In our last property roundup Uchi founder Chris Pickering discussed how the demand for houses in Japan’s top resorts has risen rapidly in recent years. This week he explains why there will always be high numbers of transactions in apartments and picks a few interesting ones on the market.

“The beauty of buying an apartment in one of Japan’s top ski resorts is the simplicity of having a turnkey solution coupled with a feeling of safety in numbers,” explains Chris. “Buying a unit in a larger building means you share a lot of costs, particularly snow clearing which can be big when you have 15 metres of snow a year! Plus you will have a property manager in place to take care of any issues.

“There are other benefits too, especially with some of the common area amenities that are now available in buildings that might include: onsen, gym, restaurant, shuttle service, in-hotel front desk and concierge services, ski rental, massage and so on.

“In the end it comes down to personal preference, but especially for first time buyers it can simply feel safer to know you are investing in a property that has multiple investors who have the same opinion as you! Apartment buildings have been popular in Niseko for many years, but now there are also options in other resorts which provide similar levels of finish and service.”

If you want to see all the apartments currently listed on Uchi simply click here or check out some of the handpicked options from Chris below. Starting at only $350k USD there are options for everyone with all these buildings having a unit for under $1m USD.

Powder Tracks

Location: Niseko Hirafu, Hokkaido
Price: from 46m JPY ($350k USD)

Powder Tracks, Niseko

Powder Tracks. View more images

This popular building is situated in the upper Niseko-Hirafu village so has excellent access to the ski lifts and also the popular bars and restaurants of the main Niseko resort area are within an easy walk.

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Kaku Place

Location: Furano, Hokkaido
Price: from 51m JPY ($390k USD)

Kaku Place

Kaku Place. View more images

Kaku Place opened in 2020 and is conveniently located for access to the Kitanomine ski area of Furano as well as for heading downtown to the shops and restaurants.

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Akazora

Location: Niseko Hirafu, Hokkaido
Price: from 57m JPY ($430k USD)

Centrally located in Hirafu’s bustling Middle Village, Akazora is a wildly popular accommodation choice for couples and families throughout the year. Boasting great access to ‘foodie heaven’ literally on your doorstep and the ski lifts are just moments away on foot or via the village shuttle.

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The Vale Rusutsu

Location: Rusutsu, Hokkaido
Price: from 65m JPY ($490k USD)

The Vale Rusutsu

The Vale Rusutsu. View more images

The only option for apartment-style investment in Japan’s top-ranked ski resort, The Vale Rusutsu is ski-in ski-out to the mountain, has a cafe-bar in the hotel and is right next to Rusutsu’s onsen and a plethora of dining options.

[development][0]=The%20Vale%20Rusutsu”]VIEW LISTING

Kawamotoya

Location: Nozawa Onsen, Nagano
Price: from 51m JPY ($390k USD)

Kawamotoya - Level 2 Studio Apartment

Kawamotoya. View more images

There are only two apartments left in this incredibly successful development in Nozawa Onsen. Pick either the last remaining one bedroom or head to the top in the penthouse! Either way you get to enjoy all the amenities in this well-planned building including gym, cafe and private Japanese-style baths.

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Niseko Kyo

Location: Niseko-Hirafu, Hokkaido
Price: from 76m JPY ($570k USD)

Niseko Kyo

Niseko Kyo. View more images

Total luxury in this ski-in ski-out development is guaranteed, with every unit enjoying private onsen and superb views. This boutique hotel is opening in 2023 and has seen huge demand for the limited number of residences.

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Hinode Hills

Location: Niseko Village, Hokkaido
Price: from 126m JPY ($950k USD)

Hinode Hills

Hinode Hills. View more images

Another ski-in sk-out option, this time to Niseko Village. Hinode Hills boasts oversized apartments to give you a more comfortable living experience as well as in-house restaurant, lounge and onsen. Plus owners get privileges and discounts from the resort operator.

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Fenix West

Location: Furano, Hokkaido
Price: from 69m JPY ($520k USD)

Fenix West

Fenix West. View more images

Fenix West is situated just meters from Fenix Furano, the hyper-successful sister development that sold out in three months. It is only 2 minutes’ walk to Kitanomine Gondola Station and just a short walking distance to restaurants, bars and shops as well as only a 15 minute drive to the famous Lavender Fields in summer.

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Setsu Niseko

Location: Niseko-Hirafu, Hokkaido
Price: from 79m JPY ($600k USD)

Setsu Niseko

Setsu Niseko. View more images

Opened in time for winter 2022, Setsu Niseko has received rave reviews over this ski season and we can see why. Apart from the luxurious apartments this hotel boasts multiple dining options, ski rental service, a huge gym and the largest wellness area in Hirafu with onsen and massage.

[development][0]=Setsu%20Niseko”]VIEW LISTING

One final shout out to Roka Hakuba, which has only two units remaining but just popped out above our target price range!

If you don’t see what you like here, head to uchijapan.com to find your dream home in Japan’s top resorts – we have close to 1,000 listings now online.