A Tranquil Snow Country Kominka with Hot Spring Access in Toyama
This charming kominka (traditional Japanese house) offers a peaceful retreat in the snowy region of Toyama Prefecture. Originally purchased with the intention of running a minpaku (private lodging), the owner has decided to sell due to personal difficulties and wishes for a swift sale. The property is located in a serene area where the call of the Japanese nightingale (hototogisu) can be heard in early spring, adding to its idyllic atmosphere.
The property is situated south of Toyama City, approximately a 20-minute drive from both Toyama Airport and the city center, with convenient access along National Route 41. It lies on the west bank of the Jinzū River, close to the Kami Dam, the Rakukyokan hot spring facility, and the prefectural rowing course. Across the river is the Sarukura Mountain Forest Park, and it's not uncommon to see university students practicing rowing nearby. The property is bordered by mountains on the road side, with trains passing regularly, and Sasadu Station is located a short distance away. Daily necessities are easily accessible within a 10-minute drive to the Ōsawano area, which offers convenience stores, supermarkets, family restaurants, and Chinese cuisine.
The building is a two-story wooden structure with tiled roofing. A unique feature is a semi-underground concrete block workshop that provides access to a riverside walking path. The property includes a steel-frame garage and parking space in front of the entrance. The first-floor area encompassing the kitchen, toilet, bathroom, and entrance has been renovated in the past and cleaned as much as possible. The first floor contains seven Japanese-style rooms of varying sizes, while the second floor has three rooms in both Japanese and Western styles, featuring large exposed beams that show their age.
Key equipment includes a roof snow-melting system that circulates antifreeze heated by kerosene, which can be activated at the push of a button. Public water and sewer connections are already in place. A notable drawback is that the electric water heater is old and unusable; replacement with an EcoCute heat pump water heater or conversion to propane gas is necessary. The owner has heard that a gas company can handle the conversion for around 150,000 yen on a lease contract. Furthermore, as an old building, it has many gaps, so insulation improvements are recommended.
There are some land considerations. The official survey map is old, making the southern boundary unclear, though this is currently vacant land and not considered a practical issue for living. The road-facing side appears to have a short frontage on the map, but the land, including planted areas, belongs to the property. Two trees on the land are managed by a neighbor who requests to harvest their fruit in autumn, so it is advised not to cut them down.
The sale will be conducted as a "land with old house" transaction on an "as-is" basis (genjō watashi) using the public registry (kōbo baibai). Due to the age of the building, the seller requests exemption from liability for contract non-conformities.
The area is rich in natural and recreational attractions. A short drive away is the stunning Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a famous mountain sightseeing route traversing the Northern Japan Alps, known for its massive snow walls in spring and vibrant autumn colors.
