (Tokyo Prefecture):

    • Housing Prices: Prices for homes in Tachikawa generally fall between ¥40 million and ¥70 million.

    • Overview: Tachikawa is a growing urban hub with modern shopping centers, easy access to nature, and great public transportation. It’s close enough to Tokyo to enjoy city life but far enough to experience suburban comfort.

  • Saitama City (Saitama Prefecture):

    • Housing Prices: Saitama offers some of the most affordable housing near Tokyo, with prices typically ranging from ¥25 million to ¥55 million.

    • Overview: Known for its affordable housing and family-friendly vibe, Saitama is a commuter haven with excellent transport links to Tokyo. The city has numerous parks and schools, making it a great choice for families.

  • Fujisawa (Kanagawa Prefecture):

    • Housing Prices: Most homes in Fujisawa fall between ¥40 million and ¥80 million, with higher prices near the beach.

    • Overview: Fujisawa is a coastal city famous for its beaches and laid-back lifestyle, attracting people who enjoy outdoor activities. It’s ideal for those looking to live near the ocean but still need to commute to Tokyo.

  • Kamakura (Kanagawa Prefecture):

    • Housing Prices: Homes in Kamakura typically range from ¥60 million to ¥120 million.

    • Overview: Kamakura is a historical gem known for its temples, shrines, and coastal beauty. The city offers a peaceful, scenic lifestyle with a rich cultural heritage, perfect for those seeking a serene environment near Tokyo.

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!


And that wraps up another issue of Japan Dream Houses! Happy Dreams!

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