Spacious Traditional Home in Serene Fukushima Countryside
This charming two-story wooden house is situated in a small, tranquil subdivision just off National Route 289 in Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture. The property offers a comfortable 95-tsubo (approximately 314.48㎡) plot of land, providing ample space for a carport that accommodates two vehicles and a dedicated area for a home vegetable garden. The building itself, a tile-roofed wooden structure, shows minor tilting from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, but it is noted that this does not cause any inconvenience for daily use.
Significant renovations were completed in 2015 (Heisei 27), comprehensively updating both the interior and exterior. These upgrades included the replacement of the front door, bathroom, and kitchen. The first-floor Japanese-style room features a traditional 'yukimi' window and is equipped with a sunken kotatsu (horigotatsu), perfect for cozy winters. With a total floor area of approximately 133.31㎡ (40.31 tsubo), the home provides a spacious and comfortable living environment.
The location is highly convenient for daily life. It is a mere 100 meters from the Kanbe bus stop, which utilizes a station from the now-defunct Shirakaba Line, and is within a small community of about ten homes. Elementary school is a short 450-meter walk away, making it an ideal setting for families with young children. Nearby amenities include a Lawson convenience store (approx. 1.3km), a supermarket (approx. 4.9km), and a home center (approx. 5.1km). The property is equipped with electricity, public water supply, a private septic tank, propane gas (PG), and kerosene heating.
The surrounding area of Shirakawa is rich in history and natural beauty. An interesting local fact is that the city is home to Japan's oldest public park, Nanko Park, which was constructed under the philosophy of 'shimin kyōraku' (enjoyment for both samurai and commoners) by the feudal lord Matsudaira Sadanobu in the early 19th century. The closest major landmark is the magnificent Shirakawa Castle (Komine Castle), a faithfully reconstructed hilltop castle offering panoramic views and a deep dive into the region's samurai past.
