Niigata Sanctuary: Spacious Garden Home in the Land of Rice & Sake
Located in the serene and culturally rich Minami Ward of Niigata City, this charming two-story wooden residence offers a unique opportunity for both lifestyle buyers and international investors seeking value in Japan’s real estate market. Situated at 2-chōme-56 Ōdōriminami, Minami Ward, Niigata, this property represents the quintessential Japanese suburban dream—a harmonious blend of functional living space and generous land ownership, all at an exceptionally accessible price point of $71,286 (based on 9,980,000 JPY at 1 USD = 140) (Additional notary, processing, documentation, and tax expenses are estimated at approximately USD 10,000).
The Residence: Comfort and Tradition
Built with a sturdy wooden structure, this 3SLDK home (Three rooms, Service room, Living, Dining, Kitchen) spans approximately 91 m² (980 ft²) of interior space. The layout is thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and utility. The ground floor features a welcoming 14-tatami mat size LDK (Living/Dining/Kitchen) area, providing ample space for family gatherings. Adjacent to this is a traditional 6-tatami Japanese room, perfect for use as a guest room or a peaceful tea room.
Ascending to the second floor, you will find a blend of styles with an 8-tatami Japanese room and a 6-tatami Western-style room, catering to diverse lifestyle needs. A dedicated “Service Room” provides the flexibility to create a home office, a large walk-in storage area, or a hobby room—a luxury often missing in modern, compact Japanese apartments.
The home is equipped with essential modern conveniences, including a system kitchen with a 3-burner gas stove, a monitor intercom for security, and underfloor storage (ideal for stocking Niigata’s famous rice and sake). The property enjoys a south-facing orientation, ensuring the living spaces are bathed in warm, natural light throughout the day.
The Land: Your Private Sanctuary
One of the most compelling aspects of this property is the expansive land area of 227 m² (2445 ft²). In a country where space is a premium, owning a garden of this size is a true privilege. The grounds offer sufficient space for gardening—perhaps cultivating your own vegetables or creating a Zen garden—and include a parking space for one vehicle. The garden provides a sense of “yutori” (spaciousness of mind), allowing residents to enjoy the changing seasons, from the lush greens of summer to the pristine white winters Niigata is famous for.
Location & Investment Appeal
Minami Ward is renowned as the “Fruit Garden” of Niigata and the home of the spectacular Shirone Odako (Giant Kite) Battle, a centuries-old tradition. The property is strategically located to enjoy the best of the region:
Description:
◾️The property features a functional two-story layout designed for family living. The Ground Floor centers around a spacious open-plan Living, Dining, and Kitchen (LDK) area of 14 tatami (approx. 23 m² / 244 ft²), which connects directly to the garden/parking area. Adjacent to the living space is a versatile Japanese-style room of 6 tatami (approx. 10 m² / 105 ft²), ideal for a guest room or lounge. The entrance hall provides access to the stairs and separates the wet areas, which include an independent toilet and a full bathroom with a changing area and bathtub. ◾️The Second Floor houses the private sleeping quarters. It consists of a large master Japanese-style room of 8 tatami (approx. 13 m² / 140 ft²) and a Western-style room of 6 tatami (approx. 10 m² / 105 ft²) with wood flooring. Both upper-level rooms feature built-in storage closets (highlighted in pink on the plan) and are connected by a central hallway.
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