EXPERIENCE NISEKO
VOL. 3 WINTER 2019/20 experienceniseko.com
Located in a peaceful forest, steps away from AYA and the Ace Family Quad Lift, Intuition is the first and only onsen estate in the center of Grand Hirafu, the most popular ski village in Niseko, Japan. The exclusive estate hosts 10 village sites and a luxurious condominium with 32 apartment units, ranging from studios to 6-bedroom penthouses. It will also house dining, hot spring and hotel concierge facilities exclusive to the Intuition residences. Limited units are now available for sale. Contact your local real estate agents for details.
INFO@INTUITIONNISEKO.COM INTUITIONNISEKO.COM
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EDITOR’S NOTE If there is one thing in Niseko you can count on, it’s the snow. Every winter without fail, Mother Nature kindly delivers metres of the lightest, fluffiest champagne powder imaginable and it keeps us all coming back for more. But if there’s a second thing to count on, it’s the speed of development progress in town. Every year, more and more impressive properties appear. From huge full-service hotels and sprawling mansion-like resort homes, to condo apartment complexes and quaint cabin-style hideaways. New shops, new galleries, new restaurants. The list goes on. Heck, every time I blink an eye it seems another convenience store pops up. You can always count on finding something new. Modern, global, alpine architecture interspersed amidst old Japanese homes and buildings to create the charming mishmash that is Niseko. Those old homes are a great reminder of a much quieter, not-too-distant past when Niseko was merely a potato farming village forced to endure long and snowy winters, not Asia’s premier ski resort where our only complaint is that the winters aren’t long enough! With new direct flight routes into Sapporo from Europe and Australia this season complementing the existing eight direct routes from China alone, plus plans for the Shinkansen bullet train to link Niseko all the way to Tokyo in the next few years, savvy buyers are getting in now. From a skiing perspective, Niseko is certainly one of the most exciting places on the planet right now. From design, development and investment perspectives, the same can be said. In the third edition of Experience Niseko Homes, we bring you a round-up of the most exciting developments currently in progress; we speak to Luke Johnson, the architect behind the high-end, ski-in ski-out Skye Niseko; we catch up with developer Michael Chen to discuss ultra-luxe experiences and the shifting guest profile in Niseko; architect Naoki Seshimo explains why designing the stunning Clearwater House was a career highlight; and we profile some of the best real estate and development partners to help you realise your Niseko property dream. EVAN JOHNSON evan.johnson@experienceniseko.com
EXPERIENCE NISEKO HOMES Vol. 3, Winter 2019-20 www.experienceniseko.com Published by HTM KK, 91-1 Aza Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081, Japan Cover Photo: HakuVillas by Taiga Projects photographed by Glen Claydon
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Aruku-zaka Street
Development News Our round-up of the most exciting and transformational projects currently in the pipeline. Aruku-zaka Street
Drift Niseko
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Drift Niseko The developer behind Skye Niseko is underway with the development of Drift Niseko, an exclusive 14-lot estate in Kabayama. Set close to the famous Gentemstick cafĂŠ and showroom, each lot will be supplied with onsen water and underground power. All lots are large, up to 2,100sqm and set in mature oak and shirakaba forest with excellent Yotei views. Construction has commenced and is scheduled for December 2020 completion.
Planning for the long-awaited Aruku-zaka Street development continues with the project scheduled for a 2024 completion. The plans for this mixeduse development include shops, restaurants and the newly announced Amari Niseko hotel. With 126 rooms in studio, 1 and 2-bedroom configurations, the Amari Niseko hotel will carry contemporary Thai-inspired design with a local touch, a concept restaurant, an all-day noodle bar and a destination cocktail bar. Design works are ongoing.
Panorama
HakuVillas
Park Hyatt Niseko
When it comes to VIP luxury in Niseko, Hakuchozan is amongst the first accommodations which springs to mind. The team behind this award-winning all-inclusive chalet have upped the stakes with HakuVillas. Seven floors, four residences, all ‘penthouse-style’ with ultra-luxe butler, chauffeur and in-house dining included, and unbelievable Yotei views. Opening this winter.
The long-awaited opening of the Park Hyatt Hanazono Residences happens this winter, with the 114-unit property welcoming its first guests in January 2020. The ski-in ski-out hotel features signature restaurants, banquet, meeting and karaoke rooms, indoor heated swimming pool, onsen, spa, fitness centre, sauna and 24-hour concierge.
Six of the 12 luxury villas that make up the exclusive Panorama Niseko opened last winter and three will follow this December. Located on the banks of the Shiribetsu River, the art-park in the centre of the estate has a new gazebo, fresh landscaping, a private putting green and a brandnew, must-get photo opportunity in the form of life size bear statues.
Intuition
Intuition Located diagonally opposite Aya Niseko, the new Intuition development is the first exclusive onsen estate in the centre of Hirafu Village. The estate combines spectacular natural vistas with convenient access to ski lifts. Phase I features 10 onsen villa sites, Phase II presents Intuition Hotel, a luxury condominium hotel with onsen, restaurant and concierge facilities. The construction of Intuition Hotel is scheduled to be complete by the end of November 2020.
