Tourism & Property Review - Report by C9 Hotelworks

Land appreciation cooling despite surge in Hirafu and Hanazono areas

Dollar yen exchange rate may set stage for property market rebound

“Despite the government’s closed border policies shutting down the overseas market for over two years, Niseko’s domestic tourism has been resilient. In Q12022, total visitors to Niseko were 288,670, growing by 14% compared to the same period in 2021.

Niseko’s winter tourism market and high-value foreign segment is connected to the real estate sector. As a result, commercial land prices in 2022 decelerated. This trend was also seen in residential land prices, where growth was 12% in 2022, down for 40% in 2020, and 25% for 2021. Comparing Niseko to other Japanese alpine resort areas, Furano was 18% and Hakuba 17%.

Hanazono, Hirafu and Niseko Village/Higashiyama remain the top three destination in the project pipeline. There remains a strong push for luxury projects outside of the mainstream Hirafu area driven by the lack of prime land and rising prices.

Two factors that may hamper wider destination growth are aging ski facilities and potential changes to the area development and more restrictive zoning by the government.

In C9 Hotelworks opinion, the restart of Japan’s tourism sector and the favourable dollar yen exchange rate will revitalise the transaction market in short to medium term, as pent-up demand will induce a market tailwind” – Bill Barnett, Managing Director, C9 Hotelworks.


Niseko United Trail Map 2023

Niseko Trail Map for 2023 Winter Released

Niseko United Trail Map 2023

The official Niseko United trail map has been released for the 2022/2023 winter season!

Night skiing will start on 17 December and will run until March 19. Every night ski run has been highlighted this year to make it easy to see which runs visitors can enjoy under lights! Each of the four resorts now has their own night ski runs, with Hanazono opening their new gondola and night run last year.

Check out all the details by downloading the detailed PDF trail map HERE.


2022-23 Locals Card

2022-23 Locals Card Offers Announced!

2022/23 Locals Card is HERE!!

This year’s Locals Card is here with tons of benefits for Niseko Tourism Members and their staff.

To support Niseko Tourism’s actions of achieving Sustainability Development Goals, the card itself is made from a more environmentally friendly material, so you can reap the benefits guilt-free!

Check out all the benefits and offers on the Explore Niseko website, or download the Official Niseko App to get all the info.

To get a 2022/23 Locals Card, please apply HERE and bring your identification and proof of the company you work for to the Niseko Tourism office: map here.

Office: Mon – Fri 9:00-18:00

Who can get a Locals Card?” – Locals working for Niseko Tourism member organizations can get a Locals Card.

If your company is not a Niseko Tourism member, contact us today and find out how to join!


New Therapy Available at Aya Spa

Performed by a therapist certified by the International Stem Cell Dissemination Organization

First “Human Bone Marrow Stem Cell Culture Supernatant Introduction” in HokkaidoStem Cells Beauty)」

*At AYA Niseko, located at the foot of one of Hokkaido’s leading ski resorts “Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu”. We have started a facial treatment to introduce “Human Bone Marrow Stem Cell Culture Supernatant”, Hokkaido’s first therapist certified by the International Stem Cell Dissemination Organization will be stationed at AYA Spa for treatment. The “Stem Cell Culture Supernatant” used for treatment is also limited to those derived from human bone marrow (Mesenchymal Stem Cells).

“Stem Cell Culture Supernatant” is a supernatant solution in which stem cells and impurities existing in the human body are removed from the culture solution and treated with sterilization or the like. Supernatant contains a variety of growth factors (cytokines) that promote cell activity. Under the supervision of a doctor, the theory of the field of regenerative medicine was utilized for beauty, and a safe and secure “introduction of human bone marrow Stem Cell Culture Supernatant” was born.

Unlike general skin care, cytokines contained in the supernatant can act on the skin at the cellular level, such as anti-inflammatory action, angiogenesis, and function to induce stem cells in the body, so a lasting effect is expected.

*Special price (treatment: 90 to 100 minutes) 27,500 yen (tax included) *Please make a reservation in advance.

 

Store name: AYA Spa Location: 1st floor in AYA Niseko Hotel

Telephone: 0136-23-4688

Business hours: 15:00-23:00 (Last entry 22:00)

* Even during the closure of AYA Hotel from November 4th (Friday) to November 30th (Wednesday), only AYA Spa treatment will be accepted. Please contact us for time.


