·5 min read

The Bento Box: Issue 5

— Hey guys, quick plug before we start:

First, something serious: OurOtaru Investment Guide & Myoko Investment Guide. We spent half a year on these, they are packed with data and everything you need if you’re considering buying a ski home, in my two favorite towns.

Second, something silly:The YukiHomes Beanie. If you want to look as dumb as me, hit the preorder link, shipping Summer 2026, only making 50 because we are not sure how many people actually want them, so they will be limited. —


Lately, we’ve been out visiting quite a few homes with our clients—and honestly, it’s been exciting to see how many great properties are on the market right now. Some of these houses are truly special, and it’s been amazing watching our clients fall in love with them and move forward with offers.

One of the best parts of what we do is being there for the whole journey—from finding the right home to thinking about renovations and even how to make the space feel truly yours. Whether it’s a cozy lifestyle home or a smart investment, we’re always happy to guide you every step of the way.

Japan continues to grow in popularity, with more people visiting and discovering new regions beyond the usual cities—which makes it an especially interesting time to invest. There are so many areas with potential, and we love helping our clients uncover them.

Now, let’s get into some of the best properties we’ve been exploring this week

Ingredient #1

  • 📍 Location: Otamoi 3 Chome, Otaru City, Hokkaido

  • 💰 Price: ¥4,500,000 (~$28,299 USD)

  • 🏠 Type: Detached House

  • 🛏 Layout: 3LDK

  • 📐 Building Size: 76.17 m² (820 sq ft)

  • 🌿 Land Size: 120.58 m² (1,298 sq ft)

  • 🚍 Access: 17-minute bus to Otaru Station

This beautifully renovated property is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking for a home that’s ready to enjoy from day one. From the updated exterior walls to the modern kitchen, the house has been thoughtfully improved, meaning little to no additional renovation is required. It also offers parking space for two cars, which is a great advantage, especially in this type of location.

Set in a peaceful area close to several temples and just a short distance from the beach. While there is a bus stop only 6 minutes away, having a car will definitely enhance convenience and make exploring the surrounding areas much easier. Overall, this is a perfect move-in ready home—ideal for those looking for a relaxed lifestyle property or a smart investment with immediate usability.

Learn more here: Live Listing!

Ingredient #2

  • 📍 Location: Fukaya, Saitama Prefecture

  • 💰 Price: ¥10,800,000 (~$67,916 USD)

  • 🏠 Type: Detached House

  • 🛏 Layout: 3LDK

  • 📐 Building Size: 91.08 m² (980 sq ft)

  • 🌿 Land Size: 209 m² (2,250 sq ft)

  • 🚍 Access: 16-minute walk to Fukaya-Hanazono Station

This spacious home offers a very comfortable and practical layout, with all rooms measuring at least 6 tatami mats, and with plenty of natural light. In terms of condition, the house would benefit from moderate renovations, particularly in areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and interior wallpapers.

The location is a major highlight, within a 10-minute walk of Fukaya Hanazono Premium Outlets, a large shopping center with over 100 stores, as well as Fukaya Terrace Park, which has a vegetable farm and events going on. The property is also within reach of Fukaya Hanazono Station, and approximately two hours from Tokyo, making it a viable option for those seeking space outside the city without being completely disconnected.

Learn more here: Live Listing!

Ingredient #3

  • 📍 Location: Chishima-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture

  • 💰 Price: ¥5,800,000 (~$36,474 USD)

  • 🏠 Type: Detached House

  • 🛏 Layout: 3DK

  • 📐 Building Size: 58.78 m² (633 sq ft)

  • 🌿 Land Size: 68.33 m² (735 sq ft)

  • 🚍 Access: 20-minute walk to Takayama Station

This home may be on the smaller side, but it truly packs a lot of potential. Built in recent years, it’s in great condition and ready to move in right away. The fact that it was recently occupied is a strong plus—it shows the home is fully livable and requires little to no immediate renovation. The location is another standout feature. It’s conveniently close to major attractions in Takayama, with everyday essentials like UNIQLO (ok, this one is not essential lol), shops, and restaurants nearby.

Takayama has been seeing a steady increase in tourism, making it an especially interesting area for investment!

Learn more here: Live Listing!

That’s a wrap for this week’s bento box. I’m not even sure how many people make it all the way to the end, but every time I write this part, I catch myself wanting to buy half of these houses. For now though, I’ll just keep enjoying sharing them with you!

Browse opportunities yourself: Check out current listings at Nipponhomes.com

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We’ve been building out a solid list of travel + ski partnerships lately.

If you’re gearing up for a trip and need things like luggage, Goggles, insurance and much much more there are some really good deals below.

YukiHomes Perks

We’re always looking to partner with great travel + ski brands.

If you’d like to be featured on our perks page, reach out at: Grant@yukihomes.com

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects my personal opinions and experience. I am not a licensed financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consult qualified professionals before making any investment decisions.