Ski resorts that won’t be operating this winter
Each year, a number of ski resorts across Japan cease operations. These closures are often due to shrinking visitor numbers, rising operational and maintenance costs, staff shortages, and poor snowfall due to warmer winters. With skiing falling out of favor among domestic tourists, the number of closures is expected to accelerate in the coming years.
The following ski resorts announced that they will not be operating for the 2024-2025 season:Read more
Tokyo developer buys site near Furano ski slopes
A Tokyo-based developer has acquired land near Furano’s Kitanomine ski slope with plans to develop a hotel or hotel-condominium.Read more
Niseko sees over 20 billion Yen a year in real estate sales
A 2.5-year closure to inbound travel hasn’t slowed investment in Niseko’s ski resort market with the Nikkei Shimbun reporting that the ‘Aspen of Asia’ has seen over 20 billion Yen (approx. US$138 million) in known real estate purchases by foreigners each year. The very recent weakening of the Yen this year is said to be contributing further to demand.
Tokyu to sell five golf and ski resorts
On July 1, Tokyu Land Corporation announced the planned sale of five golf and ski resorts to several buyers, including a hotel operator. The sale price has not been made public. The sale is part of Tokyu’s ongoing revision of its resort business with the aim of improving capital efficiency.
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.
10 billion Yen resort development for Hanazono, Niseko
Apex Property Limited, a Hong Kong developer founded by two female entrepreneurs, is launching a major resort and holiday villa project in Niseko’s Hanazono district.
100-room condo resort planned for Niseko
A large-scale condominium and resort-style project is planned for the winter ski town of Niseko. Construction is scheduled to start next year, with completion expected in winter 2023.