Tour my $6000 USD house in Japan

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  • Опубликовано: 19 сен 2024
  • I bought this house in Myoko Kogen, Niigata. Its located around 10 minutes to some of the worlds best ski resorts. There are 12 ski resorts within 30 minutes.
    This is day 1 - I just got the keys. This is how it was left by the owner who moved out the day before.
    I’ll put my videos on here and stories on my Insta ‪@im.mattguy‬
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    SUPPORT ME:)
    Buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/mattguy
    Instagram: im.mattguy
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    #explorejapan #niigata #myokokogen #cheaphousesjapan #livinginjapan

Комментарии • 2 тыс.

  • @im.mattguy
    @im.mattguy  2 месяца назад +78

    Have specific questions that you want me to cover in another video?
    Request it here :)

    • @D77355
      @D77355 2 месяца назад +12

      Hello, is it easy to found house there in similar prices and did you found it on interent? How is the life there. cost of living....people there is friendly? It is quiet and peaceful or..? Good luck with your haouse!

    • @shandrexler1
      @shandrexler1 2 месяца назад +2

      organizing and cleaning

    • @Paradoo
      @Paradoo 2 месяца назад +22

      can you please make a video on how to buy a house in japan and what was your journey like when you were looking

    • @javonstyles5644
      @javonstyles5644 2 месяца назад +7

      1st thank you! Your journey with this house is so inspirational. Im an American looking to buy and renovate a home for my parents to retire overseas. This search has led me to S.E. Asia and your videos specifically. My questions are similar to others I've seen. 1. How did you decide to move to Japan? 2. What is the criteria for an Expat owning property? 3. How did you find this amazing deal and could you share some advice/resources for doing the same? Finally, what major town or city are you closest to and whats the main method of transportation in your area to town?

    • @bellabella-xv5qc
      @bellabella-xv5qc 2 месяца назад +6

      Would you please explain how houses are so cheap but the cost of living is so expensive in Japan?

  • @VictusPrime
    @VictusPrime Месяц назад +550

    For those wondering why this was so cheap; basically rural Japan is literally dying out due to an aging population and lack of birthrate. And not many younger Japanese are willing to live in these rural areas because it's too far from their workplace, among other reasons. So in an attempt to avoid these rural estates becoming literal ghost towns, they're put on the market or auctioned off for next to nothing. The value of houses in rural Japan will continue to depreciate, so if you're looking to buy one as investment, it likely isn't worth it at all.

    • @kingdoge69
      @kingdoge69 Месяц назад +154

      But it’s a good option if you want to live in a place with a lot of peace and quiet I assume. Maybe for an introvert, who only goes into the city on the weekends or something

    • @Renovarqing
      @Renovarqing Месяц назад +32

      who tf are you to say if an investment is worth or not

    • @VictusPrime
      @VictusPrime Месяц назад +77

      @@Renovarqing Lol, what? Maybe read my comment and understand the basic situation in Japan regarding their economy and population demographics before trying to give me attitude 🤣

    • @cerebrumexcrement
      @cerebrumexcrement Месяц назад +41

      someone's trash is an introvert's treasure. 😌

    • @simonsmatthew
      @simonsmatthew Месяц назад +38

      @@Renovarqing He is just saying the obvious if you know the first thing about Japan. Of course the future no one knows, perhaps Japan will see something like a lot of other countries have seen with people moving out of cities and perhaps the birthrate will pick up again. But the point is don't do this expecting an investment opportunity.. Do it because you want to live there or have a second home out there.

  • @kukana60
    @kukana60 4 месяца назад +2104

    Hey Matt, Congratulations on finding such a big, beautiful home in the Japanese countryside. Just a couple of suggestions: Don't make any changes for six months. Living in the house, cleaning it up, getting through your first winter there will be enough. In spring, you'll have a much better understanding of your home and what works for you. Hopefully, you'll also learn to respect the whys and how's of Japanese architecture -- like the beauty of shoji, wood and tatami floors, wood ceilings etc. Do NOT paint (esp. white!) over any walls or wood; just clean it and buff it to its former beauty. Please take time to learn about wabi-sabi -- the Japanese aesthetic concept that finds beauty and serenity in natural objects and designs that are simple, imperfect, and impermanent (e.g., handmade shoji and fusuma doors, wood ceilings. tatami mat floors). You've got a lovely, traditional Japanese home, Matt. Please preserve it with love and respect ... and live to a fine old age in it.

    • @adblas2222
      @adblas2222 4 месяца назад +163

      So true! Don’t ruin that beautiful wood. Respect the architecture.

    • @dlewis895
      @dlewis895 4 месяца назад +82

      DONT PAINT OVER ANYTHING BEAUTIFUL NATURAL FANTASTIC WOOD TOO MUCH WHITE IS LIKE LUVING IN A HOSPITAL 24 7 365. YUK MANY YRS RESEARCH HAVE MADE THESE HOMES SO WAIT AN LEARN

    • @RU.Ready_2go
      @RU.Ready_2go 3 месяца назад +38

      I agree completely! Love, respect and appreciate this gift. I know you bought it, but trust me, it’s a gift. Wow, it’s like you won the lottery! Why buy a house in Japan and change everything about it? Please don’t take offense to my comment, but if you do, that’s ok!

    • @hshneo
      @hshneo 3 месяца назад +53

      Try that toilet for 6 months and you will wish to leave the COUNTRY 😂😂😂.
      First thing is to pay someone to check for termites, after that for sure the toilet and shower room, it's freezing in the winter. Pipes conditions, sewage...Mold might be another issue, and ripping the shite of the house might be needed. How it looks or style is the last thing to talk about, people are delusional to think with a house that old you would be able to keep everything as it is. Few earthquakes in an old house will be able to wake up anyone to reality.

    • @CalGcastglassnz
      @CalGcastglassnz 3 месяца назад +2

      Lol he wont

  • @jeno264
    @jeno264 2 месяца назад +739

    The previous owners kept the place in amazing condition! 💖

    • @MamaK3255
      @MamaK3255 2 месяца назад +23

      I can't imagine any good reason they would leave all that behind. So sad 😢

    • @ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーヅ
      @ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーヅ Месяц назад +10

      Was someone murdered in this house?

