We moved into a vacant house in the Japanese countryside (and only pay $300/year for rent)

My partner and I have lived in this ‘akiya’ house, one of the many vacant houses in Japan. My goal is to share candid insights into life in the Japanese countryside, from house renovations, gardening, and all the other bits of life that squeeze into these old walls. (hint: might include 🐱, 🐒, 🐕 & 🕷️)
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Support me on Patreon: / maigomika
Support me on Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/maigomika
Follow me on Instagram: / maigomika
Maigo Mika Blog: www.maigomika.com/
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A few notes about the animals:
-The cat limps because he is missing a foot. Otherwise, he is a very healthy, well-loved cat owned by one of our neighbours.
-The dog is also very well-loved and sometimes visits during his daily walks.
-The huntsmen spiders are not poisonous.
-The mukade (centipedes) are poisonous (but won’t kill you)
-We do not feed the monkeys or any other wild animals and keep a safe distance at all times
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#japanesecountryside #countrysideliving #akiya #abandonedhouse
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Video Chapters
00:00 Who we are & where we are from
00:52 How we found our abandoned house
03:30 Move-in & first few nights
04:31 Installing a wood-burning stove
00:5:08 Meeting our house guests
00:08:00 One year later
00:09:07 What to expect for our next video
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Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
Mafioso
uppbeat.io/t/theo-gerard/mafioso
License code: TZA9Y6GSL277JFTG
Somewhere in a Wooden Cabin
uppbeat.io/t/anna-yarbrough/s...
License code: AEUNIYLGRMFXDSQT
Jitter Epiphany
uppbeat.io/t/floor-model/jitt...
License code: XFR68ADUUV3WJOAF
Monkey Business
uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/m...
License code: OW0DVDMUNL6VKJWK
My Baby and Me
uppbeat.io/t/theo-gerard/my-b...
License code: PL2VDJQ46RND1ZHY

[@maigomika]

Hi all! Thank you all for your wonderful comments so far! Just as a reminder, while I read all your comments, unfortunately, I’m unable to respond to them. To assist you better, I have created an FAQ page that contains the answers to some common questions here: www.maigomika.com/about-me/faq/ Thank you! -Mika

[@Bloodywasher]

ohhhh man I heard about these towns thanks for showcasing and sharing! Great format!

[@MsCheesemonster13]

Thank you for creating the FAQ page 😊

[@user-xl5kd6il6c]

I just have 2 questions How good is the Internet in there? and, WTF IS THAT GOIN DOWN THE WALL? 1:52

[@Bukowskidelrey]

as a gardener, i would suggest putting some lavender and rosemary plants around your house to stop the spiders and insects coming in. mint also helps :)

[@sisterfleur7523]

Oh thanks. Will use this tip inchallah

[@franadev]

Please provide more tips for balcony gardens..

[@jeremytome]

Just don’t plant mint in the ground, only in pots.

[@irenecostigane8348]

So does a flame thrower 🍷

[@SP_3333]

As does pennyroyal, but it may be poisonous to the kitty, not sure.

[@redcrest5]

The creepy crawly “houseguests” would have absolutely defeated me. You guys are doing great, and I look forward to seeing how you renovate and clean up the house and turn it into a home!

[@Outland9000]

Spooder be like _"nuuuuu, why u kick me out? it finally nice and warm in here"_

[@bonquva]

bro if i saw that fkn centipiede thing, id burn the house

[@kucingonline2359]

Need chicken to bash those spider and thousand legs. Problem solved

[@Doreas13]

I can't do the bugs. LOL!!! And the spiders were the size of your hand. OMG!!!

[@danthovict381]

Spiders are good friends, they helping you clean (eat) all of those cockroaches infestation.

[@PaulTaylorWapsiSquare]

I don't know if anyone said this already, but the wolf spiders, and the house centipedes are both good to have around. They eat the red headed centipedes that are venomous as well as aggressive. I know that wolf spiders and house centipedes both look ferocious, but they're non aggressive and harmless to humans. Geckos are good to have around as well. ^_^

Can be, but certainly not easy for someone who has almost heart attacks from them just from the video...

[@happycook6737]

Those didn't look like wolf spiders to me.

[@Patsuchi]

@ I had a suspicion when it said 'Meeting the house guests'. And I was right ;v;

[@debrak3594]

Thanks--I was wondering what the spider was.

[@PaulTaylorWapsiSquare]

@@debrak3594 Looking at the spider again, I believe it may be a huntsman, and not a wolf spider. Both are relatively harmless to humans.

[@aliyahazl]

This is giving 'My Neighbour Totoro' vibes oh my goodness! A really cute video overall and super admirable how you guys have breathed life into your adorable country side home

[@reneemuller1967]

It’s giving huuuge wolf children vibes😭😭

[@arindamkoner854]

totoro must be somewhere nearby

[@zacharydouglas4309]

@@reneemuller1967 moving to the countryside ✅ renting house for almost no money ✅ Initially failing at your garden ✅ Home renovations ✅ All we need is the reveal that the husband is a Canadian werewolf in Japan.

