Hello, is it easy to found house there in similar prices and did you found it on interent? How is the life there. cost of living....people there is friendly? It is quiet and peaceful or..? Good luck with your haouse!
1st thank you! Your journey with this house is so inspirational. Im an American looking to buy and renovate a home for my parents to retire overseas. This search has led me to S.E. Asia and your videos specifically. My questions are similar to others I've seen. 1. How did you decide to move to Japan? 2. What is the criteria for an Expat owning property? 3. How did you find this amazing deal and could you share some advice/resources for doing the same? Finally, what major town or city are you closest to and whats the main method of transportation in your area to town?
For those wondering why this was so cheap; basically rural Japan is literally dying out due to an aging population and lack of birthrate. And not many younger Japanese are willing to live in these rural areas because it's too far from their workplace, among other reasons. So in an attempt to avoid these rural estates becoming literal ghost towns, they're put on the market or auctioned off for next to nothing. The value of houses in rural Japan will continue to depreciate, so if you're looking to buy one as investment, it likely isn't worth it at all.
But it’s a good option if you want to live in a place with a lot of peace and quiet I assume. Maybe for an introvert, who only goes into the city on the weekends or something
@@Renovarqing Lol, what? Maybe read my comment and understand the basic situation in Japan regarding their economy and population demographics before trying to give me attitude 🤣
@@Renovarqing He is just saying the obvious if you know the first thing about Japan. Of course the future no one knows, perhaps Japan will see something like a lot of other countries have seen with people moving out of cities and perhaps the birthrate will pick up again. But the point is don't do this expecting an investment opportunity.. Do it because you want to live there or have a second home out there.
Hey Matt, Congratulations on finding such a big, beautiful home in the Japanese countryside. Just a couple of suggestions: Don't make any changes for six months. Living in the house, cleaning it up, getting through your first winter there will be enough. In spring, you'll have a much better understanding of your home and what works for you. Hopefully, you'll also learn to respect the whys and how's of Japanese architecture -- like the beauty of shoji, wood and tatami floors, wood ceilings etc. Do NOT paint (esp. white!) over any walls or wood; just clean it and buff it to its former beauty. Please take time to learn about wabi-sabi -- the Japanese aesthetic concept that finds beauty and serenity in natural objects and designs that are simple, imperfect, and impermanent (e.g., handmade shoji and fusuma doors, wood ceilings. tatami mat floors). You've got a lovely, traditional Japanese home, Matt. Please preserve it with love and respect ... and live to a fine old age in it.
DONT PAINT OVER ANYTHING BEAUTIFUL NATURAL FANTASTIC WOOD TOO MUCH WHITE IS LIKE LUVING IN A HOSPITAL 24 7 365. YUK MANY YRS RESEARCH HAVE MADE THESE HOMES SO WAIT AN LEARN
I agree completely! Love, respect and appreciate this gift. I know you bought it, but trust me, it’s a gift. Wow, it’s like you won the lottery! Why buy a house in Japan and change everything about it? Please don’t take offense to my comment, but if you do, that’s ok!
Try that toilet for 6 months and you will wish to leave the COUNTRY 😂😂😂. First thing is to pay someone to check for termites, after that for sure the toilet and shower room, it's freezing in the winter. Pipes conditions, sewage...Mold might be another issue, and ripping the shite of the house might be needed. How it looks or style is the last thing to talk about, people are delusional to think with a house that old you would be able to keep everything as it is. Few earthquakes in an old house will be able to wake up anyone to reality.
Bro all these words you are using: "Reasonable, nice, decent" WTF? I cannot believe my eyes this is INCREDIBLE, UNBELIEVABLE, EPIC. You have no idea how lucky you are, people all over the world dream of having such a lovely home, super congrats dude.
well u know the house is in the countryside. little to no jobs, next to nothing entertainment. no yuth (30 y.o. or under). yes it is nice, yes it is big for japanese standards, but you really can't do a lot in the village or small town. just like any country really a small town or a village is nothing unless you raise cattle or sheep or you have a big land to manage. or both.
@@doublesalopetoimcre You see, some of us are actually sick of big cities. I'm 35yo and going into my 40s i would be really happy with this kind of a house and small town. I do know about these Japanese cities and their problems but i don't min that. The peace and quiet would do wonders for me. Just a small office and peace is all i need.
@@HexYan We all get that, but it's not just romance. All good, until you need a doctor, a routine MRI, a bigger hospital, a decent mechanic because your car broke in the middle of nowhere, specific foods you simply can't find, and the list goes on. World event like C0v1d again? Good luck, you're completely fucked in terms of logistics. There's a reason why those houses are in literal dying towns and villages. Trust me, I live in the countryside of Brazil, town with 20k people. I deal with inconveniences I had never imagined I would have to. Can't even begin to imagine what it would be like in a friggin japanese village with 3k people. Of course end of the day I like it and that's why I'm here, but it is NOT for everyone. One thing is to be a tourist, living is a completely different story.
@xllllllllllll._.lllllllllllllxmost likely they died of old age. Japan is shrinking in population as the older generation dies off. The younger generation don’t have as many children, if any at all. So the country has these houses that end up abandoned with belongings still inside, as their descendants don’t want anything to do with it. The inheritance is expensive, so many times they just sign away their ownership to the government. The problem is that the government needs all the descendants to sign off on it before the government can take ownership. By that time, the abandoned property is in disrepair, and no longer habitable, costing more to bulldoze than the property is worth. That’s said, there is a reason this was $6000. It’s far from the city, in a village people don’t want to live in. That doesn’t mean the area is bad. It just means that there’s little reason for most people to want to move there. They already have a job elsewhere, property, family, friends, elsewhere. There’s not really any incentive to move into that area except for the price. For people wanting to move to an affordable area like this guy, it’s a dream come true. So in many places with shrinking populations, foreigners are moving in to fill the void, help the job market, help the economy.
@@UmmYeahOk. Pretty spot on assessment I’d wager. Besides the cost increase in more desirable areas, most times new tenants/owners dont want any of the old owners stuff. NOTHING. When we moved my wife out of her Kobe apartment, the cleaners stripped everything out, and I mean EVERY THING. Appliances, wallpaper, floors, bathroom/toilet. There was absolutely nothing left in that apartment. Not even sure they left bulbs in 5he overhead lights.
Keep all the shoji doors. I wouldn't enlarge the bedroom as traditional Japanese houses aren't well insulated, and winters are bittetly cold. It's easier and cheaper to heat a smaller bedroom.
DONT PAINT BEAUTIFUL.NATURAL.WOOD. CEILING. GEZZZZZ GARBAGE CAN BE PAINTED WHITE NATURAL.WOOD IS VERY HARD TO FIND AND WALLS ARE MULTIPURPOSE. REPLACE WOULD BE HORRID
Opps lost my comment. Don’t paint the shoji n ceilings. Would look weird white! But, other than that, how exciting!! N where again is this? Wow, 20 meters of snow? Sugoii!
I’ve heard that when you move into a house in japan you buy your neighbours gifts, could be a good way to get an introduction and start a friendship with them and get some tips from them for what you’ll need to do with the snow in winter. I think that’s gonna be a big challenge if you’ve never lived somewhere with heavy winter snow! It seems super convenient with everything left behind, looks like you’ve got al the tools you’d need to live there, very cool! Also seems like a big money saver, nice to give the old things a second life 🎉 Think some of those screens and shutters are changeable for the seasons.
I think this is correct. As an English women I'd probably gift them some Scotch whisky and some well-made linen tea-towels with London landmarks on them. I'd also go to see the local mayor and introduce myself and take a bottle of whiskey as a gift. Not cheap whiskey either, a good 15 year old single malt.
Bro, I'm from Australia. I live in a 3 bedroom apartment 40 minutes out of Sydney, and it cost $750,000 AUD. $6000, for a 2 story house, garden, and killer shed....in Japan which is basically the best place on Earth, is absolutely mental. Killer purchase. 10 out of 10. Just the woodwork and craftsmanship in that home itself is priceless. Tag that you got a plot of land and you're cheering.
