Slice of Life: Discovering a Unique 130 year-old Japanese House-Turned-Pizza Cafe and Farm
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- Опубликовано: 31 мар 2022
- For more info about life in rural Japan, check out Steve's RUclips channel, @RealRuralJapan.
Last year I visited Steve and Kumiko, who bought and renovated a 130 year old Japanese house and converted it into a pizza cafe, home and farm.
With the house they got over 2 acres of farmland, and have become registered farmers in Japan, which is not a straightforward process.
He's also renting and restoring a rice paddy, showing his progress here. / @realruraljapan
Instagram: tamano_ie?...
You can visit the Tamano-ie cafe here: カフェたまの家goo.gl/maps/NKWVtPjKNCZfMxbj6
Shinobu-san's guest house information here: www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/33669...
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#abandonedhouserenovation #japan #renovation 
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It really pays to be friendly with your neighbors and openly communicate with them. The advice he gives about the farmer's license and understanding the system and getting advice from the farmers before your licensing meeting is gold.
For sure, I’ve been thinking about trying to get the licence down the track and it’s changed the way I’ve viewed it.
Yes it is gold. This is my dream, pizza oven and all. My wife is Japanese, we are planning to setup a home in Japan and businesses.
Yes I thought that was an amazing segment of this video, shows the open mindset of an eco conscious and community friendly homesteader!
great comment, this can apply to your neighbors where ever you live
Absolutely great information! Pests and affecting other farmers is something I don’t think newbie farmers don’t think about. What a responsible system they have there. Great information! Thanks for this!
Lots of respect for the homeowner. He only arrived over two years but already is integrating into the local culture. Wishing his family the best!
Thanks for your kind words.
It's a bit easier if your partner is Japanese
@@yomommastupid As a 30 year resident of Japan, I can attest that it's a lot easier when you check your ego and assimilate
@@RealRuralJapan thanks for giving me another channel to keep me dreaming/planning of Japanese life. My wife from Nara, is quite fond of Nagano, having worked in Hakuba for a while and many years in the mountains of Japan. Unfortunately my wonderful academical job forces me to be a city dweller But after I am done with it, I am going to consider a fixer in the Japanese mountains and both you and llama's channels are going to help me with that. So thank you very much for showing your journeys and inspiring mine.
This was a really interesting video. The hoops you need to jump through to be an "official" farmer are amazing, but the explanation of why this is so makes a lot of sense.
His overall plan of having a home and cafe was a neat idea. Adding the farm and English Conversation Club was unexpected but a really great way to take advantage of the unexpected extra land and to engage with the local community.
What a beautiful area!
I think I gained 5Kg just looking at that Aussie Burger! :-)
Thanks. Yes, the English conversation school is a great way engage with the local community. When I first arrived I did a couple of free conversation hours a week and I’m still friends with some of the members, even though I stopped over a year ago.
It's just a racket by the JA to keep the old farmers in this country solvent. Same reason fruits and rice are so $$$.
To sell grains or produce there are silar requirements in other countries. At least in mine, in the EU, there is. I had to sit through a quite not a formality long course to get my farming license thingy, as my education is not in the farming (even my parents, who studied agronomy, have to sith through some hours of some renewd courses sometimes). Despite growing up in a village and doing farm work all life, you have to get some kind farming license :)
Maybe there are different rules somewhere else, but here it is just the same. For example plant protection stuff course (safe usage of chemicals and fertilizers) is a mandatory course. Have to have more of it if you spray it yourself, not hiring somebody with a tractor sprayer, as some do due financial reasons.
We had neighbors spray and kill field edges before, as they are not good at judging wind and keeping spacing, so I understand some more strict hops some may have there.
I wish to see more mechanized farms there, as these on youtube are mostly manual with some kei truck doing hauling, that is hugely expensive production.
I wonder how optimized farms do this, or they are just limited by those original farmers too....
I haul grain for example and the tractor with two trailers combined sometimes weights 40 tons. Never seen on youtube if japanese farming looks exactly the same. :)
All those small farms are nice, but they are not for feeding the country, more for making special snacks :)
Great job on the video Jaya it was a pleasure to have you over.
Thanks for having us. Got hungry for pizza and another Aussie burger/calzone while editing.