[@reneemuller1967]

@@zacharydouglas4309 YESYESYSES😍

[@sisterfleur7523]

More like wolf children :)

[@kerrbab]

Someone may have said this already, but as an Aussie my top tip for spider removal is once you have caught it in the container and you have made it outside, leave the container on the ground open, and then RUN!!!!! Don’t try throw it away 😂 I can assure you that method doesn’t always work

[@amandac8836]

LOL so true I’ve had so many spiders just cling to the container and scuttle around trying to get onto my hand 😂

[@sirisaac647]

as long as it sits on the paper, you're totally fine :) because you "swipe it off" with the container or glass

[@jermpoz2971]

just spray bomb ur house every 6months

[@user-jg6fj2kb3z]

The spider looks like Ashidaka Gumo or Heteropoda venatoria. They are actually very useful because they eat a lot of harmful insects such as cockroaches, mosquitos, and flies. Besides they do almost no harm to humans. If you are not disgusted by their appearance, I think It's better to keep at least one of them in the house.

[@Josh-py9rq]

Instructions unclear I have burned my house down 😂 I have to make sure they don’t come back for good! Sadly now I am looking for a new place

[@avery_324]

I think you may have single handedly talked a lot of people out of moving to Japan with those spiders 😂 The one on the pillow would have been the end of me. I admire your composure! What a beautiful home!

[@D4rthsunny]

they're everywhere besides Antarctica....

[@jorgeenchilada]

lol you can't just move to Japan. You have to have a work visa, and if you'd ever been to the Japanese countryside you'd know it's incredibly boring. Which is why 99% of young people leave the second they can.

[@flannerypedley840]

Not Australians. We just say, "You call that a spider?" It doesn't even kill you. What's that about?

[@Arabzene]

@@D4rthsunny Well, not inside the house we live in! In previous houses, there were a few small ones, but nothing as big as the one in the video!

[@D4rthsunny]

@@Arabzene I was speaking of the fact that spiders are on all continents besides Antarctica. That's good tho. I have a giant one in my garden, I named her Lily... she eats mosquitoes.

[@AHibbs-tu7ks]

In 1999 my boyfriend and I moved into an abandoned country house near Karatsu on the island of Kyushu. Though we only stayed 3 months, watching this video brought back so many memories. We also had massive spiders, centipedes, and a resident badger that made really weird noises at night. There were also poisonous snakes (mamushi) and a huge natural beehive under the house that we discovered when we tried to use the subfloor fridge box. And until I watched your video I had forgotten about the frogs that came out in force on rainy days. The well kept running dry and we had to go down to the river to get water to prime the pump and start it again. The only blessing was that, being chronically short of water, we treated ourselves to baths at the local onsen every other day. I will never forget this place and the sound of the wind in the bamboo. I wish I had been there long enough to try planting a garden.

[@justanotherguyful]

How did you manage to find such an accommodation for so cheap and leave after 3 months no strings attached like that? I would like to do the same thing.

[@AHibbs-tu7ks]

@@justanotherguyful we had already lived in Japan for four years by that point. We had been teaching English and traveling, making friends and building a network. Without this network I doubt it would have been possible. The house was owned by a friend of a friend. Wish I could be more helpful.

[@justanotherguyful]

@@AHibbs-tu7ks that was helpful enough thanks

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

@@justanotherguyful You can buy property there for your summer house, The currency is very good to buy house in Japan right now. We have owned a Japanese house for 5 years now, feel free to ask me anything, and our house is around $30,000 right now.

[@user-zi1ze2ks5o]

@@TraditionalJapaneseHouse I plan to make my first visit (solo probably) this Spring. Should I fly to Tokyo or Osaka if I plan to make a visit of the entire island of Honshu?

[@ssjwes]

I've read stories for years about small towns in Japan dying. It's nice to see people moving into these places.

[@TheModernInvestor]

Its incredible to be able to come across stories like this. KZbin acts like almost a time capsule for people in 100 years to see the experiences of millions of people around the world, its really amazing when you think about it.

[@swimfan6292]

i wonder how much it'll cost them in 100 years.. probably 20 years servitude

[@brandonthefirst]

KZbin will be gone by then and all of this lost

[@gabrielconstantin3030]

As a programmer in a highly urbanized city, I have moments when I wonder what's actually like to live in remote countryside. Thanks for including the 'visitors' :D in your lovely video and not cherry-picking only the advantages of such a lifestyle. Can't believe it's your first video ! Best of luck and can't wait to find out more in the others !

