What to buy in Hokkaido – A focus on Rusutsu property

Rusutsu property is primed for expansion due to the increasing popularity of Hokkaido as a ski and summer destination. Here we look at some of the reasons why.

1. Resort size.

Rusutsu was voted Japan’s best ski resort in the 2017 World Ski Awards. While Niseko may be its more famous Hokkaido neighbour, Rusutsu’s skiing has a lot to offer and is on a par with Niseko. In fact, some skiers consider Rusutsu superior, especially as the slopes are relatively uncrowded.

With 42km of ski runs set over 3 mountains – Isola, West mountain and East mountain – there is a huge diversity of skiing. The resort offers wide sweeping bowls, tree-lined runs, back country off-piste skiing as well as skiing through the trees, which is banned in many countries. This is all supported by 18 ski lifts, 4 of which are gondolas designed to whisk you up to the top of the mountain with both speed and warmth.

Rusutsu accommodates beginners, intermediate and experienced skiers as well as being a powder mecca for snowboarders, with off-piste easily accessible straight from the lifts and with little need to traverse. Additionally, there is night skiing available every night of the week throughout the ski season until 8pm.

What’s more it is only 1 ½ hours by car from the New Chitose Airport. Leaving plenty of time for you to settle in and explore!

2. Accommodation deficit.

Until recently there has been little in the way of accommodation in Rusutsu, with only 2 large hotels and a couple of smaller hotels or small pensions/inns. There has been no accommodation offering self-catering within the Rusutsu property market, but this is all beginning to change.

Smart property developers have realised that Rusutsu property faces a blossoming future as demand rockets for snow sure resorts. These mountains average a whopping 13 metres of snow annually.

One of the first of the new developments in the planned rejuvenation programme is The Vale Rusutsu. This luxurious 5* development is in the heart of the Rusutsu resort and offers 1 -3 bedroom apartments, as well as penthouses. A range of luxury facilities are directly connected to The Vale with all creature comforts on tap, including a spa and wellness centre, an exclusive owners’ and members’ lounge as well as in-house dining and shopping. Expected rental returns at The Vale Rusutsu are predicted to be up to 6.5% per annum.

3. And off the piste.

One of the most novel attractions, and one which sets Rusutsu apart from other resorts in Hokkaido, is the Amusement Park. There are 8 roller coasters in the park including “The Hurricane”, Hokkaido’s first suspended roller coaster. There are many additional rides in the park, which is designed to captivate all ages throughout the autumn, spring and summer months.

Rusutsu also has a Super Jumbo Pool with a wave pool and 25m indoor pool for the winter as well as numerous outside pools with slides and lazy rivers for the summer months.

The resort’s youngest visitors will enjoy Kids’ Land, with a soft inflatable play area and a colouring area amongst the attractions.

Eating out in Rusutsu is generally a more traditional Japanese experience with fewer Western influences than Niseko. There is a good mix of restaurants ranging from bars/cafes up to high end restaurants within the 2 large hotels.

4. Summer attractions.

As the largest dual season resort on Hokkaido, you would expect a large variety of summer activities and Rusutsu scores highly with, for example:

• Swimming
• Amusement park
• 4 golf courses
• Rafting, canoeing, duckying and fishing on the Shiribetsu River
• Orienteering
• Hiking
• Mountain biking
• Hot air ballooning
• BBQ pits

Summer has always been a busy tourist season in Hokkaido, particularly among the Japanese. However smart property developers are wising up to the fact that strong growth is being seen from Asian tourists from Hong Kong, China and South Korea. Dual-season demand will result in higher investment returns.

In summary.

So, if you are thinking of what to buy in Hokkaido that can provide a good rental return, it would be wise to put Rusutsu property near the top of your list and take a look at its flagship development The Vale Rusutsu.

With guaranteed yearly snowfall up to 13m, uncrowded slopes, fantastic on-piste and off-piste skiing and a surplus of winter and summer activities, there is much to attract the perceptive buyer to Rusutsu.

But don’t just take our word for it. Come and take a look at Rusutsu yourselves!