???? AkiyaMart Edition 014: Twin Showa Homes at the Wasabi Crossroads of Utōgi – Abandoned Japan

???? Welcome to a special edition of Abandoned Japan: The AkiyaMart Edition.

Today, we venture into the remote mountains of central Shizuoka Prefecture to visit Utōgi, a quiet mountain village tucked high in Shizuoka City’s Aoi Ward. This scenic and secluded hamlet is historically recognized as the birthplace of wasabi cultivation in Japan, making it a revered destination for culinary traditionalists and gourmets alike.

Our destination is a strikingly unique property located at the meeting point of two mountain streams, reachable by a private metal footbridge. At the heart of the lot stand two Showa-era homes, likely built a few decades apart, both appearing in relatively good condition. Together, they sit on a triangular parcel of land, with no direct neighbors and sweeping views of the valley below.

???? Features include:
• Two independent homes with mid-Showa character
• Private access via a metal bridge
• No neighboring properties on any side
• A small, usable garden space at the tip of the triangular lot
• Exceptional tranquility and nature views

Though the home is no longer listed on AkiyaMart (formerly priced around ¥5.5 million), it has reappeared before. These types of mountain listings often rotate between agents or expire, then return—so it may not be gone for good.

Utōgi remains a special place. One local restaurant celebrates the area’s heritage by serving meals based on freshly grated wasabi, with a standout dish made from just rice, soy sauce, and wasabi—a nod to simplicity and terroir.

Located about 50 minutes by car from downtown Shizuoka City, the village is also served by a rural bus line, making it more accessible than you’d expect for such a secluded setting.

In this video, I walk you through both houses, explore the immediate surroundings, and take you along for the winding drive back down the mountain, offering a glimpse into this timeless corner of Japan.

➡️ Explore homes like this on AkiyaMart: https://akiya-mart.com

✨ Delve deeper into Kurt’s adventures. Secure your copy of his books here:

???????? Retiring in Japan (https://a.co/d/gxmYGIv)
Retiring in Japan: The Personal Journey of Kurt and Yumiko Bell follows their fifth—and likely final—move between the U.S. and Japan, offering real-life insight on visas, finances, housing, and the emotional journey of late-life relocation.

???? Going Alone (https://a.co/d/6SORY8N)
In Going Alone, Kurt Bell shares stories from his solitary travels and inner explorations, seeking meaning through moments of quiet observation and deep reflection. It’s a book about living attentively and finding peace outside the noise.

???? Website: https://goingalone.org
???? Email: dinnerbytheriver@gmail.com
???? Discord: https://discord.gg/srfDtMN5jA
???? Support my work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/softypapa

Be safe… But not too safe