Job losses in Niseko putting pressure on rental market
International travel bans and a state of emergency have seen the highly tourist-reliant ski towns in Niseko and surrounding towns suffer from a steep fall in employment and a sharp uptick in vacant apartments.
South Korean company to develop condos in Niseko
South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group is planning a large-scale condominium project for the winter ski resort town of Niseko in Hokkaido. This would be the first major development by a South Korean company in Niseko.
Hakodate City looking to sell former Russian Consulate
Hakodate City in Hokkaido is looking to sell the 112-year old former Russian Consulate within the year but has met strong opposition from local historians. The building has been sitting vacant for the past 24 years.
Foreign investors keep their distance from Niseko
The winter ski resort district of Niseko in Hokkaido has been home to the highest land price increases in Japan for the past few years as it undergoes a rapid change into a high-class ski destination for Asia’s wealthy. However, the boom times may have come to a crashing halt as the novel coronavirus wreaks havoc with the tourist-dependent town.
Hokkaido gives up on integrated resort bid
On November 29, Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki announced that the prefecture is backing out of the race for Japan’s first integrated resort (IR). The decision was made due to environmental concerns.
Sapporo sees drop in vacant homes for first time
The number of vacant homes in Sapporo City is on the decline. In 2018, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications reported 125,400 vacant homes and apartments within the city, resulting in a ratio of 11.9%. This was the first year since 1993 to see a decline. What is causing it?
Niseko now has an accommodation tax
The popular ski resort of Niseko in Hokkaido has joined the ranks of districts with accommodation taxes. Kutchan Town introduced the tax on November 1. It will apply to all types of accommodation providers, including hotels and minpaku-style operators.