Spacious Traditional Home with Generous Land in Chichibu's Historic Ohata District
This property presents a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial traditional Japanese home on a large plot of land in the desirable Ohata district of Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture. The property is listed for sale at 8.5 million yen and offers a total floor area of 106 square meters (approximately 32.06 tsubo) across two stories, situated on a generous 296 square meter (approx. 89.49 tsubo) lot. The house was built in February 1982 (Showa 57) and features a classic wooden structure with a layout that includes a first-floor 8-tatami Japanese-style room, a 6-tatami Japanese-style room, and an LDK (living-dining-kitchen) area. The second floor comprises two 6-tatami Western-style rooms.
Essential utilities are all connected, including public water supply, public sewer, individual propane gas, Tokyo Electric Power, and a kerosene-fired water heating system. The property is designated within a Category I Residential Zone with a building coverage ratio of 60% and a floor area ratio of 200%. Access is via an approximately 6-meter-wide public road.
Critical agent notes and special conditions must be carefully reviewed. The agent notes there is no boundary dispute, but explicit demarcation cannot be provided. A previously used septic tank remains buried on the land. As this is a second-hand home, there are signs of age-related wear, including some floor stains and stiff fittings. The property will be transferred in its current condition, with the seller exempt from liability for any defects. Importantly, the property is situated on a slope governed by prefectural ordinances. Rebuilding on the sloped section would be subject to current building standards laws and prefecture regulations, requiring significantly more investment compared to building on flat land.
Prospective buyers must be registered users of the Chichibu Akiya Bank to inquire. Viewings require prior arrangement, and interested parties are strongly urged to visit the site themselves first to assess the environment and access roads. The property is currently vacant, but unauthorized entry onto the land is prohibited. Parking guidance can be provided if arranged in advance. Viewing appointments must be requested at least one week ahead, with no availability on weekends or holidays. The listing is intended for those seeking to reside permanently or stay regularly; use for minpaku (private lodging) or whole-house rental is not permitted.
The Ohata area is rich in history and culture, home to notable temples such as Ryusekiji Temple and Sofukuji Temple. Ryusekiji is the 19th temple on the Chichibu Thirty-Four Kannon Pilgrimage route, famous as the "Evil-Dispelling Kannon" and attracting many visitors, especially for women's 19th and 33rd year rites of passage. A short walk away, Sofukuji Temple is affectionately known as the "Frog Temple" for its numerous frog statues, where visitors pray for safe return ("kaeru") and rejuvenation. The area provides a serene lifestyle surrounded by nature and deep cultural roots, with easy access to local amenities like Ooharabara Station (550m) and a Bellq supermarket (350m).
