At first when I saw how much you paid I was a little surprised, but this was nearly a full teardown and rebuild adding a bunch of new features and what looks like really exquisite luxury craftsmanship. I’m actually surprised now that it was that cheap considering everything you did. Absolutely beautiful build, congrats on your home!
Well done. What you got for your money is astounding. Great that you exposed the beautiful wooden beams. One thing that you can count on is the high quality work of Japanese tradesmen.
Wow!!! The Japanese craftsmen did an awesome job with the renovation of your Akiya! Thank you for sharing your journey of country living in Japan!!! Ganbette ne!
I just turned 69 this month and I live on un-improved parcel of land in a temporary structure w/ solar power here in Hawaii, but after following your videos, you make me believe that I can have the life in Japan I have dreamed of so often over the years. Mahalo for showing people like me that even at my age I don't have to settle. FYI: I am not a total stranger to Japan, I was blessed to have lived my first 5 yrs there and it has always been a dream to return, how fitting would it be to come full circle and spend my twilight years there.
I’m an Australian architect based in Nara City Japan. We are sourcing and renovating `Akiya` in Japan for foreigners. If you need any help moving to Japan message me.
Your wife is the luckiest lady in the world with this wonderful craft room, the traditional craftsmanship of the renovation is inspiring ❤. We need more people who are high skilled in these areas 🫶
Wowza. Fabulous renovation. Your wife is sooo lucky to have a top of the line craft room and butler’s pantry. Impressive craftsmen working On your place. Buen trabajo Sr. Jardinero
This was a nice nostalgic recap of the journey to transform your property from beginning to current. I wish I had videoed the construction process on my latest home, but I guess my photos will have to suffice. Your grounds and house look wonderful with lots of well thought out touches & details. Thanks for sharing your journey. I'm grateful & honored you accepted my suggestion for the kitchen "annex"! I hope you & your wife continue to enjoy your slice of paradise in the Japanese countryside for many years to come.
You did a great job and I truly admire what you did.your patience and following the tradition is or are remarkable. Woodwork you all did are out of this world. You are determined patient and resilience couple and the Japanese contractor is awesome Congratulations to all of you a job well done!❤❤❤🎉🎉😅😅
What a dream come true. The garden and home are beautiful. Well renovated and lovingly updated.Your wife's craft room is the same as mine, outside. I am going to raise my ceiling and add lots of windows. It is a former carpenter workshop the previous owner used. I love the little sink! Looking forward to seeing how your property develops. Roses and Hydrangeas are my favorites. Your page is inspiring!
I am getting ready to remodel a house on Teshima Island. The architect actually comes tomorrow. My main request was that I wanted the beautiful beams throughout the house exposed. They are each so unique and the joinery a work of art. When completed it will combine modern and traditional Japanese styles. The house is part of a compound with two barns, a second room that was lived in attached one of the barns, and a bathhouse. The center of the compound has a Japanese garden with a waterfall and koi pond which I have already renovated. Your house has given me many ideas and is beautiful.
wow that's really cool. I looked it up and you are about 4 hours from here to include the ferry. I would love to visit and possibly feature on my channel. If not okay with that at least just to see it and camp in our van. Please keep me posted! Glad to provide some inspiration. I really love the exposed beams! my e-mail is cocolenchojapan@gmail.com if you wish to stay in touch.
Absolutely perfect! Only thing that wouldn't be to my taste is unfinished floor. It seems and would probably feel more like patio flooring. And I feel like there's a lot of raw wood already everywhere, so more finished floor, like normal parquet or something would work better and make those older exposed wooden parts more significant, including stuff like cabinetry, tables and whatnot. I think this illustrates the point 15:30 those beautiful cabinets are kinda buried/blending in because of that floor. Some wood that's finished and lighter in color, matching those white plasters a bit, would really just allow all the finishes, cabinets and stuff you put into the house shine. It still looks good, it's just gives more of an cottage vibe or something. Otherwise, I love all the exposed details and new layout you made. Garden is also super beautiful.
I really enjoyed watching this. I lived in Japan for 33 years and really miss a lot of the features in a Japanese house especially the Ofuro/shower room. You did an excellent job.