    • @UmmYeahOk
      @UmmYeahOk Месяц назад +38

      @@ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーヅmost likely they died of old age. Japan is shrinking in population as the older generation dies off. The younger generation don’t have as many children, if any at all. So the country has these houses that end up abandoned with belongings still inside, as their descendants don’t want anything to do with it. The inheritance is expensive, so many times they just sign away their ownership to the government. The problem is that the government needs all the descendants to sign off on it before the government can take ownership. By that time, the abandoned property is in disrepair, and no longer habitable, costing more to bulldoze than the property is worth.
      That’s said, there is a reason this was $6000. It’s far from the city, in a village people don’t want to live in. That doesn’t mean the area is bad. It just means that there’s little reason for most people to want to move there. They already have a job elsewhere, property, family, friends, elsewhere. There’s not really any incentive to move into that area except for the price. For people wanting to move to an affordable area like this guy, it’s a dream come true. So in many places with shrinking populations, foreigners are moving in to fill the void, help the job market, help the economy.

    • @tgreening
      @tgreening Месяц назад +5

      @@UmmYeahOk. Pretty spot on assessment I’d wager. Besides the cost increase in more desirable areas, most times new tenants/owners dont want any of the old owners stuff. NOTHING. When we moved my wife out of her Kobe apartment, the cleaners stripped everything out, and I mean EVERY THING. Appliances, wallpaper, floors, bathroom/toilet. There was absolutely nothing left in that apartment. Not even sure they left bulbs in 5he overhead lights.

    • @RealSlooo7
      @RealSlooo7 Месяц назад

      @@ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーヅ Man, I watched too many bizarre bub and nuke top 5 and alot in Japan Haunting. lol

  • @rawtale97
    @rawtale97 13 дней назад +44

    Bro all these words you are using: "Reasonable, nice, decent" WTF? I cannot believe my eyes this is INCREDIBLE, UNBELIEVABLE, EPIC.
    You have no idea how lucky you are, people all over the world dream of having such a lovely home, super congrats dude.

  • @RedErin
    @RedErin 2 месяца назад +128

    You almost seem embarrassed to show the kitchen but I think it’s wonderful and just needs a tidy and a clean! I’ve always loved how practical and simple the Japanese way of setting up a home is and how much sense it makes. If it were me I’d highlight all the quintessentially Japanese kitchen things like the sink area and natural wood colors. Making things cohesive will be a much better plan than redoing absolutely everything. My friend and neighbor here in America is an old lady from Japan and she never wanted to live there again, but she still lives as if she did by keeping to that simple and delightful way of setting up her home.

    • @im.mattguy
      @im.mattguy  2 месяца назад +19

      That’s awesome, it’s very similar in the countryside where people live a simple life.
      I love my place including the kitchen :) I take things slow and feel out what renovations need to be done for practicality and personal design choice 🙂

  • @timandrew4515
    @timandrew4515 Год назад +901

    Simply amazing! But PLEASE keep the beautiful timber ceiling. Dont paint it white.

    • @nedlowe8344
      @nedlowe8344 2 месяца назад +56

      Word. There are reasons not to paint them. Natural wood breathes.

    • @manuvasari
      @manuvasari 2 месяца назад +31

      Im an architect and art historian and I approve this message haha

    • @RalphelValentine
      @RalphelValentine 2 месяца назад +11

      Even if he paints them, don't use white it's a basic color look. Stain them instead to keep the look of the wood with a nicer color, then white

    • @Strider1122
      @Strider1122 2 месяца назад +9

      ​@@RalphelValentineClean and Beeswax

    • @hzhang1228
      @hzhang1228 Месяц назад

      i like when wood is stained white to look like their natural color when freshly cut.

  • @risingsun49
    @risingsun49 4 месяца назад +416

    $6000 is nothing you got an amazing deal!! The doors are beautiful very traditional.

    • @SLOBeachboy
      @SLOBeachboy 3 месяца назад +16

      Yes, that house is in excellent condition for its age. I lived in a house like that in Tokyo with some other people for a few months before I found my apartment and it was a slum compared to this place. I would not really want to live on the West coast in Niigata of course but that is an excellent price for what he got. If I did want to live out there, I would definitely have bought that house however if given the chance. But if living in Japan I just have to be in Tokyo. Not only that but I need to be right in the heart of the city near all the action which is why I lived in the Shibuya area. Back to the house though the one thing I never liked about those old Japanese houses is that they all have very steep and very slippery wooden stairways and it is very easy to slip and fall since you are always going to be in your stocking feet. Well actually a Japanese person will wear slippers in the kitchen and hallways and will take the slippers off when going into the tatami rooms. Then if you want to go to the toilet you have to put on your hallway slippers back on to get to the toilet and then before you enter the toilet you will change from those slippers and into your bathroom slippers. Then you have to reverse the process to go back to the tatami room. It’s a real pain in the butt but since he owns the house, he can just skip the slippers if he wants to.

    • @zacharymcneely6039
      @zacharymcneely6039 3 месяца назад +2

      @@SLOBeachboyLOL did u pop a addy homie!? good info! Shibuya is so expensive but worth it

    • @BahamaWynters
      @BahamaWynters 3 месяца назад

      @@SLOBeachboy Yes. All true.

    • @hoonhwang4778
      @hoonhwang4778 2 месяца назад +1

      Plug the house and drop it anywhere in place like LA or NY, you will make 100folds.😅

    • @cwwong7898
      @cwwong7898 2 месяца назад +4

      Really 6K? More of at least 12K and above.

  • @carolwine-bucklew2692
    @carolwine-bucklew2692 4 месяца назад +487

    Score!!! It’s beautiful. Don’t paint the ceiling and leave the doors.

    • @pinnacle1717
      @pinnacle1717 4 месяца назад +37

      Definitely do not paint those beautiful cedar(?) ceilings.

