Foreign developers caught by zoning regulations in Niseko

Niseko Grand HirafuDevelopment in parts of Niseko's ski fields is being stalled due to inconsistencies between national and prefectural government building approvals.

In recent years, a number of hotels in Niseko have been purchased by foreign funds, closed down and in many cases demolished. The foreign developers acquired the hotels with the aim of building condominium-type hotels and resort apartments which would then be sold to wealthy foreigners.

However, a number of these sites have been sitting vacant without any signs of construction.

Why the hold up?Read more

by Zoe Ward

Aussie investors in Niseko investigated for non-payment of taxes

Japan's National Tax Agency has discovered that 10 Australians have neglected to pay capital gains tax on the sale of real estate in Hokkaido's Niseko area. Approximately 56 million Yen (570,000 USD) in tax is owed, with an additional 14 million Yen (140,000 USD) in penalties.  Read more

by Zoe Ward

Asia's wealthy head to Niseko

  • Luxury apartment and hotel boom
  • Turning into a world-renowned resort area

Hokkaido's Niseko and Kutchan area is seeing a rush of luxury apartment and hotel developments. Known for its perfect skiing conditions, many Australians had purchased ski chalets and vacation homes in the town. The recent development boom, however, has been spurred on by Asia's wealthy investors and developers.Read more

by Zoe Ward

Resort development activity picking up in Hokkaido

Architect Tadao Ando visits the site in Tomakomai.

Resort development activity is starting to accelerate in Hokkaido as the region begins to see a rebound in foreign tourist numbers.

Construction is scheduled to start on a large-scale resort in the Uenae area in Tomakomai City this June. The 1000 hectare site will include a hotel, horse-riding and trekking facilities. Aman Resorts Group's GHM (Singapore) are tentatively scheduled to be the hotel operator. The development is being designed by famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando and will be completed in 2014. They are targeting wealthy foreign tourists. The total investment is estimated at 13 billion Yen (158 million USD).

*Update: Aman's 'Chedi' brand of hotels is scheduled to operate the hotel. "The Chedi Tomakomai" is now scheduled to open in 2017.

*Update 2: Mori Trust acquired the site in 2016 and will start construction on a resort in 2017 with completion expected in 2026.Read more

by Zoe Ward

Niseko Kogen Hotel sold

Niseko Kogen Kanko, a subsidiary of Tokyu Land, announced that they will be selling the Niseko Kogen Hotel to an undisclosed buyer for just over 1 billion Yen. The buyer is said to be a fund based in Asia.

The Niseko Kogen Hotel will remain open until March, 2012, at which time the new buyer will take over the property. The hotel is aging, so it is expected that the new buyer will demolish and rebuild a high class international hotel on the site. The current 59 room, 4-storey hotel was built in 1975, and room rates start from 7,000 Yen/night (90 USD). In recent years, construction of new condominiums in the area have had a negative impact on the hotel's profitability. Read more

by Zoe Ward