[@cosmindvd]

La Cluj-Napoca ?:))

[@gabrielconstantin3030]

@@cosmindvd Cluj e highly urbanized ? :)))) Glumesc

[@treyshaffer]

I live in the middle of a big city and still have visitors like the ones seen in the video, so not much different to me, except my rent is $2k/month! Sign me up for a Japanese house like this one!

[@veziculorile]

se poate la tara in Romania. Sunt multe case vechi, mai ales cele sasesti, care ar fi locuri ideale.

[@gabrielconstantin3030]

@@veziculorile total de acord. Din pacate, la sat problema e de natura umana. Un fost coleg de munca a facut fix asta, iar cand a plecat in concediu l-au pradat vecinii, de la fructe culese din pom pana la unelte de gradinarit.

[@rougesunset]

Being a steward to a neglected space and helping it heal and come back to life is such a rewarding and fulfilling thing.

[@w4ste.official]

I would live out the rest of my days like this if I had a partner to tackle this task with. So cool.

[@ebboy5]

Moving to an old house in the countryside is just like My Neighbor Totoro! So looking forward to more videos and watching the transformation! Best of luck to you!

[@erinfeicht568]

I thought the same thing! Love it!!

[@SovietMarmalade]

Also reminded me alot of Mamoru Hosoda's Wolf Children!

[@justinlapid2163]

​@@SovietMarmalade hehe the place looks eerily similar to the house they lived in. And the surrounding countryside as well.

[@vikasl2413]

thats the first thought which came to my mind when thsi video started.

[@nCode1]

Looks more like Wolf Children to me with the backyard farming

[@rzadigi]

What a lovely video! About 15 years ago my wife and I traveled all over Japan in search of a place to settle down. We especially loved the Shimanto area, with its steep misty mountains, old farmhouses and rice terraces. We felt like we had traveled back in time and we came very close to making it our home. In the end we chose Miyazaki instead because the people here are just so incredibly friendly. But those days spent driving on narrow roads through tiny mountain villages (often lost 😆) and discovering one beautiful place after another will be forever engrained in my memory. Best of luck on your journey ❤🙏

[@bagheera3008]

That sounds like a wonderful adventure. I hope you share your stories in a book or vlog one day!

[@Kyamrazi06-fd8ex]

What about the internet?did the place you visited have a good signal?

[@petersmith8134]

Very interesting. I too love the Japanese countryside. I envy you very much. I am living in Bangkok now and that is about as far removed from your life as can be. Plan to come back to Japan again later this year and looking forward to it very much.

[@RandomGameTesters]

That sounds so nice! What kind of visa were you able to get?

[@OrgKgTV]

Is it possible to buy property there..hw much and hw to move there..pls advise kindest tq...

[@Geeek000]

I'm japanese, born and raised in europe. I keep having this idea of doing a similar project like you and I'm very thankful and happy to see you living my dream!!

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

You can buy property there for your summer house, The currency is very good to buy house in Japan right now. We have owned a Japanese house for 5 years now, feel free to ask me anything, and our house is around $30,000 right now.

[@c.g.8769]

The house looks immaculate inside for a rural house in such a field..impressive. Does not look abandoned. It must have been well managed and maintained by the house owner.

[@angelag5708]

The spiders and bugs creep me out, you are so brave

[@maigomika]

It’s all a very inseparable part of this countryside life. 😅They are very polite though, so we’ve gotten used to them 😆

[@TeddyBelcher4kultrawide]

Spiders or bugs are a man named Pikachu

[@michaelamontemayor448]

Insects doesn't harm us. We have just to be careful not to hurt them. We were breed to react in this behavior. Weirdos creep me out.

[@Dark_Vader888]

In Japan you need to kill spiders at night and let them out during the day. Night spiders bring bad luck.

[@michaelamontemayor448]

@@Dark_Vader888 spider 🕸 traps mosquitoes and eat them. More useful than harmful. We should be realist in time of AI. Space exploration. How can one still believe in superstitious beliefs.

[@teledude9663]

I used to live in rural Yamagata and I would do it again in a heartbeat. All the old homes that get abandoned usually stay that way. It's lovely to see them get used again!

[@jordanw8382]

Hey, fellow Vancouverite in Japan here. We escaped in early-2022 and are now in rural Hokkaido. Definitely a huge learning curve living in Japan but worth it overall. We lived like nomads for a while before finding a house to buy. Best wishes to you guys!

[@AABB0802]

Hi! May I ask, are there spiders like the ones in the video in Hokkaido too?

[@simontide6780]

It's hilarious that cat just showed up and act like it's a house owner.

[@ninjashhh8344]

$300 for a year in Japan. That is EPIC damn. Obviously some work involved, but that's a no brainer adventure that would be totally worth it. Have fun! I'm sure you'll have plenty more surprises.

[@korpakukac]

They are basically renovating the house for free for the owners. The house will keep it's value better instead of just rotting away like it was before

[@pabloricardodetarragon2649]

@@korpakukac I agree. It's a win-win situation.