The Pavilions Niseko Set for completion by September 2020, The Pavilions Niseko is an all-villa resort estate made up of 19 dual-key 3-bedroom villas which are pre-selling this year. Located in east Hirafu, The Pavilions is blessed with spectacular views and will feature a signature bar and restaurant, spa and wellness centre and both indoor and outdoor onsen pools.
Setsu
Panorama
In a prominent central Hirafu location, building works at Setsu Niseko broke ground in April 2019. The building will feature beautiful, uninterrupted views of Mt Yotei and the Hirafu ski resort and is on track for a December 2021 completion. The phase one release of their 190 luxury condo apartments quickly sold out and demand remains strong.
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TELLUS
TELLUS The brand-new TELLUS Niseko opens this December, comprised of 13 luxury apartments, each with private onsen in upper Hirafu. And there’s plenty more in store for the TELLUS team over the coming few years. Land plots are available right now for the TELLUS Villas development in lower Hirafu and their largest project, TELLUS Hirafu, is also underway. Three stunning luxury towers with public onsen, ski-valet, shops and dining. Scheduled for completion in December 2021.
Niseko Annupuri Residences A two-minute drive to both the Annupuri and Moiwa resorts, and with several fantastic onsens and restaurants in close proximity, this 19-lot estate is well under way with several lots sold and a few villas completed. Options to build-your-own or partner with the knowledgeable Annupuri Properties team to design, construct and manage are both available. With plenty of in-progress development and rumours of bigger things coming, the Annupuri area of Niseko is set to boom. 8 |
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ScandinAsia Fancy taking a centuries-old Japanese ‘Kominka’ farmhouse from rural Honshu, dismantling, relocating and converting it into a spa, restaurant or luxury residence in Niseko? Well, that’s exactly what the team at ScandinAsia do. They are building two Kominkas in the upcoming Ginto development and another in Moiwa, as well as similar projects in Hakuba and Kobe. ScandinAsia has previously upcycled wooden homes in Sweden, Bali and Thailand, and are on track for the three in Niseko to be fully operational by Winter 2020/21.
welcome home.
A year-round wonderland, Hokkaido has a lifestyle like no other.
Since 2002, Niseko Real Estate has helped turn your dream into reality. Contact us for the latest land, building and investment opportunities.
Email: info@nisekorealestate.com Phone: +81-136-21-7722 www.nisekorealestate.com
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CURRENT LISTINGS NISEKO REALTY
SKYE NISEKO 605/606 ¥305,000,000 UPPER HIRAFU/SLOPESIDE
3 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
128 sqm
Upper floor dual-key 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom apartment in Hirafu’s flagship development, Skye Niseko. Skye Niseko 605/606 boasts panoramic Hirafu Alpen ski slope views from all rooms, with open plan living/dining/ kitchen and wall-to-wall glass showcasing stunning vistas. The dual key layout allows for flexibility of use, with the option to separate the property into a 2 bedroom and a studio apartment. On-site building amenities in Skye Niseko include men’s/ women’s onsen, 24-hour concierge, ski valet, restaurant, bar/café, spa, gym and more, all in Hirafu’s top slopeside location.
YOTEI ONE ¥750,000,000
4 Bedrooms
LOWER HIRAFU BLUFF 4 Bathrooms
652 sqm (Land) 384 sqm (House) Yotei One is a stunning off-plan residence brought to you by Tokyo’s AE5 Architectural firm. Perched on the sought after Hirafu Lower Village Bluff, this villa offers the very rare trifecta of views to Mt Yotei, the Shiribeshi river and Mt Annupuri, whilst still retaining its Hirafu location. Designed over two levels, Yotei One is a 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom residence with a total of 384 sqm of interior space. 4-metre high ceilings, wall-to-wall floor-to-ceiling glass, natural stone and timber finishes, Japanese tatami room, lock-up garage and ski room are but a few of the features of this premier property. Construction has commenced with delivery slated for Autumn 2020.
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NISEKO REALTY CURRENT LISTINGS
HIGASHIYAMA VILLA LAND ¥150,000,000
HACHIKO HIGASHIYAMA
1,652 sqm
INTUITION 501/502
¥275,000,000
3 Bedrooms
LOWER HIRAFU 2 Bathrooms
165 sqm (Land) 175 sqm (House)
¥148,000,000
2 Bedrooms
HIRAFU 2 Bathrooms
88 sqm
Premium land site available in the sought-after Higashiyama neighbourhood. Wonderful panoramic views, including Mt Yotei, with close proximity to Niseko Village Ski Resort, the Hilton, as well as the upcoming Ritz Carlton development. The site holds favourable lot dimensions for development, allowing for a variety of build options. Neighbourhood highlights include two freshwater creeks and a serene natural atmosphere, all within walking distance to the famous Milk Kobo dairy farm, Prativo and Mandriano restaurants, as well as The House of Machines. Land in Higashiyama is tightly held and lots such as this do not come available often.
With stunning design by Endo Architectural Atelier, Hachiko is one of the newest properties to hit Hirafu’s custom villa market. High-level finish throughout with open-plan layout and generous views over three levels of interior area. Lower floors hold the three bedrooms along with a drying/sports equipment room, while the top floor showcases a stylish gathering and entertaining space. Hachiko is situated on a corner lot, directly placed along Hirafu’s free shuttle bus route providing easy access to the ski slopes. Numerous restaurants and bars dot the area offering a number of options within 1-2 minutes’ walk from your door.
