An historic merchant house in Hokkaido has apparently been listed for sale for just 30 million Yen (US$210,000). The heritage-listed Yokoyama Residence was built in the 1860s and later.
The Yokohama family moved to the town of Esashi in the late 1700s and found success in fishing, commerce, and shipping. The family has been in this location for over 250 years.
Four of the buildings, all dating from the 1860s, are designated as Tangible Cultural Properties. In the Taisho period in the 1910s and 1920s, a further residential building, ryokan, and dining hall were built. A kitchen was added in the 1960s. The property was open to the public until the 8th generation head of the family passed away in 2018. The heirs had been in talks to transfer the property to the town but could not reach a satisfactory agreement.
In July, the house and land were listed for sale on a site specializing in traditional kominka houses.
Source: The Hokkaido Shimbun, September 1, 2022.
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