He has a beautiful property, and he's community oriented. It's very good and kind. 💝🙏💝 good luck with your farm and cafe. .
love Steve's comments about connecting with your neighbors on their terms, it's the secret for building relationships with real people in JP
You asked somewhere recently what should you do on RUclips once your house was completely restored. THIS is what you can do! Interview others who have done the same such as this man. Very interesting to watch! You are a good interviewer!
that guy is living THE DREAM!!!! I am SOO HAPPY for YOU and YOUR FAMILY and for HE and HIS!!
Thank you very much!
$55 toll! Holy crap!😱
I love how he said "when you move to the community you have to go to your neighbours not the other way around" in the country I live in a man from Canada bought the small farm next to me and has been so rude about everything he's doing! Here it's illegal to cut down trees and he had men cut down so many trees and said "they were sick" which was a lie. Then he proceeded to build a huge pile to burn all of it and it's also illegal. It burned for over a month. I was told to call police but they are corrupt and did nothing. Now all I want to do is move away from my home... 😪😫
I would love to live in the community he has there in Japan! Very luck man! Cheers 😍
Not cheap though the roads are nice!
On behalf of all Canadians, I apologize for my compatriot’s un-Canadianness.
@@andrejohnson6731 I have to admit, most of the Canadian people I've met are very sweet compared to the American's I've met. 🤷♀️
@@TokyoLlama do you have to pay that amount if u take that road everyday ?
@@xxaos0 Yes the toll roads in Japan are painfully expensive and the speed limits are low.
The calzone Aussie burger looks amazing! I love how this family saved this house and made great use of it. Thank you for the vid! Please do more of these videos.
No worries, yes, will do more like this when I can.
Solid advice on the farming. The oldest farmer in the area should be every potential farmer's first stop.
This man knows what he is talking about, I myself would not like to live my life that way, I need trains, I need a bus, I am happy this man found a way to live in Japan but I was raised on a farm and I do not want to live my life that way.
From an American living in Toyama--thank goodness for the English subtitles!! lol Really a fantastic deal he got here, he paid as much for his entire property as I did for my 286-square-meter house--though it looks like it's going to be a lot of work to get the farmland in working order. My home--an 80-year-old machiya along a canal--is built out to the lot lines, so there is no open land to speak of, aside from a 6-tsubo garden in the middle... I wouldn't think Nagano would have the right climate for olives--too wet, too cold in winter--though I know they grow well in southern Japan--mostly on Shodoshima in Kagawa Prefecture.
The accent gets stronger when you put two of us together. 😂
Nice! I can see the attraction of a machiya for sure, especially if you’re not into having a large garden/farm.
What a great story. Fanatic assimilation and respect.
Really interesting video but more importantly, I'm amazed at the overall cost. My house here in England, bought & paid for is worth x3 the overall costs portrayed in this video! Suddenly I'm thinking my idea of living in the Japanese mountains is possible 👍😊
How equal is japans average salary to englands average salary?
To salary here in switzerland its pretty much 1:1
@@Reiken2007 I don't know the answer to that 🙂
@@Reiken2007 they say the uk national average wage is £30,000. But I think the figures are screwed because the disparity of wealth is crazy here. Personally, the only people I know who earn that or more are managers or work a lot of hours.
@@Reiken2007 without checking statistics I’d say Japanese salaries are generally lower but still decent.
Having lived and worked in the UK before moving to Japan, I think wages are higher in the UK but most of the basic costs of living are lower in Japan. Public transport is cheaper and far more reliable in Japan. Living in a town of city without a car is very achievable in Japan. Mortgages are cheaper because of lower interest rates but harder for foreigners to get. I earned about double in the UK as a software engineer compared to what I earn as a teacher in Japan.
The farming license mentality makes a lot of sense with these small village areas because in such an isolated environment there is very much a sense of 'community' when it comes to doing your part to contribute to the success of the whole group. For small farmers, certain crops could bring in devastating pests, others may cause cross pollination that alters the crops. There is a lot of engineering to planning for close knit farming success.
What a great interview and way to show respectfully the process to become not only an owner of a land/house but a small farm. I think if everyone went with the mentality of respecting local traditions and with a mind to listen to locals, things would work so much better. I loved this episode.
Thanks, happy you liked it!
No lie, that Aussie burger looked awesome!
Was very very good.
I know this is an older video, but it was just "recommended" to me by RUclips's algorithm. I'm so glad it was! I've been in contact with @RealRuralJapan recently, and he's a super nice guy. We live in Ōmishima, which isn't anywhere near Nagano. He mailed us some vintage video games he saved from an akiya that was being torn down. And he hopped on a video call to help my husband with some questions about our akiya remodel. Just a super helpful guy, and we're total strangers to him. Thanks for sharing!