Zekkei Properties teams up with Hoshino Resorts to bring HOSHINOYA to Niseko

Zekkei Properties teams up with Hoshino Resorts to bring HOSHINOYA to Niseko

Zekkei Properties announces today that it has appointed Hoshino Resorts to manage its new luxury development in Niseko, located at the highest point of Hirafu village.

“HOSHINOYA is prized for omotenashi, the Japanese philosophy of giving extraordinary hospitality, in accommodation with distinct themes, conceptualized from each location’s land, history and culture.” said Jeanette Hall, Managing Director of Zekkei Properties. “HOSHINOYA Lodge Niseko will be the brand’s ninth location and the first residence under their management, giving prospective buyers a unique opportunity to own a property with hospitality in its soul.”

Upon completion, the 62 unit hotel and residences will provide the best ski-in ski-out the mountain offers and unparalleled gastronomic experiences. The development will feature a mixed-gender rooftop onsen over-looking the village toward Mount Yotei, making this property a destination of its own.

Background

Niseko has attracted travellers across the world in search of the famed Japanese ski resort experience and its celebrated soft powder snow. Here, every season witnesses the wonders of nature. Spring brings rafting down the snow-melted waters. Summer and autumn offer a chance to climb Mount Yotei. Winter greets the return of the snow. With its ever-changing landscape and HOSHINOYA’s philosophy to “embody the true characteristics of land, history and culture”, the residences will present a one of the kind experience, true to omotenashi and true to Niseko.

Developed by Zekkei Properties, who have proven their expertise in the area for 17 years, these luxury residences can be purchased by individual owners who can participate in Hoshino Resorts’ rental program. Each unit will be fitted and serviced under the HOSHINOYA hotel standard.

A historic location

Built on the site of the Yamada Onsen, Niseko’s first Onsen hotel that operated from 1897 to 2010, the new onsen at HOSHINOYA Lodge Niseko will pay homage to the historic location. Situated at the top of Hirafu Zaka street, above Skye Niseko, the six-storey residences sit atop Japan’s best-known destination for après-ski, where acclaimed restaurants and bars await. The location also provides direct ski-in ski-out access to the best ski resort in the area, Grand Hirafu Ski Resort, a playground to all levels of riders.

Interiors that bring you home

Beneath each residence’s contemporary façade breathes a space that provides universal feelings of home comfort and safety. This mountain refuge holds a living and dining room for its guests to settle into, and the kitchen only asks to be used if its hosts wish to. Otherwise, “Gathering”, an exclusive HOSHINOYA in-room cooking service, will prepare and deliver gastronomic delights in the privacy and warmth of their holiday homes.

Rooftop Onsen views surrender to

Waiting patiently at the top of the building is an onsen pool that looks out to Mount Yotei. Designed of the highest quality, kakenagashi onsen water, directly sourced from the Yamada Onsen that lies below, keeps the pool pure at all times. As they enter, guests gently transition from being surrounded by nature to becoming a part of it, from witnessing fleeting moments happening in front of them.

Planning Outline

Property Name: Hoshinoya Lodge Niseko (provisional)

Developer: Zekkei Cosmos Kabushikikaisha (subsidiary of Zekkei Properties Group) Operator: Hoshino Resorts

Rooms: 62

Levels: 6 levels

Designer: Azuma Architect and Associates Co., Ltd.

Planned constriction Start Date: spring 2023

Opening: Autumn 2026

Location: Yamada 204-2, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido

Sales launch: Spring 2023


Welcome to Uchi!

Welcome to Uchi!

Uchi is the definitive one-stop shop for Japanese resort real estate. Our lightning-fast search function allows buyers to quickly and easily find what they are looking for from throughout Japan and then connects them directly to real estate agents. We are not a real estate agent – we are a specialist marketing service promoting the best Japanese resort real estate to a huge market. By showcasing the best properties from multiple agents, users are able to search and browse to find their perfect home in Japan.

All properties listed on Uchi have a licensed real estate behind them, giving you peace of mind that this important transaction is in trusted hands. With land, apartments, penthouse and homes from the best resorts across Japan we have something for everyone. Starting at only 5 million JPY ($30,000 USD today!), there is nothing to stop you joining the thousands of happy owners in this magical country.

We have 600 properties currently listed and you can view all current listings at https://uchijapan.com/ – with hundreds of ski properties in Niseko of course!

