A Historic Kominka in the Former Post Town of Torii Honcho

Nestled in the historic post town of Torii Honcho in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, this traditional Japanese kominka offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of history. The property, built in 1926, stands as a testament to classic Japanese architecture and a bygone era of travel and trade. With a spacious 9DK layout and a generous total floor area of 190.56 square meters, this home provides ample space for creative restoration and comfortable living.

The property's current status is that of an akiya, or vacant house. The agent's notes explicitly state: "空家実際に見てみたい無料ご希望のお日にちなど、お気軽にお問合せください," which translates to "This is an empty house. If you would like to actually see it for free, please feel free to contact us with your desired date." This means viewings are readily available for interested parties. Additional remarks provide crucial context: "■築年数は不明です■建物の裏側に畑として利用できる敷地あり■気になる方はお気軽にご連絡下さい■株式会社大鵬ハウジング（06−6753−8352." This translates to: "■The exact year of construction is unknown. ■There is land at the back of the building that can be used as a field. ■If you are interested, please feel free to contact us. ■Taiho Housing Co., Ltd. (06-6753-8352)."

Characteristic of kominka, the house features a traditional earthen floor area (doma), a charming inner courtyard, and even a well located on the premises. The layout includes multiple Japanese-style tatami rooms spread across two stories, offering a serene and authentic living environment. The property sits on a substantial plot of land measuring 558.65 square meters (based on the official registry), with the added bonus of a section at the rear that is suitable for use as a vegetable garden or small farm. The structure is a two-story wooden building, a common and resilient construction method for its time.

The area of Torii Honcho is rich with history, having once served as a bustling post town (shukuba machi) on the Nakasendo road, one of the five major routes of the Edo period. Travelers and feudal lords would have passed through this very area. A short 8-minute walk away is Torii Hon Station, providing access to the local Omigawa Line. The most prominent local landmark is the magnificent Hikone Castle, a designated National Treasure of Japan. This stunning original castle, with its iconic keep overlooking Lake Biwa, is a major tourist attraction and a symbol of the region's samurai heritage.

This kominka represents a significant project for a buyer passionate about preserving traditional Japanese architecture. It is a chance to breathe new life into a historic property, creating a unique home while owning a tangible connection to Japan's cultural past.