    • @dlewis895
      @dlewis895 4 месяца назад +19

      DONT PAINT BEAUTIFUL.NATURAL.WOOD. CEILING. GEZZZZZ GARBAGE CAN BE PAINTED WHITE NATURAL.WOOD IS VERY HARD TO FIND AND WALLS ARE MULTIPURPOSE. REPLACE WOULD BE HORRID

    • @tracylealuckey5314
      @tracylealuckey5314 4 месяца назад

      Lovely hope you have a wonderful time with your new house your new environment and getting used to it all

    • @TheMeisaku
      @TheMeisaku 3 месяца назад +2

      Opps lost my comment. Don’t paint the shoji n ceilings. Would look weird white! But, other than that, how exciting!! N where again is this? Wow, 20 meters of snow? Sugoii!

    • @pinnacle1717
      @pinnacle1717 3 месяца назад +5

      @@TheMeisaku
      There’s already a newer video where he shows the renovations completed. 🤣

  • @adamwilliams8895
    @adamwilliams8895 2 месяца назад +125

    Be careful about painting the walls. Traditional walls (in old houses like these) are often plastered with 'Shikkui', a type of plaster that is used to help regulate humidity in the summer. Painting over it would lose that benefit. If you want to change the color, you can re-plaster it with a different color shikkui

    • @im.mattguy
      @im.mattguy  2 месяца назад +20

      The paint system has been designed to work with the shikkui:)

    • @lindalarsson1436
      @lindalarsson1436 13 дней назад +2

      Painting isn't as important as guting the bathroom. Getting updated toilet and plumbing

  • @danielagelhornhiremagalur6891
    @danielagelhornhiremagalur6891 2 месяца назад +56

    I love the fact that he doesn't stop smiling! I know the feeling! YOUR HOME. God bless you❤

  • @debbiecurtis4021
    @debbiecurtis4021 4 месяца назад +242

    Keep all the shoji doors. I wouldn't enlarge the bedroom as traditional Japanese houses aren't well insulated, and winters are bittetly cold. It's easier and cheaper to heat a smaller bedroom.

  • @carinemissous7921
    @carinemissous7921 2 месяца назад +62

    Hello Matt, it seems to me that you have found a gem for yourself. The house is beautiful, I think. I would keep as many original doors and floors as possible. The sliding doors are amazing, all that wood, it's marvellous. And the garden is full of promises. To me, it is like some dream come true, right from some Ghibli movie. I am happy for you and I so would like to see how it all evolves...! Congratulations!

  • @demonslayer9016
    @demonslayer9016 17 дней назад +12

    What an amazing buy, as an introvert this would be a dream situation no one around, no noise everythings so clean and well kept

  • @SerenaMaeTV
    @SerenaMaeTV Месяц назад +14

    Just found this video randomly. 😃 I’d say keep the ceilings wood, they look nice but maybe it’s just the video. The sliding doors look nice too. I know this video is a year old so I guess I’ll see if there are any updates! I’m so jealous you have 5 meters of snow!! What!! I’d LOVE that so much! 😍 ⛄️ ❄️

  • @JaneDempster
    @JaneDempster Месяц назад +4

    As you’ve probably discovered, the older Japanese houses aren’t insulated so you’ll be freezing in winter and boiling in summer! Our son lived in a similar house so I have first hand experience. I love the traditional features except the toilet, get a modern washlet one. The garden size is amazing for Japan. All those people saying you couldn’t get it for $6000usd are wrong, you can. In Japan, if someone has died in a house, Japanese people are reluctant to live in a house and often they are pulled down even if they are only 30 to 40 years old. In many rural areas it is hard to sell houses because of the declining population.

  • @deschaindeschain6495
    @deschaindeschain6495 Год назад +188

    I’ve heard that when you move into a house in japan you buy your neighbours gifts, could be a good way to get an introduction and start a friendship with them and get some tips from them for what you’ll need to do with the snow in winter. I think that’s gonna be a big challenge if you’ve never lived somewhere with heavy winter snow! It seems super convenient with everything left behind, looks like you’ve got al the tools you’d need to live there, very cool! Also seems like a big money saver, nice to give the old things a second life 🎉 Think some of those screens and shutters are changeable for the seasons.

    • @jennypableo9616
      @jennypableo9616 4 месяца назад +16

      Japanese traditional gift for neighborhood when you moving

    • @debbiecurtis4021
      @debbiecurtis4021 4 месяца назад +18

      I think this is correct. As an English women I'd probably gift them some Scotch whisky and some well-made linen tea-towels with London landmarks on them. I'd also go to see the local mayor and introduce myself and take a bottle of whiskey as a gift. Not cheap whiskey either, a good 15 year old single malt.

    • @elisekuby2009
      @elisekuby2009 2 месяца назад +4

      Yes, bring them sweets.

    • @わわ-l8w
      @わわ-l8w 2 месяца назад +7

      「向こう三軒両隣(向かいの3軒と左右の2軒)」という昔ながらの言い方があり、一軒家の場合の引っ越し挨拶の範囲になります。500円~1,000円前後のものをその5軒に渡せばいいです。

  • @yuhaviat
    @yuhaviat Год назад +183

    This will be fun to follow.
    One suggestion: Do not paint over and wood or door panels till you’ve lived there for a while. Little benefit and impossible to reverse.
    Good luck!

    • @im.mattguy
      @im.mattguy  Год назад +18

      I know what you mean, I will definitely paint the timber in the kitchen but might make it a different color to the walls. There’s timber throughout the house and because the kitchen has been changed over the years it kinda doesn’t match with the timber anyway… I’ll keep timber through the house but not the kitchen :)

    • @bradlybradshaw5972
      @bradlybradshaw5972 4 месяца назад +26

      I agree! Don't paint those wood ceilings. It's great the way it is!

  • @jacquelinefilby1842
    @jacquelinefilby1842 3 месяца назад +53

    I wouldn’t change anything apart from changing out the commode. That house is absolutely gorgeous and in amazing condition. We seem to rush into “ modernizing” to today’s standards which will become just as outdated in 10 years. Of course heating, plumbing and electrics may need to be brought to code. But don’t paint wood in white. Clean Keep all the features. Clean them and repair if needed. 60s metal kitchen cabinets. Gems. Keep them. What a find.

