What is ichiku, the relocation of a kominka
A kominka (kominka, old timber farmhouse) is a traditional rural home, often a century old, built on massive timber posts and beams. Moving it has a name: ichiku (移築, dismantle-and-rebuild), the art of taking a wooden structure apart and reconstructing it on another site.
Why it is possible
Traditional Japanese framing relies on wood-on-wood joints (tenons and mortises) with no nails or structural glue. Every piece can therefore be disassembled, numbered and reassembled — much like a giant flat-pack. That is what makes ichiku realistic where a concrete house would be impossible to move.
To place the kominka among other styles, see our overview of Japanese architectural styles.
When to relocate rather than renovate in place
Ichiku only makes sense in specific situations.
- The original plot is poorly located (natural risk, remoteness, zoning) but the house is superb.
- You already own a fine plot and seek a house of character to place on it.
- The timber structure is sound, even if roof and finishes need redoing.
Conversely, if the frame is rotten or termite-eaten, ichiku loses its point: better then to renovate another kominka in place. Always check the receiving plot's exposure on the natural-hazard map (hazard map, hazard map) before committing.
Common mistake
Believing that relocating is cheaper than building new. In reality, ichiku is justified by heritage value and authenticity, rarely by pure economy.
The craftsmen: miyadaiku and traditional carpenters
An ichiku is not an ordinary demolition job. It requires craftsmen who can read an old frame.
The miyadaiku (miyadaiku, temple and shrine carpenter) masters traditional joinery and solid-timber work: the ideal profile to dismantle and rebuild a kominka while respecting its structure. Alongside, a classic daiku (大工, carpenter-joiner) handles the routine parts.
How an ichiku project unfolds
- Survey and numbering of every timber piece (beams, posts).
- Careful dismantling and sorting of reusable elements.
- Transport of the frame to the new site.
- Reconstruction on new foundations, replacing damaged pieces.
- Upgrades: roof, insulation, seismic, utilities.
Finding these profiles is a key challenge — see our guide to architects and craftsmen for renovation in Japan.
How much does relocating a kominka cost
Cost depends on frame size, distance and the scale of the refit. The ranges below are indicative and cautious; a craftsman's quote remains essential.
| Item | Indicative order of magnitude |
|---|---|
| Dismantling + survey | From a few million yen |
| Frame transport | Depends on distance and volume |
| Rebuild + foundations | The heaviest item |
| Full ichiku total | Often 20-40M¥ (~133,000-267,000 €) and up |
Add to this the price of the receiving plot. To frame the works budget, lean on our article cost of renovating a machiya or kominka and our simulation tools.
Legal aspects, financing and a practical case
Rebuilding a relocated kominka is equivalent to new construction: you need a buildable plot, a permit and compliance with zoning. Some heritage-listed kominka may enjoy grants or specific constraints — the Agency for Cultural Affairs oversees historic buildings.
On financing, a reminder of the rules: land purchase costs stay ≤ 6% of price, Japanese mortgages are reserved for residents who are also salaried in Japan (otherwise cash), and buying grants no visa.
Practical case
A buyer spots a magnificent kominka in a remote Nagano valley, but the plot is classified as a risk zone. He negotiates buying the house alone, has it dismantled by a miyadaiku, and rebuilds it on a safe plot near a station. The result: charm preserved, risk removed. See also buying in the countryside (inaka).
Conclusion: a passion project to frame carefully
Relocating a kominka via ichiku is technically realistic thanks to Japan's demountable framing, but it is a demanding craft project, costlier than one imagines. You choose it to save an exceptional building and place it on a safe plot, not to save money.
Success requires the right craftsmen, a verified receiving plot and a realistic budget. Our personalized support can help identify the kominka, the miyadaiku and the right plot, from search to handover. Also explore our projects.
Frequently asked questions
Can you really dismantle and move an old Japanese farmhouse?
Yes. Traditional Japanese framing joins wood without nails or structural glue, using tenons and mortises. Each piece can therefore be numbered, dismantled, transported and reassembled on another plot. This is the ichiku technique.
How much does relocating a kominka cost?
Cost varies with size, distance and refit, but a full ichiku often exceeds 20 to 40M¥ (roughly 133,000 to 267,000 €), excluding land. A craftsman's quote is essential because every frame is unique.
Which craftsman is needed to relocate a kominka?
A miyadaiku, the carpenter specialized in temples and traditional solid timber, is the ideal profile to dismantle and rebuild the structure without damaging it. A classic daiku rounds out the team for routine parts and finishes.
Is relocating cheaper than building new?
Rarely. Ichiku is justified by the heritage value and authenticity of an old building, not by economy. If the frame is rotten or termite-eaten, it is better to renovate another kominka in place.
Do you need a permit to rebuild a relocated kominka?
Yes. Rebuilding equals new construction: you need a buildable plot, a permit and compliance with zoning. Also check the receiving plot's exposure to natural hazards before committing.
Official sources
Take the next step
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