[@Kirarandia]

Thank you so much for showing everything because this at 05:11 dispelled all the awe and made me really think if I would handle the countryside. You guys are giants for taking this on.

[@Breezely22]

I would simply pass away after finding that spuder in my bed.

[@MrDilwo]

Growing up in Florida has it's advantages I guess.

[@LinariaFreeze]

I'd be fine with the spiders, but the centipedes, NOPE

[@orinblank2056]

Yeah Japan is really not the place for people who don't like spiders. They're everywhere there, small and large. You'll probably see at least one spider almost every day even in cities

[@LinariaFreeze]

@@orinblank2056 I have visited Japan three times and never saw a spider :( Going back in ten days, so maybe!

[@FantazomiXroma]

My grandparents live in the Japanese countryside and their homes looked quite similar to this 15 years ago, except with Tatami mats. They’ve done a lot of repairs so that they no longer get insects crawling through the floorboards and have better sliding doors for their rōka. Their family home has been there for over 400 years, so many things could still use repairing. It’s super cool to see how you all are managing the nature making their way into the house. Stay away from the monkeys though - they’re the real troublemakers! 😂

[@jacklong7048]

Love the simplicity and minimalism Japanese homes have.

[@ItWayTooEarlyForThis]

I love how all of our Japanese countryside fantasies were crushed as soon as we saw the spiders 😅😅😅. Great video. Can’t wait to follow your journey (far away from the insects)!

[@gagesparks5898]

You can always do a retrofit esp when the rent is cheaper than dirt lol

[@doodletime1512]

It's because this place has tropical climate. If they chose somewhere farther north to reside, there would be less bugs. Hokkaido especially is almost like Canada, very cold and long winter. I'm surprised they don't chose to live in Hokkaido.

[@Kyamrazi06-fd8ex]

@@doodletime1512 3 degree it's tropical? Sorry,I'm from tropis and I didn't know this

[@EdwinJonathanBrown]

for me it was the centipedes!

[@frds_skce]

​@@doodletime1512 my guy, it's not a 'tropical' climate place. It is hot yes, but it's not the tropical climate of hot temperature of 30~ °c and wet environment that I live in everyday. And tbf, this house is located in Shikoku, one of the south big island in Japan. For reference, Shikoku is located at west of Osaka state.

[@RaynorsProphet]

Lol the creepy crawlies part is so relatable for someone who grew up where I did in Australia. The bed time ritual of removing enormous spiders and centipedes from around the house was such a normal part of childhood but since moving to a city I almost forgot about it, this brought back some nostalgia for me! I'm impressed how well you guys handled it considering you're from Canada where there are typically less 'visitors' in your house!

[@JingaBBB]

Typically not, the thing is these “visitors” need somewhere with heat throughout the winters, where as in Australia and warmer climates they do not; so it’s more common, and frequent to find them throughout our winters, comparatively.

[@blueman5924]

lol. The visitors we🇨🇦 do like, are from Australia.🤙

[@johanselander7708]

I don't know if it is that much less creepy crawlers in Canada. I live in Sweden, similar fauna as in Canada. I would say the biggest difference is the size, here they are so smal that many insects get unnoticed cous you don't see them. That japanese spider that he removed from the house was like a small sized chiwawa here in Sweden. One time, probably 50 years ago when I was 8 years old my family visited some friends living in the country side nearby the sea. We spent the night in their gesthouse but my Sister could not sleep. She complained that there was something tickeling her back, my parents looked several times but did not find anything. She still complained and my dad undid the whole bed and under the sheet a smal centipede about 2 inches long were crawling around, so she was right al along. 2 inches are about as big as they get here and they are not venomous either, don't think they even are strong enough to bite you. Are there venomous snakes and spiders in Japan that could harm you or even kill you?

[@RaynorsProphet]

@@johanselander7708 yeah there are a few! I'd be most concerned about bears though lol, but maybe that's because we don't get those in Australia...

[@j.r.burris7521]

@@JingaBBB As a Canadian, I'd FAR prefer our "visitors" to the Japanese critters! All the critters in my house are tiny, completely safe and hide for the most part lmfao. But, then again, the Japanese don't have to contend with quite as much for big game - Canadians have wild bears (3 different kinds), wolves, coyotes, badgers, moose, bison, etc.

[@freedomthroughspirit]

Immediately adopt a cat for creepy crawlies would be my first move. 😂😂😂 Although the monkeys scare me more than anything! 😮 Love seeing your projects and progress! Bringing a homestead back to life.

[@DelSolstice]

I recommend homemade peppermint spray as repellent for the smaller centipedes (the blue spindly guys in your case, not the baby kaiju on your cutting board). Just mix a bit of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and spray down points of entry every so often. Even if it's not full-proof, it can help. There are other scent-based bug and rodent repellents that can work as well that won't be unpleasant to you. I couldn't even smell the peppermint spray myself, but I've seen no more centipedes since then.