@@countdoogula2781 Try inner Sydney, Melb, Perth, even Brisbane….. a one bedroom concrete shitbox with no balcony & no view, no car park will cost you around $1 mill. Don’t know why all these pretentious desperado’s feel they have to live in these places. “Oh yes, - I live in South Yarra” They forget to tell you that it’s a one room basement bedsit, with no laundry, outdoor space or car-park. Must be so glamorous! 🤣😂🤣
As you’ve probably discovered, the older Japanese houses aren’t insulated so you’ll be freezing in winter and boiling in summer! Our son lived in a similar house so I have first hand experience. I love the traditional features except the toilet, get a modern washlet one. The garden size is amazing for Japan. All those people saying you couldn’t get it for $6000usd are wrong, you can. In Japan, if someone has died in a house, Japanese people are reluctant to live in a house and often they are pulled down even if they are only 30 to 40 years old. In many rural areas it is hard to sell houses because of the declining population.
japanese houses generally aren't built to last, either. there is rarely any value in the structure, the value is in the land. houses are viewed as a depreciating asset like a car, not an investment like in the west. japan is weird.
You are so blessed!!!! No snobbery here, I almost always shop second hand stores so I think you won the lottery!!! This house is beautiful and it appears the people took care of their belongings and it was well loved. Amazing you get to share in that. Congratulations!!!!
Be careful about painting the walls. Traditional walls (in old houses like these) are often plastered with 'Shikkui', a type of plaster that is used to help regulate humidity in the summer. Painting over it would lose that benefit. If you want to change the color, you can re-plaster it with a different color shikkui
You almost seem embarrassed to show the kitchen but I think it’s wonderful and just needs a tidy and a clean! I’ve always loved how practical and simple the Japanese way of setting up a home is and how much sense it makes. If it were me I’d highlight all the quintessentially Japanese kitchen things like the sink area and natural wood colors. Making things cohesive will be a much better plan than redoing absolutely everything. My friend and neighbor here in America is an old lady from Japan and she never wanted to live there again, but she still lives as if she did by keeping to that simple and delightful way of setting up her home.
That’s awesome, it’s very similar in the countryside where people live a simple life. I love my place including the kitchen :) I take things slow and feel out what renovations need to be done for practicality and personal design choice 🙂
Yes, that house is in excellent condition for its age. I lived in a house like that in Tokyo with some other people for a few months before I found my apartment and it was a slum compared to this place. I would not really want to live on the West coast in Niigata of course but that is an excellent price for what he got. If I did want to live out there, I would definitely have bought that house however if given the chance. But if living in Japan I just have to be in Tokyo. Not only that but I need to be right in the heart of the city near all the action which is why I lived in the Shibuya area. Back to the house though the one thing I never liked about those old Japanese houses is that they all have very steep and very slippery wooden stairways and it is very easy to slip and fall since you are always going to be in your stocking feet. Well actually a Japanese person will wear slippers in the kitchen and hallways and will take the slippers off when going into the tatami rooms. Then if you want to go to the toilet you have to put on your hallway slippers back on to get to the toilet and then before you enter the toilet you will change from those slippers and into your bathroom slippers. Then you have to reverse the process to go back to the tatami room. It’s a real pain in the butt but since he owns the house, he can just skip the slippers if he wants to.
Just found this video randomly. 😃 I’d say keep the ceilings wood, they look nice but maybe it’s just the video. The sliding doors look nice too. I know this video is a year old so I guess I’ll see if there are any updates! I’m so jealous you have 5 meters of snow!! What!! I’d LOVE that so much! 😍 ⛄️ ❄️
It's a very nice house and makes me sad that what happened to this family...I'm Japanese living in the US for more than 50 yrs and seeing a house like this leaving everything behind is very sad to me...hope they are okay and you'll do great job to update this house!!!!!
I feel the same… like what happened? 😞. I mean happy for him but can’t help thinking seeing all the families things.. like they were just there 5 mins before he came.
I wouldn’t change anything apart from changing out the commode. That house is absolutely gorgeous and in amazing condition. We seem to rush into “ modernizing” to today’s standards which will become just as outdated in 10 years. Of course heating, plumbing and electrics may need to be brought to code. But don’t paint wood in white. Clean Keep all the features. Clean them and repair if needed. 60s metal kitchen cabinets. Gems. Keep them. What a find.
I love the house. The sliding doors make the house, yes, keep them. Close off a couple rooms in the winter with the doors. Great shed too. You did get a great deal !
WOW!!!! First, it’s a whole house! What a find! Congratulations! It’s in far better conditions than what you would get in America and you have everything you need in working order. Sure it’s overwhelming with everything they left and things you would probably need to replace but still very awesome. You also got a shed and a view of the mountains?!? Wow. That’s all I can say. I am so happy for you and hope to see a follow up.
What an amazing find and a golden opportunity. An almost postcard - like view, excellent condition, plenty of room, a shed for your projects and hobbies... And filled with amazing craftsmanship and tradition. Now it just needed a little updating and to put your own special signature on things. Looking forward to watching you settle in and enjoy things, Mate!
Hello Matt, it seems to me that you have found a gem for yourself. The house is beautiful, I think. I would keep as many original doors and floors as possible. The sliding doors are amazing, all that wood, it's marvellous. And the garden is full of promises. To me, it is like some dream come true, right from some Ghibli movie. I am happy for you and I so would like to see how it all evolves...! Congratulations!
Canada 64 years experience with snow.A good lite snow float will save your back and heart. Find an area of about 15 feet to push loads of snow to. Then keep building a snow runway to deliver loads of snow to stack the snow. Don't lift with a shovel or it's hard on the heart and 1000 people in bad shape die every year from too much heavy lifting or they injure the lower back.Push snow and deliver it to a 15 foot by 15 foot area.
Seems like it was an eviction. Really unfortunate. Not sure how I'd feel about being the person that took someones life work for next to nothing. I'd almost want to find out who lived there previously and see if there was a way to get them back in there.
The house, the garden, the shed! I love it all! A small Japanese house doesn't need fancy shmancy stuff, I'd love to see the outcome of your project! ❤
This dude has no idea what he has at all. When winter hits he will realize why rooms are divided in to smaller areas. As this house is traditional there is no central heating. So heating a large room is close to impossible. He’ll learn the hard way. Will be a funny video.
@@daveleephoto No doubt the whole place will end up soulless looking 'usual grey and white' makeover and cheap furniture unlike the well made furniture that is in the house. I wouldn't alter any of it because it would spoil the Japanese features.
WOW!!!! First, it’s a whole house! What a find! Congratulations! It’s in far better conditions than what you would get in America and you have everything you need in working order. Sure it’s overwhelming with everything they left and things you would probably need to replace but still very awesome. I am so happy for you and hope to see a follow up
Here in Norway we have a couple of spots designated for snow. We show most of it into the garden because we don't use the garden during winter. Perhaps you could ask one of your neighbours who owns that green patch outside your property so you can ask the owner if it's okay you show snow there if it's hard to show it into your garden. ☺️
This will be fun to follow. One suggestion: Do not paint over and wood or door panels till you’ve lived there for a while. Little benefit and impossible to reverse. Good luck!
I know what you mean, I will definitely paint the timber in the kitchen but might make it a different color to the walls. There’s timber throughout the house and because the kitchen has been changed over the years it kinda doesn’t match with the timber anyway… I’ll keep timber through the house but not the kitchen :)
First of all, congratulations. A really good buy. The house is sound. Keep the doors, if possible, please. You need to become a good gardener or find somebody to help you. Don't forget to water the plants. 😊 Make sure that you make local friends. You need local people to help you and to advise you. A very interesting renovation experience for you!
