Have some left over cash to spend after the holidays? From the New York Times – this crescent-shaped house built into a mountainside near Tokyo is on the market for $2.2 million. The room in the foreground is the master bedroom.

photo: Ayumi Nakanishi for The New York Times

The house was designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, who is internationally known for his minimalist style.

photo: Ayumi Nakanishi for The New York Times

The glass-enclosed entry staircase is underneath the house. The structure is surfaced with galvanized metal sheets.

photo: Ayumi Nakanishi for The New York Times

The living room floor, rear wall and ceiling are made of Japanese cypress. The metal fireplace, designed by the architect, hides a supporting beam. The surrounding houses and Mount Fuji are visible beyond the terrace.

photo: Ayumi Nakanishi for The New York Times

Four sliding glass doors can be opened 32 feet wide.

photo: Ayumi Nakanishi for The New York Times

The master bedroom has closets built into the exterior of a wood dividing unit that also houses a washroom and a separate toilet.

photo: Ayumi Nakanishi for The New York Times

The view from the terrace; Mount Fuji is in the distance.

photo: Ayumi Nakanishi for The New York Times

Nice view, don’t you think? Maybe it’s their excuse for not hanging any art on the walls. Still, I think they could make room for an original or two. These are the problems one has when the house is art.