Alister

1st English-speaking Clinic Starting in Niseko in December

In December, the first clinic with English speaking doctors and nurses will open in Yamada district Kutchan Town Shiribeshi prefecture. This will be the first clinic in the district due to increasing foreign patients with ski injury or sudden sickness.

The name of the clinic is "Niseko International Clinic". It's a 2-story building, approximately 300 square meters and located on the Rankoshi Niseko Kutchan line - only a few minutes car ride from the Niseko Grand Hirafu ski resort.

The Clinic Director, Dr. Kunitake Moroi (38 years old), who currently works at "Himawari Clinic Kyogoku-cho" will team up with another part-time foreign doctor. Examinations such as x-rays or ultrasounds will be available. All consulting and treatment process will be supported in English. The clinic is planning to open this winter from December to March and aiming to open all year round next year.

You can find the original article here (in Japanese only)

by Alister

Hokkaido Tourism Management confirmed as manager for luxury Skye Niseko development.

Summit Properties have announced the appointment of Hokkaido Tourism Management (HTM KK), the leading Niseko-based management company, as the hotel operator for their landmark development Skye Niseko.

Lucas Fuller, CEO of Summit Properties & Matt Dening, Managing Director of HTM, formally confirmed the arrangement on September 6, 2 017. Skye Niseko will be the first privately owned condominium-hotel located entirely within the Hokkaido National park. The property’s unique location, positioned above the village of Hirafu, forms the basis of the exclusive Skye Niseko experience, and provides skiers with direct ski in–ski out access to all major Grand Hirafu lift systems.

Due for completion in Q3 2018, Skye Niseko features 105 apartments & penthouses and extensive amenities including Hirafu’s largest restaurant & bar, delicatessen & coffee shop, onsen, spa, fitness centre, ski valet and a substantial retail offering including ski and snowboard rental.

Mr. Fuller said “The selection of the manager to deliver on our vision for this best-in-class development was made after an extensive regional and  international selection process. HTM’s leading position in the local market where they operate a number of Niseko’s premier brands, including hotel and condominium management, transport and ski school made them a clear choice for Skye Niseko and we are very pleased to have engaged them in this critical role.”

Mr. Dening commented “We feel privileged to be appointed to manage Skye Niseko, it is a testament to the abilities and dedication of all our staff over many years. Skye Niseko sets many firsts for the Niseko area, not least being the first property situated entirely in the National Park and of course the location benefits this brings. Skye Niseko represents a new phase for the resort and Hirafu village, an exciting combination of services, unparalleled location and exceptional design. We look forward to delivering exceptional holiday and ownership experiences in this wonderful building."

The iconic location has been enhanced through designs provided by the combination of two premier architectural practices, Architectus of Australia and ISA Architects of Japan. Interior design, embracing a Japanese aesthetic blended with practical luxury, is supplied by both Pike Withers of Australia and global hotel interiors specialist Wilson Associates.

Unit owners of Skye Niseko will also benefit directly from being part of the ‘Niseko Owners Club’. This club entitles owners to a range of benefits provided by HTM and the resort including discounts on lift passes, lesson, rentals and more.

by Alister