Keep the doors dude that old school traditional Japanese stuff looks cool. And im absolutely stunned that it only cost 6 grand & you get a shed. If I were young again I would learn Japanese & move there it's crowded but so beautiful & far safer than here in US
It's huge! What an amazing find! I'm in Hong Kong and that's basically 3 months rent for a small flat here & you own it! 💪🏼bonus, you get lots of furniture that already fits the space. Keep the doors, they're very pretty.
You got a deal~! 😄👍... dishes, pots, pans, furniture, fridge, houseplants, couch set. Everything looks in good repair. Your only immediate expense (should you choose) is to switch out the toilet from Eastern to Western - you have a move-in ready HOME. Costs for those small items add up. You saved at least $1000 on the furniture alone - You lucked out. That is a good sturdy home. Please don't throw out the couch or other pieces of furniture, except maybe get a new dining table. And leave the doors.
I wouldn’t paint ceilings or inside until you’ve spent a winter. Then you’ll see how cold the 1 room you occupy can get and where your money will go in 4 seasons
Congratulations on a great fine. You have a good grasp on what needs to be changed or updated. Anyone can tell a family grew up here and the kids left for the bigger cities for work while the parents stayed there. These Machiya or Akiya for this one are what many in other countries are choosing to buy when the housing market have gone sky high, and they can't afford it. I follow a few who have moved to Japan and bought these houses some are now learning the language after they moved. One family I follow who purchased a few years ago are now surrounded by many like them who have left their country and making a new start in Japan. They've made their own family community sharing their traditions with each other, it's quite beautiful, that it makes you think buying one is a good idea. You have to really think about it before doing so.
Congratulations, wishing you many Blessings with your new home. I'm looking forward to the finished visions for your new home. Greetings from Georgetown, Texas!
Matt, congrats on the house! I’m really interested in hearing how you are able to purchase a home as foreigner in Japan. I’m also interested in seeing what kind of aesthetic you are going to go for. I ask because, even though I’m not Japanese, your house in its current state, reminds me of my grandma’s house. It has an old school, small town charm to it.
Thanks so much! Yeah for sure, there will be a balancing act of keeping it kinda orginal but trying to make it more comfortable with todays new technology
Oh my HECK..... You got so lucky!!! The area isn't deserted, the condition is very nice. Looks like the previous owner had family to clean it before it was closed up. This isn't even crammed with garbage and clutter. It's virtually move-in ready. And don't worry too much about being lonely. Being so close to touristy spots, you'll have thru-traffic if the neighbors are slow to warm up to you. And the community winter time work will keep you firmly connected to everyone there. And the upstairs of the shed you can use for drying if you like preserving or canning your own. In the winter it's likely very cold. So you could insulate the whole thing, use it for hobbies or repair work.....
Beautiful house Matt...!!! You've got enough garden space to grow some food. The shed will be great for your small car. The snow will be a challenge to deal with. Looks like you are high in altitude there, so it will be mighty cold...!!! Best of luck..!!! 😊
I wouldn't paint the natural wood ceiling or those decorative sliding doors, i would save my money for better toilet and refridgerator, what is really needed. Buy a book of two on bonsai care. Good luck!
Toilet is the priority! Figuring that out this week with the plumber and discussing options. Money isn't too much of an issue since it's just the material and the labor cost doesnt exist. I'm doing all myself
I agree. Question. Will you hire a local to walk you through your house and explain Japanese interiors with you? How about hiring a crew to remove everything and, help you go sort through for things you want to keep. Recycle the rest at a local charity thrift store. Once you know what you have, get some paint and make it uniquely yours. Incorporate your Western style with your new home. Personally, I would redo the screens with more abstract/🚀🛸🛰️/🐲🎋🦖/or (your personal preference) images, using STENCILS, on each screen in the same locations. But that’s just me. Good luck. You really got a great bargain. I think the previous owners must have loved that home. They took lots of memories with them I’m sure.
In February, I visited Japan for the first time. I stayed in Myoko-Kogen for one week, where I learned to ski. I enjoyed my experience in this lovely small town so much that i would also consider purchasing a place like this.
The first time I visited Myoko I actually had mixed feelings - I preferred the buzz of Hakuba and being close to the northern alps. After spending like a month in Myoko helping a friend with their renovation my feelings changed a lot. I actually like Myoko more for the authentic Japan experience. It will change and infrastructure will continue to develop here. End of the day, there are pros and cons to anywhere, but I'm super happy with Myoko :):)
Congratulations on your new home. I like it. There is so much potential to make it your own. Seems like it's in pretty good shape. Can't wait to see what you do with it.
It's nice that the previous owners left you some useful stuff like the window screens, original wood panels, and spare wood pieces in the shed/loft because they are still usable and are expensive to have bought brand new.
Why the hell would you buy such a beautiful home and then want to tear out or paint everything that makes it beautiful? I'm surprised that you didn't suggest tearing out the wood floors and installing LVP.
Exactly. I can imagine how this beautiful home will end up. Each to their own, yes but it is sad to see traditional houses having all the original features removed just to end up making them look like every other soulless home nowadays.
@@DarklightofherheartInteresting, since he doesn't appear to be American. BTW: Many Japanese also remodel these older out of fashion homes to be more western-like in layout and appearance. Would you have a problem with them doing it? If you want to have an older traditional japanese home, go buy one. Leave people to their own choices. It's his home, his life and his investment. Who are you? Do you want people to publicly criticize your living space and design choices? It's not like this is some historical property of great importance and needs to be restored. It's a $6000 house. The indignant righteousness of some people. 🙄
So everyone on the planet needs to abide by what you feel is beautiful or proper? It's a simple home and it's his, not yours. People reacting to him maybe making some preferential charges like he's painting over the ceiling murals of the Sistine Chapel is ponderously judgemental and out of line. Because this is what you would want and do, so everyone needs to listen to you? Do you want me to come to your home and tell you what you did to it was stupid? Maybe suggest you replace that more modern crap you bought with some old avocado finished appliances since that would be more proper for the era it was built? How dare you pull up that shag carpet and paint over that wonderful tacky wallpaper that was traditional of the period. It's a $6000 house for a reason. There's nothing magically special or worth you tying yourself to like a 1000 year old tree to keep him from remodeling it the way he sees fit.
@@stevenbeall9637thanks for the essay, maybe next time you don't have to share your experience and life story on someone's opinion to try to cover it with your own opinion, you're no better of a person when you stoop to lower levels because you believe something different.
It's beautiful! Congratulations! I'd see if I could connect the top of the shed with the house through a bridge. Of course you would have to insulate it so it's warm during the winter. but i think that would be an excellent office area.
I think most of the belongings left behind seem really nice. The rug and toilet are about all that needs changing. Can't tell what the condition of the sofa is. It's such a big amazing home.
Looks like a wonderfully kept up house. Interesting that you pointed out a kerosene heater when first entering the house. I recently watched a Document 72 Hours program on my local NHK station and their topic was about a kerosene delivery company who made kerosene deliveries to residents in their service area. I'm familiar with oil furnaces since my house had an oil furnace before I converted to gas, but was surprised that those kerosene heaters in Japan didn't have an outside tank for the kerosene. I don't recall seeing a bathroom on the 2nd floor. If you are planning to stay there for any length of time, I would look into remodeling the house to add a 2nd floor bathroom. Yes, that's probably western mentality, but I was watching another NHK show and not that you're old, but apparently people falling going down the stairs to a 1st floor bathroom at night is actually a problem.
It appears to be a very traditional home . It's really a treasure . Personalizing it will be delightful . Id spend a year getting used to the place . Updating the bathroom and upkeep is priority . Wishing you the best ❤️🌹❤️
Leave the doors for at least one full year. You will find (as I did in that style of home) that if you use the windows and doors with some forethought that you can heat AND cool your spaces with the sun and outside air movement throughout the day and the year. Those doors are not merely a decorative feature, and that basic home design is thousands of years proven, long before modern heating and cooling.
