Discovering a Love for Japanese Traditional Homes

Coline Aguirre began dreaming about her future home during her high school exchange in Japan, imagining a life wrapped in tradition and elegance.

Originally from Paris, Aguirre experienced a transformative year in Kanagawa, near Tokyo. It was during a countryside visit that she first encountered a traditional Japanese house, charming with its wooden beams and tatami rooms.

"Sleeping in that tatami room was a profound experience. It was the first time I stepped away from modern city apartment living, and it sparked a dream," Aguirre recalled.

Transitioning Dreams into Reality

Fast-forward to 2021, Aguirre found herself in France as a freelance photographer. During this period, she shared a passion with her mother for browsing real estate, leading to an unexpected opportunity.

Aguirre was struck by Japan’s affordable real estate, where countryside homes could be purchased for as little as $500, a stark contrast to the hefty prices in France.

"At that moment, I realized my dream might be more attainable than I ever imagined," she shared.

A Unique Quest

Determined, Aguirre sought a 'kominka,' a farmhouse blending spacious living with artistic potential—a canvas for her photography work.

"I set a goal: find a home at least a century old, ensuring quality craftsmanship and enduring materials," she detailed.

Her search led to Uda, south of Kyoto, where she discovered a 3,200-square-foot property with everything she envisioned and more.

Despite the house’s vast size, with an inner garden and multiple rooms, she was captivated.

Venturing on Faith

Using a video tour from a real estate consultant, Aguirre made a bold leap of faith and purchased the home sight unseen, driven by an unwavering belief in her vision.

With support from her husband, a French Army officer, the dream became reality. "From early on in our relationship, he knew of my aspirations," Aguirre said.

With her parents’ encouragement, who had their own experiences in renovating houses, Aguirre relocated to Japan, embracing the unknown.

Renovation Journey

Her new home on a historic street, once bustling with market activity, offered endless potential.

Aguirre took on much of the restoration herself, balancing the home's history with modern necessities, like connecting it to public sewage.

From her DIY projects, Aguirre discovered a passion for hands-on renovation, mastering skills such as tiling and waterproofing. "I enjoy working with my hands and learning through doing," she remarked.

Living the Dream

In settling into Japanese life, she's part of a larger trend of foreigners embracing new lives in Japan, enticed by the charm of renovating untapped properties.

Aguirre acknowledges the adventure's challenges, especially mastering the local language, a task she tackles through interaction with her predominantly elderly neighbors.

"Establishing myself and my business here hasn't been easy, but the connection with community helps," she explained.

Her social connections expand through shared encounters in Uda, where a diverse group of expatriates resides.

Reflecting on the Future

Looking back, Aguirre views the past three years as the start of a deeper journey rather than a conclusion.

Her ambitions continue to grow as she aims to expand her real estate consultancy, aligning traditional Japanese homes with those seeking unique living spaces.

"This experience has been transformative, enriching layers to my initial dream," Aguirre reflected.