Have you considered using chains instead of down pipes. I love the sound thay make when there is rain on warm days. Love the building and garden. Stay safe J
Nice renovation and super nice home with a huge yard (for Japan). You should have kept the old wood. They come in handy for the raised beds. You make the raised beds higher 2 to 3 feet so you don't have to bend down too much and then you fill the bottom with the wood which also helps the plants and accelerates their composting. I am sure that in the Japan countryside the soil is cheap but in the US even when buying in bulk, the soil is expensive so you can use a lot less with the wood from the old home and any tree branches you cut and place at the base of the planer
Hi thanks for the comment! Actually I did! So far I made raised beds (and more in the works, a saw horse for cutting logs, and work in the garage. I have several videos about these projects if you are interested.
This is the first time I've seen a video of you. I understand every decision and step you have taken, I would sign it as something I like. I love everything you have done in this renovation. I'm from Spain and I'm in love with Japan. I work in the world of architecture and my dream would be to live in Japan and do the same as you have done, but my life is too settled for the moment in Spain and because of language, work and family it is not very feasible. I give you my absolute congratulations, I enjoyed and suffered in equal parts this video (because it has made me envy/anxiety to see what you have done, close to tears 🤣). Enjoy your house and your finished work!!! Thank you. All the best
Muchisimas gracias! I really appreciate your kind words and hopefully someday you can. I wish to visit Spain someday. I grew up in Mexico.
Місяць тому
@@cocolenchojapan Entonces seguramente hablas algo de español 😁. Gracias por tus deseos y espero que algún día visites España también. Si necesitas información igual te puedo aconsejar. Un saludo
Si claro que si. Soy nacido en los Estados Unidos, pero me crie in Mexico. Mi apellido es Covian y parece que proviene de Asturias. Me gustaria visitar algun dia. Cuando gustes aqui esta tu casa.
Місяць тому
@@cocolenchojapan Covian es una aldea muy pequeñita de Asturias sí. Pues tendrás que ir algún día a conocer tus raices ;-)
I'm curious, seeing all the yard tools you're using, is there many options for electric tools? When I got a house a could years ago, I was looking for a mower and weed eater but I found most options available these days are all electric. They turned out to work really well. How was the process to get a self propelled mower from the US?
@W4ABN hi there are some options but I am still skeptical due to the large amount of work I have to do. About the lawnmower…long story short I work for the US government and I was entitled a move of house hold goods from the US. So I had it shipped along with other items.
Very nice video wrap-up on the house and grounds from start to finish. I'm looking myself at something similar. I think my restoration would take longer than 3 months as well.
really nice wrap-up of your progress. didn't plan to watch the whole video but I did. :) you may be able repair some of the dents to the floor by steaming them with a damp cloth and an iron. a woodworking trick but I've done it in spots to my oak floors and since your floors are unfinished it should work better... but probably should test on a piece of scrap or someplace hidden.
@@DavidPopdan ah cool thanks for the tip, definitely Going to try it. Yeah sorry it was so long. I have been working on it for HOURS trying to shorten as much as possible. On the other hand it’s a memory for as well. Thanks!
On one side a greenhouse with raised beds of everything you guys like again What a huge land indeed just for that much so cheaper indeed countryside Japan
I'm thinking I'd want something with less work. That was one of the reasons I sold my house and left the US, I don’t like mowing grass! Beautiful house just the same. 👍
Since the 'craft room' is so big, I would suggest adding a sofa-bed. Your wife can take a nap, or open up for add'l sleeping for grandkids/guests. Man cave w/bunk bed (in case they drink too much?) How about a drop down platform w/mattress, shelving above. Thus making a lower bunk which would be safer. At first I thought, "You spent HOW MUCH?" Now that I've watched this video, I would say, "You got MORE than your moneys' worth." It is beautiful. You are fulfilling my dream by proxy. Oh, and smart move on the garden by not adding a pond.
Thanks for the comment. For the man cave I have something like that planned. I started cleaning it out last weekend. It will be a place for my prior military memorabilia, other manly stuff, and an overflow for guy company. The guest house is more comfortable for couples. My wife does have a nice recliner in the craft room. She falls asleep watching TV every day 😅. Yeah we put some money into it, but well worth it to us. Been working on the Japanese garden, but the pump broke and it’s getting cold, so probably going to wait a little.