Upper floor dual-key 2-bedroom apartment in the upcoming Intuition Niseko development. Designed by ALA Architect Ryuya Umezawa (former Chief Project Manager of Kengo Kuma Associates), the layout and design has been modeled for optimal flow and comfort with understated luxury, utilising high-quality materials throughout. Common facilities will include men’s and women’s natural hot spring onsen bath, concierge front desk service, as well as restaurant. Location less than 2 minutes’ walk to the new Ace Family Quad lift, providing easy foot access to the Hirafu ski resort as well as village centre.
THE BEST OF ST. MORITZ
WINTERHAVEN
SOGA VILLA SITE
¥163,500,000
¥450,000,000
ST. MORITZ, KABAYAMA
1,079 sqm One of the largest offerings in Kabayama’s St. Moritz, this property is a series of consecutive lots located in the top rear corner of the neighbourhood. The lots hold elevation over the rest of the neighbourhood offering wonderful views across the valley to Mt Yotei, with views back up to the ski area as well. The multiple lot status and size allows for a myriad of development and design options ranging from villas to a multi-unit development.
6 Bedrooms
THE ORCHARDS, KABAYAMA 7 Bathrooms
2,660 sqm (Land) 448 sqm (House)
The premier chalet in Niseko’s The Orchards neighbourhood, Winterhaven is a stunning 6-bedroom 7-bathroom home. An amazing sense of arrival greets you with a double height foyer leading to the open-plan 2nd floor with vaulted ceiling and enormous window banks, highlighting protected views to Mt Yotei. 3 bedrooms up with another 3 bedrooms down, 5 of which are ensuited, allows this property to sleep large groups or even multiple families. Winterhaven is placed on one of the largest lots in The Orchards, located at the rear section of the neighbourhood with wonderful views to Mt Yotei.
For more information contact Craig Meikle (craig@nisekorealty.com) Brian Lysne (brian.lysne@nisekorealty.com) Tel: +81 (0)136 55 8776 www.nisekorealty.com 12 |
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¥160,000,000
AZA-SOGA, HIGASHIYAMA
2,605 sqm Spacious land site available in the popular Soga area, on the outskirts of Higashiyama. Fantastic open views to Mt Yotei, overlooking fresh farm fields on your immediate boundary. Tranquil setting for a luxury home build with ample space on all sides to protect view corridors and enhance privacy. Site is approximately a 4-minute drive to both Niseko Village ski area as well as Niseko Town.
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The Skye is The Limit For Australian architect Luke Johnson, the completion of Skye Niseko represents the closing of a circle. WORDS: EVAN JOHNSON PHOTOS: GLEN CLAYDON
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LIFE-LONG, YET UNSATISFIED DESIRE to experience Japanese culture and craftsmanship in person, met with a stroke of good fortune to present the opportunity for Luke Johnson to design his first building in Japan and his first ever hotel. An itch now scratched, so to speak. We caught up to discuss the process, the concepts, the challenges, the satisfactions and what it means to create one of the most prominent hotels in one of the most prominent ski resorts in the world. Your background in architecture spans a wide range of building types, from transport infrastructure to education, science, health facilities, and now hotels. What is it about architecture and design that inspires you? Architecture is a beautiful artform. It requires both a scientific mind and an artistic creative mind, and few people possess both. That makes it collaborative by necessity. No one person can do everything involved alone. In that way, it’s similar to filmmaking and theatre production. It’s technical, you need lots of people to realise complex tasks, it requires a range of personality types, and a director to pull it all off. What about alpine design? Are you a ‘winter person’, someone who enjoys the snow? I was born in Papua New Guinea and grew up in the tropics. So, no. And I understand the irony there! What I am is a person who loves the outdoors and nature. For me, the Skye Niseko project was about creating a platform that people could inhabit and occupy, have beautiful experiences in but always be close to or in nature. The ability for people to always see outdoors and feel a part of the beautiful national park in which it sits. I feel my desire to connect with nature aligns nicely with Japanese sensibility. Have you always been interested in Japanese culture and design? Absolutely. When I finished school, I desperately wanted to visit Japan on a gap year as I have always been intrigued and curious about the Japanese approach to craftsmanship and, in particular, buildings. Art and architecture were my passions, though unfortunately Japan was an expensive prospect at the time so I went to Europe instead. That was incredible, but not getting to Japan stayed with me as a regret. Fast forward 20 years and I had worked in London and in Australia but still hadn’t been to Japan.
