A Traditional Noto Peninsula Kominka with Irori, Ready for Use as an Inn or Residence
This is a detached house located in Nishiumikazeto, Shika Town, Ishikawa Prefecture. Although it sustained damage in the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, the single-story structure on solid ground resulted in only minor damage to the property. With a shortage of accommodations in the disaster area, the owner obtained an inn business license with the intention of operating as a lodging for reconstruction support workers. Unfortunately, due to a lack of manpower, the property is now being transferred in its current condition. If used as an inn, some detailed renovations would be necessary, but operations could commence relatively quickly. It is currently licensed for year-round operation (365 days), not the limited-operation minpaku system. Of course, it can also be used simply as a residence. There is also long-term rental demand for demolition crews and temporary housing construction.
This kominka (old private house) is approximately 80 years old. It is a traditional Chu-Noto style home in an area once prosperous from fishing. The beauty of the beams and ceiling, smoked black by the irori (sunken hearth), would require an immense amount of time and effort to replicate anew. The fittings feature Wajima lacquerware, and the latticework on the shoji screens is also tasteful. Although it's in the countryside, the property is connected to the sewer system and has a toilet with a washlet. As the house was built in an era when families did not have private baths, the later-added bathroom is compact. The bathroom water heater was replaced with a brand new unit in May 2024, and the shower faucet has also been replaced.
There is an empty plot of land beside the property that can be used as a home vegetable garden. For those interested in serious agriculture, rental of farmland is also possible. Removal of leftover items is mostly complete. The owner considered renovating the water areas but decided to leave them as-is so that a new owner could utilize subsidy programs to customize them to their preference. By using Shika Town's relocation support system, one can receive a subsidy of 500,000 yen for the purchase and 500,000 yen for renovations, totaling 1 million yen. Furthermore, those who have lived in or commuted to one of Tokyo's 23 wards for over 5 years and meet the conditions may be eligible for a relocation grant of 1 million yen per household or 600,000 yen for individuals.
In September 2025, a linear precipitation band caused a leak in part of the Japanese-style room. It did not occur during normal rain, so it should be fine except in heavy downpours, but roof tiles may have shifted. As this is a traditional house, the seller requests a buyer who will use it without demolition. The owner lives a dual-base life between Noto and Tokyo. Originally, the plan was to develop it as a base for community building and a residence for relocation. The layout is 8DK. The intention was to operate a share house or minpaku to attract younger people, but having a base in Tokyo made them ineligible for local and prefectural relocation/subsidy programs. The hope is that someone who can skillfully utilize these promotion programs will come to live here and enjoy Noto together.
The sea is nearby, and the seafood is delicious. There is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant run directly by a fishing boat owner nearby. If desired, the owner can introduce work in the fishing industry or the inn they operate. The road connecting the main street to the parking area is narrow, about 2.3 meters wide. Vehicles like a HiAce van can enter and exit but require care. There are some water stain marks on part of the ceiling, but as there seems to be no ongoing progression, it is considered repaired. The storage shed has been mostly cleared out and is nearly empty. Fire insurance is in place and can likely be transferred. The transaction is requested 'as-is'. The sea is about a 5-minute walk away. Sunsets over the Japan Sea become part of the daily scenery. You can go fishing on a stroll. This area yields horse mackerel (aji), sillago (kisu), rockfish (kasago), rockfish (mebaru), soapfish (soi), striped beakfish (ishidai), and black sea bream (kurodai). During the season for spear squid (aoriika) fishing, the harbor lines up with anglers, making it a popular spot. There is also a surf spot nearby, and surfing can be enjoyed in the winter. For those who enjoy the seaside, life here could be close to ideal.
Being close to the town center, daily life is surprisingly convenient. Masuho-no-Yu hot spring is a 2-minute drive, Super Ask supermarket is 5 minutes, Home Center Rocky is 4 minutes, FamilyMart is 5 minutes, Togi Hospital is 8 minutes, Togi Nursery School is 6 minutes, and the Shika Town Office Togi Branch is 5 minutes away.