@@DrZarky si, me sorprende que no hay más en México. Yo me crié en un rancho en Jalisco, Mexico y una camioneta como esta estaría bien Chingon. Es por eso es my camioneta chingona 😅
David Austin Roses have beautiful shrub and climbing roses. There's a Japanese store, but also a US version of the site for full English info. Their Lady of Shallot is a beautiful rose to start with, planted in a group of 3 or 5. You'll be hooked.
Great job, expensive though. For that much cash you could buy 8 beautiful homes in Okayama, already renovated. We paid $6kAud for our Akiya with 5 acres, and will probably spend another $20k on renovations.
This is an amazing video or your journey and very informative. One small question I have trouble finding answers, on someone building up enough wealth for a full renovation but worried about missing out on a beautiful home for the future. Would it be worth buying an Akiya now with what I do have, and just paying any ongoing costs to hold it while building up the renovation fund? Little worried about missing out do to not being in the best position. Thank you!
Hi well that can be difficult to predict. I hear prices are going up in tourist areas, but not so touristy places not so much. Regardless the population in Japan is decreasing and many more houses will become Akiyas. Plus Japanese for the most part do not want older houses. I guess if you are going to live in it now and able to do some DIY buy now. But if not ready to live in it buy later. Hope that helps a little
@@cocolenchojapan It does thank you, I can only get so much information from the internet, so it helps when someone living there gives advice! This has helped alleviate some of my fears on buying a personal home as there will be more in time in non tourist areas, just need to speed up some of my plans around homes in tourist areas if I want to set up an airbnb. Again thank you, wasn't expecting a reply, glad you did and grateful.
@@john-paulrose1581glad to hear! Definitely check the Benton’s because they did exactly what you described and have tons of info on their channel and blog. bentonhomestead.com
Hi I am sorry I really don't know exactly. I really did not focus on that other than what he did on his own, but to meet modern standards could probably be quit a bit, but nor sure.
@@cocolenchojapan thank you for your reply. Yeah i think if the structure has withstood multiple earthquakes it'll be fine. just need to have an inspector check the foundations for possible risks. thanks
wow congrats on a job well done! great work recording this as well... question: how feasible is it to do somehting like this if you are not fluent in japanese (and not married to a japanese woman)? i assume the language barrier would be too daunting. best wishes!
Thanks, well language wise can be difficult without translation assistance, but not impossible. More importantly is your residency status. You can own property in japan as a foreigner, but it does not lead to residency. Additionally you may not be able to secure a loan in Japan, so it’s all cash.
Wow $230,000 USD is too much, but its beautiful. Im buying a home myself 50 minutes from Tokyo and fully renovation but i dont plan to spend this much because i dont have that much money.
I love your videos. I recently moved to Yuu due to a job transfer from Butler to Iwakuni. I have some small appliances I want to get rid of such as a bread maker, blender, etc. Does the recycle center you went to take these items? Or better yet, do you know of anywhere on Base that I can donate or dispose of them? Thanks in advance.
oh thanks and welcome to Iwakuni! I am assuming you work on base. If so, the thrift store opened back up. It is a little past the chapel and PMO. Getting rid of electronics in Japan will most likely cost you money, so best to donate or sell. You can also post on the MCAS Iwakuni FB page. Thanks for watching!
@@cocolenchojapanthank you so much for responding, sorry I missed it until now. I am in Shizuoka City. I was glad to buy local wood to help lessen the pollen (hopefully), but although I have searched so much, I have never found anyone with advice about how to care for it. Do you have any recommendations for a wax or cleaning products? Most products are advertised for synthetic wood or hardwood, and I haven’t had much success with what I have tried so far. Thanks in advance
@@melissasugi681 oh wow beautiful place! Tell you the truth we have an iRobot (like a rumba)and does the cleaning with plain water. That’s all we have done.
For sure! the company is Asahi and the owner's name is Kayaki-san. They are a small company. Are you in the Iwakuni area? Here is the website: www.iwakuni-asahi-k.co.jp/
My wife, who is Japanese, also bought a house in Nagasaki, so we would like to do some reseervtions. I didn’t catch it at first, but heard you mention the carpenter in the video. Thank you!
paid 35 000$ for old akiya + probably 15000$ for legal + 230 000$ = so 280 000$....wouldn't be easier buy better not akiya just good house in rural japan area?
