Hello everyone! Another week, another Bento Box!
This week, we’re introducing something a little different to our Bento Box! From now on, I’ll be rating each property in five different categories, which you’ll be able to see in every section of every house. I think this will make it easier for everyone to compare properties and find the ones that best match what they’re looking for!
So, let me explain our five new categories:
❄️ Snow: The higher the rating, the better the access to ski resorts! We’ll be looking at how close the property is to ski areas and the variety of resorts you can reach nearby.
🏄 Surf: This one is all about the beaches and waves! We’ll be rating properties based on their proximity to good surfing spots and the quality of the surf in the surrounding area.
🚶 Walkability: How much can you do without a car? We’ll consider whether there are convenience stores, supermarkets, train stations, restaurants, or other everyday necessities within walking distance.
🚆 Accessibility: How easy is it to reach a major city or transportation hub? For example, some areas of Nagano are around 1.5 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen, while Otaru is roughly 30–45 minutes from Sapporo by train. The easier the connections, the higher the rating!
🍜 Food: This one isn’t necessarily about how GOOD the food is (because honestly, Japan has amazing food almost everywhere haha!). It’s more about the number and variety of restaurants available in the area. For example, Myoko has some great places to eat, but the options can be more limited and spread out, while Otaru has a much larger variety of restaurants, cafés, and local food spots.
Of course, these ratings are based on our own research and experience, so they’re meant to be a fun and practical way to compare the properties rather than an exact science. And just because a house has a lower rating in one category doesn’t mean it’s a bad property! It might simply be better suited to someone looking for a different lifestyle.
I’m really excited to introduce this new feature, and I hope it makes the Bento Box even more useful for everyone!
Anyways, enough explaining. Let’s get started with this week’s properties!
Ingredient #1
📍 Location: Otaru City, Hokkaido
💰 Price: ¥3,000,000 (~$18,951 USD)
🏠 Type: Detached House
🛏 Layout: 4LDK
📐 Building Size: 93.96 m² (1,011 sq ft)
🌿 Land Size: 631.3 m² (6,795 sq ft)
🚍 Access: 37-minute walk to Minami-Otaru Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line
Learn more here: Live Listing!
One of the most liked houses in Otaru by our clients. The house was built in 1983, but it actually had some renovations done in July 2026, which is a nice advantage. The renovations specifically included toilet replacement, wall updates and a water heater replacement. It still has traditional Japanese rooms, and I think there is a lot you could do with the interior without completely changing its character. Another feature is the sunroom on the first floor, which is especially practical in Hokkaido because you can dry your clothes indoors even when it’s snowing outside. The living room stove was also replaced in 2023. Also, there is a huge garden at the back of the house, as this house has plenty of outdoor space which you can do a lot of things or create your own garden.
You also have parking for two cars under a carport, depending on the size of the vehicles, which is always a big advantage during Hokkaido winters. The property is in a quiet residential area with mountain views, and there is a 7-Eleven only around a 7–10-minute walk away, so you can still grab everyday essentials without driving.
For getting around, Otaru Station is approximately 4.2 km away by car, while Otaru-Chikko Station is around 3.6 km away. You are also within driving distance of ski areas around Otaru, including Tenguyama and Asarigawa Onsen, which makes this an interesting location for someone who enjoys skiing but doesn’t necessarily want to live right beside a resort.
Ingredient #2
📍 Location: Matsuo Yorigi Dai 1 Chiwari, Hachimantai, Iwate Prefecture
💰 Price: ¥1,500,000 (~$9,476 USD)
🏠 Type: Detached House
🛏 Layout: 2DK
📐 Building Size: 79.49 m² (856 sq ft)
🌿 Land Size: 724 m² (7,793 sq ft)
🚍 Access: no access to any station
Learn more here: Live Listing!
Okay, I think this one is quite special, especially for anyone who loves skiing AND hot springs! For only ¥1.5 million, you’re getting a traditional Japanese 2DK house in Hachimantai, Iwate, with a HUGE plot of land measuring 724 m² (around 7,793 sq ft). The house itself is approximately 79 m², so it’s not enormous, but the amount of outdoor space is definitely impressive for this price.
What I find most interesting is the location. The property is approximately 1.3 km from Hachimantai Resort Panorama Ski Area, which is AMAZING if you want a little winter getaway! There are also beautiful mountain surroundings, hot springs, and camping areas nearby, so I think this could be a really nice base for enjoying nature throughout the year.
And here’s my favorite part: the house has access to natural hot spring water! Imagine coming home after skiing and relaxing in your own hot spring bath haha. The listing mentions a monthly hot spring usage fee of ¥6,600 for up to 20 m³, so this is something to include in your running costs.
Now, the house definitely needs some love. It was built in 1983, and the seller mentions that repairs and renovations are necessary, particularly to the floors and equipment. The property is also quite rural, so I would consider a car essential. But if you’re looking for an affordable little ski house with a HUGE garden, mountain surroundings, and your own hot spring access, I think this is a really unusual find!
Ingredient #3
📍 Location: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture
💰 Price: ¥6,500,000 (~$41,061 USD)
🏠 Type: Detached House
🛏 Layout: 2LDK
📐 Building Size: 69.50 m² (748 sq ft)
🌿 Land Size: 97.30 m² (1,047 sq ft)
🚍 Access: 17-minute walk to Tayoshi Station on the JR Nichinan Line Line
Learn more here: Live Listing!
Now we’re heading south to Miyazaki, Kyushu! This time we have a smaller 2LDK house in Miyazaki City, and I think the location is definitely one of its biggest selling points, especially for anyone who loves warmer weather, surfing, and being close to the beach!
The house has two Western-style bedrooms, a 12.5-tatami LDK, and one free parking space. It’s also south-facing, which is great for natural light! Another interesting detail is that the property faces roads on three sides, giving it a relatively open setting.
What I really like is how convenient the location seems to be. Miyazaki Airport Station is an 18-minute walk away, while Tayoshi Station is about 17 minutes on foot. There are also convenience stores, parks, and even a yoga studio nearby! And of course, Miyazaki is known for its beautiful coastline and surfing culture, so this could be a really nice little base for someone who enjoys spending time outdoors.
Now, the house was built in 1982, and the kitchen and shower area will need renovations. It’s definitely a smaller property, so I think it would be better suited to a couple, a small family, or someone looking for an affordable vacation home rather than a large house.
As always, let me know in the comments which house was your favorite or which area you would like me to search next. See you next week!
If your ready to buy a house: Book a call here.
Browse opportunities yourself: Check out current listings at Nipponhomes.com
We’re always looking to partner with great travel + ski brands.
If you’d like to be featured on our perks page or partner with us, reach out here:
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.
Ready to buy a house?: Book a call here
Browse opportunities yourself: Check out current listings at Nipponhomes.com
We’re always looking to partner with great travel + ski brands.
If you’d like to be featured on our perks page or partner with us, reach out here:
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.