About 5 meters of snow there? meself from the tropics no snow here so maybe raise the foundation like already cement there great don't add more cement just add a floor like already the loft inside the shed maybe do another level in between to create another lofty floor Fill the lower bottom of the new loft with firewood ready for winter and a fireplace for heating the shed use salt to melt the snow outside maybe
Don't know what to possibly add that hasn't already been said hundreds of times, but, if you absolutely feel that you must renovate, for the first year at least then, don't renovate any further that possibly insulating the outer and inner exterior walls, under the roof and under the main floor floor with foam or rock-wool insulation. Beyond that, acclimate to the area you're now living in. Find out why the home is designed like it is. Making spaces bigger is just opening up expensive cans of pricey worms of problems for yourself. In the winter, only heat the rooms you will absolutely be using rather than the entire home; keep the home from smelling like kerosine as much as you can that way. Maybe invest in double or triple-glazed window replacements. Otherwise, do nothing else for the first year.
Wouldn’t you risk mold in the rooms that you’re not heating in winter, though? Or is the climate different in Japan so that that’s not really an issue?
Buy pipe/floor heating wires for roof and you won't have to clean snow in winter and you can build sidewalk around house and put heating over there as well and snow will melt. Check the roof is leaking according to the floor so fix it before winter
just now seeing this video but i reallyyyyy hope you kept the doors, that breaks my heart if you threw away the doors and painted the ceilings white upstairs
What commitment do you have to make to keep this house, do you need to be in the country/ hold a particular visa, contribute to any standardisation as part of the aquisition? etc.
Clean clean clean but do not paint those beautiful wooden ceilings white.. better re- do the tatami or new shoji doors. Put the money into the bathroom and good winter heating. and congratulations!
Honestly, other than the "toilet" i would not change a single thing. I would keep it all traditional. What a find! You were so incredibly lucky. Wow. Enjoy!!
You look so happy. That's wonderful experience :) "I never had a house before..." God bless you. 4:00 Don't be a fool to take these sliding doors (shoji doors) out!!! Big room" is not Japanese in style, spirit or way of living. These shoji doors are gorgeous, the best features of the house. Keep them all. In couple of years you'll understand and will be grateful you kept them. The whole house is in a very good condition, very clean. The people that lived there are wonderful.
Hi Matt, new sub from Ig ;) One day we definitely need a step by step guid for how to buy a house in Japan when your not Japanese. Hope to see that one day ! Thanks and keep up the great content !
It's all pretty straight forward! And in some areas, like Myoko kogen, they know theres a foreign investment demand. They actually do their best to help in English. I just found out they have a guide book to setting up your life in Myoko with an English version! Pretty cool :)
@@im.mattguyI heard it is actually hard to go through the process without speaking Japanese... but I heard that from a person who is selling their services in buying properties for their clients 😂
Congratulations on your new home! It's a beautiful house, and the view from upstairs is great! It'll be amazing when those hills are covered in snow. It definitely needs some brightening up, but some fresh paint or lighter flooring will help. I love all the wood flooring and railings. It gives the house a warm feel.
I'm exciting for the snow! The place really comes alive in winter, too. I'll probably do the walls in a white or off white and leave the timber features :)
There is nothing to criticise about the house and you shouldn't be complaining about anything including all the furniture and items in the house. It's just $6000. A months salaru in the US.
Careful with painting. A lot of the finishes were chosen in traditional architecture to reduce or prevent mold. Wait six months to change anything except the toilet. That way you can get to know the house.
I LOVE the divide doors. The front door is beautiful too. I wouldn't change the ceiling color to white, I love wood. I think this is an amazing deal for $6k. I would've jumped on it! ❤🎉
Hi Matt, Congratulations on purchasing your very first house. Considering Japanese standard, it's quite spacious. I've been to Niigata which is famous for their high quality rice fields. I love your Bonsai plants and definitely you can put some life into them. Good luck! ❤
Wow! What a wonderful package! Stumbled upon this video so am going to look to see if I can find recent video to what you did. Hoping you honoured the 'good bits'!
Have specific questions that you want me to cover in another video?
Request it here :)
Hello, is it easy to found house there in similar prices and did you found it on interent? How is the life there. cost of living....people there is friendly? It is quiet and peaceful or..? Good luck with your haouse!
organizing and cleaning
can you please make a video on how to buy a house in japan and what was your journey like when you were looking
1st thank you! Your journey with this house is so inspirational. Im an American looking to buy and renovate a home for my parents to retire overseas. This search has led me to S.E. Asia and your videos specifically. My questions are similar to others I've seen. 1. How did you decide to move to Japan? 2. What is the criteria for an Expat owning property? 3. How did you find this amazing deal and could you share some advice/resources for doing the same? Finally, what major town or city are you closest to and whats the main method of transportation in your area to town?
Would you please explain how houses are so cheap but the cost of living is so expensive in Japan?
For those wondering why this was so cheap; basically rural Japan is literally dying out due to an aging population and lack of birthrate. And not many younger Japanese are willing to live in these rural areas because it's too far from their workplace, among other reasons. So in an attempt to avoid these rural estates becoming literal ghost towns, they're put on the market or auctioned off for next to nothing. The value of houses in rural Japan will continue to depreciate, so if you're looking to buy one as investment, it likely isn't worth it at all.
But it’s a good option if you want to live in a place with a lot of peace and quiet I assume. Maybe for an introvert, who only goes into the city on the weekends or something
who tf are you to say if an investment is worth or not
@@Renovarqing Lol, what? Maybe read my comment and understand the basic situation in Japan regarding their economy and population demographics before trying to give me attitude 🤣
someone's trash is an introvert's treasure. 😌
@@Renovarqing He is just saying the obvious if you know the first thing about Japan. Of course the future no one knows, perhaps Japan will see something like a lot of other countries have seen with people moving out of cities and perhaps the birthrate will pick up again. But the point is don't do this expecting an investment opportunity.. Do it because you want to live there or have a second home out there.
Hey Matt, Congratulations on finding such a big, beautiful home in the Japanese countryside. Just a couple of suggestions: Don't make any changes for six months. Living in the house, cleaning it up, getting through your first winter there will be enough. In spring, you'll have a much better understanding of your home and what works for you. Hopefully, you'll also learn to respect the whys and how's of Japanese architecture -- like the beauty of shoji, wood and tatami floors, wood ceilings etc. Do NOT paint (esp. white!) over any walls or wood; just clean it and buff it to its former beauty. Please take time to learn about wabi-sabi -- the Japanese aesthetic concept that finds beauty and serenity in natural objects and designs that are simple, imperfect, and impermanent (e.g., handmade shoji and fusuma doors, wood ceilings. tatami mat floors). You've got a lovely, traditional Japanese home, Matt. Please preserve it with love and respect ... and live to a fine old age in it.
So true! Don’t ruin that beautiful wood. Respect the architecture.
DONT PAINT OVER ANYTHING BEAUTIFUL NATURAL FANTASTIC WOOD TOO MUCH WHITE IS LIKE LUVING IN A HOSPITAL 24 7 365. YUK MANY YRS RESEARCH HAVE MADE THESE HOMES SO WAIT AN LEARN
I agree completely! Love, respect and appreciate this gift. I know you bought it, but trust me, it’s a gift. Wow, it’s like you won the lottery! Why buy a house in Japan and change everything about it? Please don’t take offense to my comment, but if you do, that’s ok!
Try that toilet for 6 months and you will wish to leave the COUNTRY 😂😂😂.
First thing is to pay someone to check for termites, after that for sure the toilet and shower room, it's freezing in the winter. Pipes conditions, sewage...Mold might be another issue, and ripping the shite of the house might be needed. How it looks or style is the last thing to talk about, people are delusional to think with a house that old you would be able to keep everything as it is. Few earthquakes in an old house will be able to wake up anyone to reality.
Lol he wont
This is a very well kept house. The frige is not dirty at all. You should appreciate how clean they kept it. $6000 is a crazy price. They gave it you.
Bro all these words you are using: "Reasonable, nice, decent" WTF? I cannot believe my eyes this is INCREDIBLE, UNBELIEVABLE, EPIC.