The official Government figures on how many abandoned houses there are in the Country is way too low, it's a massaged number so as not to alarm the remaining population don't forget these figures do not include closed offices, closed shops, closed agricultural industrial/manufacturing sites, closed medical practices, I live in rural Japan small town in prefecture, not a big population any more, but there must be at least a thousand abandoned houses here in just a few miles radius!.
Not sure if it's allowed but couldn't y'all technically do a massive bonfire and burn all the stuff from the previous owners? minus the chemicals, etc of course
At first when I saw how much you paid I was a little surprised, but this was nearly a full teardown and rebuild adding a bunch of new features and what looks like really exquisite luxury craftsmanship. I’m actually surprised now that it was that cheap considering everything you did. Absolutely beautiful build, congrats on your home!
@@risingson74 thanks! Yeah we ended up pretty much doing a full renovation. We really like how it turned out though
Well done. What you got for your money is astounding. Great that you exposed the beautiful wooden beams. One thing that you can count on is the high quality work of Japanese tradesmen.
Thanks! I really like the way it turned out.
日本人がどんどん捨て去っている伝統的な日本家屋。その価値を大切にしてリノベーションして下さった事を、関わった全ての人が喜んで感謝していると思います。どうもありがとう。そしてこの素晴らしい家で最高の生活を送って下さい。❤
Thank you very much. I wish more people renovated older Japanese houses especially in the countryside.
Top 3 akiya renos I’ve watched on UA-cam.. great efforts- house looks like a dream- not just saying that.
Thanks you so much. We really like it and no regrets at all!
Wow!!! The Japanese craftsmen did an awesome job with the renovation of your Akiya! Thank you for sharing your journey of country living in Japan!!! Ganbette ne!
Thank you very much!
I just turned 69 this month and I live on un-improved parcel of land in a temporary structure w/ solar power here in Hawaii, but after following your videos, you make me believe that I can have the life in Japan I have dreamed of so often over the years. Mahalo for showing people like me that even at my age I don't have to settle. FYI: I am not a total stranger to Japan, I was blessed to have lived my first 5 yrs there and it has always been a dream to return, how fitting would it be to come full circle and spend my twilight years there.
oh wow that is so cool! glad to help! I would live to see pictures of your place.
I’m an Australian architect based in Nara City Japan. We are sourcing and renovating `Akiya` in Japan for foreigners. If you need any help moving to Japan message me.
Wow - that craft room is so cool. Your wife is so lucky to have such an awesome husband like you … 🤣
YES, thank you 😊
Your wife is the luckiest lady in the world with this wonderful craft room, the traditional craftsmanship of the renovation is inspiring ❤. We need more people who are high skilled in these areas 🫶
Haha thanks! I will remind her!
Wowza. Fabulous renovation.
Your wife is sooo lucky to have a top of the line craft room and butler’s pantry.
Impressive craftsmen working
On your place.
Buen trabajo Sr. Jardinero
Please disregard typos.
Muchas gracias! I am on the roll today. Second person to say my wife is lucky!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful renovation. I'm so happy to see so many local crafts people showcasing their work.
You’re welcome! They were great to work with, and I’m glad the renovation came out so well.
This was a nice nostalgic recap of the journey to transform your property from beginning to current. I wish I had videoed the construction process on my latest home, but I guess my photos will have to suffice. Your grounds and house look wonderful with lots of well thought out touches & details. Thanks for sharing your journey. I'm grateful & honored you accepted my suggestion for the kitchen "annex"! I hope you & your wife continue to enjoy your slice of paradise in the Japanese countryside for many years to come.
Yup thanks for the recommendation! I was telling my wife that this video was more for us as a memory of the journey!
You did a great job and I truly admire what you did.your patience and following the tradition is or are remarkable. Woodwork you all did are out of this world. You are determined patient and resilience couple and the Japanese contractor is awesome Congratulations to all of you a job well done!❤❤❤🎉🎉😅😅
Thank you very much, we really like the outcome as well
What a dream come true. The garden and home are beautiful. Well renovated and lovingly updated.Your wife's craft room is the same as mine, outside. I am going to raise my ceiling and add lots of windows. It is a former carpenter workshop the previous owner used. I love the little sink! Looking forward to seeing how your property develops. Roses and Hydrangeas are my favorites. Your page is inspiring!