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“Japan has a brilliantly complex, rich and deep culture and the chance to live in the country for short periods allowed me to see it through the lens of a local rather than a tourist.�
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How did the opportunity present itself then to work on this project? By complete luck, or should I say, good fortune. While at a function in Sydney I met Lucas Fuller, the CEO of Summit Properties, who were at the time developing in Niseko and had a tender out for architects to design on the plot that is now Skye Niseko. We discussed architecture and his project and thankfully, he gave me the chance to bid. I jumped at it. A colleague and I immediately booked flights to Japan, spent a few days in Niseko, understanding the site, the environment, the opportunities and constraints, where the sun rose and set, where the views are and so on. We had a wonderful time and got deeply in to the process of designing our initial concept. It was the most rewarding architectural experience I’ve ever had–simply exploring what could be. What was the next step in the process? We returned to Sydney and kept developing the concept until, as per regular architectural process, we had the chance to present fully rendered visualisations and the technical planning, alongside a narrative and story explaining the design solution. To our great delight, we were successful. This is the first hotel you’ve designed and the first building of any kind you’ve designed in Japan—did you find that more or less enjoyable than previous projects? I enjoy all of my work. Schools, universities, office buildings, transport projects, I like my work to be diverse and I’m up for any challenge. Though since the Skye Niseko project finished, my heart is missing Japan. I was living the dream with regular trips back and forth between Japan and Australia. I knew it would come to an end but I’m heartbroken not to be visiting as regularly as I was. To me, it opened up a beautiful world of experience. This world of Japanese culture and craftsmanship washed over me. Japan has a brilliantly complex, rich and deep culture and the chance to live in the country for short periods allowed me to see it through the lens of a local rather than a tourist. I experienced Japan in a far greater way than I would have had I done a few months on a gap year all those years ago. Was the process to see the building made different to what you are used to in Australia and the UK? It was different but we benefited greatly from a partnership we formed with Japanese architect, Koichi Ishigura from ISA Architects. He is the architect behind Ki Niseko, is very professional and was effectively our local architect of record. He was responsible for all of the planning applications, local authority consultation, contractor management and was an incredible collaborator who got the project approved, viable and underway. Had he not been there, I’m sure I’d have seen a far different approach to construction than what I am used to, and suffered far more stress in the process. What were the main things you needed to consider in the exterior design of Skye Niseko? Naturally, we had a responsibility to optimise and maximise the developer’s investment on the project. To create something of value, of incredible worth, a sellable product. So, we used the full envelope of the site and realized that to great financial success. Equally we had a responsibility to make sure the building sat comfortably on the site. That all of the views were optimised from all residential apartments. This led to the boomerang shape of the two buildings which allows each unit, for the most part, to have exceptional views. Even on the internal apartments, there are views through the boomerang shape and to the landscape beyond. The product optimises those view conditions as best as possible. Mt Yotei is the famous view, but equally, looking up Mt Annupuri, especially at night when people are skiing, is beautiful. That was a really important driver.
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“We owed it to the community to create something classy and elegant and avoid it seeming like a spaceship had just landed in town.”
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Skye Niseko is in a hugely prominent, impossible-to-miss location, with a high level of luxury and an enormous size. With that, the development was very high profile and was always bound to draw attention and critique—did you feel any pressure from the local community or elsewhere? Definitely. We owed it to the community to create something classy and elegant and avoid it seeming like a spaceship had just landed in town. A consideration for how that could successfully be achieved was by identifying the season in which we wanted the building to most blend, and we chose winter. Naturally, in alpine areas, the seasons look drastically different, so a building that contrasts the palette of the winter landscape may blend in more in summer, and vice versa. Skye Niseko’s primary character revolves around snow, ice and the winter experience. The exterior is clad in beautiful Japanese ceramic tiles organized in a way that abstractly represent snowdrifts, the organic forms of snowy landscapes and also the fluid path that skiers take when travelling down a mountain. It gives the building a unique identity but also speaks to the winter landscape and complements the ski-in ski-out functionality of the site. We also split the building in to two components meaning you can see through the site when walking past it. We didn’t want this to feel like a ‘barrier’ at all. Rather an open, permeable gateway for people to see and navigate through. That breaks down the scale of the complex to not
impose its significant presence in a way that would be negative. In winter conditions, the building elegantly recedes into the landscape. Is the interior design inspired by a concept? The interior concept, which we designed in collaboration with Pike Withers and Wilson Associates, is all about ‘warmth’. We used materials that have a tactile, warm visual character. Japanese features, lighting which adds warmth to the space, and when looking out on to this frozen world which at times, can be really bitter, you feel this sense of warmth, comfort and security. This applies in all spaces, including the restaurant, the onsen, the café deli and the day spa. A warm cocoon in a frigidly cold environment. To what extent is Skye Niseko a ‘Japanese’ hotel? It’s contemporary hotel design with a distinctive Japanese flavour. A global hotel with an ‘umami’ to it. It combines a respect for natural materials with a craftsman’s approach throughout. The timbers, the stone works, these beautiful materials installed by craftspeople speak to Japanese culture respectfully. The amenities are interpretations of traditional Japanese hotel amenities but done in a contemporary, global way. The landscaping around the building also has interpretations of the Japanese cultivated garden. Landscaped elements and terracing which speak to traditional Japanese experience. But at the end of the day, we are not Japanese architects. We are working within a global context and it wouldn’t be authentic for us to
pretend that it is anything but an amalgam of observations and respect for Japanese craftsmanship in a way that appeals to a market that is global. It’s not a ryokan. But importantly, it doesn’t pretend to be. Is the finished product exactly as it was in your design, or did it evolve at all through the production phase? Remarkably, yes, it is. And there are two clear reasons why. One, the very good local architect who faithfully looked out for the design quality on our behalf at every opportunity. And two, a very good builder. Japanese people have such an integrity in respect to their own work and that was constantly visible to us in how they would resolve details and bring good solutions to the table. Is there anything about this design and this project that will live with you forever? Just the sense of fulfilment that I’ve been able to help contribute something in this incredible country which people are able to enjoy. A frictionless experience around skiing, from arrival, to inhabiting, to eating, to meeting friends, to socialising, and being able to simply get out the door, onto the snow and to the gondola all in such a beautiful location. It’s a joyful place, and I get joy from that. Luke Johnson is a Design Principal at Australian architecture firm, Architectus— visit www.architectus.com.au to find out more.