You have no idea how lucky you are, people all over the world dream of having such a lovely home, super congrats dude.
well u know the house is in the countryside. little to no jobs, next to nothing entertainment. no yuth (30 y.o. or under). yes it is nice, yes it is big for japanese standards, but you really can't do a lot in the village or small town. just like any country really a small town or a village is nothing unless you raise cattle or sheep or you have a big land to manage. or both.
@@doublesalopetoimcre You see, some of us are actually sick of big cities. I'm 35yo and going into my 40s i would be really happy with this kind of a house and small town. I do know about these Japanese cities and their problems but i don't min that. The peace and quiet would do wonders for me.
Just a small office and peace is all i need.
😂😂😂
@@HexYan We all get that, but it's not just romance. All good, until you need a doctor, a routine MRI, a bigger hospital, a decent mechanic because your car broke in the middle of nowhere, specific foods you simply can't find, and the list goes on. World event like C0v1d again? Good luck, you're completely fucked in terms of logistics. There's a reason why those houses are in literal dying towns and villages. Trust me, I live in the countryside of Brazil, town with 20k people. I deal with inconveniences I had never imagined I would have to. Can't even begin to imagine what it would be like in a friggin japanese village with 3k people. Of course end of the day I like it and that's why I'm here, but it is NOT for everyone. One thing is to be a tourist, living is a completely different story.
@@erms111 this guy gets it
I wouldn’t paint unless it’s needed, the traditional Japanese style is gorgeous! You got a true gem!
The previous owners kept the place in amazing condition! 💖
I can't imagine any good reason they would leave all that behind. So sad 😢
@xllllllllllll._.lllllllllllllxmost likely they died of old age. Japan is shrinking in population as the older generation dies off. The younger generation don’t have as many children, if any at all. So the country has these houses that end up abandoned with belongings still inside, as their descendants don’t want anything to do with it. The inheritance is expensive, so many times they just sign away their ownership to the government. The problem is that the government needs all the descendants to sign off on it before the government can take ownership. By that time, the abandoned property is in disrepair, and no longer habitable, costing more to bulldoze than the property is worth.
That’s said, there is a reason this was $6000. It’s far from the city, in a village people don’t want to live in. That doesn’t mean the area is bad. It just means that there’s little reason for most people to want to move there. They already have a job elsewhere, property, family, friends, elsewhere. There’s not really any incentive to move into that area except for the price. For people wanting to move to an affordable area like this guy, it’s a dream come true. So in many places with shrinking populations, foreigners are moving in to fill the void, help the job market, help the economy.
@@UmmYeahOk. Pretty spot on assessment I’d wager. Besides the cost increase in more desirable areas, most times new tenants/owners dont want any of the old owners stuff. NOTHING. When we moved my wife out of her Kobe apartment, the cleaners stripped everything out, and I mean EVERY THING. Appliances, wallpaper, floors, bathroom/toilet. There was absolutely nothing left in that apartment. Not even sure they left bulbs in 5he overhead lights.
@qツp Man, I watched too many bizarre bub and nuke top 5 and alot in Japan Haunting. lol
@@MamaK3255 maybe they buy a brand new one in big city🤣
Keep all the shoji doors. I wouldn't enlarge the bedroom as traditional Japanese houses aren't well insulated, and winters are bittetly cold. It's easier and cheaper to heat a smaller bedroom.
It is much easier and cheaper to dress warm so you dont have to use much heat.
Score!!! It’s beautiful. Don’t paint the ceiling and leave the doors.
Definitely do not paint those beautiful cedar(?) ceilings.
DONT PAINT BEAUTIFUL.NATURAL.WOOD. CEILING. GEZZZZZ GARBAGE CAN BE PAINTED WHITE NATURAL.WOOD IS VERY HARD TO FIND AND WALLS ARE MULTIPURPOSE. REPLACE WOULD BE HORRID
Lovely hope you have a wonderful time with your new house your new environment and getting used to it all
Opps lost my comment. Don’t paint the shoji n ceilings. Would look weird white! But, other than that, how exciting!! N where again is this? Wow, 20 meters of snow? Sugoii!
@@TheMeisaku
There’s already a newer video where he shows the renovations completed. 🤣
"this is now mine" i could feel your joy over the screen, so happy for you wallah!♡
What an amazing buy, as an introvert this would be a dream situation no one around, no noise everythings so clean and well kept
I’ve heard that when you move into a house in japan you buy your neighbours gifts, could be a good way to get an introduction and start a friendship with them and get some tips from them for what you’ll need to do with the snow in winter. I think that’s gonna be a big challenge if you’ve never lived somewhere with heavy winter snow! It seems super convenient with everything left behind, looks like you’ve got al the tools you’d need to live there, very cool! Also seems like a big money saver, nice to give the old things a second life 🎉 Think some of those screens and shutters are changeable for the seasons.
Japanese traditional gift for neighborhood when you moving
I think this is correct. As an English women I'd probably gift them some Scotch whisky and some well-made linen tea-towels with London landmarks on them. I'd also go to see the local mayor and introduce myself and take a bottle of whiskey as a gift. Not cheap whiskey either, a good 15 year old single malt.
Yes, bring them sweets.
「向こう三軒両隣（向かいの3軒と左右の2軒）」という昔ながらの言い方があり、一軒家の場合の引っ越し挨拶の範囲になります。500円～1,000円前後のものをその5軒に渡せばいいです。
大事なのは価格ではなくあなたが自分から挨拶をしにいったということです。これは日本だけの礼儀じゃなくてどこの国でも似たような感じだと思います。
Bro, I'm from Australia. I live in a 3 bedroom apartment 40 minutes out of Sydney, and it cost $750,000 AUD.
$6000, for a 2 story house, garden, and killer shed....in Japan which is basically the best place on Earth, is absolutely mental.
Killer purchase. 10 out of 10.
Just the woodwork and craftsmanship in that home itself is priceless. Tag that you got a plot of land and you're cheering.
Agree im in WA and jesus its depressing dollar wise lol
@@countdoogula2781
Try inner Sydney, Melb, Perth, even Brisbane….. a one bedroom concrete shitbox with no balcony & no view, no car park will cost you around $1 mill.
Don’t know why all these pretentious desperado’s feel they have to live in these places.
“Oh yes, - I live in South Yarra”
They forget to tell you that it’s a one room basement bedsit, with no laundry, outdoor space or car-park.
Must be so glamorous!
🤣😂🤣
As you’ve probably discovered, the older Japanese houses aren’t insulated so you’ll be freezing in winter and boiling in summer! Our son lived in a similar house so I have first hand experience. I love the traditional features except the toilet, get a modern washlet one. The garden size is amazing for Japan. All those people saying you couldn’t get it for $6000usd are wrong, you can. In Japan, if someone has died in a house, Japanese people are reluctant to live in a house and often they are pulled down even if they are only 30 to 40 years old. In many rural areas it is hard to sell houses because of the declining population.
japanese houses generally aren't built to last, either. there is rarely any value in the structure, the value is in the land. houses are viewed as a depreciating asset like a car, not an investment like in the west. japan is weird.
9:30 I think it’s safe to say, it’s his stuff, it’s his, he owns all of it
are you sure? dunno about that, he didn't really tell us.
haha I was looking for this comment
How many times is he going to say that?
It's like he's not really sure and he's trying to convince himself - I think the timestamp is when the convincing has completed!
lol
You are so blessed!!!! No snobbery here, I almost always shop second hand stores so I think you won the lottery!!! This house is beautiful and it appears the people took care of their belongings and it was well loved. Amazing you get to share in that. Congratulations!!!!
