Japan Abandoned House Tour on Sado Island, Niigata

A few weeks ago I visited Sadogashima, a small island off the coast of Honshu, the main Japanese island. In Sado Island 20% of houses are "akiya" vacant houses, many of which are abandoned. I got to have a look inside a traditional Japanese townhouse that is for sale.
Thanks to John Daub from Only in Japan for distillery and taiko videos, Ruth Jarman from Jarman International for organising the trip.
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In between videos I'm posting to my Instagram: / tokyo_llama
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Music
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Song: Across the Sea of Japan
Artist: Mandala Dreams
www.epidemicso...
Song: A Shade of Steam
Artist: Sight of Wonders
www.epidemicso...
#abandonedjapan #abandonedhouse #sadogashima

[@nuitarik]

I feel like local government should sponsor you going around and doing this! I think you’re inspiring a lot of people!

[@alicewong9935]

nuitari k nah, every level of government here is already extremely broke due to the large amount of old people getting paid by the government, but an extremely small work force to tax, and it’s getting smaller.

[@nuitarik]

Alice Volkov thanks why more people living there would help :)

[@alicewong9935]

nuitari k only if they’re working and paying tax, no one already in the country is going to ditch the city for nowhere, towns all over the country are turning into ghost towns, I used to live in the rural country side, literally nothing but old people, young adults, kids and teenagers were extremely rare, it was kind of scary, but nothing is really going to change this trend, unless wages go up and work hours go down, the birth rate is just gonna keep dropping.

[@VelvetandToads]

Aren’t there a lot of old people because people in cities don’t have the living space to raise children? Seems like the perfect opportunity!

[@nuitarik]

Velvet & Toads that’s what I was thinking I mean isn’t that the story of this channel. In these types of videos also help with foreigners I mean me and my husband genuinely or fascinated about this opportunity.

[@missyc7852]

Not gonna lie... I really wish you could of looked inside that second house coz I may or may not have instantly fallen in love with the exterior...

[@TokyoLlama]

Yeah, I really wanted to too. I did ask but they couldn’t get in contact with the owner. That was my favourite house just looking from the outside.

[@gybyro]

Same it looks so nice I wish I could find a house like that with a big garden

[@vilstef6988]

I'm always interested in seeing semi-abandoned houses with artifacts left behind. I'm an antiquer, a junker and an amatuer anothropologist. I bought my house as is and I'm still using the left behind things. They were useful because my previous house had burned from bad electrical which at the time, I couldn't afford to upgrade.

[@Philosopanda]

I'm sure you're much too busy with your own house and life, but I think I it would be a good idea for the local governments to do more house tours of other abandoned and for sale homes in Japan! It would definitely help to get interest in them. Glad to see you're doing well, cant wait for the next update!

[@YoureNowOnTV]

In the future there won't be any other choice but to heavily promote and streamline abandoned house acquisitions. Otherwise there are going to be a lot of towns returning to open spaces, with nature taking back over as it inevitably will.

[@waltera4448]

There is definite potential with some of the houses, while others probably can't be saved. I've heard of a program here in the U.S. where architecture and trade schools will buy old houses that students must work on to give them hands-on experience. Or as part of scholarship programs, students will need to renovate so many projects (carpentry, electrical, plumbing, etc.) to help fund their schooling, as well as providing work experience. Others do it as a possible final project. When the houses are fully repaired and/or renovated, the schools can either sell or rent out the homes to various interested parties.

[@TokyoLlama]

I've seen one Japanese school doing that with akiya here. I'll check it out, might be an interesting topic for a video at some point.

[@Jessica-kk1cz]

Walter A what a great idea!! I didn’t know about that program, but it sounds terrific and what a great thing that people are learning the trades! It’s funny here in the Washington DC area, because we have so much technology industry, which is supposedly rare to find the skilled IT and data analytics professionals. But you can wait weeks to get a plumber, electrician, and just try to find a carpenter ~ that’s harder than finding a software developer in these parts!