[@jeffreysmith236]

chickens also take care of centipedes.

[@cata-wampus]

What a lovely video! You guys delt with your unwelcome house visitors so well! Glad to see the three legged cat is well loved too :)

[@yuvrajsingh-qr2fn]

I would have ran out screaming and crying if I saw insects that size. Props to you guys for having the guts to deal with it!

[@amandalyarosza4640]

i'm glad you began to talk with us in you're newer videos. thank you.

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

As a chaperone for a group of high school kids from the States almost 30 years ago I stayed with a host family who lived in a semi rural area. Nearby was the father’s family home, now abandoned. He took me to see it, it was one of the large thatch roofed traditional houses one associates with “traditional” Japan. After seeing it I understood why they preferred the modern house the family lived in now, better water, better heat and insulation!!!! Better everything!

[@lerico536]

The spiders look like huntsman spiders. They're harmless to people. Their main defense is to run away. Their favorite food is cockroaches so I always let them live in my house when I was in the Philippines. That centipede is a different story. I'd have probably killed it on the spot. Yuck! I'm in Osaka now and looking forward to moving out to the countryside in a few more years. Thanks for sharing your adventure!

[@soulsurfseeker]

I always kill centipedes on the spot!

[@zekelor]

You are right about the spiders! In Japanese they are called taka-ashi-kumo, literally tall-legged spider. Harmless to people and great pest control, the house centipedes too. The mukade (venomous centipede) on the other hand are super dangerous and should be tossed out very carefully though!

[@zekelor]

@@soulsurfseeker Be careful, they are hard to kill and often come in pairs!

[@MercUndGut]

I think I'd shit my pants. How dangerous is the centipede and how likely is it that it will attack?

[@tutuldok]

i was stupid and killed the huntsman spider near the door in my kitchen. and so like a curse there appeared a steady stream of ipis (cockroaches) the long months after. talk about awful 😖

[@tediferous]

Thanks for showing the bugs. My fantasy is over

[@LanadeOso]

Awww, I love love lovedddd this video!! So much fun!! Thanks for allowing us to join your journey!!

[@Omikoshi78]

While it probably wasn't the intended focus of this video, I can't help but feel melancholy at the thought of everything being so ephemeral. On the flip side, it's great to see a house with so much love and memories getting a second life from you guys.

[@MrGalpino]

Having lived in the Japanese countryside I can concur on the melancholy aspect. It's also a traditional part of the culture.

[@florianretzlaff7035]

I came for the Tom content and I enjoyed the whole story. Also the wooden stove reminded me of my first country house living experience in Japan. It's crazy how fast and warm a wooden stove heats up a room, if you're close to it. Can't wait for the next video. Loved all the little bits

[@maigomika]

Haha glad you stayed for the whole thing. 😂 Tom adds personality. 😽. The wood stove was such a game changer- the winter would had been much less comfortable without it. We basically section off an entire portion of the house to insulate as much of that wood stove heat as we can. 🔥

[@sarahsaurausrex]

Wow. This looks like an absolute dream of a place to live! So beautiful. Hopefully clearing the brush away from the house will help minimize some of the house guests😆

[@loblowry6282]

dream place with living bugs crawling all over you at night. good luck with that.

[@elianacapiotto_ingles]

Watching your video feels so relaxing! Loved it!

[@oimeunomeeape.8858]

I watched the first minute and knew that this is going to be my favorite channel this year. Everything is so simple, so adorable, so challenging at the same time… please, make more of this, I love the way you guys treat nature BTW

[@askakwas8028]

I can already tell this is going to be my new absolute favorite channel. LOVE the video - hope to see much much more from you both!

[@uniwemusic2929]

Very nice, peaceful & cozy!

[@Bosscandy_217]

I stumbled upon your video, decided to watch it and I honestly love your content. I’m recently looking to move into the country side and you have inspired me to do so. Please keep making these videos and I’m excited to see your progress! May god bless both of you ❤

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

We bought a traditional house 5 years ago, a Cheap Traditional Japanese House in the rural countryside of Japan. ( akiya houses ) $30,000, and ( only pay $300 a year for everything).Okayama Province Japan. Please let me know if you'd like to buy it, and I'll help you.

[@bitsii]

Completely delightful. A perfect first YT video. ❤

[@maigomika]

Thank you gurlie! 🥹 finally ripped that bandaid off but good to get started 😃

[@KLNDR]

One of my favorite videos this year, love the genuine look at the endeavor. Following for more, wishing you two, and all the more friendly critters the best!

[@BE-bs8oe]

Loved the entomology part. Your way of putting it all together makes an interesting calme yet funny , highly agréable format, the music of course strings it all Together. It's that " not taking too seriously, witnessing even the tiniest joy. Arigatou gozaimasu

[@nadinedennison724]

Wow, I really enjoyed this!

