Massive Traditional Home in Kitakyushu for Just ¥12M?

Tucked away in the quiet neighborhood of Nomen, just a 19-minute walk from Shinkiyase Station in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka, this massive traditional Japanese home offers a rare combination of size, character, and potential. And yes, the price is real: just ¥12 million (~$83,000 USD as of June 2025).

🪴 What to Expect Inside

Despite being vacant for some time, the interior condition is better than expected. The genkan (entryway) opens into a generous reception space, with a formal meeting room to the side. The ground floor features a large cluster of tatami rooms, perfect for entertaining, relaxing, or converting into Western-style bedrooms if desired.

The kitchen is dated but functional and unusually spacious. The bathroom area is smaller by comparison, but the separate toilet room is large -- an interesting quirk of the layout.

Upstairs, you'll find two Western-style rooms, a bedroom, and a dedicated storage room. This second floor feels like a quiet retreat with ample natural light.

📌 The Location

Kitakyushu is often overlooked in favor of Japan’s larger metro areas, but for savvy investors and lifestyle buyers, that’s part of the appeal. You’re close to transportation, amenities, and schools (zoned for 1st-class middle and high school), yet tucked into a peaceful residential pocket.

💰 Full Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Spend

Buying a property in Japan involves more than just the listing price. This snapshot from our calculator gives you a clearer picture of the total estimated budget, including taxes, fees, and other recurring costs so you can plan with confidence.

(Prices as of June 2025)

✨ Why It Stands Out

🏠 Incredible Space
At approximately 238.69㎡ (2,569 sq ft) of living space and sitting on 614.17㎡ (6,612 sq ft) of land, this 9DK+S home is one of the largest vacant listings we've seen at this price point.

🎎 Traditional Character
You’ll find original tatami rooms, a shrine alcove, and an engawa (a Japanese-style hallway overlooking the garden) that runs along the back of the home. It’s a slice of Showa-era architecture, preserved in time.

🛋️ Functional Layout
With a total of 9 rooms plus a kitchen, dining area, and storeroom, the home offers immense flexibility whether you’re housing a large family, planning a guesthouse conversion, or looking for creative studio space.

🌿 Garden Potential
The surrounding grounds are sizable enough for landscaping, veggie plots, or even a tea garden setup. A true outdoor canvas.

🚗 Garage & Storage
A built-in garage and multiple storage areas make this a practical home for long-term living, renovations, or rental operations.

Property Overview

Property Layout & Photos

Would You Live Here or Turn It Into a Project?

This property offers a blank canvas for anyone looking to invest in Japan’s real estate market without breaking the bank. Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful retreat, planning a multigenerational home, or eyeing the short-term rental market in Fukuoka Prefecture, there’s no shortage of possibilities here.

🏡 Ready to claim it as your own or future income property
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