[@Big-Wonka]

I'm a carpenter here in America and I could absolutely fix any of those houses. My only thought would be codes, rules, taboos, etc. I wouldn't even know where to start when it came to fixing things by the books. Well, by their books.

[@tinekejoldersma]

That last 300 year old house and garden is beautiful. I would so live there. Stunning island. Lovely video, thanks.

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, that one’s available for rent I believe. They want to restore it but don’t have the funds right now.

[@tinekejoldersma]

@@TokyoLlama what a lovely thought!

[@ivorwm2291]

Thank you for showing a world that I could never imagined ever seeing

[@michaelcherry8952]

7:27 This stopped clock is an apt metaphor for these houses. They seem to be frozen in time, yet slowly succumbing to it. It's a little sad to see these houses, so carefully constructed, gradually fade away. At one time they were homes and businesses. Now, there's only the sound of the wind and the rain. Thank you for this little tour. I can see marvelous potential in these homes, if only they could attract people with vision (and lots of spondulix!). Looking forward to the next video.

[@IAmMonrose]

Me, has barely enough money to survive: This video: Me: I should buy an abandoned Japanese house right now!

[@annydobon8106]

This llama dude has loads of dough

[@nuitarik]

The open roof at 3:15 seconds in the restaurant must validate your open roof concept for your kitchen ❤️

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, I can’t lie - I was thinking of my place and the wood burning stove. The place was nice and warm!

[@earthangel8730]

I thought the same thing!

[@ZacharyDBrooks]

In Japanese culture they have this concept "Mono no aware." It's a melancholy reflection on the fact that nothing lasts.

[@CynariGames]

the abandoned farm-house is my absolute dream. All that land and the beautiful architecture, I wouldn't change a lot. I think I would only fix it up and modernise the kitchen and bathroom.

[@MarkandMarie]

*sells all possessions immediately* Now to buff up on my Japanese, so that I can live in a secluded town doing research and making KZbin videos FOREVER! Muwhahahahaha! All joking aside, THANK YOU! This is wonderful. Very little in the way of real estate is available on the American Web friendly sights right now. Everything is brand new mansions (apartments) and share houses.

[@guisteh11]

Would be perfect for PewDiePie since they have optic fibre internet.

[@elfiefromangelcity6142]

I know right? I was thinking maybe I should move to Japan looking at this lol! The introvert in me would love living in that house. But I'd eventually miss my loved ones here. Guess I care about my family after all.

[@MarkandMarie]

@@elfiefromangelcity6142 That is what Skype is for. Lolol. And guilt tripping family into visiting YOU, so you don't have to pay for the plane ticket. XD

[@leelulady2010]

But all those tiny homes tho...

[@InconsistentContent]

Not gonna lie, my current house has doubled in value and if I sold it now I would walk away with around $230.000 clean profit. I could buy an akiya and renovate it. I just don't know what my job would be over there. Currently I'm a software tester and can only speak a bit of Japanese

[@charleneknighton]

Thank you for showing us around places in Japan that most of us do not know or even heard about. I think if I ever got to visit Japan I would like to see the rural areas.

[@YunaOnHome]

Interesting houses shown, it shows too of how much of a gem you have found in yours.

[@earthangel8730]

His home is a priceless work of art imo.

[@RBuckminsterFuller]

Fascinating. Gives me a strangely nostalgic feeling.

[@elfiefromangelcity6142]

Me too! It reminded me of a Japanese version of my Grandma's house in Cambria California.

[@dvillebenny1445]

Thank you for sharing! I love these little travel logs. You are too kind to take us with you.

[@albertoaquino3609]

The one in the cemetery is very cool because of the history behind it all.

[@elainephleps4705]

Beautiful. And a shame it's empty. I would love too go once to Japan.the seamstress house. I'd open it back up as a Taylor shop. Iam a seamstress and would be honored too cont that tradition in the home.

[@sydneyshinshi]

Sounds like a good idea but with an ageing and declining population I think it would be hard to sell your wares.

[@sylvrscorpyn]

Michael Magill it could be pricy, but I’m sue elaine could sell online.