Wow thank you so much and thrilled to provide some inspiration!
I am getting ready to remodel a house on Teshima Island. The architect actually comes tomorrow. My main request was that I wanted the beautiful beams throughout the house exposed. They are each so unique and the joinery a work of art. When completed it will combine modern and traditional Japanese styles. The house is part of a compound with two barns, a second room that was lived in attached one of the barns, and a bathhouse. The center of the compound has a Japanese garden with a waterfall and koi pond which I have already renovated. Your house has given me many ideas and is beautiful.
wow that's really cool. I looked it up and you are about 4 hours from here to include the ferry. I would love to visit and possibly feature on my channel. If not okay with that at least just to see it and camp in our van. Please keep me posted! Glad to provide some inspiration. I really love the exposed beams! my e-mail is cocolenchojapan@gmail.com if you wish to stay in touch.
Yo what a huge backyard you guys have can have a greenhouse full of vegetables fruits and crops again
Hopefully some day!
Love all the renovations that you have done ❤
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it
You've done a great job. Worth every dollar you spent on it! Well done. Great craft room as well.
Thank you very much!
Absolutely perfect! Only thing that wouldn't be to my taste is unfinished floor. It seems and would probably feel more like patio flooring. And I feel like there's a lot of raw wood already everywhere, so more finished floor, like normal parquet or something would work better and make those older exposed wooden parts more significant, including stuff like cabinetry, tables and whatnot. I think this illustrates the point 15:30 those beautiful cabinets are kinda buried/blending in because of that floor. Some wood that's finished and lighter in color, matching those white plasters a bit, would really just allow all the finishes, cabinets and stuff you put into the house shine. It still looks good, it's just gives more of an cottage vibe or something.
Otherwise, I love all the exposed details and new layout you made. Garden is also super beautiful.
Thank you so much! I totally understand. I am glad you like it
I really enjoyed watching this. I lived in Japan for 33 years and really miss a lot of the features in a Japanese house especially the Ofuro/shower room. You did an excellent job.
@@cindyreynolds695 thanks, much appreciated.
@@cindyreynolds695 thanks much appreciated.
ほんとにすばらしいリノベーションですね。
感動しました❗️
Thank you very much!
She’s one lucky wife😊
Thanks, I will kindly remind her!
What an amazing renovation job! It came out absolutely amazing.
Thank you very much. I am glad you like it!
Thanks for sharing, you're living the dream :)
I am!
Have you considered using chains instead of down pipes. I love the sound thay make when there is rain on warm days. Love the building and garden. Stay safe J
@@seekersofrhythm hi thanks for the tip, I have not but definitely need to try it out!
Nice renovation and super nice home with a huge yard (for Japan). You should have kept the old wood. They come in handy for the raised beds. You make the raised beds higher 2 to 3 feet so you don't have to bend down too much and then you fill the bottom with the wood which also helps the plants and accelerates their composting. I am sure that in the Japan countryside the soil is cheap but in the US even when buying in bulk, the soil is expensive so you can use a lot less with the wood from the old home and any tree branches you cut and place at the base of the planer
Hi thanks for the comment! Actually I did! So far I made raised beds (and more in the works, a saw horse for cutting logs, and work in the garage. I have several videos about these projects if you are interested.
Wonderful video! Thank you for sharing! Enjoy your Japanese enhanced house 🥰 I’m sure the locals appreciate the love you and your wife put into it 🥰
Thanks that means a lot to me. Yeah they complement the changes often.
the craft room looks great. the ceiling beams look nice
@@woolfel thanks!
Fantastic video! A well done renovation with an excellent homely outcome for your personal enjoyment.
Thank you so much, we really like it very much.
The Japanese carpenters built a house without nuts and bolts, it's amazing.
Hi yes very impressive
Nice Video! Looks great!
Thanks! ❤
congratulation nice renovation/ building new facilities
We’re so happy with how it turned out.
Beautiful home. May you have many wonderful memories.
Thank you so much!
Very interesting video. Congratulations. Pouring the concrete slab must have been quite an undertaking and expensive. Well done! I would say.
Thank you very much! yeah definitely not easy on the wallet, but worth it to us in the long term. Thanks for watching.
Slick Reno 😎
@@robinm3031 thanks!