  • @doncjack5913
    @doncjack5913 Месяц назад +6

    It's nice that the previous owners left you some useful stuff like the window screens, original wood panels, and spare wood pieces in the shed/loft because they are still usable and are expensive to have bought brand new.

  • @Coco1477
    @Coco1477 2 месяца назад +4

    I had a smile throughout the entire video, i can tell you are absolutely happy and excited about owning your house and we are really happy for you.

  • @ChiChiMemories
    @ChiChiMemories Год назад +152

    Congratulations! I would definitely keep the dividing doors, they are beautiful 😄

    • @daveleephoto
      @daveleephoto 5 месяцев назад +36

      This dude has no idea what he has at all. When winter hits he will realize why rooms are divided in to smaller areas. As this house is traditional there is no central heating. So heating a large room is close to impossible. He’ll learn the hard way. Will be a funny video.

    • @shiralleehaggart72
      @shiralleehaggart72 2 месяца назад +3

      ​@@daveleephoto No doubt the whole place will end up soulless looking 'usual grey and white' makeover and cheap furniture unlike the well made furniture that is in the house. I wouldn't alter any of it because it would spoil the Japanese features.

  • @nikkipyer
    @nikkipyer 4 месяца назад +57

    very happy for you! by why does his hurt my heart a little. So much backstory to the people who once lived there

    • @jamiemiesler322
      @jamiemiesler322 2 месяца назад +18

      Maybe he mentioned it but I feel the same way & why would they even leave their clothes?😢

    • @francineross686
      @francineross686 Месяц назад +9

      I'm first thoughts where congratulations Matt and my very next is why they moved and left their whole existence behind.

    • @litsnombre6390
      @litsnombre6390 Месяц назад

      ​@@francineross686 me too, same question....

    • @TheXboxSux
      @TheXboxSux Месяц назад +4

      Seems like it was an eviction. Really unfortunate. Not sure how I'd feel about being the person that took someones life work for next to nothing. I'd almost want to find out who lived there previously and see if there was a way to get them back in there.

    • @IDrawToothpicks
      @IDrawToothpicks 17 дней назад

      ​@@TheXboxSux I didn't see any mention of an eviction by the uploader. I hope that's not the case :,)

  • @Limastudent
    @Limastudent 9 месяцев назад +66

    You will only be heating one small room at a time so keep all shoji doors to close off colder rooms. Freezing is a major problem.

  • @steadholderharrington9035
    @steadholderharrington9035 Месяц назад +5

    Don't know what to possibly add that hasn't already been said hundreds of times, but, if you absolutely feel that you must renovate, for the first year at least then, don't renovate any further that possibly insulating the outer and inner exterior walls, under the roof and under the main floor floor with foam or rock-wool insulation. Beyond that, acclimate to the area you're now living in. Find out why the home is designed like it is. Making spaces bigger is just opening up expensive cans of pricey worms of problems for yourself. In the winter, only heat the rooms you will absolutely be using rather than the entire home; keep the home from smelling like kerosine as much as you can that way. Maybe invest in double or triple-glazed window replacements. Otherwise, do nothing else for the first year.

  • @The_Only_Noble
    @The_Only_Noble 10 дней назад +1

    perfect little vacation home for when you wanna be in japan but no where busy. just relax

  • @Lilcurious1
    @Lilcurious1 4 месяца назад +41

    Dude, what score for 6K! I wouldn't change a thing... except for the toilet, otherwise it's perfect and ready to move in! Congrats!🎉

  • @ryokokirchhoff782
    @ryokokirchhoff782 4 месяца назад +220

    It's a very nice house and makes me sad that what happened to this family...I'm Japanese living in the US for more than 50 yrs and seeing a house like this leaving everything behind is very sad to me...hope they are okay and you'll do great job to update this house!!!!!

    • @newaccount091
      @newaccount091 4 месяца назад +74

      I feel the same… like what happened? 😞. I mean happy for him but can’t help thinking seeing all the families things.. like they were just there 5 mins before he came.

    • @ryokokirchhoff782
      @ryokokirchhoff782 4 месяца назад +13

      @@newaccount091 I know right!!! 😢

    • @emerg0n0see
      @emerg0n0see 4 месяца назад +34

      My thoughts too. I said a prayer for those who were present prior. May they have taken a great opportunity…or made it happen!

    • @lillypond1061
      @lillypond1061 4 месяца назад +35

      The owners have to pay a hefty tax by the govt, that is why they walk out. Inheritance tax is 45%. Most young people don't want to live rural.

    • @ryokokirchhoff782
      @ryokokirchhoff782 4 месяца назад +15

      @@lillypond1061 Wow, did not know that thank you for the info!!!

  • @sytsebuwalda6570
    @sytsebuwalda6570 4 месяца назад +68

    Love the doors and all the original details.

  • @ntcrwler
    @ntcrwler Месяц назад +1

    What an amazing find and a golden opportunity. An almost postcard - like view, excellent condition, plenty of room, a shed for your projects and hobbies... And filled with amazing craftsmanship and tradition. Now it just needed a little updating and to put your own special signature on things. Looking forward to watching you settle in and enjoy things, Mate!

  • @carolynsilvers9999
    @carolynsilvers9999 2 месяца назад +18

    Don't paint wood, don't ditch doors, just unload clutter.

  • @cree_VI
    @cree_VI Год назад +60

    That's a really nice house, in the yard is a small jungle, but after some pruning, it will look wonderful. I love hydrangeas.

  • @isuckatguitar6252
    @isuckatguitar6252 Год назад +35

    It's huge! What an amazing find! I'm in Hong Kong and that's basically 3 months rent for a small flat here & you own it! 💪🏼bonus, you get lots of furniture that already fits the space. Keep the doors, they're very pretty.

