1970s wood house, 17-min walk to station, Yamagata

Full description

This home sits on the banks of the Mogami River, the mother river of Yamagata Prefecture. Facing National Route 47, a gentle slope leads to the house. The left slope, once a garden, now hosts a small pond with water lilies floating upon it, and ferns and fatsia shoots grow in what was once a field. With cultivation, this could become a fine vegetable garden again. The standout feature is the bamboo grove on the rear hillside. While it was explained as serving as a wind barrier, the spring bamboo shoots harvested there are even better. Fresh ones make good sashimi, but perhaps moso bamboo shoot soup would be better. In Yamagata, moso bamboo shoot soup made with sake lees in miso broth is enjoyed as a spring seasonal delicacy. As I imagined sipping this soup with an evening drink, I found myself immersed in happiness. / Upon entering the house, the first floor, renovated about ten years ago, has been transformed into a woody space with an atmosphere that makes evening drinks enjoyable. The water facilities are also clean. The second floor has two rooms. This is a sufficient house for families raising children. The owner, who visits several times a month, is diligent in maintenance. The fields are regularly mowed. Perhaps that's why several bottles of alcohol line the dining table. An evening drink after completing maintenance tasks must be especially satisfying. / Now, for fields and bamboo groves, soil is essential. When you put love and effort into the soil, it becomes truly fertile soil. When you put care into rice, it is brewed into delicious sake. When humans put in effort, wonderful things happen. This vacant house is maintained because care has been put into it. And one more thing: when you raise daughters with love through child-rearing, they become true ladies. / So, who might be that person raising a young lady by the banks of the mother river? I'll wait while enjoying good sake. / Remarks: Renovation completed (kitchen, bath, toilet, living room, first-floor Western-style room). Furniture, appliances, and supplies will be disposed of by the new owner after purchase.

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