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Shiki Real Estate Opens New Office in Nagano’s Ski Region

Jul 10, 2025

Nagano Office Ski Photo

Shiki Real Estate Expands to Nagano: Your New Partner for Japan Alps Investments

Shiki Real Estate, one of Kansai’s leading real estate brokers and a trusted Uchi listing agent, has officially opened its newest office in Nagano. This strategic expansion positions Shiki to better serve buyers and investors seeking opportunities in Japan’s dynamic ski regions beyond Niseko.

A Growing Focus on Nagano

Located in Iiyama, the new Nagano Real Estate Office will focus on alpine communities including Nozawa Onsen, Togari, Kijimadaira, Yudanaka, Shiga Kogen, and Madarao. These resorts combine authentic mountain culture, strong infrastructure, and easier accessibility, offering a compelling alternative to Japan’s more commercialised ski destinations.

Nagano is attracting increasing interest from both domestic and international buyers due to:

  • Direct bullet train access from Tokyo
  • Abundant land and underutilised properties at accessible prices
  • Growing inbound tourism as demand overflows from Niseko
  • Year-round lifestyle appeal with hot springs, hiking, and culture

With limited capacity and soaring prices in Hokkaido’s ski markets, the Japan Alps are emerging as a smart investment frontier. Shiki anticipates strong capital growth in the coming years as investors shift focus to Nagano’s resorts.

How Shiki Supports Buyers

Shiki Real Estate’s mission is to make investing in Japan’s regional resorts straightforward for international buyers. Their Nagano office offers:

  • Expert property sourcing, including exclusive off-market listings
  • End-to-end foreigner-friendly guidance through Japan’s buying process
  • Short-term rental and hotel management services
  • Strategic advice on renovations to unlock further value

Whether you’re seeking a private chalet, boutique hotel site, or repositioning opportunity, their team provides practical support backed by deep local knowledge.

Meet Ben Howard, Head of Nagano Real Estate

Ben Howard

Leading the new Nagano office is Ben Howard, who brings over 15 years of snow industry experience across Niseko, Kiroro, Rusutsu, Furano, Hakuba, and Madarao. With a background in International Hotel Management and Tourism, Ben has worked extensively in hotel operations, property management, and sales.

Ben’s experience running a boutique travel agency specialising in inbound tourism gives him unique insight into what international guests value most. Combined with strong regional connections to resort staff, agents, and landowners, he offers clients exclusive opportunities and insider perspectives not widely available on the market.

Explore your gateway to Japan’s ski heartland.

For more on Shiki Real Estate’s Nagano opportunities, visit their agent page on Uchi or contact Ben and his team to start your search today.

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