A Refurbished Kominka with the Soothing Sound of Water in Gunma
This property is a beautifully refurbished traditional kominka (old folk house) located in the Hocchi Shinden neighborhood of Numata City, Gunma Prefecture. The land gently slopes southward, and a charming feature is the covered water channel (culvert) running along the western side of the path, providing a constant, soothing sound of flowing water. The building is a two-story former sericulture (silkworm farming) house, typical of the Joshu region's architectural style. It has been vacant for only a short period and has undergone extensive renovations, making it ready for immediate use.
According to the agent's notes, the property is equipped with electricity, public water supply, flush toilets (via a septic tank), and parking. Special notes indicate the building was registered on May 1, 1955 (Showa 30), with an addition: a lightweight steel structure, slate-roofed, single-story storage shed built in June 1974 (Showa 49). A crucial remark is that the actual measured land area is 893.80 sqm (270.37 tsubo). The property is situated outside of urban planning zones and fronts a paved public road approximately 3 meters wide on its north side.
The area offers a serene lifestyle with daily necessities within walking distance: shops are about 350m away, Ikeda Elementary School is roughly 300m, and Ikeda Junior High School is a mere 110m. For broader access, JR Joetsu Line's Numata Station is about 8.4km away, the Joetsu Shinkansen's Jomo-Kogen Station is approximately 12.8km, and the Kan-Etsu Expressway's Numata IC is around 5.4km. This makes it a potential base for accessing nearby ski resorts and is well-suited for families.
The surrounding Numata region is rich in natural and cultural attractions. An interesting local fact is that the nearby Mount Kabyasan is home to the Mirokuji Temple, a secluded sanctuary known for its profound mountain atmosphere and its collection of Japan's largest Tengu (long-nosed goblin) masks. During the lavender season, the area attracts many visitors to the nearby Tsubahara Highlands. The closest major landmark is the majestic Mount Akagi, a dormant volcano and one of Gunma's famous mountains, offering hiking, a scenic crater lake, and hot springs.