  • @sylviamatthee8172
    @sylviamatthee8172 4 месяца назад +21

    First of all, congratulations. A really good buy. The house is sound. Keep the doors, if possible, please. You need to become a good gardener or find somebody to help you. Don't forget to water the plants. 😊 Make sure that you make local friends. You need local people to help you and to advise you. A very interesting renovation experience for you!

  • @Tenyo94
    @Tenyo94 17 дней назад +4

    I briefly skimmed the video. Was there any mention of what happened to the previous owners? I'm amazed at how much was left behind.

  • @fatherd.6016
    @fatherd.6016 Месяц назад +2

    Beautiful house Matt...!!! You've got enough garden space to grow some food. The shed will be great for your small car. The snow will be a challenge to deal with. Looks like you are high in altitude there, so it will be mighty cold...!!! Best of luck..!!! 😊

  • @viz8746
    @viz8746 5 месяцев назад +36

    You got a deal~! 😄👍... dishes, pots, pans, furniture, fridge, houseplants, couch set. Everything looks in good repair. Your only immediate expense (should you choose) is to switch out the toilet from Eastern to Western - you have a move-in ready HOME. Costs for those small items add up. You saved at least $1000 on the furniture alone - You lucked out. That is a good sturdy home. Please don't throw out the couch or other pieces of furniture, except maybe get a new dining table. And leave the doors.

    • @jccrellin7625
      @jccrellin7625 4 месяца назад +3

      Could always just add a western toilet, but leave the other for guest's comfort

    • @debraderoos5225
      @debraderoos5225 4 месяца назад +2

      update kitchen and electricity.

    • @DovidM
      @DovidM 2 месяца назад +1

      He probably was thinking how much do I want to keep, and what is the cost of replacing what I’ll be discarding.

  • @ivanleelivingston4902
    @ivanleelivingston4902 4 месяца назад +18

    Canada 64 years experience with snow.A good lite snow float will save your back and heart. Find an area of about 15 feet to push loads of snow to. Then keep building a snow runway to deliver loads of snow to stack the snow. Don't lift with a shovel or it's hard on the heart and 1000 people in bad shape die every year from too much heavy lifting or they injure the lower back.Push snow and deliver it to a 15 foot by 15 foot area.

  • @FoxyfloofJumps
    @FoxyfloofJumps 3 месяца назад +9

    Oh my HECK..... You got so lucky!!! The area isn't deserted, the condition is very nice. Looks like the previous owner had family to clean it before it was closed up. This isn't even crammed with garbage and clutter. It's virtually move-in ready. And don't worry too much about being lonely. Being so close to touristy spots, you'll have thru-traffic if the neighbors are slow to warm up to you. And the community winter time work will keep you firmly connected to everyone there. And the upstairs of the shed you can use for drying if you like preserving or canning your own. In the winter it's likely very cold. So you could insulate the whole thing, use it for hobbies or repair work.....

    • @im.mattguy
      @im.mattguy  3 месяца назад +7

      The family moved out the day I moved it. The owner was the person who showed me around his home during the inspection day

  • @freshflow101
    @freshflow101 Месяц назад +2

    I live in Fernie BC Canada. We get about 10m of annual snowfall. I recommend a good quality 2-stage snowblower with an engine around 250cc or more. Don't let the snow sit for long before clearing it otherwise it will harden and be more difficult manage. I was in Japan last winter to snowboard. I'm jealous of your Japanese mountain house!

  • @noha1545
    @noha1545 Месяц назад +1

    Congratulations on your new home, 0nw suggestion about how to get rid of snow during snow season is to store alot of snow into a big barrel to store snow in it to melt and you could use the snow in the big plastic barrel to wash dishes, water the garden in summer or even Wash your car if you have one.just a few (e.g) or suggestions for you could save alot of water by using storing snow in s big plastic barrel that has a tap on the front for easy use of the water thats melted in that barrel.

  • @tashhhhhhhh
    @tashhhhhhhh Год назад +20

    The house, the garden, the shed! I love it all! A small Japanese house doesn't need fancy shmancy stuff, I'd love to see the outcome of your project! ❤

    • @dlewis895
      @dlewis895 4 месяца назад +1

      REALLY HOT MAYBE WARM.FOR WINTER PLACE TO BE

  • @BrendaQuinnCanada
    @BrendaQuinnCanada 4 месяца назад +22

    I wouldn’t paint ceilings or inside until you’ve spent a winter. Then you’ll see how cold the 1 room you occupy can get and where your money will go in 4 seasons

  • @TRUMPmyOSHI
    @TRUMPmyOSHI 2 месяца назад +14

    $6000?! This is a steal!! You don’t have to buy anything! It’s perfect (minus the toilet).

  • @DimereseiniNRobbyRavouvou
    @DimereseiniNRobbyRavouvou 9 дней назад +1

    About 5 meters of snow there?
    meself from the tropics no snow here
    so maybe raise the foundation like already cement there great
    don't add more cement just add a floor like already the loft inside the shed maybe do another level in between to create another lofty floor
    Fill the lower bottom of the new loft with firewood ready for winter and a fireplace for heating the shed
    use salt to melt the snow outside maybe

  • @cherylemaes6649
    @cherylemaes6649 20 дней назад +1

    I think it’s fantastic look forward to seeing what you do with your new home 😊

  • @jamievalencia2565
    @jamievalencia2565 Год назад +15

    Matt, congrats on the house! I’m really interested in hearing how you are able to purchase a home as foreigner in Japan. I’m also interested in seeing what kind of aesthetic you are going to go for. I ask because, even though I’m not Japanese, your house in its current state, reminds me of my grandma’s house. It has an old school, small town charm to it.

    • @im.mattguy
      @im.mattguy  Год назад +3

      Thanks so much! Yeah for sure, there will be a balancing act of keeping it kinda orginal but trying to make it more comfortable with todays new technology

  • @clebras
    @clebras Год назад +100

    I wouldn't paint the natural wood ceiling or those decorative sliding doors, i would save my money for better toilet and refridgerator, what is really needed. Buy a book of two on bonsai care. Good luck!