[@sydneyshinshi]

@@sylvrscorpyn I suppose you are correct. You couldn't sell local and make any money so with a good online presence you could be located anywhere and the postal/delivery service in Japan is second to none.

[@s.a.w5493]

Did you look into it?

[@Richard-f4q9y]

Wonderful base for six months’ vacation each year - especially the older house. Thanks for the video.

[@TokyoLlama]

No worries, thanks for watching!

[@maofangjushi4711]

I feel sad while I was watching your walk around video. There were people, there was glorious time, all gone.

[@alucardleashed]

Love your choices of music, it really adds a mysterious, melancholic vibe to the island. As you've said, it must really be different living there, and great for those seeking a quieter existence.

[@bibit3856]

Why do I feel so emotional about abandoned houses? I immediately start to imagine the people inside ....living their daily lives..... plus there is something so unique and special about Japanese culture.

[@otakumagnet8106]

I am fascinated by old Japanese architecture. I have always wanted to design a home based upon the older traditional styles in Japan, while incorporating some American conveniences.

[@TokyoLlama]

That would be interesting to see.

[@Lv-nq9qz]

@Steve Slade the stairs too, narrow, too steep, short treads, definitely built before codes were a thing.

[@KosmoAlx]

Sado can be saved by : history + turism, and or artisans . Plus : tax free zone . P.s. perfect heaven for an writer.

[@EraldoFilms]

tax free zone, really?

[@KosmoAlx]

@@EraldoFilms Yes. To develope some places , any state can declare an zone VAT , tax free. Like Alaska . Only for a period of time .

[@notdyingsober]

an writer

[@0nurbis]

So you are opening a real estate in japan ? 😁

[@TokyoLlama]

Ha ha, no.

[@gzubeck3]

I think He's starting up "This old House Japan Edition" :>)

[@silver1step]

I would definitely love more of this aka that

[@cyntogia]

Thank you so much for sharing this. It's fascinating.

[@78deathface]

Well, looks like I’m moving to rural Japan...

[@amalilconfused]

What a beautiful “tiny” house!! If I had the money and a small family, I think that would be a lovely place to move too. Just the right size where it would be easy to maintain.

[@patruspetrus]

Very interesting as my late grandmother had her origin in Sado Island. One thing to point out is that the corner you assumed as Butsudan (a Buddhist altar) should have resided, should be in fact a decorative alcove space (tokonoma), where we used to cast a hanging scroll-style picture on its wall (you can see some hanger belts at the top), or place some small ornament (like a statue, arranged flowers etc.) at the bottom. The presence of a tokonoma usually indicates the principal room of the house.

[@TokyoLlama]

Very interesting, thanks very much for the insight!

[@tokyo_taxi7835]

What a beautiful house! I hope someone can rescue it!

[@MoeSpice]

This video was really wholesome in a way, it’s not only helping the world get encouraged about these much needed love houses but also appreciating them for what they are and what they can be.

[@InconsistentContent]

I can't express how much I love these videos. So much beautiful houses that require love. I really hope these island will attract more people to kick-start back the population and preservation of the island

[@artiminimalist3187]

I loved this video and have been giving some serious thought about moving to Japan. Great houses featured, and I am looking forward to seeing your progress!

[@GuildOfTrespassers]

Anybody interested in living there - bear in mind that gold mining quite often means heavy mercury pollution. I'd test soil and water samples from the plot and a few different spots on the island before moving in. Especially if you have or planning children.

[@CardinalKaos]

So youre telling me I can quite literally live out my Harvest Moon fantasies? Sold. Im in, im on, im about it. Sign me up three days ago.

[@Lolliegoth]

Awesome as always! Love the Ballarat reference.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks!

[@abelgerli]

Every time I am in a traditional Japanese house I feel like being at home. I am sure I will follow this felling in a few years my heart is in Japan. These houses deserve to be rescued. ♥️

[@javaman2022]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@xpuppetsmasterx]

Notification squad!! I never miss an upload :)

[@sidm1234]

What a beautiful melancholic video

[@RagdollJessi]

I LOVE your videos. You put so much work into creating wonderful production quality and I love seeing these beautiful places. Your house renovation is amazing.