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A Touch of Finesse
A celebration of craftsmanship. A meticulous approach to details.
Trust Taiga to guide you through the finer points of acquiring land, buying or selling property in Niseko, or building a dream project.
Real Estate Sales • Project Design & Management Development Consulting • Luxury Accommodation TAIGA Co., Ltd
Aza Yamada 189-20, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido Tel: (+81) 0136 55 8022 Fax: (+81) 0136-55-8044 E-mail: info@taigaprojects.com www.taigaprojects.com
CURRENT LISTINGS TAIGA
HAKUVILLAS 588 ¥600,000,000
5 Bedrooms
UPPER HIRAFU 5 Bathrooms
297.5 sqm / 2 min walk to lifts HakuVillas was conceived with the guest experience as the central guiding theme for every design decision. Consisting of only four luxury villas, each villa encompasses an entire floor with 5 distinct and thoughtfully considered spaces for entertaining and relaxing. The unobstructed, panoramic views to Mt Yotei from every floor in the building are fully integrated into the living, dining and onsen. The limited number of villas means a more intimate lobby, gym, state-of-the-art golf simulator, spa massage and exclusive steakhouse restaurant. A fully tailored butler service with private chef awaits to make a truly sensational experience.
TAIGA HAVE BUILT A REPUTATION for an unwavering commitment to delivering the extraordinary. Their interdisciplinary team have a proven track-record on marrying attention to detail with inventive thinking that seeks creative solutions. Even for a simple land or property sale, Taiga inform on all possible development outcomes and costs, as well as anticipating challenges that are not immediately clear during a site walk. “We approach relationships with clients as partnerships, opportunities for collaboration,” says Keith Rodgers, owner of Taiga. “We share ideas, challenge each other and try to make the end result better.” This year’s proud unveiling of HakuVillas is the perfect encapsulation of Taiga’s interdisciplinary approach. Taiga brokered the original land deal and was intimately involved in the concept, design, project management and villa sales, all at a granular level. “I simply love working with Keith and Taiga”, says Michael Chen, chairman of HakuLife. “HakuVillas is our second collaboration, and we continue to create breakthroughs in design, user experience and impact. Working with Keith, we have produced extremely wellconceived properties that are bigger than the sum of the parts of the developer, project manager and architect. Most projects simply don’t enjoy the power of that type of intense collaboration and innovation. And rarely have I seen owners and developers be so insanely happy with their local partner.”
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INTUITION 505 ¥268,000,000
3 Bedrooms
UPPER HIRAFU 3 Bathrooms
139 sqm . 4 min walk to lifts Unit 505 is a luxurious 3-bedroom apartment with an elevated Mt Yotei view. All apartment owners and guests will benefit from the onsen hot spring on the ground floor, as well as restaurant, concierge, and a very generous ski valet area. Shopping, dining and ski lifts are all within minutes of walking, while being uniquely nestled in a natural forest setting.
KAZAHANA CHALET ¥465,000,000
6 Bedrooms
LOWER HIRAFU 5 Bathrooms
303 sqm (Land) 295 sqm (House) / 3 min drive to lifts Located on Hirafu’s exclusive Middle Village Bluff, Kazahana boasts massive, unobstructed views across the valley. A top-quality chalet in one of the most sought-after locations. Crisp lines of timber and steel interplay with rendered wall finishings, combining the best of Japanese workmanship and materials. On the top floor, the two planes of warm timber ceilings and floor are connected by a feature fireplace of cool Kurokawa steel. Kazahana Chalet is unabashedly contemporary Japanese architecture, yet still feels at home within Niseko’s alpine milieu. 22 |
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CURRENT LISTINGS TAIGA
FOREST ESTATE 4 HOUSE ¥155,000,000
3 Bedrooms
MIDDLE HIRAFU 2 Bathrooms
264 sqm (Land) 138.11 sqm (House)
NISEKO 387-28 ROYAL TOWN LAND
SOGA 413-3 STONE CIRCLE WEST 2 LAND
¥16,100,000
¥182,769,800
MOIWA (ROYAL TOWN)
533 sqm (Land)
NISEKO VILLAGE
9,745 sqm (Land)
Located on a quiet street in Hirafu middle village, Forest Estate 4 offers comfortable living, with easy access to all village amenities. Forest Estate 4 is a very comfortable, modern 3-bedroom and 2-bathroom chalet. From the second floor living/dining/kitchen area, one has nice views towards Mt Yotei looking down the street. The open concept benefits from high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows and a gas fireplace. The layout is very rational and the dual entry into the dry room makes for ease of use.
