Rural Retreat with Farmland in Gunma's Scenic Shimoniita
This unique property offers a rare opportunity for a self-sufficient lifestyle in the tranquil countryside of Gunma Prefecture. Listed as No. 124, it is a vacant house for sale, featuring a substantial attached farmland plot and a large work shed, ideal for those seeking an agricultural or hobby-farming lifestyle.
The property's equipment and features, as detailed in the agent notes, include a water supply (public water), gas (public gas/propane), a septic tank for drainage, a laundry area, an indoor bath, a dedicated Western-style toilet, a kitchen with a gas stove, a garden, and parking space for approximately six vehicles. The land is classified as farmland (畑) and the current status is vacant. Handover conditions are negotiable (相談), and road access is from one side.
A critical note for potential buyers concerns the attached farmland. The transfer of ownership (name change) for farmland requires an application under the Agricultural Land Law. If you intend to continue using the land for agriculture, an application under Article 3 of the law is necessary, which comes with a pledge to farm for three years or more. If you plan to change the land's use (e.g., to a parking lot or solar power generation) upon transfer, an application under Article 5 is required, demanding a detailed land use plan. It is essential to consult with the Shimoniita Town Office Agricultural and Forestry Division.
The two-story wooden house, built in January 1973, offers 112.18 sqm of living space across two floors with a total of two units. The layout is a spacious 5DK, with the main living areas facing south for excellent sunlight. The total land area is a generous 1,086 sqm. Access is via a 13-minute bus ride from the Joshin Dentetsu Shimoniita Station to the Shimoodaira stop, or a 15-minute drive from the Joshinetsu Expressway Shimoniita IC.
The area, Shimoniita Town in Kanra District, is a small town of about 6,000 people located in southwestern Gunma on the border with Nagano Prefecture. It boasts convenient access from the Tokyo metropolitan area, reachable in about 80 minutes by car or around 2 hours by train. The town is famous for its local specialties like Shimoniita leeks, konjac, and shiitake mushrooms. An interesting local landmark is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Arafune Wind Cave, a historic natural refrigeration site used for silkworm egg storage.