Uchi’s featured properties for 2023

Uchi is the leading real estate listing service for Japanese ski resorts and each week Chris Pickering, founder and CEO, provides us with a pick of top properties from around the country.

This week he has pulled together the featured listings from 2023, explaining what makes these properties so special and reminding all of us why we should take a second look!

Soga Meadows

Location: Niseko Area, Hokkaido
Property Type: Land

Yotei View Niseko-Soga Land. View more images

Why: This development was created by someone who came to Niseko, fell in love with it and decided to buy some land and give others the opportunity to create a small community of holiday homes. The land plots not only boast great views of the mountains, but are located right between Niseko Village and Annupuri resorts so have great access to the ski hills, restaurants and onsen of the area. With plots starting at under $120k USD each, it’s a great entry point to investment in Niseko.

Rustic Cabin Dream

Location: Niseko Area, Hokkaido
Property Type: House

Rustic Cabin Dream. View more images

Why: This rustic wooden home has been lovingly renovated by the current owners who are only selling because they are moving away from Japan. They raised their family of 4 young kids and ran a business from the home, which is perfect for a young couple or small family. The house is in excellent condition, sits on a large plot and has fantastic views of Mount Yotei from the oversized balcony, perfect for BBQs in summer. Ideally situated between Niseko and Rusutsu resorts, you can pick your daily ski destination based on the best snow conditions!

Kawamotoya Penthouse

Location: Nozawa Onsen, Nagano
Property Type: Penthouse

Kawamotoya Penthouse. View more images

Why: Nozawa Onsen gets more popular every year with both domestic and international visitors and the resort continues to invest heavily in on-mountain infrastructure like the new gondola. Kawamotoya apartments completely sold out in 12 months, with only the Penthouse remaining. This 4 bedroom unit covers almost 200 sqm and boasts incredible views, plus all the amenities of the Kawamotoya building like the gym and delicious locally-run cafe. It is truly the only one of its kind in this resort that sits within 2 hours of Tokyo by train.

Hanazono Development Land

Location: Hanazono, Hokkaido
Property Type: Development Land

Hana Yotei Development. View more images

Why: This huge plot of land is over 20 hectares and features dual-access points to both Niseko-Hanazono and Hirafu resorts, as well as being close to the shops, restaurants and future Shinkansen Station of Kutchan Town. The stunning views of Mount Yotei and the ski hill are amazing enough, but the privacy of the land is second to none. It’s one of the last chances to pick up such a plot in the Niseko-Hanazono area.

Villa Kita No Kuni

Location: Niseko-Hirafu, Hokkaido
Property Type: Home + Studio

Villa Kita no Kuni. View more images

Why: This property sits on a large 775 sqm plot in the popular Izumikyo area of Niseko-Hirafu and boasts amazing Mount Yotei views. A short walk to popular restaurants, it’s also easy to head to Hirafu or Hanazono resorts by car or shuttle bus. Originally crafted as a central house with two studio apartments, the residence underwent a thoughtful transformation and the renovation introduced a master bedroom with an ensuite, seamlessly blending modern comfort with the property’s historic charm. Notably, a fully self-contained studio remains an integral part of the building, offering additional flexibility and potential.

Lake Toya Stunning Views

Location: Lake Toya, Hokkaido
Property Type: Development Land

Lake Toya Development Land. View more images

Why: While many new investors to Japan’s ski resorts are looking for the “next Niseko”, my advice is to follow the local money. There has been a huge amount of investment in land and houses around Lake Toya in Hokkaido, mainly by local residents who see this area as the next big thing. Stunningly beautiful, Lake Toya is an idyllic lake destination in summer with watersports and onsen to marry with the incredible views. But it’s also less than 20 minutes from Rusutsu Resort, boasts excellent access to Sapporo’s airport and we see it as a future year-round destination to rival those seen in Europe and America.

SOTO Myoko

Location: Myoko Kogen, Niigata
Property Type: House + Lodge

SOTO Myoko – Lodge & House. View more images

Why: More often than not, lodge purchases mean a heap of work might be required to get the property up to scratch for international guests or investors. But this property is 100% turnkey and ready to go. Not only that, there is a lovely house on the plot meaning that an investor could live next door to the lodge to enjoy a perfect work-life balance in this up-and-coming ski resort area.

First Tracks Niseko

Location: Niseko-Hirafu, Hokkaido
Property Type: Apartment Block + Land

First Tracks. View more images

Why: Niseko-Hirafu remains the most famous ski resort destination in Asia, and this is one of the final ski-in ski-out investment opportunities. While there is currently a 4 unit apartment block on the site, the true potential is in the redevelopment of a boutique hotel or incredible private chalet. Ski-in ski-out to Niseko-Hirafu’s world famous slopes, incredible access to the most popular bars and restaurants, whoever takes up this chance will have a unique product to boast about to their friends and family!

Check out all the latest properties at uchijapan.com – new properties are added daily!