Buying an Akiya in Japan | Things to look for

Published 2024-07-01
Buying an Akiya (vacant house in Japan) can be very exciting, but there are many things to look for and be aware of. Come for a tour around our traditional Japanese House in rural Japan and learn first hand some areas to look for in reference to water control and damage. Thanks!

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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


Other videos of our Akiya traditional Japanese house renovation:
   / @cocolenchojapan  

You can support our channel by buying me a coffee at:
buymeacoffee.com/cocolenchjapan

Thanks in advance!

Contact:
[email protected]

Social Media:
Instagram: @cocolenchojapan
www.instagram.com/cocolenchojapan/?fbclid=IwAR1vdz…

Facebook:
Coco Lencho Japan
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088736035119

***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/akiyajoho

Miwa Town Information:
iwakuni-iju.jp/miwa.html

Dave Olson's website:
Dave provides many links and information Akiya and Komika purchase.

daveostory.com/writing-fiction-essays/wandering/ak…

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.com/
cheaphousesjapan.com/can-a-foreigner-buy-property-…
www.athome.co.jp/
www.kurasapo.net/
www.koryoya.com/
www.homes.co.jp/akiyabank/
www.inakanet.jp/index.html
www.akiya-athome.jp/

All Comments (15)
  • @Executordee
    Wow, I knew the crawlspace were used as storage... but for house humidity and temp control? was not one of them. XD Love how lush and green everything is! <3
  • @MatsukawaZaraki
    This is great information for anyone looking to buy an akiya! Lots of this is maintenance I'll be doing REALLY soon hahahaha I'll be there in just over a week!
  • @RealRuralJapan
    That back lawn area looks awesome after the mower had at it! I was wondering what the water run was about on the lower back garden and it’s just a drainage ditch. Maybe the concrete tubs that are now your veg garden was used for something like washing area for clothes back in the day.
  • I enjoy your videos, not only are they informative but entertaining as well, looking forward to future posts. I have my eye on an Akyia on shikoku at the moment but it is slow going as I am in Hawaii and communication w/ the realtor is slow,as I know very little Japanese I have to use a pocket translator.
  • Hi Lencho I love to see the country side specially during raining season!! ❤ Saludos!
  • @diealexus
    Interesting! In most videos it feels like people talk about the costs of renovation for the inside of the house. Renovations on the outside can also be pretty costly! Thanks for this reminder.
  • @DLG24
    Thank you! I'm going watch this after lunch!
  • Beautiful home and property. Regarding your rain spout: You need to lower your rain chain to lessen the splash. The first little bowl is too close to the spout. I used large chain links then hang the rain chain from that. Still a little splash during heavy rain, but no splash the rest of the time.
  • The rain chains are lovely. Trying to reuse the water? Maybe to the pond ? You have mentioned before?
  • @gooimptanuki73
    Amazing video anything else you recommend I am going on leave soon to look at a house hopefully it doesn’t have a lot of problems