She fell for traditional Japanese homes on a high school trip and bought one at 24

A Dream Realized: Coline Aguirre’s Journey to Owning a Traditional Japanese House

Coline Aguirre, now 27, has always had a unique vision for her future. At just 24, she made the bold decision to leave France and move to Japan alone, driven by a deep passion for traditional Japanese homes. Her journey began over a decade ago during a high school exchange program in Kanagawa, a prefecture near Tokyo. It was during this time that she first encountered the charm of a traditional Japanese house, complete with wooden beams and tatami rooms. This experience sparked a dream that would eventually become a reality.

Discovering the Possibility of a Traditional Home

Aguirre's fascination with traditional homes grew stronger over the years. While working as a freelance photographer in France, she and her mother often explored real-estate listings online. During this time, she noticed the stark contrast between property prices in France and Japan. In France, a countryside home could cost up to 200,000 euros, while some houses in rural Japan were available for as little as $500. This discovery led her to consider the possibility of purchasing a traditional home in Japan.

Her criteria were clear: she wanted a large property with enough space for a photo studio and an old house built with durable materials. The concept of a "kominka," or farmhouse, appealed to her, and after months of searching, she found the perfect property in Uda, a small town about 50 miles south of Kyoto.

Buying a House from Afar

The 3,200-square-foot house met all of Aguirre’s requirements—spacious, with an inner garden, two bathrooms, two kitchens, and multiple bedrooms. Despite never seeing the property in person, she decided to purchase it remotely. A real-estate consultant provided a 20-minute video tour, which convinced her that this was the right choice. She paid around 4.9 million Japanese yen for the house in 2022, fulfilling her long-held dream.

Her husband, who is part of the French Army, supported her decision from the beginning. They had been together for eight years when she shared her plan to own a house in Japan. He knew it was a significant step, but he believed in her vision.

Moving to Japan and Starting Over

Aguirre officially moved to Japan alone later that year, without a detailed plan. “I had no plan. I was just trusting the universe,” she said. Her parents were supportive, having already developed a familiarity with Japan through their own experiences. Growing up, she was used to her parents buying and fixing up old houses in France, which helped normalize the idea of purchasing a traditional home.

Restoring the Property

Now living in her newly purchased home, Aguirre has taken on the challenge of restoring it. The house, originally built in the 1920s, once served as a soy sauce shop. Before her purchase, it had been used as a summer home by previous owners. Aguirre has focused on preserving the original structure while making necessary upgrades, such as connecting to the public sewage system.

She has also learned various DIY skills, including making tiles and waterproofing showers. Online tutorials, books, and advice from her father have helped her navigate the process. Despite the challenges, she finds the work rewarding and enjoys using power tools.

Expanding Her Business and Life in Japan

In addition to managing her real-estate consultancy, Aguirre runs an online boutique selling vintage kimonos and accessories. She also offers kimono photography sessions, combining her love for Japan with her creative passions.

Living in Japan has not been without its challenges. Aguirre admits that starting a business from scratch in a new country with a different language was difficult. However, she remains focused on her goals and hopes to improve her Japanese language skills in the future.

Embracing a New Community

Aguirre is part of a growing trend of foreigners relocating to Japan. The number of foreign residents reached a record high in 2024, with many drawn to the country’s safety standards and affordability. Some are also interested in renovating one of Japan’s 8 million abandoned homes.

Despite the challenges, Aguirre feels she has made the right choice. She has connected with other expats in Uda, where many are from the US and UK. Meeting new people has been easier than expected, as foreigners are rare in the area.

Looking Ahead

Aguirre lives full-time in her Japanese home, while her husband visits whenever possible. Though the long-distance relationship is challenging, she remains committed to her dream.

Reflecting on her journey, she says three years is just the beginning. “Sometimes, you’ll need to wait for the thrill of the move to die down before you know if it’s really for you,” she said. For now, she continues to grow her real estate business and connect traditional Japanese homes with buyers seeking unique spaces for their creative projects.

“I still feel like it’s a dream,” she said. “I just added more layers to my dream.”