I'll be visiting Japan this summer with my wife to visit her family - first time in 3 years. I'm waiting to see how things fall into place, but seriously considering moving the family there. Have you considered discussing family life there, in regards to schooling and raising your family in general compared to back home? I'm from Alabama, so surely different from Australia, but I'm sure it would be more similar than Japan. I lived there for three years, but didn't have the responsibility of having a family at the time.
It would even be interesting to hear the difference between the city and rural areas!
Watch the Life Where I'm From RUclips channel. The creator has made hundreds of videos regarding every day life for the last 7 or 8 years and he has children.
I started watching his channel 5 years ago, just a few months before our family moved to Japan and the videos helped us a lot with the transition.
@@BanBanChi Oh yeah, I've watched his videos. Just curious about the Llama's perspective.
@@BanBanChi that’s a great channel.
@@itsalladream I’ll look into doing something if not for this channel, then for @
tokyollamaplus
That place looks awesome. Whenever Japan opens up to tourists, I'm putting this place on my short list of "Want to visit" spots. Thanks for showing us around.
No worries, thanks for watching!
Ripper yarn, good on the locals for running the place so well for so long , bears and monkeys hard work.
Thank you….time well spent…
now that's what you call a multi-purpose building. He might aswell turn it into a hotel, hot spring and maybe even a factory!
What a humble nice guy
6:45 cicada's are in full force here.
Very touching video. I really appreciate your effort to reach out and tell the stories of others.
Really enjoyed this video. When I studied abroad in Japan a few years back, I was in Chiba New Town area outside of Tokyo and my friends and I happened upon a traditional home that had been converted into a cafe where they also sold local produce and flowers. I had such good memories biking amongst rice paddy fields to that cafe on days we didn't have class.
Steve has such a great perspective on integrating into a new community in Japan! Very respectful. I really enjoyed his comments. So true about the view of Nagano, as well - I can imagine if you were viewing a few different houses, it would be very hard for anything to beat that view.
That area is so beautiful. And a 142 year old house! That's amazing... just think of the history and what that house has seen.
I really enjoyed this video Jaya. What a wonderful life change that couple have made. I like the fact that you have to think like a local to fit in. It is the same in most places around the world. The local people know what works and Japanese people have a real affinity with nature. I really need to visit Japan again as soon as I can.
Thanks Jenny, hopefully Japan will open up again soon.
this man is living his best life, hats off to you sir.
It's my dream to live in rural Japan although I don't want a big house or land. You guys are an inspiration as to what is possible.
日本人です。このような外国人がたくさん日本に移住してくれることを希望します。彼らはとても生産的で日本に利益をもたらしてくれる。それは素晴らしいことです。
Thank you, it was very nice that you introduced us to those good people...and of course the Australian burger...
A lot of work to do all that, farming, restaurant and family. Thanks for sharing, Charles
Thanks Charles, yes, keeps himself busy. He’s also taken over an unused rice paddy that he’s restoring and growing rice.
This type of work never really gets finished. Old houses and gardens are always a work of in progress.
Beautiful property and community repurpose
What a view! Yo can understand why this house was THE house and how refreshing to hear his views on becoming a part of the community - lovely - thank you for sharing
No worries, thanks for watching.
Free land and of course free bears, what a paradise.
Beautiful community and countryside! The Aussie burger looked yummy! TY Really cool wood fired oven!
Steve is a complex man. On one hand his grooming is somewhat lacking and yet he’s industrious and has a smart, grounded approach to engaging with his new community. I was drawn in and ended up wanting to know more about his family and understand his future planning. Really well done interview style, very casual and respectful. As the Aussies like to say: “Good on ya!”
that was so wholesome
yeah really fantastic attitude by Steve.
Love the video. Also the food looks phenomenal.
Thanks, the food was great. Steve really knows how to cook.
Thank you for the drive through that beautiful countryside -- looks very serene and full of life
Both of you are making me very envious! Taught English 2007 to 2016 in and around Tohoku and dream to come back and rebuild a beautiful old home. Opening a conversation school/cafe would be the ideal semi-retirement dream.. Don't think I could handle this much farming!
Yes, it’s a nice way to do it if you can get the house/renovation done cheaply enough.
What a stunning location. Nagano is beautiful. Great!
Beautiful! What an amazing couple and fantastic community. Beautiful!
Yay!!! Road trip!!!
Monkeys and bears whilst growing vegetables is an amusing challenge. Your drive down that country road with flowers abound was magical and serene.
