2 Plots for ¥4.8M: Build New, Renovate the Old, and Master the Hybrid Biei Investment

Let’s look past the standard real estate pitch and get straight to the facts: ¥4,800,000 JPY (approx. $30,000 USD) doesn't just buy you a vintage house. It secures two separate, registered plots of land totaling a massive 132-tsubo (437 sqm) southeast-facing corner lot in Biei, just a 10-minute walk from the station.

This unique "two-plot" setup unlocks a powerful hybrid lifestyle and investment strategy. If you are wondering why it's priced so accessibly, here is the reality of the property—and the master plan from Kukan, a professional team rooted in architectural design that has been directly operating successful properties across Furano and Niseko since 2022.

The "Two-Plot" Advantage: A True Hybrid Asset

Because the property spans two distinct plots, you are essentially getting a house and a vacant build site for the price of a used car. This opens the door to a highly flexible hybrid lifestyle:

• The Lifestyle Base: You can build a brand-new, modern winter chalet on the vacant plot for your own personal Biei getaways.

• The Investment Engine: Simultaneously, you can renovate the existing vintage house next door and lease it out to generate passive income. You get to enjoy the Hokkaido lifestyle while the property pays for itself.

The Building: The 1967 Reality and Why We Love It

Let’s be transparent about the existing house: it was built in 1967. The insulation is a product of its time, the layout reflects a bygone era, and the plumbing will need a complete overhaul.

But here is the professional takeaway: Whoever owned this house took incredible care of it. For a wooden structure to survive nearly 60 years of heavy Hokkaido snow and still stand this solid is proof of exceptional "bones."

By saving massive amounts of capital on the purchase price, you can invest in what actually matters: gutting the outdated systems, installing proper Hokkaido-grade insulation, and exposing the beautiful, irreplaceable 60-year-old wooden beams. We can transform this space into something "vintage chic" without overextending your budget.

The Zoning Reality: Why Monthly Leasing is the Smarter Play

Please be aware of this crucial detail: this property is located in a Category 1 Residential zone. Simply put, you cannot run a standard nightly Airbnb here. While some might see this as a drawback, as operators who actually manage vacation rentals in Hokkaido, we know the truth. Nightly rentals often mean constantly managing cleaning teams, dealing with lost keys, and stressing over off-season vacancies.

The smartest play in Biei and Furano right now is Mid-to-Long-Term Leasing (Monthly/Weekly). Every winter and summer, the area sees an influx of resort staff, ski instructors, and international digital nomads. Crucially, Biei sits in a prime location with fantastic accessibility to top-tier winter resorts. It is roughly a 45-minute drive from Furano Ski Resort, and only 58 minutes away from Kamui Ski Links in Asahikawa.

Skiers and seasonal workers are actively searching for stylish, modernized places to live within driving distance of these world-class powder slopes, and the supply is severely lacking. By converting this property into a well-designed monthly rental, you tap into a highly reliable market, generating steady income without the daily operational headaches—all while remaining 100% compliant with local laws.

The Ultimate Tag-Team: Kukan x JANKEN

Taking on a 60-year-old house renovation and a potential new build in a foreign country is a daunting task. That’s exactly why our partnership exists.

• Kukan (Design & Operations): Leveraging our foundational expertise in architecture, we know exactly how older Japanese homes age. We manage the local carpenters, ensure your property is built to withstand February freezes, and bring your vision to life—whether it's renovating the old house or building a new one next door.

• JANKEN (The Management): We handle the critical logistics. From navigating purchase paperwork to finding those long-term monthly tenants and managing the property year-round, we provide a true "hands-off" experience for overseas investors.

At ¥4.8M, this is your priority ticket into the highly sought-after Biei market. Ready to start an exceptional real estate project with us?

Property Specifications

• Price: ¥4,800,000 JPY

• Location: Minamimachi 1-chome, Biei-cho, Hokkaido

• Access: 10-min walk to Biei Station

• Land Area: 437.40 sqm (132 tsubo) / Southeast Corner Lot (Comprises 2 registered plots)

• Building Area: Approx. 90.00 sqm (Currently Unregistered)

• Year Built: Jan 1967 (Age: 59)

• Layout: 4LDK (2-Story Wood Frame)

• Zoning: Category 1 Mid/High-Rise Exclusive Residential (Nightly Airbnb NOT permitted; Monthly/Weekly Leasing OK)

• Photos and videos: ☞ https://photos.app.goo.gl/3Ko2Mmb7uLNpmKai6