For property owners looking to sell their home, we use our skills and experience to get more eyes onto your property and leave the rest to the expert real estate agents! This approach allows potential buyers to browse hundreds of properties from different listing agents and property owners, giving them the opportunity to compare property vs property directly, destination vs destination – filtering by price, location, amenities and more.

In a cluttered marketplace, the power of more eyeballs on your property increases the number of enquiries and chance of a quick sale dramatically. Uchi listings are clean, well-presented and attractive to buyers: you need to be in front of as many buyers as possible to maximise the value of your real estate asset.

99% of all resort real estate sales in Japan start with an online search and this is where Uchi excels. Unlike other listing sites our pages do not take an age to load – our aim is simply to help our users find their ideal property and get on with the purchase process! Uchi searches load in milliseconds and provide users instant results that fit their parameters perfectly.

It is critical that when it comes to selling your property you are able to get maximum exposure on the best multi-agent listing site with access to our highly qualified database and rapidly increasing site users. Since starting in July 2021 we have grown from zero to over 50,000 monthly page hits and continue to see more visitors every month.

Time is money – stale real estate listings don’t sell, so let Uchi refresh the presentation of your property and increase promotion overnight. Visit https://uchijapan.com/listing-your-property to find out more about your listings options.


2022 Niseko Shootout Summer Winners Announced

2022 Niseko Summer Shootout Winners Announced

Niseko Shootout Summer 2022

The 2022 Niseko Summer Shootout has come to a close, and the judges have voted!

Thanks to everyone who entered – there were some incredible images full of creativity.

Thanks to our amazing sponsors for helping us to put on this amazing contest! Big thanks to Hanazono Niseko, Sea Monk, and Rhythm Japan.

And now it is with great pleasure we announce the winners of this years Summer Shootout.

Winning third place: Winning a prize pack from Rhythm ¥20,000 is Ruairidh Squair (@ruairidhs).

This great image from Ruairidh features a large field with tracks leading into the horizon. A great image, well done Ruairidh!


Winning second place and a Scuba Diving Lesson from Sea Monk is Chien Vu – @chienvuinhokkaido!

Her image features a field of sunflowers, with just one flower facing the camera. A visually stunning image with the caption “You are unique.”. Congratulations on this wonderful image Chien!


Winning first place and a Hanazono Zipline Experience and Mt. Lights Experience is Jack Yan – @jackyanphotography !

This was a clear favourite with the judges, and is a simply incredible image. The field of wheat with a single bird perched atop a pole has great lighting, tone, great point of interest, and captures a great moment.

Well done Jack, this is an image to be very proud of!

Congratulations again to all the winners and we’re looking forward to next Summer!


Sumimasen.Life - Foreign Resident Support Platform Launched

Life in Japan Made Easy

New Foreign Resident Support Platform, Sumimasen.Life, is Launched

The word “Sumimasen” is used frequently by Japanese people when they ask someone something & it is the first word that many learn when visiting Japan. It can mean ‘sorry’ or ‘thank you’ & be used interchangeably.

New foreign resident support platform adopts the word Sumimasen & has been launched with the goal of making life here in Japan more comfortable for foreigners. Sumimasen.Life provides knowledge & simple tips necessary for living in Japan, as well as convenient services (with affordability in mind) to make life in Japan more simple & enjoyable.

“Through all of my experiences in Japan plus interactions with foreign residents, I figured how hard our public office system is and I had a light bulb moment. I believe your life in Japan isn’t going bad but I want to make it even better by launching this service because I believe we can help each other living in this island nation.” – Takato Hatsuyama, Founder of Sumimasen.Life

The Sumimasen.Life website makes understanding necessary processes in Japan very simple through the use of their “Living Handbook”. Taxes, vehicle registration, insurances, housing information and much more is laid out in a manner in which anyone can easily understand what needs to be done.

The team at Sumimasen.Life hope that with their tips, life here in Japan is made much easier.

For enquiries, contact Takato Hatsuyama


Niseko Travel Design – Naia Llc joins Niseko Tourism

Niseko Travel Design – Naia Llc offers custom travel design and concierge services for domestic and international businesses. We assist you in delivering extraordinary experiences for your guests, specializing in luxury travel and connecting visitors to the finest that Niseko has to offer.

We are a Licensed Japanese Land Operator and can provide travel logistics in accordance with Japan’s current travel procedures.