If you mean towards the end, that was actually a walk. The full walk with no music is up on my other channel @tokyollamaplus
Respect.. good luck to him. So easy to drive there.. peaceful
Flippin' heck, all of this was so brilliant in every way. Best of luck Steve and Kumiko! I want to visit some day...
Welcome anytime
Looking at the title... I swore this was an April Fool's joke.. but Actually.
A café, and English school, AND a farm. Wow.
Great video TL! I wish Steve all the best with his endeavours
Good on you, Steve. Living the dream!
I love these videos about other peoples housing/moving experiences!
Great, heart-warming video
Really enjoyed this. You have an excellent sense of programming.
Thanks!
That view alone is priceless. What a find. Good luck to this man restoring it to its old glory
Thanks for all your great content ♥️🙌
No worries!
Thanks for sharing this bit of your lifestyle with us, sir!
No worries!
another great video mate, the wait is always worth it !
Thanks mate!
Awesome video, wish Steve and Kumiko the best of luck and the olive crop is a genuis idea!
I love it! So much green
An education! Thank you.
Gorgeous home and amazing views of Nagano. The mountains around Nagano are so pretty (now we know why the city was chosen to host the 1998 Winter Olympics).
What a wonderful video.
Lovely video! That's a big task he took on, good for him!
Love the location, the view across to 若穂太郎山 and the Chikuma valley beyond is spectacular. Happy to hear of a fellow sydneysider living the dream
Super interesting, as always!
Great review.
So lovely!😍
what an awesome video. thank you so much for sharing this!
No worries!
Great video and I loved his attitude about seeing things from the other persons perspective.
Best of luck to Steve and the wife🙂
What an amazing set up fellow.👍
Loved this!!!!
Amazing to see how much Steve achieved in a short period of time. Great video as always!
Thanks!
Hearing the reasoning behind why farming is restricted makes a lot of sense.
Great video
Great tour. I loved the AC/DC style background music ! Thank you from my Montana pyramid house !
Glad you noticed the (fake) AC/DC!
That’s so cool! Actually, one of my dreams is renovating one of those old places into craft beer cafe - also with a pizza oven of course. But that will have to wait a few years, since we’ve only just wrapped up our own construction project…and I can’t afford another loan right now. 😅
Oh, and a funny coincidence: we both just uploaded videos at the same time, Jaya. 🍻
Great, I’ll check it out!
@@TokyoLlama Thanks, dude! I would be honored.
What a really interesting story there is here in Steve's entrepreneurship, Jaya, especially in getting his agricultural license and the philosophy surrounding it. That is an aspect we haven't heard much about before, so thanks for highlighting it!
Thanks, yes, I found that to be the most interesting aspect too.
Wow, what a incredible beautiful place! Wondeful location and tasteful renovation of the house! Wish I was half as hardworking as Steve!
Wow, great!
It's so nice to live in Japan! 🥰🥰🥰
Really interesting to hear about how it works. With abandoned houses and you need to get a licence to become a farmer. And the burger looks really good! Always a treat when you have a new video out. Take care and have a great Easter.
Thanks Emil! You too.
Let me emphasize. To those thinking oh i want this i want to move to Japan. It's not that straight forward. Japan is not so easy to get residency. Both the host and the other Aussie are residents of Japan. They are married to Japanese. That helps a lot. Sure you can buy property in Japan. No issue. But you can only stay up 3 months !!! Then you have to leave.
Another great video!
I loved this video. I like the style you gave to it.
Thank you!
What a beautiful place to live.❤️
Loved the driving footage! Was so great. You put a lot of time and effort into your videos and it is appreciated! Thank you!
Thank you for watching!
Congratulations on 200k subs, love your videos
Thanks very much!
.. Cheers to you ..
Excellent video. It's fun seeing Japan and all its different places and people. Keep up the great job 👍
Thank you!
Thank you so much for these videos. It's really informative.
No worries!
Wow that was pretty cool.
Glad to see you got over to Steve's place! I just saw his intro videos the other day. Looking forward to seeing more. Thanks for going over!
No worries. I didn’t manage to fit in the footage of his rice field but looks like he’s making progress.
I love this video, and I would say it is even the best quality video you ever made! Your house updates are awesome, but I'm also loving to see new perspectives about owning an akiya in Japan. Cheers!
Thanks Luiza, big statement! I find it interesting to see how other people are doing things, not that I would change much but it would have been useful before I got my house!
Such a sweet couple