Omg. The recycling plant looks amazing compared to where I lived
They seem to have a good operation!
@@cocolenchojapan your house is amazing too
@@jasonmoo4177 thanks!
J'ai adoré voire les belles rénovations et bravo à l'équipe de rénovateurs pour leurs trvail ! Merci de partager avec nous ! Qc , Canada
Thank you very much, they did a great job!
This is the first time I've seen a video of you. I understand every decision and step you have taken, I would sign it as something I like. I love everything you have done in this renovation. I'm from Spain and I'm in love with Japan. I work in the world of architecture and my dream would be to live in Japan and do the same as you have done, but my life is too settled for the moment in Spain and because of language, work and family it is not very feasible. I give you my absolute congratulations, I enjoyed and suffered in equal parts this video (because it has made me envy/anxiety to see what you have done, close to tears 🤣). Enjoy your house and your finished work!!! Thank you. All the best
Muchisimas gracias! I really appreciate your kind words and hopefully someday you can. I wish to visit Spain someday. I grew up in Mexico.
@@cocolenchojapan Entonces seguramente hablas algo de español 😁. Gracias por tus deseos y espero que algún día visites España también. Si necesitas información igual te puedo aconsejar. Un saludo
Si claro que si. Soy nacido en los Estados Unidos, pero me crie in Mexico. Mi apellido es Covian y parece que proviene de Asturias. Me gustaria visitar algun dia. Cuando gustes aqui esta tu casa.
@@cocolenchojapan Covian es una aldea muy pequeñita de Asturias sí. Pues tendrás que ir algún día a conocer tus raices ;-)
Si Dios quiere un día de estos iré. Gracias
Bathroom in the craft room 🥰
Everything looks so nice. You have a beautiful home.
I'm curious, seeing all the yard tools you're using, is there many options for electric tools? When I got a house a could years ago, I was looking for a mower and weed eater but I found most options available these days are all electric. They turned out to work really well.
How was the process to get a self propelled mower from the US?
@W4ABN hi there are some options but I am still skeptical due to the large amount of work I have to do. About the lawnmower…long story short I work for the US government and I was entitled a move of house hold goods from the US. So I had it shipped along with other items.
@@cocolenchojapan I was in the military so I know how nice it is when someone else takes care of the logistics. lol.
What a huge lovely home indeed looks great
Thank you so much!
Thanks!
Very nice video wrap-up on the house and grounds from start to finish. I'm looking myself at something similar. I think my restoration would take longer than 3 months as well.
Thanks! I would love to see your renovation!
@@cocolenchojapan Well, if it it all works out, you won't be far away, lol
Can’t wait to hear about it!
really nice wrap-up of your progress. didn't plan to watch the whole video but I did. :) you may be able repair some of the dents to the floor by steaming them with a damp cloth and an iron. a woodworking trick but I've done it in spots to my oak floors and since your floors are unfinished it should work better... but probably should test on a piece of scrap or someplace hidden.
@@DavidPopdan ah cool thanks for the tip, definitely Going to try it. Yeah sorry it was so long. I have been working on it for HOURS trying to shorten as much as possible. On the other hand it’s a memory for as well. Thanks!
Love your set up man!
Thanks, lots of Steve influence there. Good job helping me spend money 💰
Ur house is cozy n beautiful
Thanks, I agree 😊 I really like it
Very strongman yourself God bless always and your adorable wife many more years
Thanks for warning!
welldone sir.
Thank you very much!
On one side a greenhouse with raised beds of everything you guys like again
What a huge land indeed just for that much so cheaper indeed countryside Japan
Yes I have many plans for the garden. Much cheaper in Japan
Hi great content! Appreciate if you reveal the costs for people who are interested in buying and DIY Akiyas in Japan.
Thanks! I talk about it at the link below. Thanks for watching.
ua-cam.com/video/sFUUrCfuxdw/v-deo.htmlsi=9X_Q-ki4xQFy35Dh
Super-sugoi!
Thanks!
beautiful
Thank you! 😊
I'm thinking I'd want something with less work. That was one of the reasons I sold my house and left the US, I don’t like mowing grass! Beautiful house just the same. 👍
@@terrycavender yeah definitely lots of work! Where did you move to?
If you don't want a fish pond, make a lotus pond.
That's an interesting idea!