[@MR-yf5wn]

I'm a 66 yo male and you and your partner are living the dream for me and my cats Niko, Hana, and Setsuko. We, my cats and I wish you both the very best!

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

We bought a traditional house 5 years ago, a Cheap Traditional Japanese House in the rural countryside of Japan. ( akiya houses ) $30,000, Okayama Province Japan. You can buy property there for your summer house, The western currency is very good to buy house in Japan right now. We have owned a Japanese house for 5 years now, feel free to ask me anything, and our house is around $30,000 right now.Please let me know if you'd like to buy it, and I'll help you.

[@emmyashbaugh]

Your hard work & perseverance are clearly paying off. Thanks for sharing this beautifully filmed & edited video with us, this is a work of art on many levels. I’m anxiously anticipating updates 😍😘👏💓

[@irismania]

Oh it appears that you have a wonderful location. Good luck in all your projects as you go along. Looking forward to following your adventure !!!!

[@Dezomm]

The sounds of nature is so stunningly beautiful. I love it. The scenery too.

[@howlongisnow791]

Mad respect for you guys to pull this off. I can imagine some days were a test of resilience, both mental and physical, but the upsides do seem absolutely worth it.

[@arsletirott]

I have no idea why and how this ended up in my recommendations, but I'm happy it did. Looking forward to follow your journey, guys!

[@rafaellaoishi5887]

I’m so excited to se more videos!!

[@jennvart4162]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful country home with us.

[@JoynersJoyProject]

Watching from Tokyo! Love the style of your videos and so happy you guys made the decision to do this. I used to live in the countryside in Niigata and the life in the countryside is the best.

[@ladybolski]

This is why I love youtube. It is such a pleasure to watch others do what you cannot! I hope there are more videos to come. Thanks for sharing!!

[@maigomika]

Thank you! And yes, more coming your way. 😚

[@JoySkydancer]

Oh, I so loved this video, I didn’t want it to end! Looking forward to more from you. Thank you for putting this out for us to enjoy. Best of luck with those creepy crawlies.

[@karlamendoza969]

I loved everything about your video, even the creepy crawlies! I appreciate very much how you handled all the wild life. My best wishes to you!

[@Neeintje]

I just found this channel and I love it so much❤❤❤ looking forward to seeing more of your adventures in the countryside

[@carolineb3527]

Oh wow, I'm so glad this came up on my feed. I went to Japan forty years ago and have never forgotten it. I stayed with a Japanese family on Kyushu and still remember their kindness and their sense of humour - which was very close to my British humour so we shared lots of laughter. I am looking forward to watch your battles with the wildlife (yikes!), and the whole process of living in rural Japan. Can't wait!

[@14bqdonk]

Will always watch your guys journey!

[@xnotic24]

Such a peaceful and fulfilling life. I wish you two the best and good fortune ;)

[@giancork1656]

Shikoku stole my heart when I visited Japan in 2019. Traveled around Shikoku for 9 days andits people and landscaper were the highlight of my visit. Now, after 4 years, I am about to finally come back to Japan for a few weeks. And dream of Shikoku's people, nature and temples. Thanks for bringing me back a bit earlier :)

[@littlepole323]

will visit shikoku in a couple weeks, do you have any advice / tips regarding waht to see / do?

[@sonatartica2590]

@@littlepole323 I rented a car from Kochi y I simply wandered into gorges, waterfalls and nature places all around, it is truly wonderful

[@littlepole323]

@@sonatartica2590 I planned on camping outside in a tent, and hike into nature (on existing paths obv). Got a bit scared by this video ngl.

[@cbunn81]

@@littlepole323 Renting a car is virtually a necessity if you want to get around easily. There's lots to do in each prefecture. I live in Tokushima, so I know a little more about that part. For the highlights, there's Iya Valley in Tokushima, Ritsurin Garden in Kagawa, Kochi Castle in Kochi and Dogo Onsen in Ehime. There are also lots of scenic beaches all over, but especially in southern Tokushima and into Kochi. Some other things to check out in Tokushima are Mt. Bizan, Awa Odori Kaikan, some aizome (indigo dying) shops, waterfalls in the mountains near Kamikatsu and Kamiyama. If you're into things on the slightly creepy side, you might also check out Nagoro, which is a village with a shrinking population (common in rural Japan), but has some locally-made dolls to take the place of people around town. You can even make your own doll if you want. For food, Sanuki udon and Tokushima ramen are popular, but my must-eat would be katsuo no tataki in Kochi.

