This machiya rests in the downtown area of an old castle town called Daishoji. Built in 1886, this 136-year-old townhouse remains much in its original state. You’ll find fine materials and craftsmanship in this home, which has the potential to run you a profit if you decide to turn it into a guesthouse. You’re also in a great location, only ten minutes from the famous Yamashiro Onsen and Katano sandy beach (Koryoya).
This home is a rare find, as 16 generations of the Tsuji family lived here. Previously, it was a village headman’s mansion (Shoya). For 250 years, Shoya existed during the Tokugawa Edo period, and the families that served as the village headman during this period lived in this house. According to the sellers, there’s the main Kominka, and “a brewery, nagayamon gate, and a few storages. While the kitchen, bathroom, and toilets are recommended to be upgraded, this property is in livable condition and has not been vacant until recently.” You’ll get all the antiques with the property, in addition to over 23,000 square meters of forested land (Instagram).
Homeowner Gilles purchased an Akiya for under $10,000 and turned it into a cafe and guesthouse, with a lot of work and renovation. During an interview, he said, “It took us 4 months in the winter of 2019 with some work trips back to Tokyo to fully complete the renovation process, which turned out to finally create a cafe and Lodge place, beside our base.” Another successful passion project that was worth the time and money. He said, “The total cost combined came to about US $45,000 that includes also the electricity, water work, home center equipment, appliances, decoration, etc… But it doesn’t take into account all the actual work of the 3 of us working mostly every day for 4 months nonstop.” He now has a beautiful home, and business (Cheap Houses Japan).
This Akiya in particular dates back more than 200 years, to the Edo Period. It previously belonged to the Muchi family, with a history of 71 generations over a thousand years. Next to this, Akiya is a temple called “Fukujuji,” with ruins of Ishikawa Castle nearby. You’re only a ten-minute drive to the Amanohashidate sandbar and beach, which has over 7,000 pine trees. Before buying, take note that because this home is registered as a tangible cultural heritage, there may be renovation guidelines (Instagram).
We’re going another century back with this Akiya, which could be yours for a decent price. Originally built in 1702, this home has been fully renovated since two decades ago. According to the seller, it was “Once a “Jinya” of the Naito family from the Kameyama feudal clan in the Edo period, and has been operated as a Ryotei restaurant since.” It’s in a great location, only 20 20-minute drive away from the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (Instagram).
If nature calls, then this Akiya is for you. It’s over 100 years old and sits in the inlet of Tsukumo Bay. This bay is part of a larger national and marine park with a beautiful coastline in a deep emerald green color. The name translates to “99 Bay” thanks to its 99 Coves. From spring to fall, you can enjoy fishing, sightseeing, snorkeling, and SUP, all within proximity of your home. If you own a boat, you’re in luck, since this home comes with its very own dock (Instagram).
With this deal, you’ll get two Machiya townhouses built in the early Showa era. They’re both near downtown Kanazawa. The previous owner used one as a shared home, and the other as a residential property. There’s a cute backyard with greenery and plants, which you can convert into a small garden (Instagram).
Take note, you can only purchase this Kominka home if you plan on living in it. Other uses, like converting it into a guesthouse or restaurant, need permission from the city. This Akiya is over 100 years old, and a one-hour drive from downtown Kobe. It belonged to a family that prospered as a cotton trader back in the late Edo period. It has a main house, garden, four storehouses, and a cow shed (Instagram).
This Kominka is a rare find, as it combines different traditional styles into one home. You’ll commonly see this Karahafu-styled entrance in traditional architecture, like Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. It’s a 40-minute drive from downtown Nagoya city and dates back over 120 years (Instagram).
Despite this being a home dating back more than 40 years, it’s still a hidden gem. It’s located in an urbanized area and costs roughly 7 million Yen, or $47,000. You’ll get four rooms, plus an additional living room, kitchen, and dining room. It’s perfect for a big family with little kids, as you’ll each get your bedroom. It’s located in Toba City and needs quite a bit of renovation before it’s livable, though it’s worth the investment (Akiya).