Niseko’s reputation as a world-class ski destination is well earned — the powder snow, the luxury lodges, the international dining scene are all real. But behind the resort brochures, land prices in the surrounding town have risen roughly sixfold over the past decade, driven almost entirely by foreign capital taking advantage of a weak yen.
For the people who actually live in Kutchan, the town bordering the resort, this has meant homes that cost 5 to 7 million yen a few years ago now selling for 14 to 20 million yen — far outpacing local wages, which remain well below what workers earn in Tokyo or Sapporo. A local government survey found rising housing costs to be residents’ single biggest concern in the area.
The town has introduced some countermeasures, including using lodging tax revenue from tourists to fund public services and offering subsidies and local discounts, but officials acknowledge the underlying imbalance remains largely unsolved.
Want to know the exact price figures, which nationalities are driving the buying, and how residents are actually coping? Read the complete guide on [ Medium → ]
Recommended gear for this:
Insulated ski gloves rated for Hokkaido powder conditions
a base layer thermal set for sub-zero temperatures
a waterproof phone pouch for slopeside photos
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