Since the 'craft room' is so big, I would suggest adding a sofa-bed. Your wife can take a nap, or open up for add'l sleeping for grandkids/guests. Man cave w/bunk bed (in case they drink too much?) How about a drop down platform w/mattress, shelving above. Thus making a lower bunk which would be safer. At first I thought, "You spent HOW MUCH?" Now that I've watched this video, I would say, "You got MORE than your moneys' worth." It is beautiful. You are fulfilling my dream by proxy. Oh, and smart move on the garden by not adding a pond.
Thanks for the comment. For the man cave I have something like that planned. I started cleaning it out last weekend. It will be a place for my prior military memorabilia, other manly stuff, and an overflow for guy company. The guest house is more comfortable for couples. My wife does have a nice recliner in the craft room. She falls asleep watching TV every day 😅. Yeah we put some money into it, but well worth it to us. Been working on the Japanese garden, but the pump broke and it’s getting cold, so probably going to wait a little.
i like that sticker on the truck.
@@DrZark she is my Chingona 😝
@@cocolenchojapan buena camioneta para trabajos en casa.
@@DrZarky si, me sorprende que no hay más en México. Yo me crié en un rancho en Jalisco, Mexico y una camioneta como esta estaría bien Chingon. Es por eso es my camioneta chingona 😅
@@cocolenchojapan yo I mi esposa queremos comprar una casa igual en Usa, Oita y cuando lo haga vor a comprar una con 4x4.
@ que bien! La mía es 4x4 Subaru sambar 1992. Oita es muy bonito….me gusta Kyushu mucho aver si nos encontramos un día de estos
David Austin Roses have beautiful shrub and climbing roses. There's a Japanese store, but also a US version of the site for full English info. Their Lady of Shallot is a beautiful rose to start with, planted in a group of 3 or 5. You'll be hooked.
Definitely checking it out!
Great job, expensive though. For that much cash you could buy 8 beautiful homes in Okayama, already renovated. We paid $6kAud for our Akiya with 5 acres, and will probably spend another $20k on renovations.
Don’t disagree. All depends on what you want. I would to see your place. I am not far from Okayama
This is an amazing video or your journey and very informative.
One small question I have trouble finding answers, on someone building up enough wealth for a full renovation but worried about missing out on a beautiful home for the future.
Would it be worth buying an Akiya now with what I do have, and just paying any ongoing costs to hold it while building up the renovation fund?
Little worried about missing out do to not being in the best position.
Thank you!
Hi well that can be difficult to predict. I hear prices are going up in tourist areas, but not so touristy places not so much. Regardless the population in Japan is decreasing and many more houses will become Akiyas. Plus Japanese for the most part do not want older houses. I guess if you are going to live in it now and able to do some DIY buy now. But if not ready to live in it buy later. Hope that helps a little
@@cocolenchojapan It does thank you, I can only get so much information from the internet, so it helps when someone living there gives advice!
This has helped alleviate some of my fears on buying a personal home as there will be more in time in non tourist areas, just need to speed up some of my plans around homes in tourist areas if I want to set up an airbnb.
Again thank you, wasn't expecting a reply, glad you did and grateful.
@@john-paulrose1581glad to hear! Definitely check the Benton’s because they did exactly what you described and have tons of info on their channel and blog. bentonhomestead.com
Very nice. Question how difficult is it to seismic retrofit these type of homes?
Hi I am sorry I really don't know exactly. I really did not focus on that other than what he did on his own, but to meet modern standards could probably be quit a bit, but nor sure.
@@cocolenchojapan thank you for your reply. Yeah i think if the structure has withstood multiple earthquakes it'll be fine. just need to have an inspector check the foundations for possible risks. thanks
@@hida_berserker that’s exactly my thought process!
wow congrats on a job well done! great work recording this as well... question: how feasible is it to do somehting like this if you are not fluent in japanese (and not married to a japanese woman)? i assume the language barrier would be too daunting. best wishes!
Thanks, well language wise can be difficult without translation assistance, but not impossible. More importantly is your residency status. You can own property in japan as a foreigner, but it does not lead to residency. Additionally you may not be able to secure a loan in Japan, so it’s all cash.
@@cocolenchojapan thanks for your input. Will have to look into how a long term stay can be done.