Be careful about painting the walls. Traditional walls (in old houses like these) are often plastered with 'Shikkui', a type of plaster that is used to help regulate humidity in the summer. Painting over it would lose that benefit. If you want to change the color, you can re-plaster it with a different color shikkui
The paint system has been designed to work with the shikkui:)
Painting isn't as important as guting the bathroom. Getting updated toilet and plumbing
You really lucked out it is a beautiful country home
You almost seem embarrassed to show the kitchen but I think it’s wonderful and just needs a tidy and a clean! I’ve always loved how practical and simple the Japanese way of setting up a home is and how much sense it makes. If it were me I’d highlight all the quintessentially Japanese kitchen things like the sink area and natural wood colors. Making things cohesive will be a much better plan than redoing absolutely everything. My friend and neighbor here in America is an old lady from Japan and she never wanted to live there again, but she still lives as if she did by keeping to that simple and delightful way of setting up her home.
That’s awesome, it’s very similar in the countryside where people live a simple life.
I love my place including the kitchen :) I take things slow and feel out what renovations need to be done for practicality and personal design choice 🙂
@@im.mattguy Please tell me you didn't paint the ceiling. That would be so bad for the wood.
@@im.mattguyare houses there that affordable? How did you buy it for just $6000 USD????
I totally agree
$6000 is nothing you got an amazing deal!! The doors are beautiful very traditional.
Yes, that house is in excellent condition for its age. I lived in a house like that in Tokyo with some other people for a few months before I found my apartment and it was a slum compared to this place. I would not really want to live on the West coast in Niigata of course but that is an excellent price for what he got. If I did want to live out there, I would definitely have bought that house however if given the chance. But if living in Japan I just have to be in Tokyo. Not only that but I need to be right in the heart of the city near all the action which is why I lived in the Shibuya area. Back to the house though the one thing I never liked about those old Japanese houses is that they all have very steep and very slippery wooden stairways and it is very easy to slip and fall since you are always going to be in your stocking feet. Well actually a Japanese person will wear slippers in the kitchen and hallways and will take the slippers off when going into the tatami rooms. Then if you want to go to the toilet you have to put on your hallway slippers back on to get to the toilet and then before you enter the toilet you will change from those slippers and into your bathroom slippers. Then you have to reverse the process to go back to the tatami room. It’s a real pain in the butt but since he owns the house, he can just skip the slippers if he wants to.
@@SLOBeachboyLOL did u pop a addy homie!? good info! Shibuya is so expensive but worth it
@@SLOBeachboy Yes. All true.
Plug the house and drop it anywhere in place like LA or NY, you will make 100folds.😅
Really 6K? More of at least 12K and above.
Why do I sense a sadness within the house. What happened to the previous owners, why did they leave all of their belongings 😢
Just found this video randomly. 😃 I’d say keep the ceilings wood, they look nice but maybe it’s just the video. The sliding doors look nice too. I know this video is a year old so I guess I’ll see if there are any updates! I’m so jealous you have 5 meters of snow!! What!! I’d LOVE that so much! 😍 ⛄️ ❄️
You will only be heating one small room at a time so keep all shoji doors to close off colder rooms. Freezing is a major problem.
It's a very nice house and makes me sad that what happened to this family...I'm Japanese living in the US for more than 50 yrs and seeing a house like this leaving everything behind is very sad to me...hope they are okay and you'll do great job to update this house!!!!!
I feel the same… like what happened? 😞. I mean happy for him but can’t help thinking seeing all the families things.. like they were just there 5 mins before he came.
@@newaccount091 I know right!!! 😢
My thoughts too. I said a prayer for those who were present prior. May they have taken a great opportunity…or made it happen!
The owners have to pay a hefty tax by the govt, that is why they walk out. Inheritance tax is 45%. Most young people don't want to live rural.
@@lillypond1061 Wow, did not know that thank you for the info!!!
I wouldn’t change anything apart from changing out the commode. That house is absolutely gorgeous and in amazing condition. We seem to rush into “ modernizing” to today’s standards which will become just as outdated in 10 years. Of course heating, plumbing and electrics may need to be brought to code. But don’t paint wood in white. Clean Keep all the features. Clean them and repair if needed. 60s metal kitchen cabinets. Gems. Keep them. What a find.
I love the house. The sliding doors make the house, yes, keep them. Close off a couple rooms in the winter with the doors. Great shed too. You did get a great deal !
WOW!!!! First, it’s a whole house! What a find! Congratulations! It’s in far better conditions than what you would get in America and you have everything you need in working order. Sure it’s overwhelming with everything they left and things you would probably need to replace but still very awesome. You also got a shed and a view of the mountains?!? Wow. That’s all I can say.
I am so happy for you and hope to see a follow up.
That's a really nice house, in the yard is a small jungle, but after some pruning, it will look wonderful. I love hydrangeas.
I love the fact that he doesn't stop smiling! I know the feeling! YOUR HOME. God bless you❤
Simply amazing! But PLEASE keep the beautiful timber ceiling. Dont paint it white.
Word. There are reasons not to paint them. Natural wood breathes.
Im an architect and art historian and I approve this message haha
Even if he paints them, don't use white it's a basic color look. Stain them instead to keep the look of the wood with a nicer color, then white
@@RalphelValentineClean and Beeswax
i like when wood is stained white to look like their natural color when freshly cut.
What an amazing find and a golden opportunity. An almost postcard - like view, excellent condition, plenty of room, a shed for your projects and hobbies... And filled with amazing craftsmanship and tradition. Now it just needed a little updating and to put your own special signature on things. Looking forward to watching you settle in and enjoy things, Mate!
i wasnt sure if all of that stuff was yours untill you told us 16 times
Was it? I wasn't sure! How fortuitous. 😉👍
He have to deal with it
Hello Matt, it seems to me that you have found a gem for yourself. The house is beautiful, I think. I would keep as many original doors and floors as possible. The sliding doors are amazing, all that wood, it's marvellous. And the garden is full of promises. To me, it is like some dream come true, right from some Ghibli movie. I am happy for you and I so would like to see how it all evolves...! Congratulations!
Canada 64 years experience with snow.A good lite snow float will save your back and heart. Find an area of about 15 feet to push loads of snow to. Then keep building a snow runway to deliver loads of snow to stack the snow. Don't lift with a shovel or it's hard on the heart and 1000 people in bad shape die every year from too much heavy lifting or they injure the lower back.Push snow and deliver it to a 15 foot by 15 foot area.
very happy for you! by why does his hurt my heart a little. So much backstory to the people who once lived there
Maybe he mentioned it but I feel the same way & why would they even leave their clothes?😢
I'm first thoughts where congratulations Matt and my very next is why they moved and left their whole existence behind.
@@francineross686 me too, same question....
Seems like it was an eviction. Really unfortunate. Not sure how I'd feel about being the person that took someones life work for next to nothing. I'd almost want to find out who lived there previously and see if there was a way to get them back in there.
@@TheXboxSux I didn't see any mention of an eviction by the uploader. I hope that's not the case :,)
perfect little vacation home for when you wanna be in japan but no where busy. just relax
Congratulations on your home! I love it! The doors are awesome. I like they left you all those pots and pans.
Love the doors and all the original details.
The house, the garden, the shed! I love it all! A small Japanese house doesn't need fancy shmancy stuff, I'd love to see the outcome of your project! ❤
REALLY HOT MAYBE WARM.FOR WINTER PLACE TO BE
Congratulations! I would definitely keep the dividing doors, they are beautiful 😄
This dude has no idea what he has at all. When winter hits he will realize why rooms are divided in to smaller areas. As this house is traditional there is no central heating. So heating a large room is close to impossible. He’ll learn the hard way. Will be a funny video.
@@daveleephoto No doubt the whole place will end up soulless looking 'usual grey and white' makeover and cheap furniture unlike the well made furniture that is in the house. I wouldn't alter any of it because it would spoil the Japanese features.