[@GuitarSVD]

I think those cementaries probably belongs to the ancestors/friends of the household. So nice to live close to love ones.

[@sulchinscki]

Fantastic this last house with more than 300 years. Of course they are all amazing and as an architect I feel enchanted by all of them. Congratulations on the initiative, nice trip.

[@willpugh-calotte2199]

"It's kind of like a Japanese Ballarat." You can immerse the boy in Japan, but you can't take Victoria out of the boy! It was a brave, but admirable, move by that local builder to renovate that townhouse to save it from demolition, considering the state of the local real estate market. You mentioned that the island has fibreoptic cable. As far as you know, is that fibre right to the home? If you move into a house where the previous occupants have maintained a shrine to their ancestors, is it acceptable to retain that shrine to honour your own ancestors as well, or is it expected that you will replace it with a shrine dedicated to your own ancestors?

[@TokyoLlama]

I'll double check - I THINK in many places it's to the home but I'm not sure. I haven't started researching our installation yet so not on top of this topic.

[@willpugh-calotte2199]

@@TokyoLlama Hey man, don't sweat it, though. I'm not thinking of moving to Japan, so it's not critical. I was just curious whether the Japanese routinely got fibre right to their home, or just to a node somewhere nearby in the neighbourhood, with the final run to the home being legacy copper cable. Under the Australian National (so-called) Broadband Network project, most of us back here are being delivered merely the second-rate option of fibre-to-the-node, but I imagine that fibre right to the home would be more economical in Japan on account of the higher residential density.

[@steadholderharrington9035]

@@willpugh-calotte2199 Huh? Meanwhile, up here on the opposite end of the world in Maple Country, we're not being given a choice about getting fibre-optic cable right to our houses. They're going through our neighbourhoods and digging up our streets, driveways, sidewalks and lawns to install fibre-optic right up to our house', even if we already have something else thats possibly even faster. Now, i wouldn't mind if they were willing to install utilities to our garden sheds and greenhouses while they were at it, but noooooo. We have to pay for that destruction ourselves while they just destroy the rest of our properties for free to bring us the service we may or may no want. Go figure. }8P

[@discordd4794]

I feel in love with the house in the cemetery. In all honesty its kinda cute for some reason you could clean it all up and honor the dead who are buried there. I also think the last place was also kinda lovely it has so much space and just needs a little work done.

[@bookishtopics]

I looove this! These old houses are so beautiful! They deserve a second life!

[@eileenshipman2956]

Thank you. I stayed on Sado Island in 1973 as a part of my high school’s exchange program. Went back to visit in 2019. It is good to see that some houses are being saved.

[@SloanAlex]

Great video as always, please post more! Really interested to see the pricing of the houses, especially the remodeled one, looked really nice!

[@thomasbjurstrom6480]

You have made me extremely interested in visiting Japan. So beautiful and serene!

[@robinledford1003]

One can dream. Thank you

[@jackiesplace9971]

I love your videos! I live in a land locked state in the US and to see Island countries and what home renovations and what they look like is a great joy. Thank you for all you do!

[@patrishaharrigan4466]

I love to sew! I was drooling over the fabric and such as you toured the first house. What a find!

[@ppronny12345]

We love your videos on homes and home repairs It true family friendly for all ages and so interesting Bless you keep up the good work

[@hinazuke]

I’m using your videos to teach my students about Japanese homes. They’re extremely fascinated and look forward to your upcoming videos!

[@TokyoLlama]

Wow, thanks so much! All the best to your students.

[@gzubeck3]

What's the going rate for a semi fixed-up unit on the island? Just curious. Thanks for the videos.

[@FirstLastOne]

Your videos are always very entertaining. This time I felt like I was transported back in time with the music being spot on in setting a melancholic and nostalgic mood. When you finish your house, you could make a career out of doing a series on Japanese Home Renos and traveling around Japan looking for great little spots to settle down in.