An idyllic country land site located in up and coming Royal Town. The site backs onto a wooded ravine, giving warm forest views. Ideal for someone looking to build a family chalet. It is just a few minutes’ drive to the ski lifts at Annupuri and Moiwa Resorts, as well as popular onsen hot springs like Yugokorotei and the Grand Hotel. Given the price and proximity to resort bases, this land is an easy entry into the Niseko market.
A forested and secluded site in Higashiyama near Niseko Village, with views to Mt Yotei and partial views of Mt Annupuri. Just a 5-minute drive to the lifts in Niseko Village and Annupuri, it is a great combination of mountain proximity and country quietness. One can easily imagine several larger chalets tucked into the trees. Across the street from a private enclave of just 5 large lots with buried power lines, this site also benefits from numerous developments along the same road.
KONDO 372-21 YOTEI VIEW LAND
SATOMI 29-10 YOTEI VIEW LAND
YAMA SHIZEN WEST 304
¥10,500,000
¥58,800,000
¥86,000,000
NISEKO TOWN
990 sqm (Land) This is a lovely piece of land with views to both Mt Yotei, across the valley to Mt Annupuri, as well as over the surrounding farms. The large size and shape make this site ideal for a family wanting a yard or garden. There is currently only one neighbour, giving you a sense of rural living. It is conveniently located just a few kilometres from the popular Niseko View Plaza farmer’s market and Niseko Town. From the site, town water is available from the frontal road.
NISEKO TOWN
3 Bedrooms
6,942 sqm (Land) With panoramic views that encapsulate Mt Yotei and the Annupuri Range, this large land site gives you privacy and scale. Surrounded by beautiful pastoral views and overlooking farmland in the Satomi area of Niseko. From here, step out the door and into rural Hokkaido living. A quick 4-minute drive into the heart of Niseko Town and only a 12-minute drive to Niseko Village Resort.
UPPER HIRAFU 2.5 Bathrooms
125 sqm
A generously sized 2-key unit which can be rented as a full 3-bedroom or split into a studio and 2-bedroom configuration to maximise rental options. This apartment has a strong rental track record and is managed by Niseko Central (HTM) which includes great owner benefits. The interior, common areas and building exterior have been very well maintained, with a major refurbishment of the building exterior just completed. Ownership of an increasingly rare underground parking spot comes with this apartment.
For more information contact info@taigaprojects.com Tel: +81 (0)136 55 8022 www.taigaprojects.com experienceniseko.com
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Modesty, at a Grand Scale The Clearwater by Seshimo Architects WORDS: EVAN JOHNSON PHOTOS: KOJIMA JUNJI (45G PHOTOGRAPHY)
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AKE A SHORT DRIVE around Niseko and it’s easy to see the time, effort, and of course, money, which has been invested in some of its most stunning properties. From chalets such as the masterful Hakuchozan, the exceptional Aspect Niseko and the award-winning Sekka Kan, to high-end hotels such as Skye Niseko, Aya Niseko and The Maples, it’s abundantly clear that Niseko developers with grand ambitions are racing to create eye-catching homes which get people talking. So, while this ‘contest’ rages on, it might come as a surprise that one of Niseko’s most impressive homes is almost completely tucked away from sight in lower Hirafu. The Clearwater, designed by Seshimo Architects, is an interesting juxtaposition. A grand design, free from vanity. A glorious 5-bedroom trophy home, which seeks no attention. A culmination of aspirations, desires and visions, for the enjoyment of the owner and no one else. There is something quite charming about that. Tokyo-based lead architect Naoki Seshimo has over 20 years’ experience in architectural design ranging from bespoke furniture creation through to 10,000m² buildings in Japan, the US and the UK. He explains that there were two main considerations which drove the design concept of The Clearwater. “Privacy and openness were both important elements to the design of this building. The plot has a stunning Mt Yotei view above and the Shiribetsu River running down below,” Naoki says, “We needed to create an open design to maximise this view. However, this could not be done at the expense of privacy for the owner.” experienceniseko.com
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These conflicting ideas presented both a challenge and an opportunity to Seshimo. “Conflict is a good thing; it can become a design opportunity.” “The façade seems closed upon approach, offering privacy from the street and neighbouring properties,” Naoki says. “However, after entering, it offers an element of surprise as the building opens to the landscape on the other side, allowing the impact of its location and the panoramic view to unfold once you enter the building.” A lot of care went into ensuring this property is both difficult to see in to, and easy to look out from. Another significant challenge for the architect was the unique geometry of The Clearwater site, which forces the home to sit, or seemingly balance, on the edge of a cliff. To make this work, the three-story home features two unique ‘floating’ levels, anchored to the cliff edge by a third level. This gives the home a sense of modularity and gives birth to a striking cantilevered middle floor, containing the main living room, which juts out over the cliff’s edge. The top of this cantilevered room doubles as a Yotei-facing balcony for the top floor master bedroom. 26 |
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“This was a spectacular site to build on and the location had a tremendous impact on the design.”