WOW!!!! First, it’s a whole house! What a find! Congratulations! It’s in far better conditions than what you would get in America and you have everything you need in working order. Sure it’s overwhelming with everything they left and things you would probably need to replace but still very awesome. I am so happy for you and hope to see a follow up
Here in Norway we have a couple of spots designated for snow. We show most of it into the garden because we don't use the garden during winter. Perhaps you could ask one of your neighbours who owns that green patch outside your property so you can ask the owner if it's okay you show snow there if it's hard to show it into your garden. ☺️
Ah we have the same! The space in between my house and the sushi restaurant is for snow and across the street is also a snow pile area :)
This will be fun to follow.
One suggestion: Do not paint over and wood or door panels till you’ve lived there for a while. Little benefit and impossible to reverse.
Good luck!
I know what you mean, I will definitely paint the timber in the kitchen but might make it a different color to the walls. There’s timber throughout the house and because the kitchen has been changed over the years it kinda doesn’t match with the timber anyway… I’ll keep timber through the house but not the kitchen :)
I agree! Don't paint those wood ceilings. It's great the way it is!
Dude, what score for 6K! I wouldn't change a thing... except for the toilet, otherwise it's perfect and ready to move in! Congrats!🎉
First of all, congratulations. A really good buy. The house is sound. Keep the doors, if possible, please. You need to become a good gardener or find somebody to help you. Don't forget to water the plants. 😊 Make sure that you make local friends. You need local people to help you and to advise you. A very interesting renovation experience for you!
I briefly skimmed the video. Was there any mention of what happened to the previous owners? I'm amazed at how much was left behind.
The previous owner got killed by a tsunami
Keep the doors dude that old school traditional Japanese stuff looks cool. And im absolutely stunned that it only cost 6 grand & you get a shed. If I were young again I would learn Japanese & move there it's crowded but so beautiful & far safer than here in US
It's huge! What an amazing find! I'm in Hong Kong and that's basically 3 months rent for a small flat here & you own it! 💪🏼bonus, you get lots of furniture that already fits the space. Keep the doors, they're very pretty.
You got a deal~! 😄👍... dishes, pots, pans, furniture, fridge, houseplants, couch set. Everything looks in good repair. Your only immediate expense (should you choose) is to switch out the toilet from Eastern to Western - you have a move-in ready HOME. Costs for those small items add up. You saved at least $1000 on the furniture alone - You lucked out. That is a good sturdy home. Please don't throw out the couch or other pieces of furniture, except maybe get a new dining table. And leave the doors.
Could always just add a western toilet, but leave the other for guest's comfort
update kitchen and electricity.
He probably was thinking how much do I want to keep, and what is the cost of replacing what I’ll be discarding.
I wouldn’t paint ceilings or inside until you’ve spent a winter. Then you’ll see how cold the 1 room you occupy can get and where your money will go in 4 seasons
Congratulations on a great fine. You have a good grasp on what needs to be changed or updated. Anyone can tell a family grew up here and the kids left for the bigger cities for work while the parents stayed there. These Machiya or Akiya for this one are what many in other countries are choosing to buy when the housing market have gone sky high, and they can't afford it. I follow a few who have moved to Japan and bought these houses some are now learning the language after they moved. One family I follow who purchased a few years ago are now surrounded by many like them who have left their country and making a new start in Japan. They've made their own family community sharing their traditions with each other, it's quite beautiful, that it makes you think buying one is a good idea. You have to really think about it before doing so.
Congratulations, wishing you many Blessings with your new home. I'm looking forward to the finished visions for your new home. Greetings from Georgetown, Texas!
Matt, congrats on the house! I’m really interested in hearing how you are able to purchase a home as foreigner in Japan. I’m also interested in seeing what kind of aesthetic you are going to go for. I ask because, even though I’m not Japanese, your house in its current state, reminds me of my grandma’s house. It has an old school, small town charm to it.
Thanks so much! Yeah for sure, there will be a balancing act of keeping it kinda orginal but trying to make it more comfortable with todays new technology
Oh my HECK..... You got so lucky!!! The area isn't deserted, the condition is very nice. Looks like the previous owner had family to clean it before it was closed up. This isn't even crammed with garbage and clutter. It's virtually move-in ready. And don't worry too much about being lonely. Being so close to touristy spots, you'll have thru-traffic if the neighbors are slow to warm up to you. And the community winter time work will keep you firmly connected to everyone there. And the upstairs of the shed you can use for drying if you like preserving or canning your own. In the winter it's likely very cold. So you could insulate the whole thing, use it for hobbies or repair work.....
The family moved out the day I moved it. The owner was the person who showed me around his home during the inspection day
You look my friend Kelly who also lives in Japan. What a great shopper you are. Such a lovely home!
Beautiful house Matt...!!! You've got enough garden space to grow some food. The shed will be great for your small car. The snow will be a challenge to deal with. Looks like you are high in altitude there, so it will be mighty cold...!!! Best of luck..!!! 😊
I wouldn't paint the natural wood ceiling or those decorative sliding doors, i would save my money for better toilet and refridgerator, what is really needed. Buy a book of two on bonsai care. Good luck!
Save money ? He bought the house for less the price of a deluxe refrigerator or fancy toilet 😂
Toilet is the priority! Figuring that out this week with the plumber and discussing options. Money isn't too much of an issue since it's just the material and the labor cost doesnt exist. I'm doing all myself
Did you square away the toilet situation?
I agree. Question. Will you hire a local to walk you through your house and explain Japanese interiors with you? How about hiring a crew to remove everything and, help you go sort through for things you want to keep. Recycle the rest at a local charity thrift store. Once you know what you have, get some paint and make it uniquely yours. Incorporate your Western style with your new home. Personally, I would redo the screens with more abstract/🚀🛸🛰️/🐲🎋🦖/or (your personal preference) images, using STENCILS, on each screen in the same locations. But that’s just me. Good luck. You really got a great bargain. I think the previous owners must have loved that home. They took lots of memories with them I’m sure.
In February, I visited Japan for the first time. I stayed in Myoko-Kogen for one week, where I learned to ski. I enjoyed my experience in this lovely small town so much that i would also consider purchasing a place like this.
The first time I visited Myoko I actually had mixed feelings - I preferred the buzz of Hakuba and being close to the northern alps. After spending like a month in Myoko helping a friend with their renovation my feelings changed a lot. I actually like Myoko more for the authentic Japan experience. It will change and infrastructure will continue to develop here. End of the day, there are pros and cons to anywhere, but I'm super happy with Myoko :):)
What is your need to paint EVERYTHING white?? Don't ruin the ceilings and keep the doors.
Exactly
Congratulations on your new home. I like it. There is so much potential to make it your own. Seems like it's in pretty good shape. Can't wait to see what you do with it.
It's a treasure! I heard it's actually hard to get rid of furniture so many people just sell the house as is.
I had a smile throughout the entire video, i can tell you are absolutely happy and excited about owning your house and we are really happy for you.
It's nice that the previous owners left you some useful stuff like the window screens, original wood panels, and spare wood pieces in the shed/loft because they are still usable and are expensive to have bought brand new.
Why the hell would you buy such a beautiful home and then want to tear out or paint everything that makes it beautiful? I'm surprised that you didn't suggest tearing out the wood floors and installing LVP.
Exactly. I can imagine how this beautiful home will end up. Each to their own, yes but it is sad to see traditional houses having all the original features removed just to end up making them look like every other soulless home nowadays.
Agreed it’s a traditional Japanese home it’s beautiful but he wants to Americanize it I’m sure
@@DarklightofherheartInteresting, since he doesn't appear to be American. BTW: Many Japanese also remodel these older out of fashion homes to be more western-like in layout and appearance. Would you have a problem with them doing it? If you want to have an older traditional japanese home, go buy one. Leave people to their own choices. It's his home, his life and his investment. Who are you? Do you want people to publicly criticize your living space and design choices? It's not like this is some historical property of great importance and needs to be restored. It's a $6000 house. The indignant righteousness of some people. 🙄
So everyone on the planet needs to abide by what you feel is beautiful or proper? It's a simple home and it's his, not yours. People reacting to him maybe making some preferential charges like he's painting over the ceiling murals of the Sistine Chapel is ponderously judgemental and out of line. Because this is what you would want and do, so everyone needs to listen to you? Do you want me to come to your home and tell you what you did to it was stupid? Maybe suggest you replace that more modern crap you bought with some old avocado finished appliances since that would be more proper for the era it was built? How dare you pull up that shag carpet and paint over that wonderful tacky wallpaper that was traditional of the period. It's a $6000 house for a reason. There's nothing magically special or worth you tying yourself to like a 1000 year old tree to keep him from remodeling it the way he sees fit.
