La maison de Kiryū

Author: Simon D.

  • Last details

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    Simon D.
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    We are only a few days away from the end of the work. There are a few decisions to be made regarding lights and equipment (aircon, washing machine). Wallpapers have been applied in the small room, we are currently choosing the tatamis. The sink has been setup in the toilet. As well as the washlet.…

  • Halfway through

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    Simon D.
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    We are now halfway through the renovation and the main bits are taking shape. The new metal roof has been installed over the kitchen. The external wall has been installed on the right of the south side. A view of the kitchen from the back entrance. The main console of the kitchen. The new toilet…

  • First month of renovation complete

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    Simon D.
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    The renovation has started a month ago. It has made good progress in the kitchen, the small room and the shower room.

  • Creative destruction

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    Simon D.
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    We have now started the main renovation work of the Northern rooms of the house (kitchen, shower room, toilet and small tatami room). The tearing down exposed the multiple layers of reform that has already been performed through the years. The kitchen after tearing down the fixtures. The shower room will lose its bathtub to…

  • Finding a house in Japan

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    Simon D.
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    Japan is probably the easiest Asian country to invest in real estate. Except the language barrier, there is no difference between a Japanese buyer and a foreign buyer: no specific restriction nor stamp duty. Usually, investors focus on three cities. Tokyo for the stability of land prices, Osaka for the high rental yield, and Fukuoka…

  • The garden

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    Simon D.
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    We have been enjoying the gorgeous weather on the weekends and the reasonable temperatures to take care of the garden, which keeps the kids busy as well. Trimming is a bit complicated… We’re a bit late in the season for some of the trees, and most of the advice available online in English or French…

  • Some pictures of the house before purchasing (Part 2)

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    Simon D.
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    This week, some artisans came to perform a preliminary inspection and prepare an estimate of the bulk of the renovation we are planning. Cleaning outside the house has made good progress, we should be able to complete the high pressure cleaning of the concrete ground the next time we come. Here are the remainder of…

  • Spring cleaning

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    Simon D.
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    One of Japan’s topmost neighborhood issue is probably garbage collection. There are few things worse than having a garbage bag declined by the city collectors for non-compliance, and remaining on the roadside for all to see. It’s not a surprise that it was one of the first topics our neighbors briefed us about. Rules and…

  • Some pictures of the house before purchasing (Part 1)

    Some pictures of the house before purchasing (Part 1)

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    Simon D.
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    Here are some pictures of the “Maison de Kiryu” before its purchase. The entrance of the house is East-facing, with a garden and a stone path. The South side is largely open with a wide parking. The living room or Ima (居間) is the largest room, it is split into two parts by sliding doors…

  • Welcome to the website of la Maison de Kiryu !

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    Simon D.
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    This website is dedicated to the refurbishing of a traditional Japanese house located in the town of Kiryu, in Gunma prefecture, North-West of Tokyo.