[@bradnaugle1025]

Your b-roll powers are growing stronger! But seriously, great work on the video. It's awesome to see your home progression and japanese adventures, while also watching your film making skills grow by proxy. Keep up the great work, much love from America.

[@TokyoLlama]

Haha, thanks very much. Yes, been working on my b-roll game, but still room for improvement.

[@williamwolfe1986]

thanks for not "blinking" so much in this video ...lol .....great video keep up the great work!

[@TokyoLlama]

Haha, thanks.

[@nolanolivier6791]

I spent a considerable portion of my youth in Japan, and I can still remember the familiar scent of those houses...

[@Jesterttv]

Finally more Videos i just crave for it tbh

[@midwesternexplorer9339]

This was fun to watch. I enjoyed watching you explore old abandoned homes. Sort of like a ghost hunt but we get to see what the houses look like on the inside.

[@sandrac1313]

Wow! So beautiful there.Thanks for sharing.Looking forward to more with your renovations.

[@makkusug]

Your videos are awesome, I love each one! I just get so homesick watching them that I can't stand it sometimes. Really makes me want to go back to Japan.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks so much!

[@yolandagonzalez6495]

The landscapes of Japan are impressive, I would love to travel and see the rural areas with traditional houses. At the moment I thank you for sharing your videos with us!

[@nellypabon4493]

¡Gracias!, por fin un nuevo vídeo y además interesante. Al mostrar tan detalladamente cada sendero, cada callejón, cada camino, me hace sentir que estoy presente. Las casas y sitios abandonados son un imán para mí, dan nostalgia y mucha paz, me lleno de preguntas como quiénes fueron felices o desdichados en esos lugares, cuales fueron los sentimientos que unieron a sus habitantes, qué están haciendo ahora, para qué o en dónde están...como siempre, este vídeo me encantó. Saludos desde CALI Colombia.

[@jjperokh]

I never hear about Sado Island until now. Thank you for sharing.

[@bmolitor615]

12:20 when you went into the cemetery, MY reaction was... "uuuh...whah... OH, gravestones! how GORGEOUS to be snuggled into the previous generations like that - their houses, our houses, how super-cool!!"- we are [very] close to our past ones, they are still around us...

[@drandom2389]

for someone who adore japanese culture, it broke my heart a bit when watching those abandoned house. 😭

[@Mojo_3.14]

I used to work 5 years at a plant nursery, I love gardening. If I lived in Sado I'd volunteer to tend to the abandoned yards and gardens there. It would be like a dream some true to make all those outdoor spaces beautiful again. Working with old growth trees and shrubs, seeing heirlooms flowering bulbs, discovering which self-seeding "volunteers" survived and grew in old abandoned gardens. What fun. ^_^ I have no skills in carpentry or renovation but I imagine that's the satisfaction the people who fix those houses feels. My own home has daffodils and crocuses that were planted over 40 years ago. It's surprising what plant life thrives throughout years. In the south you can identify old homestead sites by the daffodils in the land long after the houses are nothing but stone rubble in the woods.

[@sigrid2242]

I love that house in the cemetery so much. The surrounding garden was overgrown but beautiful, and some of the remaining outbuildings had so much history and character. I think it would be amazing to fix the place up, clean up the graves, and discover what you could about the history of the former residents, the local town, and people buried there.

[@maikutsukino4743]

Oh, and the music you were playing was awesome. Nice and relaxing. I'll be looking that up!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, you can find the Mandala Dreams stuff on Spotify.

[@arekusu7765]

That house triggers my OCD ! :D I really enjoy watching your videos! I miss japan !

[@etherdog]

It is really informative to see the same locations from different people. Thanks Jaya!

[@michaelmcdermott1054]

I wish to share that I really enjoy the content you create on your channel. I know you’re very busy with work, family and of course, renovating your own house. But I hope more videos will follow soon! All the best and thanks for sharing all that you have thus far!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you!

[@hack2it]

Beautiful! If I was able to would do the kitchen and bathroom first. Then work my way through taking care of what needed my attention

[@Pichuscute]

Fantastic filming! Was eagerly awaiting this video and did not disappoint.