@@stevenbeall9637thanks for the essay, maybe next time you don't have to share your experience and life story on someone's opinion to try to cover it with your own opinion, you're no better of a person when you stoop to lower levels because you believe something different.
It's beautiful! Congratulations! I'd see if I could connect the top of the shed with the house through a bridge. Of course you would have to insulate it so it's warm during the winter. but i think that would be an excellent office area.
I think most of the belongings left behind seem really nice. The rug and toilet are about all that needs changing. Can't tell what the condition of the sofa is. It's such a big amazing home.
For 6000 dollars this house is amazing. Even with some upgrades you have an amazing home.
Keep those beautiful doors!! That is my vote!! Congratulations on your new home!!
Thank you!! 😊
$6000?! This is a steal!! You don’t have to buy anything! It’s perfect (minus the toilet).
Snow ❄️? Ask a Canadian , a pick up attachment shuvle or small tractor, a leaf blower(yea that works).. a shuvle scrapper for ice & salt bags
Looks like a wonderfully kept up house.
Interesting that you pointed out a kerosene heater when first entering the house. I recently watched a Document 72 Hours program on my local NHK station and their topic was about a kerosene delivery company who made kerosene deliveries to residents in their service area. I'm familiar with oil furnaces since my house had an oil furnace before I converted to gas, but was surprised that those kerosene heaters in Japan didn't have an outside tank for the kerosene.
I don't recall seeing a bathroom on the 2nd floor. If you are planning to stay there for any length of time, I would look into remodeling the house to add a 2nd floor bathroom. Yes, that's probably western mentality, but I was watching another NHK show and not that you're old, but apparently people falling going down the stairs to a 1st floor bathroom at night is actually a problem.
It appears to be a very traditional home . It's really a treasure . Personalizing it will be delightful . Id spend a year getting used to the place . Updating the bathroom and upkeep is priority . Wishing you the best ❤️🌹❤️
Dude....why you keep reiterating the price and that the stuff they left you have to deal with it??? U got blessed... That's Awesome 💯❤
Scrolled way too long for this comment
Leave the doors for at least one full year. You will find (as I did in that style of home) that if you use the windows and doors with some forethought that you can heat AND cool your spaces with the sun and outside air movement throughout the day and the year.
Those doors are not merely a decorative feature, and that basic home design is thousands of years proven, long before modern heating and cooling.
About 5 meters of snow there?
meself from the tropics no snow here
so maybe raise the foundation like already cement there great
don't add more cement just add a floor like already the loft inside the shed maybe do another level in between to create another lofty floor
Fill the lower bottom of the new loft with firewood ready for winter and a fireplace for heating the shed
use salt to melt the snow outside maybe
That house can be absolutely gorgeous. The doors are beautiful-with some fresh paint.
Don't know what to possibly add that hasn't already been said hundreds of times, but, if you absolutely feel that you must renovate, for the first year at least then, don't renovate any further that possibly insulating the outer and inner exterior walls, under the roof and under the main floor floor with foam or rock-wool insulation. Beyond that, acclimate to the area you're now living in. Find out why the home is designed like it is. Making spaces bigger is just opening up expensive cans of pricey worms of problems for yourself. In the winter, only heat the rooms you will absolutely be using rather than the entire home; keep the home from smelling like kerosine as much as you can that way. Maybe invest in double or triple-glazed window replacements. Otherwise, do nothing else for the first year.
Wouldn’t you risk mold in the rooms that you’re not heating in winter, though? Or is the climate different in Japan so that that’s not really an issue?
My vote: Definitely keep the upstairs doors
Wow! The American Dream is now living abroad! 😊 That’s a gorgeous house and little town. Congrats!
Umm, except he's not American.
Buy pipe/floor heating wires for roof and you won't have to clean snow in winter and you can build sidewalk around house and put heating over there as well and snow will melt. Check the roof is leaking according to the floor so fix it before winter
just now seeing this video but i reallyyyyy hope you kept the doors, that breaks my heart if you threw away the doors and painted the ceilings white upstairs
Fr fr
What commitment do you have to make to keep this house, do you need to be in the country/ hold a particular visa, contribute to any standardisation as part of the aquisition? etc.
I look forward to follow you in your journey! Best of luck from the States!
Thank you so much!!
Clean clean clean but do not paint those beautiful wooden ceilings white.. better re- do the tatami or new shoji doors. Put the money into the bathroom and good winter heating. and congratulations!
Honestly, other than the "toilet" i would not change a single thing. I would keep it all traditional. What a find! You were so incredibly lucky. Wow. Enjoy!!
You look so happy. That's wonderful experience :) "I never had a house before..." God bless you.
4:00 Don't be a fool to take these sliding doors (shoji doors) out!!! Big room" is not Japanese in style, spirit or way of living. These shoji doors are gorgeous, the best features of the house. Keep them all. In couple of years you'll understand and will be grateful you kept them.
The whole house is in a very good condition, very clean. The people that lived there are wonderful.
Hi Matt, new sub from Ig ;)
One day we definitely need a step by step guid for how to buy a house in Japan when your not Japanese.
Hope to see that one day ! Thanks and keep up the great content !
It's all pretty straight forward! And in some areas, like Myoko kogen, they know theres a foreign investment demand. They actually do their best to help in English. I just found out they have a guide book to setting up your life in Myoko with an English version! Pretty cool :)
@@im.mattguyI heard it is actually hard to go through the process without speaking Japanese... but I heard that from a person who is selling their services in buying properties for their clients 😂
Congratulations on your new home! It's a beautiful house, and the view from upstairs is great! It'll be amazing when those hills are covered in snow. It definitely needs some brightening up, but some fresh paint or lighter flooring will help. I love all the wood flooring and railings. It gives the house a warm feel.
I'm exciting for the snow! The place really comes alive in winter, too. I'll probably do the walls in a white or off white and leave the timber features :)
There is nothing to criticise about the house and you shouldn't be complaining about anything including all the furniture and items in the house. It's just $6000. A months salaru in the US.
I didn't hear him complaining about anything.
Matt, congratulations on your new home. It is wonderful and has so much potential. You really found a diamond in the ruff. Good luck and well done.
I think it’s fantastic look forward to seeing what you do with your new home 😊
In winter, there are a lot of snow falling there and you may have to climb up on the roof and get rid of snow though⛄️
pay someone to clear the roof in the winter
What a deal!! Congrats P.S. Absolutely keep the sliding doors for the bedrooms 😉
Is all we see now yours? Just want to get sure.
Careful with painting. A lot of the finishes were chosen in traditional architecture to reduce or prevent mold. Wait six months to change anything except the toilet. That way you can get to know the house.
I LOVE the divide doors. The front door is beautiful too. I wouldn't change the ceiling color to white, I love wood. I think this is an amazing deal for $6k. I would've jumped on it! ❤🎉
You could buy this house, and if you dont like cold winters, rent it to Japanese skiiers, then use the rent and holiday in Okinawa.
Does it came with legal issues?.The price is unbelievable.
I’m confused did the previous owners die? Who up and leaves a house with most furniture, appliances and cookware? Amazing deal.
Hi Matt, Congratulations on purchasing your very first house. Considering Japanese standard, it's quite spacious. I've been to Niigata which is famous for their high quality rice fields. I love your Bonsai plants and definitely you can put some life into them. Good luck! ❤
Wow! What a wonderful package! Stumbled upon this video so am going to look to see if I can find recent video to what you did. Hoping you honoured the 'good bits'!