Richmonts International, a marketing and sales consultancy for real estate, assesses that the Japanese real estate market is beginning to recover due to the weak yen, which has increased purchasing power from foreign buyers. As COVID-19 restrictions ease, the number of tourists in Japan is rising, driving up demand for real estate. They are set to present the chic condotel “Hotel101” in the prime location of Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan, a renowned ski resort city recognized as one of the world's top snow destinations, offering a special opportunity for Thai investors interested in Japanese real estate to gain ownership rights.

Mr. Tim Skepwington, Managing Director of Richmonts International Co., Ltd., a consultancy in marketing and sales of real estate, revealed that the real estate market in Thailand is gaining more interest following the establishment of a new government, which has clarified policies and operations, boosting consumer confidence that had previously stalled purchasing decisions. This is expected to invigorate the real estate market towards the end of this year, alongside the government's focus on stimulating the tourism sector, which is recovering from the COVID situation, thus enhancing purchasing power both domestically and internationally.

The situation in foreign real estate markets should be considered on a country-by-country basis. In the case of Japan, it is viewed as a country with high potential. After Japan reopened its borders, the number of tourists has increased, especially during the winter tourist season in Hokkaido, particularly in Niseko, which is a prominent tourist destination attracting visitors from around the world, including a growing number of Thai tourists each year. Statistics show that in the first half of 2023, over 497,700 Thai tourists visited Japan, and with the yen's depreciation, the number of tourists and investors looking to invest in Japan has surged, positively impacting real estate development projects, particularly condominiums and hotels.

From May 2022 to April 2023, Niseko welcomed 3.21 million tourists, with 1.48 million visiting during the summer season (May 2022 - October 2022) and 1.73 million during the winter season (November 2022 - April 2023). Thai tourists accounted for 128,000, representing 4% of the total number of visitors, which is an interesting statistic.

Ms. Hanna Ulo-Lucini, CEO of Hotel101, announced that Double Dragon Corporation is the developer and manager of the “Hotel101 – Niseko, Japan” project, valued at over 4.6 billion baht. This project is a condotel designed in a Modern Japanese style, emphasizing simplicity and efficient use of space on approximately 6 rai of land, featuring a low-rise building of 6 stories and 1 basement with 482 Happy Room units designed with condominium-like functionality, offering hotel-like amenities and 167 outdoor parking spaces, accounting for about 40% of the total units. Construction commenced in August 2023, with completion expected in 2026.

The project offers room sales as property ownership or joint investment, catering to foreign investment during the period of “weak yen.” The investment principle for Hotel101 includes full management by the company, with a revenue share of 70% for the hotel and 30% for the owner (before tax expenses). Owners can stay for free for 10 nights per year, divided into 5 nights at Hotel101 - Niseko and another 5 nights at any Hotel101 properties worldwide.

Niseko is a year-round ski resort with numerous activities available in both summer and winter. In winter, skiing can be enjoyed for longer than at many other resorts, typically from November to April. In summer, Niseko has an average temperature of 21 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for various outdoor activities, especially golf, with Hokkaido boasting up to 119 golf courses, many of which are ranked among the “Top 100 Golf Courses in Asia.” In addition to golfing, visitors to Niseko in summer can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, water sports, kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, and camping.

Niseko, located on the western side of Hokkaido, receives cold winds from the Siberian region of Russia, resulting in heavy snowfall each year. The snow here is unique, being soft powder and not coarse, making it ideal for skiing,” Ms. Hanna stated.

Mr. Paul Morris, Sales Manager at H2 Christie’s International Real Estate Japan, provided details about the Hotel101 – Niseko, Japan project, stating that the room design will be uniform, referred to as Happy Rooms, with a total of 482 rooms, each measuring 21 square meters, furnished with complete amenities, accommodating up to 3 guests. The special launch price for all units is set at 9.09 million baht, regardless of location. The investment model is similar to purchasing real estate domestically, allowing customers to buy outright or make installment payments. Niseko is one of the fastest-growing ski destinations in the world and has been ranked number 1 in Japan for real estate investment growth for three consecutive years, with land values increasing by over 44%.

Currently, the Hotel101 group has over 2,001 operational rooms and an additional 6,013 rooms worldwide awaiting launch, ensuring that Hotel101 – Niseko, Japan will remain a leading investor-friendly condotel in Niseko for many years to come. Additionally, the Japanese yen is currently at its weakest against the US dollar in over 20 years, presenting an attractive investment opportunity for both Thai and foreign investors.

Traveling to Hotel101 from New Chitose Airport takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes by plane from Bangkok, and Niseko is just 100 km or a 2-hour drive away. Furthermore, Niseko is awaiting the results of its selection to host the 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games, with plans for a new Shinkansen rail connection in the same year to reduce travel time from Sapporo from 2 hours to just 25 minutes, and air and train travel from Tokyo will be reduced from 6 hours to 4 hours and 18 minutes.

For sales in Thailand, Hotel101 – Niseko, Japan has appointed Richmonts International Co., Ltd. as the sole official sales representative, with sales set to open in Thailand on October 16, 2023.

Interested Thai buyers and investors can contact the sales management representative at Richmonts International Co., Ltd. at 062 496 6454 or visit the website www.richmonts.com.