  • Creating itineraries
  • Air travel and accommodation bookings
  • ERFS certificates and visa application

We also offer a broad range of year-round support services for domestic and overseas businesses including but not limited to:

Bespoke travel concierge – coordinating high-end experiences for your guests

  • Scenic tours
  • Gastronomy tours
  • Mountain guides
  • Photographers
  • Activities
  • Private transportation

Bilingual business services

  • Japan based liaison
  • Contract negotiation
  • Price negotiation

 

Event planning and coordination

  • Venue selection and booking
  • Catering
  • Entertainment – music, bands, DJ
  • Photography
  • Accommodation and transportation

 

Fixer and translation services

  • Local guide for visiting companies, media crews, etc.
  • Navigating Japan’s customs
  • Travel and transportation logistics
  • Interpreter and translation services

 

Media and PR 

  • Event planning
  • Influencer marketing
  • Booking Celebrities
  • Accommodation and facility bookings
  • Transportation

 

Contact Information
Naia llc.
[email protected]
whatsapp 81(0)-90-8818-7151


MTB

NAMTBA to Hold Fundraising Raffle Benefiting Construction of Twin Peaks Bike Park

NAMTBA to Hold Fundraising Raffle Benefiting Construction of Twin Peaks Bike Park

Fundraiser to Support Construction of Free-to-Use Community Focused Bike Park

The Niseko Area Mountain Bike Association (NAMTBA), a nonprofit organization based in the Japanese ski resort area of Niseko, has announced a prize raffle and fundraising campaign benefiting the construction of the new Twin Peaks Bike Park. The raffle, which runs until October 19th, features an incredible roster of prizes such as a Trek Rail electric mountain bike, heli skiing tours and vacation packages. All proceeds will be used to fund the construction of the free-to-use Twin Peaks Bike Park.

Raffle tickets and other fundraising merchandise can be purchased via the NAMTBA website (namtba.com) and participation is open to both domestic and international entries. Every ¥5,000 spent pays for the building of 2 meters of trail and every raffle ticket purchased
gives buyers a chance to win the below prizes. There is no maximum purchase limit.

  • Grand prize: Trek Rail 5 electric mountain bike, a ¥740,000 value
  • Second prize: Heli skiing, luxury accommodation, van rental and dinner for two, a ¥500,000 value
  • Third prize: A 5 day summer vacation with e-mountain bike rentals, guided tours and rafting for two, a ¥250,000 value

See NAMTBA.com for additional prizes and conditions
Winners will be announced live on NAMTBA’s social media channels on Monday, October 31st at 6:30 PM JST.

MTB

About the Twin Peaks Bike Park

The Twin Peaks Bike Park will be a public, 100% free-to-use, bike park located in the international winter resort area of Niseko, Japan. Once completed, the park will be home to 20+ kilometres of world class mountain bike trails, a dedicated children’s balance bike area and a skills park. This park will be the first of its kind in Hokkaido and just one of a small handful of such parks in Japan. The incredible range of planned facilities will make mountain biking in Hokkaido and in Niseko more accessible and more approachable to all ages, all budgets and all abilities.

The park is being designed and constructed in close collaboration with world renowned trail building company Allegra Tourismus. In the works are a full offering of beginner, intermediate and expert trails and a 2 kilometre skills centre loop at the base of the park. Even the youngest riders are catered for with a separate balance bike loop to hone their skills and introduce them to the sport.

About the Niseko Area Mountain Bike Association

The Niseko Area Mountain Bike Association (NAMTBA) is a nonprofit organization created to build “A united Niseko area with a common mission to create a world class sustainable mountain bike community, and off-road biking ecosystem.”

NAMTBA’s board consists of 24 members who include the GMs of two ski resorts, town council members, local business leaders, the president of the local tourism association and the president of Hokkaido’s largest forestry company. NAMTBA seeks equitable representation of nationalities, genders and rider experience levels.

Niseko’s potential as a mountain bike destination is untapped, with over 4,000,000 annual visitors flocking to the area from across Asia and the globe. The area has the terrain, tourism infrastructure and brand recognition – everything needed to succeed as a summer destination. Everything except trails.

NAMTBA is now building its first project: the Twin Peaks Bike Park. This community bike park, planned and designed in collaboration with Swiss trail experts Allegra, will be a beginner friendly, free-to-use park with 30+ kms of trails. Its prime location (situated between Niseko’s Grand Hirafu and Hanazono ski areas) plays a key role in NAMTBA’s master plan as a development pipeline for future riders and a link between these two resorts.