[@MAUNuevaConsciencia]

Amamos Japón, ya queremos ver el próximo vídeo. Gracias por compartir esta experiencia, nos ayuda con muchas ideas por aquí. Un abrazo!!

[@thatgirl3757]

This video was so well done. At the beginning it was like watching a pro documentary. Good " backdrop" info of the Island and surrounding areas. Amazing job. The 1st house was HUGE, but I too would prefer the smaller one w/ gate and front yard.Look forward to your next video!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks so much!

[@noltz99]

Excellent video, really interesting to see what it's like out in the Japanese countryside, and the editing is top notch!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you!

[@rollinrock6696]

Can highly recommend the awesome Sado earth celebration held in August. Really great fun! And fantastic music😀👍

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, I'm very keen to go to that!

[@_Witchell]

This was a great video; the sort of incredible, niche content that is the true beauty of the internet. I absolutely love how detailed and intimate you go into whatever subject you're discussing on this channel, its always fascinating!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you!

[@webmozaic]

Thank you for taking the time to do this. Really interesting place and so peaceful. It would be nice to meet your family now and then.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, my wife is shy and I'm not sure about putting my children on youtube (unless in the background sometimes).

[@webmozaic]

That's fair comment. I had no Ill intent in asking just that it's getting the context of you being there and it's just all very interesting. But the best to you all. Looking forward to seeing how the house progresses. :-)

[@russredman6427]

Thank you! A new paradise discovered. And four distinct seasons which is a pleasure to behold. Humid sub tropical climate.

[@pozzo6828]

Very nice. Looking forward to seeing videos of your future Sado trip! And of your home.

[@wendysmith6184]

thankyou i really enjoyed this video and looking forward to see how your house is coming along. oh and you have a great voice for narrating 😊

[@aep5326]

So excited for the next video😀😀😀❤❤❤

[@craigprocter1232]

thank you, this is lovely and calming.. honestly if I were to buy an Akiya on Sado I'd move there, lightly clean the house up and live out the next 20 or so years of my life as a near hermit and love the tranquility, the weather and a slower pace of life. It would give me the time to learn the language to be able to chat with the few friends I'd make and to respect the beautiful countryside.

[@delven121]

Such a beautiful Island wow, love the mountains and Sake as well. TY for sharing this.

[@jimmyrustle3753]

I'd love to go to Japan once and visit these old houses. I love these types of old houses since they usually exude this sort-of nostalgic and organic feel for me. It's as if they are now part of the natural environment; extremely opposite to the design of modern houses today where they want to stand out as much as possible. Edit: Just to add, what amazed me is the fact that these houses did not have any marks of vandalism on them.

[@che8527]

hoping you'll upload your next video soon. i'm loving all the information about akiya and seeing your renovations being done! would be an interesting series to go to japanese towns and look at their local akiya!

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, I'd like to do that when I have time! Working on the next video as we speak.

[@manuelarama]

That second house was an instant crush for me :) thank you for the video

[@98Zai]

12:13 I'd live there in a heartbeat. This video was lovely. The music during the last part made it seem all magical, Ghibli style. Good job!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, when I came across that music I thought straight away it might fit there.

[@LouTheLoo]

Thank you for making these videos! I eventually want to buy an akiya as well and your videos have definitely helped getting a better idea on how to do it, ありがとうな。

[@triniep82]

Beautiful island. Missed this haunting location with these stunning views last time I was there. Will take a gander next time I'm over there! Excellent video!

[@dot8605]

Very interesting Video! Thank You for sharing! I'm looking forward to the progress on your house. I really admire your energy in keeping up with all that work.

[@kgal63]

Thank you for showing the natural beauty of Japan. The island was so very beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the older homes on the island. I think I'll learn Japanese.😊✌

[@leiay6463]

really interesting video! the house in the graveyard looked nice too, it's sad to see so many abandoned buildings.

[@thisislesbomaya]

wow the inside was in surprisingly good shape, that roof in the upstairs looked brand new My goodness Sado Island is gorgeous

[@mykls8712]

Excellent choice of music! Honestly.