“The cantilever certainly adds complexity to the design, but many people, including myself and the client, agree that it was worth it. This was a spectacular site to build on and the location had a tremendous impact on the design,” Naoki elaborates. “We fell in love with it upon first visit. And the architecture we designed simply could not exist anywhere else.” The entry to the house is via the second floor which features an enormous wooden dining table, kitchen, living room come home-theatre space, cigar and wine bar, and a sunken seated area which provides a lower line of view for taking in the breathtaking surrounds. The kitchen is positioned against the ‘closed’ wall, however a clever, sculptural sky light and light shaft above the kitchen helps reflect and deflect sunlight from above, offering a healthy flow of natural light to the otherwise dark space. Other striking features of the middle floor are a large timber sliding entry door which features a unique ‘spoon-cut’ texture, and a grand staircase which leads both up to the bedrooms and down to the wellness area. experienceniseko.com
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“It’s inspiring to work with clients who share our passion for quality architecture.”
The top floor contains five bedrooms, two of which are masters. One contains a Yotei view, with a retractable projector screen hanging from the ceiling and an outdoor balcony set amidst Shirakaba birch trees. And the other, a view to the ski slopes of Niseko Hirafu. The three smaller bedrooms line the corridor which runs the length of the home. The bottom floor is an area for wellness. An impressive gymnasium contains a range of modern equipment, all set up to take in the views outside. The design of the onsen-like spa in the adjacent room borrows from the surrounding landscape in the traditional Japanese ‘shakkei’ style. When it came to putting a name on the home, the owner had a personal affiliation with the name ‘Clearwater’ and Naoki agreed that it was perfect considering the proximity to the Shiribetsu River. “Niseko is famous for the quality and richness of its water, so the name just made sense.” This quality and richness are certainly matched by the architectural design of this stunning home. The Clearwater is as beautiful as the natural scenery in which it so elegantly sits. After many years of working in architecture, for Naoki Seshimo and his team, this is a project which stands out, and they look back on with fond memories. “It’s inspiring to work with clients who share our passion for quality architecture. We’d love to do it again.” For more information about Seshimo Architects, visit www.seshimos.com
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HOKKAIDO TRACKS RESORT PROPERTIES CURRENT LISTINGS
LOWER HIRAFU CORNER LOT
YAMA SHIZEN
¥248,000,000
FROM ¥78,000,000
LOWER HIRAFU
758sqm / Max Construction Area (50%): 379sqm
2-3 Bedrooms
HANGETSU UPPER HIRAFU
2-3 Bathrooms
¥43,000,000
106-123 sqm (Floor Space)
1 Bedroom
LOWER HIRAFU 1 Bathroom
37 sqm (Floor Space)
Beautiful and Flexible Lower Hirafu Land Site • Freehold title available on a beautiful bluff site directly above the Escarpment Estate. • Tucked in a peaceful corner away from traffic and allows for privacy. • Overlooks the most prestigious estate in Hirafu, down towards scenic rice fields with a view of Mt Yotei and the ski hills. • The generous size allows greater building possibilities.
Deluxe Niseko Holiday Apartments in the Upper Village • Contemporary architecture and tasteful designer interiors • Walking distance to the ski lifts and Hirafu’s best restaurants and bars • Enjoy views of Mt Yotei, the ski hills or the resort • Strong rental history with consistent yields • Ski Valet service available for owners and guests
Contemporary Design in a Convenient Location • Affordable luxury apartment in Hirafu • Modern design with floor to ceiling windows and clever use of space • Steps away from the free resort shuttle bus • Close to the lower village’s best restaurants and Yukoro onsen • Ski Valet service available for owners and guests
KITA NO KUNI HOUSE
MESPI LODGE
ST MORITZ HOUSE
¥170,000,000
5 Bedrooms
IZUMIKYO 3 Bathrooms
775 sqm (Land) 240 sqm (House)
Dual-key Chalet in the Niseko Resort Neighbourhood • Breathtaking views of Mt Yotei • Large land plot with a beautiful lawn and ample parking • Access to the free resort shuttle bus • Great holiday home for a large family • Option for main house or the self-contained studio unit to be rented
¥388,000,000
6 Bedrooms
ANNUPURI 5 Bathrooms
¥98,000,000
1,153 sqm (Land) 358 sqm (House)
The Complete Lifestyle Ski-in Chalet in Annupuri • Large, fully-furnished 6-bedroom within a stroll to the Annupuri Gondola • Vaulted family room with fireplace opens out to a deck overlooking the forest • Relax in Japanese style hot tub overlooking the snowy forest or sauna • Entertainment room with a bar, equipped with pro-style pool table, ping pong table and darts area • Unwind in the massage chair or workout on the cardio machine
3 Bedrooms
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220 sqm (Land) 118 sqm (House)
Modern Comfort in the Niseko Resort • 3-bedroom house with large open living space • View of Mt Yotei from the living room and the ski hills from the master bedroom • Carport and storage for bikes and skis • Perfect for family getaways or rental investment
Visit our website www.hokkaidotracks.com or contact Paul Butkovich for more information: Email: sales@hokkaidotracks.com Tel: +81 (0)136 21 6960 Wechat ID: paulbutkovich WhatsApp: 08036125475 32 |
ST. MORITZ 2 Bathrooms
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Luxury is an Experience As the burgeoning economy of Asia continues to grow and the wealth of individuals follows, demand for ultra luxury accommodation, service and experience in global travel expands. WORDS: EVAN JOHNSON PHOTOS: GLEN CLAYDON
