Interest in Japanese ski real estate takes off as borders open

Featuring eight Japanese ski properties currently on the market

After the long-awaited re-opening of visa-free travel to Japan this week it is not only demand for hotels and flights that is sky high, real estate enquiries and purchases have taken off too. “The number of visitors to the Uchi website is increasing by almost 50% each month,” said Chris Pickering, CEO of Uchi, “but more important the number of enquiries to agents is now averaging more than 30 a day.”

With over 600 properties from multiple agents and resorts listed on the site it is no wonder that users find Uchi the perfect place to search for ski properties, but we wanted to know more about what people are searching for. “The top searches are actually for hotels or ryokans,” says Chris, “with enquiries for houses also extremely popular. The Niseko area is of course in strong demand but we also see lots of eyes on smaller resorts like Nozawa Onsen. In fact we are delighted to have helped the new hotel in Nozawa find some buyers already this summer.”

Given that information we asked Chris to pick eight of the most popular properties that are still available for sale. Even if you don’t see what you want below, visit uchijapan.com to check out the best listings from Japan’s top ski resorts.

1. Kouzan Woods Chalets

Area: Niseko
Price: 150m JPY (1.04m USD)

Kouzan Woods Chalets. View more images

These new chalets look out over the forest and sit 5 minutes from both Niseko Village and Niseko Hirafu ski resorts.

2. Kawamotoya Studio Apartment

Area: Nozawa Onsen
Price: 29.5m JPY (200k USD)
One of the last remaining units in this extremely popular condo hotel in Nozawa Onsen.

Kawamotoya Studio Apartment. View more images

3. Hakuba Gakuto Villa

Area: Hakuba
Price: 31m JPY (210k USD)

Hakuba Gakuto Villa. View more images

A modern villa just a few minutes walk from the lifts in the in-demand Wadano area of Hakuba Valley.

4. Kondo 5 Bedroom House

Area: Niseko-Kondo
Price: 51m JPY (350k USD)

Niseko Kondo Large House. View more images

A great value 5 bedroom home with over 230 sqm of floor area, located in between Niseko and Rusutsu resorts.

5. Boutique Onsen Hotel in Akakura

Area: Akakura Onsen, Myoko
Price: 208m JPY (1.44m USD)

Boutique Onsen Hotel in Akakura. View more images

A very rare chance to own a 24 bedroom onsen hotel located within 200m of the ski lifts in Akakura.

6. Kuroi Kuma

Area: Moiwa, Niseko
Price: 38m JPY (260k USD)

Kuroi Kuma. View more images

Meaning Black Bear this backcountry home is perfect for those seeking adventure in Japan’s most famous powder area.

7. Kuma Lodge

Area: Madarao, Nagano
Price: 110m JPY (760k USD)

Kuma Lodge. View more images

Ski-in ski-out lodge located in Madarao resort which is just 2 hours from central Tokyo by bullet train.

8. Hakuba Powder Lodge

Area: Hakuba
Price: 99m JPY (680k USD)

Hakuba Powder Lodge. View more images

A successful and popular ski lodge that is minutes from both Happo-One and Hakuba 47 resorts.

Visit uchijapan.com/properties to search for your dream Japanese ski resort home, whether for investment or personal use (or both!).