A Traditional Folk House in Minamiboso, Watched Over by the "Ibo Jizo"
This property is a charming, approximately 110-year-old vacant folk house (kominka) located in Minamiboso City, Chiba Prefecture. The main house is a single-story detached structure, embodying the classic, good old Japanese architectural style. Built around the early Showa period, it is nearly 100 years old, though the exact year is unknown. Importantly, there is no roof leakage. The washing machine area and the bath are located in a separate outbuilding. A new septic tank was installed in June 2025. The outbuilding is still in usable condition; the bathtub is small, but it could be used immediately after cleaning and possibly changing the showerhead. Hot water does come out, but a check of the water heater is recommended.
Upon taking over the property, there were many leftover items, but most have now been cleared. Some tidying remains, but as it mostly involves large furniture like mattresses and tables, it can be finished quickly with proper arrangements. Originally a 4LDK layout, the floors of two rooms used as bedrooms had collapsed, so they have been removed to create one large open space. This area could be interestingly remodeled into an earthen-floored space (doma) to serve as an entrance or a hobby garage for bicycles, motorcycles, fishing gear, or surfboards. The remaining two rooms are small and are only separated by sliding doors, so they can be used as one room. The photos show the rooms with these doors removed. The larger of the two rooms has a storage space large enough for futons, while the smaller one has no storage. The toilet is old and inconveniently located, so installing a new one elsewhere is advised.
The garden has space to park about two cars, or possibly three with effort. A tree near the garden entrance has been cut down to make parking easier. On the property's roadside wall, there is a Jizo statue cherished by the local community. Neighbors regularly tend to it, and it is always adorned with fresh flowers and offerings. It is known as the "Ibo Jizo" (Wart Jizo). Interestingly, while the owner was cleaning the house and offering incense, a small wart on his neck disappeared. It is a very endearing statue.
The sea is just a 3-minute walk away, and a partial ocean view is available from the garden. Nearby amenities include a convenience store and a large library/sports complex scheduled to open in April 2026. The price is difficult to reduce due to the cost of the new septic tank and waste disposal fees, but the seller is open to discussion. While there's no fixed timeline, this is a popular area for fishing and surfing, so it's first-come, first-served.
The less ideal aspects are the separate bath and laundry outbuilding (though connected by a roof, it may be inconvenient on cold days) and the necessity for renovation due to the property's age. However, this need for renovation is precisely the property's selling point: it offers the freedom to remodel it exactly to your liking. With high flexibility and a spacious garden, there are many possibilities. The location is perfect for those who love sea activities like fishing and surfing, or for motorcycling enthusiasts. It could serve as a vacation home, a space for family and friends to stay, or, given its location in a tourist area, be converted into a trendy kominka cafe. It's an ideal relocation area—rural but not too remote. If you have renovation plans upon purchase, the seller can introduce contractors who can propose renovations within your budget.
The area is part of the scenic Boso Peninsula, known for its rugged coastline, warm climate, and abundant seafood. A notable nearby landmark is the iconic Mount Nokogiri (Nokogiriyama), famous for its dramatic cliffs, ancient stone Buddha carvings, and panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and the Pacific Ocean, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
