Free House in Japan: Historic Hokkaido Home with a Japanese Garden – 172㎡ House on 878㎡ of Land for ¥0
Looking for a traditional Japanese home with a beautiful garden, a fascinating history, and an extraordinary price of ¥0?
Located in Shintotsukawa, Hokkaido, this detached home offers approximately 172.24㎡ of living space on a spacious 878.22㎡ lot.
Built in 1969, the property is said to have once been the residence of a former town mayor. Inside, it reportedly features hidden doors and a secret room, adding an unusual touch of history and character to the house.
The property also features a Japanese-inspired garden with a pond, large decorative stones, pine trees, and other greenery.
Despite its peaceful garden setting, the house is located approximately 2 minutes on foot from the town center, with the town hall and municipal hospital nearby.
Offered for ¥0, this property presents an unusual opportunity for someone interested in preserving an older Japanese home and its garden.
🏡 Property Overview
💴 Price: ¥0 (Free)
📍 Location: Shintotsukawa, Kabato District, Hokkaido Prefecture
🏠 Property Type: Detached house with land
📐 Building Size: 172.243㎡
🌿 Land Size: 878.22㎡
🏗️ Built: 1969
🏡 Current Status: Vacant
🔑 Handover: Available immediately, subject to completion of the necessary procedures
📜 Land Ownership: Freehold
🏷️ Land Classification: Residential land
💰 Annual Fixed Asset Tax: ¥40,300 (as stated in the listing)
🚶 Access: Approx. 2-minute walk from the town center
✨ Highlights
✅ ¥0 asking price
✅ Approximately 172㎡ of living space
✅ Large 878.22㎡ lot
✅ Japanese-inspired garden with a pond and decorative stones
✅ Pine trees, conifers, and established garden greenery
✅ Reportedly once the residence of a former town mayor
✅ Hidden doors and a secret room inside the house
✅ Approx. 2-minute walk from the town center
✅ Town hall and municipal hospital nearby
✅ Vacant property with immediate handover indicated
✅ Interesting opportunity for a private residence, second home, or restoration project
🏯 A Historic Home in Shintotsukawa, Hokkaido
Shintotsukawa is a town in central-western Hokkaido, surrounded by agricultural landscapes and natural scenery.
This property offers a combination of traditional Japanese character, substantial outdoor space, and convenient access to the town center.
According to the owner’s description, the house was once occupied by a former town mayor. Although its full history would need to be independently verified, this connection adds an interesting dimension to the property’s story.
Inside the home, there are reportedly hidden doors and a secret room reminiscent of a traditional Japanese ninja house.
These unusual architectural features could be particularly appealing to someone interested in preserving the home’s original character.
The house was purchased by the current owner’s mother in 2013 and has been cared for over the years. Following her decision to move closer to her daughter, the family is now looking for someone who will continue to look after the property and its garden.
🌿 A Japanese Garden with a Pond and Mature Trees
One of the property’s most distinctive features is its 878.22㎡ lot, which includes a Japanese-inspired garden.
The garden features a pond, large decorative stones, pine trees, conifers, hedges, and other established plants.
Together, these elements create a peaceful outdoor setting that reflects the character of a traditional Japanese residence.
The combination of Japanese and Western-style garden plants also provides visual interest throughout the changing seasons.
For someone who enjoys gardening, traditional Japanese landscaping, or simply having a private outdoor space, the garden could become a central part of life at this property.
However, maintaining an established garden of this size may require regular pruning, pond maintenance, landscaping, and other ongoing work.
🏘️ Convenient Access to the Town Center
Although the property offers a quiet garden setting, it is located approximately 2 minutes on foot from the center of Shintotsukawa.
According to the owner’s description, both the town hall and municipal hospital are located nearby.
This combination of a spacious residential lot and access to local facilities could appeal to buyers who want countryside living without being completely isolated from everyday services.
Buyers should confirm the availability of supermarkets, public transportation, healthcare services, and other facilities relevant to their needs.
As the property is located in Hokkaido, winter conditions should also be considered when evaluating transportation, heating, snow removal, and ongoing maintenance.
🏠 A Home with a Story to Continue
Unlike many conventional property listings, this home is being offered with a personal story.
The current owner’s family hopes to find someone who will appreciate the house, preserve its character, and continue caring for the garden.
The property’s hidden rooms, established landscaping, and reported connection to a former town mayor make it more than an ordinary vacant house.
For buyers interested in restoring an older Japanese residence, it could offer an opportunity to preserve an existing home rather than starting a new construction project.
Any restoration plans should be developed after a professional assessment of the building’s condition, the garden, and the costs involved.
⚠️ Things to Consider
Although the advertised asking price is ¥0, acquiring and maintaining the property will not necessarily be free.
Buyers should confirm the ownership-transfer conditions and budget for registration expenses, applicable taxes, professional fees, insurance, repairs, and ongoing maintenance.
The listing states that the annual fixed asset tax is ¥40,300, although future tax amounts may change.
Because the house was built in 1969, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. Important areas to assess include the roof, foundation, structural components, plumbing, electrical systems, insulation, moisture damage, termite damage, and seismic condition.
The property may also contain furniture, household belongings, or other items that need to be removed. Buyers should confirm what is included in the transfer and who will be responsible for any disposal costs.
Hokkaido’s winters can bring significant snowfall and freezing temperatures. Heating costs, insulation, roof snow management, water-pipe protection, and access during winter should be carefully considered.
The garden and pond may require additional maintenance, and their current condition should be inspected.
Finally, buyers should confirm the property’s current availability, legal ownership, transfer requirements, and any conditions attached to the ¥0 offer before proceeding.
With its 172.243㎡ house, 878.22㎡ lot, Japanese-inspired garden, unusual historical features, convenient town-center location, and ¥0 asking price, this property offers an interesting opportunity for someone looking to give an older Japanese home a new chapter.
For buyers who appreciate traditional architecture, gardening, and the history of a home, this house in Shintotsukawa, Hokkaido, could be a distinctive restoration project.
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