[@jonahwhale9047]

@@littlepole323 Where, for how long, and how traveling? Matsuyama castle is consider one of the top 3 in country and, unlike most, traditionally build, not ferro-concrete. If you go to that city, skip Dogo Onsen for batheing (the build's intersting but the bath is very small & limited but go to 'Okudogo Ichiyu no Mori' instead. It's a wonderful 1960s designed hotel but has a large outdoor *(private) baths, better water, & a great "eat as much as you want" buffet at lunch time. The Ishite temple is also pretty funky. Uchiko, in Kita District, Ehime, is an interesting, original looking, historic town. Just outside of it, or as you enter, there's the Karari local farmer market over looking a river who do the best udon and tempura I had in Japan. Veg straight out of the ground. The Garyu Sanso villa located by the river east of Ozu town is a bit of a masterpiece that would fulfil anyone's dream of what Japan should or did look like. The town's small OK for walking around. If you're driving, getting down south to the visit the Shimanto River valley (Shimanto-gawa) is worth seeing, it's one of or the last of Japan's free-flowing rivers. To the far east of the island is the remote Iya Valley, one of which's highlights in the Oboke Koboke gorges. If you make it up the Iya, you may be able to stay at the Chiiori Trust's Alex Kerr's 400 year minka farmhouse. They used to call Iya "the Tibet of Japan" because it was so cut off from the rest of country. Travel around Shikoku is slow & difficult because the roads are narrow & windy, so you got to make sure you get to your destination while it is still light! There's literally only a single track railway in and out. Of all the ways to get there, my favorite is the overnight ferry from Kansai area on which you can bathe & have a good nights sleep, then arrive for early start in Matsuyama. You can bus in from Osaka which is OK during the day if you want to watch the countryside but I'd skip the cities on the North East of the island. It depends on what your tastes are though, & budget. How long have you got?

[@Nokkiwow]

You guys are living my dream! I'm so glad that you've been able to find such an lovely home, even if it does need a lot of fixing up

[@arceus54321]

i really enjoyed this video. your simple life is quite interesting.

[@mandarue5104]

The aesthetics of this video was very pleasing to watch. Overall, job well done!

[@amandahewson949]

What a brilliant adventure, love the look and feel of your videos, I have a fascination with Japan so am happily onboard !

[@jacobthompson603]

This is so amazing. It's exactly what I would like to do in Japan someday! With a small garden or farm. Thank you so much for sharing your journey.

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

We bought a traditional house 5 years ago, a Cheap Traditional Japanese House in the rural countryside of Japan. ( akiya houses ) $30,000, and ( only pay $300 a year for everything).Okayama Province Japan. Please let me know if you'd like to buy it, and I'll help you.

[@Rineepoo]

This is absolutely all my childhood Totoro dreams coming true. Subscribed!

[@user-st4jt3si6f]

Welcome to Japan… nice short film.. enjoy 😊

[@daisylauren3742]

I hope you’re planning a video detailing how you found this woman! What a crazy life experience. Amazing

[@KhadaJhin04]

Literally my dream. I just want to retire in an old house in the Japanese countryside, have a farm, some animals, chill and read books, maybe have a significant other share this lifestyle with me, which is why I now work extra hard to save up for this. This video is great!

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

You can buy property there for your summer house, The currency is very good to buy house in Japan right now. We have owned a Japanese house for 5 years now, feel free to ask me anything, and our house is around $30,000 right now.

[@nopenada5767]

That was delightful, thank you 🙏🏼

[@docna117]

Wow this would be an ideal life. I particularly love how you respect, respond to and coexist with your 'house guests'. If you think about each one in turn, they are amazing. Bless you and thank you for sharing. Best of luck for the future xx

[@ZLLi661]

This is incredible. Apart from the gorgeous countryside, the house looks so homely and welcoming. As for the local locals - the spiders and other creatures, it's just like outer suburbia/ countryside in Australia. You have bio pest control in place - using other creatures that keep away the harmful ones and all is good. Thankyou for sharing this wonderful experience on youtube with everyone!

[@azabujuban-hito8085]

I'm from Switzerland and living in Tokyo. House prices in Japan is very affordable. After I bought a house here in Tokyo, I began to ponder about the possiblity of buying another one in a countryside. I finally found a perfect one in a coubtryside of Nagano. I would never be able to buy 2 houses in Switzerland with the same price that I spent for 2 houses in Japan !

[@troisangroi115]

I curious that How much those house's prices are :D

[@azabujuban-hito8085]

@@troisangroi115 I got mine for approx ¥ 4million ( around US$ 30K ).

[@troisangroi115]

@@azabujuban-hito8085 wow, comparing to the income that's would be a very good price even in countryside or in Tokyo. In my country (Vietnam), $30k is just enough for a little house in countryside. I think our house's prices are very high compare to developed country, that's sad. I've dreamed to have my own land and a small house but it may take more and more time than I can expect...

[@negy2570]

@@azabujuban-hito8085 in Switzerland you can buy a car garage for that price and live inside the car. Toilet outside 😂

[@NorceCodine]

@@azabujuban-hito8085 Is that the house in Tokyo or in Nagano? I am also exploring how to buy a modest home in Japan, how should I start the process (from the US)?