    • @ektar_100
      @ektar_100 Год назад +6

      Save money ? He bought the house for less the price of a deluxe refrigerator or fancy toilet 😂

    • @im.mattguy
      @im.mattguy  Год назад +14

      Toilet is the priority! Figuring that out this week with the plumber and discussing options. Money isn't too much of an issue since it's just the material and the labor cost doesnt exist. I'm doing all myself

    • @ScottParisi
      @ScottParisi 4 месяца назад

      Did you square away the toilet situation?

    • @Curveofthecreek
      @Curveofthecreek 3 месяца назад +1

      I agree. Question. Will you hire a local to walk you through your house and explain Japanese interiors with you? How about hiring a crew to remove everything and, help you go sort through for things you want to keep. Recycle the rest at a local charity thrift store. Once you know what you have, get some paint and make it uniquely yours. Incorporate your Western style with your new home. Personally, I would redo the screens with more abstract/🚀🛸🛰️/🐲🎋🦖/or (your personal preference) images, using STENCILS, on each screen in the same locations. But that’s just me. Good luck. You really got a great bargain. I think the previous owners must have loved that home. They took lots of memories with them I’m sure.

  • @loisaustin6200
    @loisaustin6200 2 месяца назад +1

    What a great deal you got, that house is amazing. You're a lucky man, just hope the winters and all the snow you are expecting will not be too overwhelming for you. Good luck in your renovations, I plan to follow along and see how things go. I find this all very interesting.

    • @im.mattguy
      @im.mattguy  2 месяца назад

      First winter was so awesome :)

  • @beatrizgalvaao
    @beatrizgalvaao 24 дня назад

    This video was recommended to me today, so I’m a bit late, but omg, you genuinely made me smile after a hard day of work. I can see how excited and proud you were, so I got happy too. I’m looking forward to seeing all your renovation journey 🙏🏻🤣

    • @im.mattguy
      @im.mattguy  24 дня назад

      Thank you so much for the comment! It’s been a fun journey :)

  • @audramitchell9894
    @audramitchell9894 4 месяца назад +8

    It appears to be a very traditional home . It's really a treasure . Personalizing it will be delightful . Id spend a year getting used to the place . Updating the bathroom and upkeep is priority . Wishing you the best ❤️🌹❤️

  • @TheAcer925
    @TheAcer925 5 месяцев назад +7

    There is nothing to criticise about the house and you shouldn't be complaining about anything including all the furniture and items in the house. It's just $6000. A months salaru in the US.

    • @aviewer9516
      @aviewer9516 5 месяцев назад +1

      I didn't hear him complaining about anything.

  • @timmozeek
    @timmozeek Год назад +11

    In February, I visited Japan for the first time. I stayed in Myoko-Kogen for one week, where I learned to ski. I enjoyed my experience in this lovely small town so much that i would also consider purchasing a place like this.

    • @im.mattguy
      @im.mattguy  Год назад +13

      The first time I visited Myoko I actually had mixed feelings - I preferred the buzz of Hakuba and being close to the northern alps. After spending like a month in Myoko helping a friend with their renovation my feelings changed a lot. I actually like Myoko more for the authentic Japan experience. It will change and infrastructure will continue to develop here. End of the day, there are pros and cons to anywhere, but I'm super happy with Myoko :):)

  • @michellephillips4688
    @michellephillips4688 23 дня назад

    Matt, congratulations on your new home. It is wonderful and has so much potential. You really found a diamond in the ruff. Good luck and well done.

  • @cassieleavitt3899
    @cassieleavitt3899 5 дней назад

    Your new home is wonderful! Enjoy the journey.

  • @teresayates8274
    @teresayates8274 3 месяца назад +96

    What is your need to paint EVERYTHING white?? Don't ruin the ceilings and keep the doors.

  • @lauranorwar
    @lauranorwar 3 месяца назад +7

    Keep those beautiful doors!! That is my vote!! Congratulations on your new home!!

  • @karlad4082
    @karlad4082 4 месяца назад +10

    Wow! The American Dream is now living abroad! 😊 That’s a gorgeous house and little town. Congrats!

  • @catea2551
    @catea2551 День назад

    i love the sliding doors/walls. if you take them out, hope you find a person that appreciates them and they won't end up in the dump. it's going to be beautiful.

  • @corinnemcleod1804
    @corinnemcleod1804 Месяц назад +2

    For 6000 dollars this house is amazing. Even with some upgrades you have an amazing home.

  • @jillsmith1959
    @jillsmith1959 3 месяца назад +81

    Why the hell would you buy such a beautiful home and then want to tear out or paint everything that makes it beautiful? I'm surprised that you didn't suggest tearing out the wood floors and installing LVP.

    • @shiralleehaggart72
      @shiralleehaggart72 2 месяца назад +15

      Exactly. I can imagine how this beautiful home will end up. Each to their own, yes but it is sad to see traditional houses having all the original features removed just to end up making them look like every other soulless home nowadays.

    • @Darklightofherheart
      @Darklightofherheart 2 месяца назад +7

      Agreed it’s a traditional Japanese home it’s beautiful but he wants to Americanize it I’m sure

    • @stevenbeall9637
      @stevenbeall9637 Месяц назад +4

      ​@@DarklightofherheartInteresting, since he doesn't appear to be American. BTW: Many Japanese also remodel these older out of fashion homes to be more western-like in layout and appearance. Would you have a problem with them doing it? If you want to have an older traditional japanese home, go buy one. Leave people to their own choices. It's his home, his life and his investment. Who are you? Do you want people to publicly criticize your living space and design choices? It's not like this is some historical property of great importance and needs to be restored. It's a $6000 house. The indignant righteousness of some people. 🙄

    • @stevenbeall9637
      @stevenbeall9637 Месяц назад +2

      So everyone on the planet needs to abide by what you feel is beautiful or proper? It's a simple home and it's his, not yours. People reacting to him maybe making some preferential charges like he's painting over the ceiling murals of the Sistine Chapel is ponderously judgemental and out of line. Because this is what you would want and do, so everyone needs to listen to you? Do you want me to come to your home and tell you what you did to it was stupid? Maybe suggest you replace that more modern crap you bought with some old avocado finished appliances since that would be more proper for the era it was built? How dare you pull up that shag carpet and paint over that wonderful tacky wallpaper that was traditional of the period. It's a $6000 house for a reason. There's nothing magically special or worth you tying yourself to like a 1000 year old tree to keep him from remodeling it the way he sees fit.