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CCORDING TO a UBS Bank and PwC study, China ‘produced two new billionaires a week’ in 2017. And a recent Forbes article using data from Boston Consulting Group explains that there is a shift in the way the new-superwealthy spend on luxury. Tactile items such as watches, jewellery, perfumes and accessories are no longer the hallmark. Today’s luxury consumer is spending his money on things you cannot see. Globally today, more money is spent on experiential luxury—food, wine, hotels and exclusive vacations. Naturally, as Asia’s premier and fastest-growing ski resort, Niseko is welcoming greater numbers and wealthier visitors each and every year, all looking for luxury experiences. With this, the answer to the question “What is luxury?” is certainly changing. Michael Chen, Chairman of HakuLife, is the man behind the award-winning Hakuchōzan and the brand-new HakuVillas. He is passionate and deeply knowledgeable about creating sensational memories and is at the forefront of Niseko’s white-glove, high-end service trend. “There’s always been demand in Niseko for super high-end service and the market for this is becoming bigger and bigger,” Chen says. “But until recently, there hasn’t been the supply. There were no ultra-luxury products in the market.” 36 |
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Chen determines that Niseko’s popularity as a global ski destination boomed so quickly that the local luxury hotel industry simply couldn’t prepare itself quickly enough. “Even up until five years ago, some luxury properties in Niseko didn’t have daily housekeeping. You could stay at a standard hotel anywhere else in the world and get that. It was crazy. The destination is so brilliant that people would still visit no-matter-what,” Chen explains. “Luxury tourists accustomed to white-glove service in Aspen, Whistler and Courchevel would forgive the shortcomings of their Niseko hotels, as the powder experience here more than compensated.” As time has gone on, Niseko’s luxury hotel standard has certainly improved with genuine 5-star hotel and chalet offerings now available. Though it was Chen’s Hakuchōzan which raised the ultra-luxe bar altogether, accommodating 16 guests with full butler, chauffeur and in-house dining service in decadent alpine surrounds. The brand-new HakuVillas steps it up again. This 7-story luxury condominium block contains only four residences. Three are single story ‘penthouse-style’ villa apartments, each with over 300sqm 38 |
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of living space, outdoor deck and onsen, all of the Haku service amenities plus upgraded, modern appointments throughout. The fourth residence is a ‘Super Penthouse’ grandly spread over the top three floors, with 7-bedrooms, large private onsen and sensational views to both Mt Yotei and the Grand Hirafu ski area. The ground floor contains a range of premium shared condominium amenities including a gymnasium, day spa, indoor golf simulator and a restaurant, HakuSteak, which will be open to the public. “I built Hakuchōzan initially as a family home. I have a large family with five kids, my brother has a family with kids, my parents love to ski. We needed a big place with space for us each to relax and entertain. It’s a home designed for a multi-family, multi-generational, luxury experience,” Chen explains. “When I decided we would rent it out, we included butlers, chalet hosts and so on to add an element of exclusivity and ensure that only a discerning level of guest would occupy it. Immediately, I saw how attractive that level of service seemed to Niseko guests, so I took the
opportunity to purchase a second piece of land and create something in the same style, just bigger and better.” “With Hakuchōzan in operation for more than 3 years, HakuVillas is a product of incredible learning, upgraded service levels and taking luxury to the next level. That’s how HakuVillas was born,” Chen says. With absolutely everything included as it is, it’s easy to imagine why some guests would be tempted not to bother with the slopes at all. This is why the HakuLife team work incredibly hard to personally curate experiences both inside and outside the accommodation that deliver a unique ‘Niseko experience’ to every one of their guests. Chen understands that some guests will just want to stay at the property, and in his opinion, that’s totally fine. “They’ll have friends around, they’ll entertain, throw parties or simply wind down and relax,” he says. “But at the same time, we curate special experiences and excursions, custom ski trips and day tours that simply cannot be purchased ‘off-the-shelf’. We make it easy, hassle-free, luxurious and most importantly, personal.”
“There’s always been demand in Niseko for super high-end service and the market for this is becoming bigger and bigger.”
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“If you really want to do luxury, you need to find a great partner who understands luxury, who can curate that experience.”
The concept of personalisation is at the core of the HakuLife offering and is reflected in one of their business principles—Luxury is a Personal Experience. “There are some great hotel brands around the world who do a good job at personalising the guest experience. But it’s mass-personalisation which, in a way, is an oxymoron. Operating at a boutique scale and the price point we do allows us to more deeply personalise and cater to the micro-specific needs, wants and desires of our guests. This means we can be nimble, quick and responsive—relentless in our mission to create sensational memories for every guest,” Chen explains. To ensure a truly luxurious Niseko experience, Chen recommends finding a specialist partner on the ground and contacting them early. “If you really want to do luxury, you need to find a great partner who understands luxury, who can curate that experience” he says. “Ultra-luxury exists in Niseko but it is not always easy to find. You need someone who knows where it is and how to access it. If you turn up expecting to find it, you’re too late.” Visit www.hakulife.com for more information. 40 |
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