Restrictions on resort development in Kutchan lagging behind schedule
New restrictions on resort development in Kutchan Town, near the popular Niseko ski resort, were scheduled to be introduced this fall, but have been pushed back. These restrictions are aimed at protecting the town’s natural environment and scenery from an unchecked surge in development by foreign funds in the Hirafu and Hanazono districts.
Hyatt to open in Sapporo
On June 28, NTT Urban Development announced that Hyatt Hotels Corporation will by opening the Hyatt Centric Sapporo in NTT’s Sapporo Kita 1 Nishi 5 Project.
Demolishing this tower will cost 720 million Yen
Hokkaido Prefecture is facing a growing demolition bill for the Hokkaido Centennial Memorial Tower.
Sapporo’s most expensive apartments go on sale
Like other cities across Japan, Sapporo is no stranger to rising home prices. New apartment prices have risen by 37.3% over the past ten years. One new luxury condominium in the city has gone on sale this June with all apartments priced over 200 million Yen.
Buyer found for former Russian Consulate in Hakodate
Hakodate City in Hokkaido has decided on a buyer for the former Russian Consulate. Built in 1908, this is the only consulate remaining from the Russian Empire era, with the interior still retaining its elaborate and decorative details.
Hokkaido sees 12% more offshore investors between 2019 and 2020
A survey by public broadcaster NHK has found that the there were 4,406 buildings and land parcels in Hokkaido owned by foreign funds and corporations as of January 2020. This is a 12% increase from 2019. Even with the international travel bans, some industry experts say acquisitions have continued throughout 2020 as foreign investors are confident that things will return to normal post-covid.
Yubari Resort to file for bankruptcy citing pandemic-induced tourism downturn
Only a year after purchasing the resort and related hotels, the owner-operator of the Yubari Mount Racey Ski Resort is filing for bankruptcy. The closure of the city’s only ski resort and the only three hotels nearby have devastated the local tourism industry.