Description
Historic Meiji-Era Estate in Matsue: A Majestic Restoration Canvas
A truly remarkable opportunity has emerged to acquire a historic piece of Japanese heritage for the price of USD 3,571 (based on 500,000 JPY at 1 USD = 140) (Additional notary, processing, documentation, and tax expenses are estimated at approximately USD 10,000). Located at 1722 Yakumochō Higashiiwasaka, Matsue, Shimane 690-2102, this property transports residents back to a defining moment in history. Built in January 1868—the very dawn of the Meiji Restoration—this 158-year-old traditional “Minka” (folk house) offers a rare journey into the past. For the discerning international investor or passionate restoration enthusiast, this estate is not merely a parcel of land; it is a profound cultural canvas. Set in a quiet valley known for its ancient heritage and legendary papermaking, the estate stands adjacent to the renowned Abe Eishiro Memorial Hall, immersing residents in a living museum of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
The architectural layout of the main house is a spacious 4DK + S, providing approximately 135 m² (1,450 ft²) of building area. Inside, one finds consecutive traditional Japanese tatami rooms, a cavernous entrance hallway (genkan) designed to welcome guests with unmatched presence, and abundant storage space (nando). Adding to the exceptional utility of the estate, the property includes a detached wooden annex (hanare) of 30 m² (321 ft²) and a massive steel-frame warehouse (souko) of 78 m² (837 ft²). This combination offers incredible versatility, allowing for the creation of detached guest quarters, artist studios, or an extensive workshop space for hobbies, collections, and creative endeavors.
The sprawling land area of 714 m² (7,684 ft²) is a grand luxury, offering a flat, tranquil escape surrounded by lush green mountains. The property is positioned to capture excellent natural light and gentle valley breezes, offering a peaceful sanctuary with minimal local traffic and generous spacing between neighbors. The vast yard is ideal for establishing a beautiful Japanese garden or a thriving kitchen garden (katei saien) for organic farm-to-table living, backed by the convenience of a functioning on-site well and public water connections.
While the estate possesses timeless character, it requires a comprehensive renovation that represents a highly rewarding investment project. The property falls within a landslide special alert zone and is subject to local cliff ordinances, meaning it is legally designated as non-rebuildable (demolition and reconstruction from scratch are not permitted). However, full restoration and structural renovation of the existing historical buildings are permitted and encouraged. Notable areas of the roof have collapsed, resulting in active water leaks that require immediate structural remediation. Additionally, the sanitation system currently utilizes a traditional vault toilet, presenting an ideal opportunity to install a modern ecological septic system. The property is currently unregistered, boundaries are undetermined, and remaining household items are to be cleared. All associated registration, boundary definition, and clearance costs will be borne by the buyer, allowing for a structured and secure process to establish complete, clean title over this historic landmark.
Despite its peaceful, rustic setting, the property balances country living with excellent connectivity. A local supermarket and convenience store are located just a 6-minute drive away. For regional transit, the property is situated only a 2-minute walk from the Abe Memorial Hall Bus Stop on the Yakumo Community Bus line. For broader train travel, JR Iya Station is a 15-minute drive away, while the major regional transport hub, JR Matsue Station, is a 20-minute drive away. For international and domestic air travel, Izumo Airport (Izumo Enmusubi Airport) is accessible within 35 to 40 minutes by car, and Yonago Airport is about a 45-minute drive, connecting this tranquil retreat to major cities across Japan and East Asia.
The cultural and tourist wealth within a 45-minute drive of this address is truly unparalleled. Literally next door, the Abe Eishiro Memorial Hall celebrates the legacy of a Living National Treasure who perfected the art of handmade Izumo Washi papermaking. Within 20 minutes, Matsue Castle—a National Treasure and one of Japan’s twelve remaining original keeps—stands as a majestic symbol of samurai history. The breathtaking sunsets of Lake Shinji are a 20-minute drive, while the ancient Yaegaki Shrine, famous for its romantic “Mirror Pond” matchmaking fortunes, is just 12 minutes away. Kumano Taisha, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Izumo region, is only 10 minutes away. The historic Tamatsukuri Onsen, a resort celebrated since the 8th century for its mineral-rich, skin-beautifying waters, is a 20-minute drive. On Daikonshima Island, Yuushien Garden is a 35-minute drive, showcasing mesmerizing seasonal peony displays and a pristine Japanese landscape. This concentrated wealth of cultural, spiritual, and natural assets makes the property an outstanding candidate for conversion into a boutique heritage lodge, a creative retreat, or a magnificent private estate.
Details
AJ260027
4
1
135 m²
714 m²
3
1868
Address
- Address 1722 Yakumochō Higashiiwasaka, Matsue, Shimane
- City Matsue City
- State/county Shimane
- Zip/Postal Code 690-2102
- Area Yakumochō
- Country Japan
Floor Plans
Residential Floor Layout
Description:
This single-story traditional Japanese house features a practical layout that clearly separates the living spaces from the utility areas. The floor plan centers around a notably spacious entrance hall (Genkan). To the right of the entrance, there are four interconnected traditional tatami rooms. While exact measurements are not specified on the floor plan, these rooms typically range from 6 to 8 tatami mats in size, which translates to approximately 10 to 13 m² (108 to 140 ft²) per room. These tatami rooms are bordered on the outer edges by a classic wooden corridor (Engawa), designed to let in abundant natural light. Ample built-in storage (Oshiire) is also integrated into these rooms. To the left of the entrance lies the functional wing of the house, which comprises a Dining-Kitchen (DK) area, a bathroom, a large dedicated storage room (Nando/Monouire), and a separate toilet located at the far bottom-left corner.
4
Features
Additional details
- Layout: 4DK + S (4 Rooms + Dining/Kitchen + Storage Room)
- Structure: Wooden, 1-Story
- Building Area: 135 m² (1,450 ft²)
- Land Area: 714 m² (7,684 ft²)
- Nearest Station: Abe Memorial Hall Bus Stop (Yakumo Community Bus): 2 minutes on foot / JR Iya Station: Approx. 15 minutes by car / JR Matsue Station: Approx. 20 minutes by car
- Parking: Space for 3 cars
- Features & Equipment: Tatami Rooms, Storage Room, Garden/Yard, Detached Annex, Warehouse, Well
- Utilities: Public water supply, On-site well, Vault toilet (pit latrine), Electricity
- Orientation: South-facing with excellent sunlight
- Tags / Highlights: Historic Meiji-era folk house, Large lot (over 100 tsubo), Quiet residential area, Scenic mountain views, Renovation project, Low traffic
