Dubbed the 'Aspen of Asia', Niseko is steadily growing in popularity, attracting golfers, ski-enthusiasts, investors, summer vacationists, and adventurers from all over the world.
In the early 1900s, Aspen in Colorado gained a reputation for being the playground for skiers, label shoppers, and the general elite. With its stunning winter wonderland, vibrant nightlife, exceptional spa experiences, and compelling music and film festivals, Aspen gradually became one of the most visited ski resorts in the world.
With similar attractions, Niseko, Japan is fast becoming the ski destination of the east. An increase in turn-key investments, immediate rental returns and freeholds have provided investors, developers and vacationists to safely invest their money in Japan’s real estate and tourism sectors.
The ski town of the picturesque northern island of Hokkaido is fast becoming Asia's version of Whistler Blackcomb, St. Moritz and Aspen, tempting billionaires and renowned hotel brands like the Park Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, and Aman towards its powder snow slopes and summer pursuits.
Niseko is currently the fastest-growing ski resort in the world.
Now, you might be wondering what all the hype is about. Here’s what put Niseko on the map.
Hop Skip & A Jump
New Chitose Airport is the closest major airport to Niseko. It receives flights from all over Japan as well as direct flights from various international destinations.
It takes approximately two hours, 30 minutes by bus and two hours, 15 minutes by car to reach Niseko from New Chitose Airport.
Niseko can also be reached by train via Otaru. It will take about three hours to arrive at Kutchan. Most accommodations will arrange a pick up for you. Alternatively, you can take a 15-minute taxi to reach the resort.
A Smorgasbord of Luxury, Elegance & Comfort
There is a huge range of accommodation options in Niseko, from low-priced inns with futons and shared washrooms, to $400 hotel rooms and $10 million condominiums.
Foreign real estate investors have invested their money in Niseko properties, particularly Australian magnates and, more recently, Asian tycoons too.
Eyal Agmoni, the Singapore-based chairman of a private-equity firm that’s active in the emerging ski town states, "Niseko will end up at the top of the global destinations".
An investment made by his firm in the Aman luxury hotel and chalets on the slopes of Niseko promises to bring in millions of dollars’ worth of profitable gains.
Francis Yeoh, managing director of the family-owned conglomerate, YTL Corporation, has run a resort in Niseko since 2010. Built like the typical wooden houses seen in the ancient capital of Kyoto, Mr Yeoh's firm also established a street with high-end shopping and restaurants in 2014 to entertain guests in the 'Aspen of the East'.
The Malaysian group is now all set to inaugurate a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Development in 2020 and a W Hotel in 2021.
Priced between $900,000 and $10 million, well furnished with its own hot spring baths, the residences of Park Hyatt are all set to open in December 2019.
Hong Kong tycoon Richard Li's Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited has spent about $500 million on the Park Hyatt development.
It’s obvious that these developments in Niseko, built and invested in by the world’s billionaires, are aimed at wealthy customers.
Having inherited the Red Bull energy drink business founded by his father, Chalerm Yoovidhya owns a house known as the ‘Red Bull House’ in Niseko. The Japanese architect who designed the 2020 Summer Olympics stadium in Tokyo is presumed to have designed the layout of the Red Bull House himself.
Niseko is now well on its way to becoming one of the most alluring places on Earth.
Travelers have got plenty to look forward to in Niseko. Here, they can get a taste of luxury, soak up the traditional Japanese culture and live life to the fullest.
JNW Properties, real estate experts and developers based in Hong Kong, offer some of the best accommodations in Niseko. SnowDog Village located in Niseko Village is less than 200 meters from the ski slopes. Raku Ichi Apartment Chalets & Soba Restaurant in Annupuri are run by world-renowned Soba Master - Tatsuru Rai.
SnowDog Chalets are alpine-style chalets and apartments set in beautiful woodland with magical views of Mount Yotei. JNW Properties are equipped with excellent facilities and services to cater to your every need.
A Winter Wonderland
Niseko is a skier’s paradise.
Known for its powder snow and delightful skiing adventures all around the globe, Niseko has made it into many a bucket list and guide book.
Apart from skiing, Niseko is also famous for its natural hot spring baths known as onsens. These mineral springs are a treat for the senses and believed to have healing properties.
Summer Love
Niseko beautifully transforms from glamorous snowy winters to sun-kissed summers.
Niseko is famous as a winter destination, but it’s just as alluring in summer. It’s a popular destination for hiking, trekking, mountain biking, and cycling tours, as well as kayaking, canoeing, ziplining, rafting, and paddleboarding, From magical camping experiences to lazy gondola rides to the top of beautiful Mount Yotei and Mount Annupuri, Niseko charms its visitors with year-round activities.
Niseko’s golf courses of Niseko are becoming increasingly popular, drawing avid golfers from around the world. Not only are the golf courses challenging, but scenic too - with splendid views of the surrounding mountains.
Festive Fun
Niseko is bustling in late July and early August when it celebrates Japan's most famous festival, Matsuri.
Fireworks are a summer tradition in Japan. The skies of Niseko are illuminated in a spectacular nighttime display.
The reasons we’ve listed above are just the tip of the iceberg for why billionaires, luxury hotels, skiers, golf players, and travelers are gravitating towards the 'Land of the Rising Sun'.
Niseko is growing quickly. The old-style Japanese inns and restaurants are on the decline, and high-end luxury resorts have taken their place.
If you’re looking for a winter ski destination, an active summer holiday, or your next investment, take a look at Niseko.