Japanese countryside home for the price of an overseas holiday

A property in the countryside of Japan is on the market with an intriguing asking price.

The traditional home located in the Shimane Prefecture – a mountainous coastal region in the western part of the country’s Honshu Island – is selling for 1 million Yen ($10,000).

The listing, posted on the Houses of Japan Instagram account, teases that the home is the price of a month-long trip to the popular tourist destination.

So what do you get for such a bargain?

The property has eight spacious bedrooms with a dining area and kitchen.

The bedrooms are split across two levels – four on the first floor, four on the second.

“The entrance floor was recently renovated in 2016, offering a modern touch, while the structure remains steadfast with its classic wooden design,” the listing said.

“The house is surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors, featuring a lovely garden that invites you to unwind after a long day.”

Built in 1967, the home also has a generous living space of 169 square metres and is located minutes from public transport – a local bus.

There was immediate interest in the home, with social media users intrigued by the price.

“I’d move there tomorrow if I could,” one person wrote.

“Wow. But what’s the catch? Why is this so incredibly cheap?” a second person wrote.

Another social media user suggested the price was connected to a remote location.

“It’s in the middle of nowhere and likely without insulation and heating,” they said. 

“Also very hard to get a visa for residency, so the maximum stage would be 90 days as a tourist and not being allowed to work. Also likely no job opportunities there unless you can work full remote.”

Others questioned whether the price came with a catch, something ethereal in nature.

“What’s wrong with it?” a third person asked.

“Is it haunted? Why is it so cheap? I’m interested and scared at the same time,” yet another person wrote.