[@mailindarizki3722]

looks so peaceful and so pretty

[@firmlyplantedcj9962]

Thank you for sharing a bit about your life, it is very interesting!

[@PhuongNguyen-zb2en]

I really want to have a house like this when I get retired. Wake up, plant vegetable, bonsai, go fishing. OMG that sounds so damn good.

[@TyTimeIsAwesome]

I could do without the giant spiders and insects though...

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

You can buy property there, We have owned a Japanese house for 5 years now, feel free to ask me anything, and I will give you all advice you want to know about buying property in Japan, our house around $30,000 right now

[@MerciJapon]

I loved your video Mika! Once again you show us how talented you are at telling stories in the simplest and most poetic way possible! I can't wait to see the next video! I know how much work it is to produce videos like this, but I hope you will never stop! 🙌

[@maigomika]

Thank you Romeo! You seriously have no idea what that means a lot coming from you 😭😭😭🥹I’m already planning out my next video with your comments in mind. 🤩

[@justaghorl]

loved this edit!

[@pleasebeseatedfortakeoff]

What a wonderful story, thank you for joining your path here!

[@pleasebeseatedfortakeoff]

*sharing I meant 🫢

[@mikewatts1533]

During the few trips that I have made to Japan, I have only stayed at one traditional home, and of course, it was during the winter, North of Sendai. Two walls of rice paper to hold back the weather. The one you have seems so much better. I am almost envious of the adventure you two are having. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

[@mervealsan6782]

So impressed by how you handled the houseguests! I'm terrified of all types of insects (to a point that it sometimes limits my life) so it was so inspiring to see how you reacted to the situation and learned to coexist. I wish you a lot of happiness in your new life, I'll be following your adventures!

[@curtismarean6963]

Good luck you guys! I love the house, and what a beautiful place to be in!

[@marlonpoko2536]

I love what you did! So wise. Love it

[@CHiZZoPs27]

This is so crazy. I knew exactly where this was in the first few seconds of the video! This area is my dream to live in. I often explored Shikoku when I lived in Kansai, and the Shimantogawa was my favorite. It reminds me of southern Oregon where I'm from. I went swimming in the river there, just like back home. The water is crystal clear up at the top of the mountain. So beautiful! There were a couple onsen right off the road, and I then dreamt I could live in a house right next to one of those Onsen on the river. I'm very envious!

[@letakennedy7342]

I’m from Vancouver too, and seeing those spiders gave me a ‘Come to Jesus moment’ 😱 you both so so brave! 😀

[@chev2rcr900]

Very, very, very cool thing to do. I am envious of your ability to do something like that. Wishing you all the best of luck.

[@christiancordeus1169]

I am loving this and looking forward to future videos! Godspeed and thank you for letting me live out my dream vicariously through you! Those centipedes though! D:

[@cleigh113]

what a fun and interesting story. I hope you will get into why you both decided to do this and move to rural Japan- certainly Canada has many small rural villages- but not for 300$ yr.!

[@maigomika]

Hey! Thanks for the comment. That’s a good idea, I’ll think about how to answer those in the upcoming videos. I have a few others planned right now, but I’m definitely open to answering more of those types of questions in the next little while 😚

[@Hans-gb4mv]

Let's not forget, you don't just pack everything one day, fly to Japan and rent a house like that. You usually need to build a relationship with the owner and community first, or at least someone who knows the owner really well, before you get offered a chance like this. And while the housing might be cheap, as already evidenced in this video, it also comes with a lot of work usually.

[@cleigh113]

@@Hans-gb4mv yeah I didn't forget it because I just watched the video, and that's exactly the question I asked is how she came to the situation.....

[@Cookieglue]

Please post more updates in the future!!! This video was amazing! Also, what is it like running for errands out in the countryside?

[@maigomika]

Good question! There’s a bit of driving involved since there aren’t grocery stores nearby, so we have to plan our errand trips to the city strategically every week. I’ll go into detail more in future videos. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@sunastriastapleton4569]

So jelly! It's beautiful.

[@everlett1122]

Man what an adventure, very cool!

[@joanafranciosy3243]

Well done on your first KZbin video! It is brilliant! I am in love with your bathtub but not so much with some of the wild life (spiders!). Can't wait to see the next one!

[@maigomika]

Thank you! The bathtub feels like our very own hot spring we get to enjoy every day ♨ The spiders are very polite so we don't mind them so much😅

[@LauraMalfoy2011]

oh my god whyyy are the spiders so big, i would dieeee AND THE CENTIPEDES OMG beautiful house, though!! PS: thank you for returning them to nature! that is very kind ♥

[@wennquestionmark]

Love this channel!

[@nlt10016]

The home is beautiful and I’m sure you’ll be happy there. Enjoy 🎉❤!!!