Moving to Kansai; Know of a place?

[Wendy]

Hello all, it has been awhile (too long) since I posted, though continue to learn much valuable information.

Two years ago, we bought an akiya house in Nagano (near Karuizawa/Saku) and absolutely fell in love with the place and the life. Now, in order for me to apply for permanent residency, I am taking a job located in Kizugawa, between Nara and Osaka, about 20 min from Ikoma. I have looked at the akiya listings there, joined WWOOF Japan (listing of organic farms willing to exchange housing for farm labor)...and haven't come up with much. Am wondering who here is in the Kansai region, just for get acquainted purposes, and also in case someone knows of a specific property that could use our attention. We will likely be there 2-3 years, would like to continue to farm on a small scale, and have a cat that is trained 100% to use a human toilet. We would probably not buy, but not out of the question. Thoughts?
Thanks,
Wendy

[Zasso Nouka]

Nice to see you back again Wendy, how's the garden going in Karuizawa ?

Would love to help out on this one but sadly I've yet to visit Kansai

[gonbechan]

You might try parts of Shiga for akiya or farm-like land with house.
It is still pretty accessible to where you will be working.
Nara Prefecture will probably have the cheapest prices though.

Akiya listings by area

[Wendy]

Thank you! we need to spend time on the ground now. I think we have an in-town/edge of Nara place....it is so hard to try to meaningful searching at a distance.