Food & Drink Nov 27, 2021
Already known for its skiing, Niseko ups the luxury
by Melinda Joe
Already home to top-notch craft beer and cocktails, new investment sees Niseko becoming even more of a five-star destination.
Business | Regional Voices: Hokkaido Nov 15, 2021
Planned scenery regulation hampers development on main street of Hokkaido's Kutchan
Tighter regulations are being considered to maintain views of the picturesque Mount Yotei.
Business | Regional Voices: Hokkaido Nov 15, 2021
Businesses and town clash over construction regulation in Hokkaido's resort area
While Niseko has seen an influx of foreign investment, some investors are actually “troubled” by properties that they purchased, as the situation has changed.
Business | Regional Voices: Hokkaido Nov 15, 2021
More development taking place in towns and villages near Hokkaido's Niseko area
The growing interest in towns and villages surrounding Niseko has been reflected in their land prices.
Business | Regional Voices: Hokkaido Nov 15, 2021
Investors see potential in Hokkaido ski resorts in wake of pandemic
Developers began construction of a new hotel in the Kutchan town’s Hirafu district, a central part of Hokkaido's Niseko resort, back in Aug. 17, when the prefecture was being hit by the fifth wave of the pandemic with daily cases topping 400.
National | Regional Voices: Hokkaido Feb 21, 2020
After Hokkaido backcountry skiing deaths, experts call for enforcing 'Niseko Rules'
Following two cases of backcountry skiers being killed by avalanches in Hokkaido since the beginning of this year, safety experts in the prefecture are working to fully enforce the so-called Niseko Rules to keep skiers safe. The recent accidents — one in the village of ...
National | Regional Voices: Hokkaido Jan 24, 2020
In print and online, English media proliferate in Hokkaido ski resort of Niseko
English-language media outlets are stepping up their presence in Hokkaido's renowned ski resort of Niseko, benefiting from growing global interest from skiers and snowboarders lured by the region's fine powder snow. In an attempt to reach out to the influx of foreign visitors, local publishers ...
Travel Jan 5, 2020
Heli-skiing in Japan: The joys of big-mountain powder
by Oscar Boyd
From December to March, Hokkaido Backcountry Club runs heli-skiing tours to Mount Shiribetsu near the Niseko and Rusutsu ski resorts. Clip in for the ride.
Travel Jan 5, 2020
Get ready for Japan's backcountry with an avalanche safety course
by Oscar Boyd
Black Diamond Tours has been offering Avalanche Skills Training courses in English since 2009 to educate skiers and snowboarders on the risks when riding in Japan's backcountry.
Travel Nov 28, 2019
Top 10: Where to go skiing and snowboarding in Japan this winter
by Oscar Boyd
Winter is approaching fast and with it Japan becomes a bucket list destination on the mind of any skier and snowboarder, with fresh powder snow and Etch A Sketch skiing conditions. While skiing in Europe and North America is primarily associated with long, steep runs ...
Business Nov 1, 2019
Hokkaido town of Kutchan in Niseko ski region introduces Japan's first fixed-rate lodging tax
The 2 percent levy will apply to all facilities, including private lodgings, and is expected to bring the town an extra ¥300 million ($2.76 million) in revenue.
Business Sep 19, 2019
Japan's nonmetro commercial land prices rise for first time in 28 years
The average price of land for commercial use outside the country’s three largest metropolitan areas — Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya — has risen for the first time since 1991.