A Stylish Pension with Private Open-Air Bath in the Aizu Highlands
Nestled within the Aizu Kogen Tirolian Village in Minamiaizu Town, Fukushima Prefecture, this charming Western-style pension offers a unique hospitality opportunity. Situated in an area known for its year-round appeal—cool summer retreat and popular ski destination in winter—the property benefits from a loyal tourist following. The building features a distinctive brick-tile exterior and stands out within the pension village by boasting a separate structure housing a private open-air bath, giving it the ambiance of a hot spring hotel.
The property's concept centers around a full-course dining experience paired with local sake and wine. A significant advantage for a new owner is the ability to inherit the legacy of an established, authentic restaurant operation built up by the current owner over nearly 30 years. According to the agent's notes, the business license is valid until the end of July 2030, meaning no immediate renewal fees are required. Negotiations are possible regarding the handover of existing fixtures and inventory. Furthermore, prospective buyers can combine a property viewing with an overnight stay (price varies depending on the number of people and room selection).
The main building is a two-story wood and reinforced concrete structure with a zinc-galvanized steel plate roof, featuring a basement. It was built in 1994 (Heisei 6). The total floor area is 534.94 sqm (approx. 161.8 tsubo), spread across 258.36 sqm on the first floor and 237.25 sqm on the second. A separate wooden bathhouse building (32.29 sqm) was constructed in 2001. The property sits on a gently sloping 1,940.34 sqm (approx. 586.95 tsubo) residential plot, with frontage to an approximately 8-meter wide paved public road on the south side. Utilities include electricity, public water, and public sewer.
The area is part of the scenic Aizu region, famed for its samurai history and pristine nature. An interesting local fact is that the nearby Oze National Park, one of Japan's most famous marshlands, is a protected wilderness area that blooms with rare skunk cabbages and cotton grass in spring and summer. The closest major landmark is the majestic Mount Bandai, an iconic stratovolcano and popular hiking destination that shapes the landscape of the Aizu basin.