A Tokyo-based property developer, Meiwa Jisho, has secured a 1,500 m² plot of land near the Kitanomine ski slopes in Furano, Hokkaido. The developer plans to construct a hotel or hotel-condominium on the site, which is prominently located at the corner of Kitanomine-dori Street, just 400 meters from the Kitanomine ski field gondola and a 7-10 minute drive from Furano Station.
The site falls under Category 2 Residential Zoning, allowing for versatile developments including houses, restaurants, retail spaces, offices, and hotels. The zoning regulations permit a building footprint ratio of 60% and a maximum floor-area ratio of 200%.
Furano: A Rising Star in Year-Round Tourism
Furano is unique among Japan’s ski resorts, with a strong tourism draw even outside of the winter months. While many resorts face challenges during their green seasons, Furano has traditionally seen its busiest period in summer, when visitors flock to its world-famous lavender fields. However, in recent years, the region has also gained recognition for its exceptional powder snow, attracting international ski tourists seeking an alternative to Niseko.
- In 2019, Furano recorded 153,840 foreign tourist overnight stays—a remarkable 330% increase from 2012 and a staggering 2500% jump from 2003. Foreign visitors accounted for 24% of hotel nights that year.
- By 2023, total domestic and international tourist numbers reached 1.89 million, a 16% increase from 2022 and nearly a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels.
- Furano's hotel bed capacity is set to expand from 5,400 beds in 2023 to 6,400 beds by 2026.
Kitanomine: A Hotspot for Foreign Investors and Development
The Kitanominecho district, where the new development will take place, has become a magnet for international investors and developers. A 2019 Nikkei Style report highlighted that approximately 50 lots in the neighborhood were owned by foreign buyers, reflecting the area’s growing appeal.
Land Values Skyrocket in Kitanomine
Property values in Kitanominecho have seen dramatic increases in recent years.
- In 2023, Standard Land Prices in the district rose 20.1% year-on-year, the third-highest increase in Hokkaido and the eighth-highest nationwide.
- Government-assessed land values (koji-chika) near the ski slopes surged 27.1% this year, outpacing the single-digit growth rates in Niseko.
- Market prices for land that ranged between ¥20,000 and ¥25,000 per square meter in 2017-2018 have soared to ¥100,000–¥120,000 per square meter in 2023, marking a 300–500% increase.
With its combination of winter sports appeal and summer tourism, Furano is solidifying its position as a premier destination in Japan. The recent land acquisition by Meiwa Jisho is further proof of the area’s growing importance as a hub for real estate development and investment.