  • @bunrisl
    @bunrisl 4 месяца назад +14

    Clean clean clean but do not paint those beautiful wooden ceilings white.. better re- do the tatami or new shoji doors. Put the money into the bathroom and good winter heating. and congratulations!

  • @daphnejackson841
    @daphnejackson841 4 месяца назад +25

    Dude....why you keep reiterating the price and that the stuff they left you have to deal with it??? U got blessed... That's Awesome 💯❤

  • @darcieaddison6186
    @darcieaddison6186 Месяц назад +1

    You look my friend Kelly who also lives in Japan. What a great shopper you are. Such a lovely home!

  • @ouagadougou62
    @ouagadougou62 Месяц назад +3

    Well kept house, do you know what happened to the previous owners? They didn't have any children or they weren't interested in the house? As you said, leaving everything behind is much cheaper for them, cleaning the house would cost probably between $5000 to $10000 hence the cheap price. In your first winter you'll find out how bad Japanese insulation is in Japan. They are unheatable, all the heat escapes through the cracks, you turn off the heater and it's freezing within 10 minutes. The snow will be a challenge since there is no place to take it too, Niigata is a heavy show fall area. The beautiful ceilings are just veneer and about 3 mm thick, you lose a lot of heat through them. You need to take some time to decide what to do with the space, Most walls are load bearing, you can't just remove them unless you consult an architect or a builder to know what to do. Good luck on this great adventure.

  • @OverTheSevenSeas
    @OverTheSevenSeas Год назад +15

    My vote: Definitely keep the upstairs doors

  • @tomkarns1690
    @tomkarns1690 4 месяца назад +9

    Leave the doors for at least one full year. You will find (as I did in that style of home) that if you use the windows and doors with some forethought that you can heat AND cool your spaces with the sun and outside air movement throughout the day and the year.
    Those doors are not merely a decorative feature, and that basic home design is thousands of years proven, long before modern heating and cooling.

  • @SmilingQuokka
    @SmilingQuokka Год назад +5

    Congratulations on your new home! It's a beautiful house, and the view from upstairs is great! It'll be amazing when those hills are covered in snow. It definitely needs some brightening up, but some fresh paint or lighter flooring will help. I love all the wood flooring and railings. It gives the house a warm feel.

    • @im.mattguy
      @im.mattguy  Год назад +2

      I'm exciting for the snow! The place really comes alive in winter, too. I'll probably do the walls in a white or off white and leave the timber features :)

  • @RonayeTanner
    @RonayeTanner 16 дней назад +1

    I just can’t help feel the deep loss, the previous owners must have felt. Their ENERGY and love and memories are in those walls, furniture and ceilings!
    It just makes me feel emotional.
    All THEIR THINGS….now, HIS THINGS for a cheap price! 😢
    What an insult this must be to previous tenants. 😔😔😔
    Nothing against the guy who bought it BTW.

    • @DonaldMiller-cw4vk
      @DonaldMiller-cw4vk 15 дней назад

      Earthquake. He sold it.

    • @lindalarsson1436
      @lindalarsson1436 13 дней назад

      You are right. It isn't that they didnt want to keep it or sell it for more. The. JApanese government is making it impossible to afford keeping home in the family. It's called inheritance tax. There are videos on why Japanese are selling cheap. And discuss inheritance taxes

  • @elizabethbell999
    @elizabethbell999 6 часов назад

    Maybe new tatami mats and rugs for winter. Double windows are for winter. Water the bonsai for starters and some bonsai food. Get help to get as much done as you can before winter. Good luck. Hope you love winter sports.

  • @rachgarcia7
    @rachgarcia7 4 месяца назад +15

    What a deal!! Congrats P.S. Absolutely keep the sliding doors for the bedrooms 😉

  • @anna_m59
    @anna_m59 4 месяца назад +7

    Why would you a beautiful wood ceiling paint over? Remove all tchotchke from the house clean up and then look what you want remodeling.. but paint wood ceiling I wouldn’t do .. Congrats to your house purchase !

  • @mocochan
    @mocochan 4 месяца назад +4

    In winter, there are a lot of snow falling there and you may have to climb up on the roof and get rid of snow though⛄️

    • @debraderoos5225
      @debraderoos5225 4 месяца назад

      pay someone to clear the roof in the winter

  • @Gilokee
    @Gilokee Месяц назад +2

    Kinda similar to my house!! I bought one about an hour away from Nagoya, like $35k all in. My neighbors are these amazing dorks and I love them, it's a great spot. Also don't paint your ceilings!!!! The natural wood is beautiful, it's one of the things I really like about mine!!!!

  • @art141098
    @art141098 24 дня назад

    This looks amazing for the price! good luck with your house man!

  • @countdoogula2781
    @countdoogula2781 Месяц назад +4

    Bro, I'm from Australia. I live in a 3 bedroom apartment 40 minutes out of Sydney, and it cost $750,000 AUD.
    $6000, for a 2 story house, garden, and killer shed....in Japan which is basically the best place on Earth, is absolutely mental.
    Killer purchase. 10 out of 10.
    Just the woodwork and craftsmanship in that home itself is priceless. Tag that you got a plot of land and you're cheering.

    • @dazgg9164
      @dazgg9164 Месяц назад +1

      Agree im in WA and jesus its depressing dollar wise lol

  • @marcgriffiths24
    @marcgriffiths24 Месяц назад +3

    Depressing watching this knowing how bad british house prices are, congratulations on yours absolute bargain of a home 🤩

  • @debbiecurtis4021
    @debbiecurtis4021 4 месяца назад +6

    You could buy this house, and if you dont like cold winters, rent it to Japanese skiiers, then use the rent and holiday in Okinawa.