Wow $230,000 USD is too much, but its beautiful. Im buying a home myself 50 minutes from Tokyo and fully renovation but i dont plan to spend this much because i dont have that much money.
I totally understand. It was worth it to us, but probably won’t get my money back.
Just a question, what’s the square feet of the house ?
Hi thanks for asking. It’s around 1600 square feet
I love your videos. I recently moved to Yuu due to a job transfer from Butler to Iwakuni. I have some small appliances I want to get rid of such as a bread maker, blender, etc. Does the recycle center you went to take these items? Or better yet, do you know of anywhere on Base that I can donate or dispose of them? Thanks in advance.
oh thanks and welcome to Iwakuni! I am assuming you work on base. If so, the thrift store opened back up. It is a little past the chapel and PMO. Getting rid of electronics in Japan will most likely cost you money, so best to donate or sell. You can also post on the MCAS Iwakuni FB page. Thanks for watching!
@ thank you for the advice! Please churning out the videos. BTW I have a Dometic fridge for RVs. It’s yours for free if interested.
@@dl3198 hmmmm I might be interested. Can we link up sometime? My e-mail is cocolenchojapan@gmail.com
I also have ‘杉’ wood floors, I haven’t found many others commenting about that experience. If you see this, I’d love to chat about it
@@melissasugi681 hi for sure! I love the feel of the wood. Where are you located?
@@cocolenchojapanthank you so much for responding, sorry I missed it until now.
I am in Shizuoka City. I was glad to buy local wood to help lessen the pollen (hopefully), but although I have searched so much, I have never found anyone with advice about how to care for it.
Do you have any recommendations for a wax or cleaning products? Most products are advertised for synthetic wood or hardwood, and I haven’t had much success with what I have tried so far.
Thanks in advance
@@melissasugi681 oh wow beautiful place! Tell you the truth we have an iRobot (like a rumba)and does the cleaning with plain water. That’s all we have done.
Ah, I also got by with just regular vacuuming and such for four or five years, but unfortunately it isn't enough long term.
@ ahhh that is too bad. Let me know if you figure something out!
Hello Sir, I was wondering if you are able to provide the name of the contractor(s) or company that worked on your house. Thanks so much.....
For sure! the company is Asahi and the owner's name is Kayaki-san. They are a small company. Are you in the Iwakuni area?
Here is the website:
www.iwakuni-asahi-k.co.jp/
My wife, who is Japanese, also bought a house in Nagasaki, so we would like to do some reseervtions. I didn’t catch it at first, but heard you mention the carpenter in the video. Thank you!
I appreciate you sharing…thanks so much! We’ve been enjoying your videos and think what you’ve done to your home is amazing!
Y'all 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂two youts
Earthquake-resistant wooden houses can withstand only one earthquake of magnitude 7.
It happens once every 300 to 1000 years.
Well hopefully it doesn’t happen in my lifetime 😀
Are you prior Marine?
hi thanks for asking. No I am retired Army but I currently work at the Marine base.
paid 35 000$ for old akiya + probably 15000$ for legal + 230 000$ = so 280 000$....wouldn't be easier buy better not akiya just good house in rural japan area?
Good question! I am thinking about making a video soon discussing this topic. Guess it all comes down to personal preference.
I would weed the heck out of that yard. It makes me nervous having that much greenery. There’s a lot of Japanese critters. You don’t want to meet.
Lots of critters for sure!
The official Government figures on how many abandoned houses there are in the Country is way too low, it's a massaged number
so as not to alarm the remaining population don't forget these figures do not include closed offices, closed shops, closed agricultural
industrial/manufacturing sites, closed medical practices, I live in rural Japan small town in prefecture, not a big population any more, but there must be at least a thousand abandoned houses here in just a few miles radius!.
I think you are right and it will only get worse.
I wish I had a husband like that & im not even gay- lady- u sooooo lucky 🍀 😂❤
Haha thanks! I am trying to compile the comments to read off to my wife :-)
Weird
The whole thing
To be honest
I like it ?
Not sure if it's allowed but couldn't y'all technically do a massive bonfire and burn all the stuff from the previous owners?
minus the chemicals, etc of course
Yeah probably not a good idea 😀
Sorry but spend 230K usd for renovation? That is way too much; better build a new house.
I do not totally disagree. It's all about personal preference.