First Time in Niseko: How I Would Spend 10 Days
Planning your first Niseko ski trip? Discover where to stay, ski and eat across Hanazono, Hirafu, Annupuri, Niseko Village and Rusutsu in 10 days.
Hakuba Property: New Happo-One Gondola and MIRU Residences
Happo-One’s new gondola and Nakiyama base centre are targeted to open in December 2027—just as rare new ski-in/ski-out property reaches Hakuba.
Lake Toya Hotel Investment: Hokkaido’s Wellness Opportunity
Hokkaido’s next hospitality opportunity may not be another ski hotel. Lake Toya offers the landscape, onsen culture and year-round appeal for wellness-led resorts.
North Hills Niseko Property: The Investment Case Beside Hanazono
Buyers focus on Hanazono’s branded residences, but North Hills offers a different opportunity: strategic positioning beside the resort’s long-term expansion.
How Buying Property in Japan Works: A Guide for Foreign Buyers
From dual agency and regulated commission to mandatory disclosure and title registration, here is how Japan’s structured property-buying process protects foreign buyers.
Who Prepares a Property Purchase Contract in Japan?
In Japan, the real estate brokerage typically prepares the property purchase contract—not the buyer’s lawyer. Here is when each adviser enters the process.
What North Hills’ New Zoning Means for Hanazono Property
A planning change affecting parts of North Hills may allow qualifying properties to pursue minpaku or hotel-style accommodation approval—changing the area’s investment potential.
Can One Real Estate Agent Represent Buyer and Seller in Japan?
Can One Real Estate Agent Represent Both Sides in Japan?
How Real Estate Commission Works in Japan
Japan regulates the maximum commission charged by licensed real estate brokers, giving buyers a more predictable framework for transaction costs.
Why Americans Are Watching Hokkaido Real Estate
Americans have become Niseko’s largest foreign overnight visitor market as new hotels, direct flights and infrastructure investment raise Hokkaido’s international profile.
Air Canada’s Direct Vancouver–Sapporo Flight Opens Niseko to North America
Air Canada’s first seasonal Vancouver–Sapporo service will connect Hokkaido directly with Canada and more than 45 onward destinations across North America.
United’s Direct SFO–Sapporo Flight Opens Niseko to U.S. Buyers
United’s first nonstop service from the continental United States to Sapporo will make Niseko significantly easier to reach from the West Coast.
Mercure Niseko Resort to Open in East Hirafu in 2026
Accor will open the 360-room Mercure Niseko Resort in East Hirafu in late 2026, marking the group’s debut in Niseko.
Fairmont Niseko to Open Near Niseko Village in 2028
Fairmont will revive the stalled La Plume development near Niseko Village as a 165-room luxury resort, targeted to open in early 2028.
Zuma Chooses Niseko for Its First Japan Opening
Zuma will open its first Japanese location as a seasonal Niseko pop-up in Hirafu for winter 2026/27.
Niseko Enters Its Next Growth Phase
C9 Hotelworks reports rising visitor arrivals, expanding development and growing momentum in Hanazono and Niseko Village.
Luxury hospitality brand The Chedi will make its Japanese debut in Niseko.
The Chedi will make its Japanese debut with a boutique alpine hotel in Hirafu, scheduled for completion in June 2029.
Hokkaido Shinkansen Reaches a Major Niseko Milestone
Excavation of the Hirafu section of the Yotei Tunnel is complete, marking an important milestone for the Hokkaido Shinkansen extension through Niseko.
New Gondola Coming to Niseko Village
Existing Niseko Gondola at Niseko Village. Photo: Excellent moniteur de ski/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped from the original.
Moxy Niseko Village Opens With 310 Rooms
Moxy Niseko Village has opened with 310 rooms, bringing a younger, more social Marriott Bonvoy option to Niseko’s expanding hotel market.