  • @DimereseiniNRobbyRavouvou
    @DimereseiniNRobbyRavouvou 9 дней назад

    post videos during the winter season it be lovely to watch thanks

  • @MarciaMeree
    @MarciaMeree Месяц назад

    Congratulations on your new home. I like it. There is so much potential to make it your own. Seems like it's in pretty good shape. Can't wait to see what you do with it.

  • @teamvoodoo7298
    @teamvoodoo7298 Год назад +4

    I look forward to follow you in your journey! Best of luck from the States!

  • @ektar_100
    @ektar_100 Год назад +8

    Hi Matt, new sub from Ig ;)
    One day we definitely need a step by step guid for how to buy a house in Japan when your not Japanese.
    Hope to see that one day ! Thanks and keep up the great content !

    • @im.mattguy
      @im.mattguy  Год назад +6

      It's all pretty straight forward! And in some areas, like Myoko kogen, they know theres a foreign investment demand. They actually do their best to help in English. I just found out they have a guide book to setting up your life in Myoko with an English version! Pretty cool :)

    • @larsbee
      @larsbee 2 месяца назад

      ​@@im.mattguyI heard it is actually hard to go through the process without speaking Japanese... but I heard that from a person who is selling their services in buying properties for their clients 😂

  • @debbiecurtis4021
    @debbiecurtis4021 4 месяца назад +4

    The corridor to the ground floor basin is wasted space. Rip out the Japanese squat toilet, the basin and bath. Use the corridor space. Make one larger bathroom with shower and basin and washing machine all in one. Add a dehumidifier for drying laundry, a heated towel radiator and additional underground heating. Use large floor tiles and wall tiles.

  • @Emilia23238
    @Emilia23238 4 дня назад

    Congratulations!! Beautiful house, awesome price.
    Keep the doors, they’re lovely.

  • @GetLitWittyKittyTruthNectar
    @GetLitWittyKittyTruthNectar 16 дней назад

    What a blessing! Good things happen to good people! 🥰

  • @arsenblackwell
    @arsenblackwell Месяц назад +5

    Does it came with legal issues?.The price is unbelievable.

  • @gracepineda1743
    @gracepineda1743 Год назад +5

    Can't wait to see the remodeling and what your keeping

  • @KayakerDude-cw1kk
    @KayakerDude-cw1kk Месяц назад +6

    This house in the US would be around or higher than $300,000- All of North America is so screwed

  • @twostate7822
    @twostate7822 Месяц назад +1

    Looks like a wonderfully kept up house.
    Interesting that you pointed out a kerosene heater when first entering the house. I recently watched a Document 72 Hours program on my local NHK station and their topic was about a kerosene delivery company who made kerosene deliveries to residents in their service area. I'm familiar with oil furnaces since my house had an oil furnace before I converted to gas, but was surprised that those kerosene heaters in Japan didn't have an outside tank for the kerosene.
    I don't recall seeing a bathroom on the 2nd floor. If you are planning to stay there for any length of time, I would look into remodeling the house to add a 2nd floor bathroom. Yes, that's probably western mentality, but I was watching another NHK show and not that you're old, but apparently people falling going down the stairs to a 1st floor bathroom at night is actually a problem.

  • @smilingdog2219
    @smilingdog2219 2 месяца назад +1

    Extreme find, looks amazing for sure. Everybody is going to change a home that fits their likes, you do you. As a home owner, there are three major concerns at the top of the list. #1 good roof, #2 good plumbing, #3 safe and adequate electrical. Further down the the list are foundation and walls and outside it's yard and drainage etc. Congratulation! I see the videos nearly a year old and you must have learned things about your house and surroundings. Taxes, property rights, and Japans unique incumbents if any.

  • @ccsobsessed
    @ccsobsessed Год назад +6

    Congrats on your new home! Coming from a Canadian, you must invest in a snowblower. cant wait to see what you do with the place!

    • @im.mattguy
      @im.mattguy  Год назад +2

      My place is on the main street, you can kinda see from the outside my door is almost on the road. A few buildings down the street theres a post office and next to that theres a hospital - so I guess this road will be kept very well by the council. Do you think it would still require a blower for out the back garden?

    • @ccsobsessed
      @ccsobsessed Год назад +1

      @@im.mattguy hmmm you could always see how much snow comes down the first year and think about investing in a snowblower. Snow gets really heavy so it will get hard on the back for sure!

  • @jcfm1629
    @jcfm1629 Месяц назад +20

    He later found out why the house sold for a mere $6000 when he saw the previous owner at night as a ghost 😂

    • @BroutyMax
      @BroutyMax 26 дней назад +1

      You even get friends, what a deal! 🤣

  • @bauch16
    @bauch16 19 дней назад +6

    A ebike costs more than ur house what a deal

  • @maggiefigueredo8620
    @maggiefigueredo8620 14 дней назад

    Keep the doors upstairs, adds to the originality of Japan!❤

  • @advocateshashank
    @advocateshashank 28 дней назад

    You are a very nice person and humble. Congratulations on finding such a beautiful home.

  • @jeg_kan_lage_mat
    @jeg_kan_lage_mat 2 месяца назад +5

    Is $6000 a normal price for a property like this????

  • @icemanauz
    @icemanauz 2 месяца назад +3

    Is it in the flood zone?

  • @JMac-27
    @JMac-27 2 месяца назад +13

    Please Please LEAVE IT ALONE. RESTORE IT, DONT DARE PAINT ANYTHING WHITE OR REMOVE THOSE DOORS!!! PLEASE. LEAVE ORIGINAL, IT ITS SO BEAUTIFUL

    • @soul6612
      @soul6612 2 месяца назад +6

      It's his house, his wish lol

  • @gavburgess6467
    @gavburgess6467 Месяц назад

    I stumbled upon your video this morning and that's an amazing house!
    All the best for you and your future in your new home

  • @kadegoodgirl5498
    @kadegoodgirl5498 18 дней назад

    Yes, I totally agree about changing the toilet. Wow you got so much for just $6,000 ,keep the door as original.
    Congratulations 🍾🎊🎈🎉