While Niseko often seems to grab the headlines when it comes to skiing in Japan, the Nagano region was the last Japanese resort area to hold the winter olympics and has some great, if aging, infrastructure in place.

Resorts all over the region are working to renew that on-mountain experience, like Nozawa Onsen’s new gondola, Patience Capital’s investment in Madarao and Hakuba’s continued growth.

“The Nagano resorts get a disproportionate amount of enquiries through Uchi“, states Chris Pickering – founder of Japan’s number one resort real estate site. “Despite having few listings in total, I think people really sense value there. There may not quite be the level of luxury or international tourism setup that you see up in Hokkaido, but there are some really great investment opportunities and the tide is definitely rising.

“Over the last 12-18 months there have been so many transactions across the likes of Madarao and Hakuba – interest remains sky high and the Hakuba Resort page is actually the most popular resort review we have on the site!”

You can see all the current Nagano listings by clicking here or check out ten picks from Chris below.

Kuma Lodge Madarao

Price: 89m JPY ($600k USD)

Kuma Lodge

Kuma Lodge. View more images

This lodge is ranked number 1 on TripAdvisor and the price was recently reduced – just look at the views from the window and you can see why people love it!

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Hirakawa House Hakuba

Price: 59m JPY ($390k USD)

Hirakawa House Hakuba

Hirakawa House Hakuba. View more images

A 5 bedroom holiday home located in the popular Misorano area of Hakuba

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Tangram Madarao Resort Land

Price: 4.95m JPY ($30k USD)

Tangram Madarao Ski Resort Land

Tangram Madarao Ski Resort Land. View more images

Over 1,000 sqm of land for only $30k… Tangram ski resort is connected to Madarao and also has a lovely golf course for summer too!

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Jade Chalets Hakuba

Price: 250m JPY ($1.65m USD)

Jade Chalets - Hakuba

Jade Chalets – Hakuba. View more images

A bit more luxe! But these two 3 bedroom homes offer great rental returns from over 185 nights of occupancy per year.

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Madarao Central Land

Price: 420m JPY ($280k USD)

Madarao Central Land

Madarao Central Land. View more images

A prime development site in the centre of Madarao Resort. With the recent acquisition of the ski hill by Singaporean fund Patience Capital, the upside potential is clear.

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Kawamotoya Penthouse

Price: 345m JPY ($2.3m USD)

Kawamotoya Penthouse

Kawamotoya Penthouse. View more images

The only such property available in Nozawa Onsen, this really is one of a kind. Sitting on top of the newly remodelled Kawamotoya building, this 4 bedroom residence offers amazing views and of course access to one of the most popular resorts in Japan.

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Melo Lodge Hakuba

Price: 199m JPY ($1.3m USD)

Melo Lodge Hakuba

Melo Lodge Hakuba. View more images

Ideally located close to Echoland – the vibrant heart of the restaurant and bar scene in Hakuba – this lodge boasts great access to the best ski hills in Hakuba Valley.

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Madarao Prime Land

Price: 33m JPY ($220k USD)

Madarao Prime Land

Madarao Prime Land. View more images

This 1,250sqm site is located just a 1-2 minute walk from the main resort and is ideal for a chalet, lodge, or townhouses. The land slopes down at the back ensuring uninterrupted views across the valley.

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Madarao Lodge Nona

Price: 58m JPY ($390k USD)

Madarao Lodge Nona

Madarao Lodge Nona. View more images

Lodge Nona is an excellent lifestyle investment featuring 14 bedrooms across 548sqm and sits on 1,496sqm of land in the heart of Madarao. It is located just a few minutes walk from the Madarao Ski Resort lifts.

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Hotel Schon Wald – Hakuba

Price: 280m JPY ($1.85m USD)

Hotel Schon Wald - Hakuba

Hotel Schon Wald – Hakuba. View more images

Hotel Schon Wald’s location is unbeatable – this hotel is surrounded by a forest and is ski-in ski-out to the slopes of the Hakuba Goryu ski resort, one of Hakuba Valley’s premier resorts. Goryu is also connected to Hakuba 47, another popular resort, providing access to endless runs.

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Not a Nagano fan? Search here to find your ideal property in the best ski resorts Japan has to offer!