Buying An Akiya in Japan? Lessons Learned After We Bought an Akiya in Rural Japan

We moved to our renovated Akiya in rural Japan. Follow along for some lessons learned after one year.
Welcome to our channel, where we share our journey of restoring a traditional Japanese minka, which we bought as a cheap abandoned house in the picturesque countryside of Japan. Join us as we breathe new life into this former akiya, exploring the beauty of traditional architecture and the challenges of renovating a house in Japan.
As foreigners living in Japan, we've embraced the opportunity to restore this minka, a symbol of Japan's rich cultural heritage. Learn about the craftsmanship involved in minka construction, from bamboo and earth to straw, and discover how these materials create a harmonious living space.
Our journey began with purchasing this akiya for 5 million yen (approximately $35,000 USD), including not just the minka but also a guest house, storage building, and a generous plot of land with trees. We'll share tips and insights into the challenges and rewards of renovating a traditional Japanese house in the countryside, showcasing the unique blend of history and modern living.
Whether you're a fellow renovator, a lover of Japanese culture, or simply curious about life in rural Japan, our channel has something for you. Subscribe to follow our progress, get renovation tips, and immerse yourself in the charm of traditional Japanese architecture. Let's embark on this journey together and rediscover the beauty of a bygone era, right in the heart of Japan's countryside.
#TraditionalJapaneseHouse #MinkaRenovation #AbandonedHouseJapan #CountrysideLiving #JapanRenovationJourney #buyanakiya #japan
Other videos of our Akiya traditional Japanese house renovation:
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Contact:
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Social Media:
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***Recommend using “Chrome” as a browser for Japanese to English translation.***
Akiya Bank for my area near Iwakuni City and Hiroshima City: Miwa Town in Yamaguchi
iwakuni-iju.jp...
Miwa Town Information:
iwakuni-iju.jp...
Dave Olson's website:
Dave provides many links and information Akiya and Komika purchase.
daveostory.com...
At Akiya Sumai you can search for vacant houses around Japan.
akiya.sumai.biz
At Ie Ichiba there is a Bulletin board to search vacant houses / Akiya Houses and old buildings in Japan
www.ieichiba.com
Other Useful Links:
www.akiya-mart...
cheaphousesjap...
www.athome.co.jp/
www.kurasapo.net/
www.koryoya.com/
www.homes.co.j...
www.inakanet.jp...
www.akiya-atho...

[@MrDimeboy99]

I always wonder about the erosion effect on cleaning up too much of the land. Thanks for that little bit of info!

[@cocolenchojapan]

you are very welcome!

[@kanikimcnicholas2077]

Aloha, just curious have you had the opportunity to research if there are "any days gone by" pictures of the original house? I think they would be great to display on a wall in the existing house, to tell the story of where it began and where it is at now? As always enjoy the sense of humor you infuse in your videos. Looking forward to the next!

[@cocolenchojapan]

Thanks! All I have is a nice arial photo taken a long time ago. This photo reveals the old house and other areas of the property. I had a nice photo album made of the renovation process and included this picture as well. Maybe I should make a video of this album too. Thanks for watching as usual!

[@bigchucksostrichfarm]

How uncommon is it to find a large property in rural Japan 1+ acre? My wife and I are planning on moving our business to Japan in a few years, hopefully in Nagano or Gifu prefectures.

[@cocolenchojapan]

Not uncommon at all in the countryside. As a matter of fact once you get integrated in the community they may offer you plots for free. One if the issues is farm land you need to be a "farmer". I hear that is used rather loosely. But you have to be approved by the local municipality if I understand correctly. Keep me posted!

[@DavidoEsqueleto]

I appreciate your videos,,very inspiring. I'd like to see where you grocery shop. Can you find A5 wagyu for a bargain?

[@cocolenchojapan]

@@DavidoEsqueleto thank you I appreciate it very much! Frankly I don’t know, but according to my wife you get a better price at a butcher. I will try to do a video at a local grocery store soon! Thanks for watching

[@rikandruth]

You really didn't touch on lessons learned. Seen many of your videos and this one was disappointing.

[@cocolenchojapan]

Hi thanks for watching and my apologies if it was disappointing. Guess the point I was trying to make is what you should look for around the house as well. I was really excited about having land and space between me and my neighbors. However I did not take into account possible water damage and flooding into the house and garden I attempted to make. Simply trying to share with anyone who wishes to watch what to look for. Thanks!