Buy Property in Higashiyama, Niseko, Hokkaido

This area sits on the southern flank of the Niseko mountains on Hokkaido, famous for powder snow and a winter season that draws visitors from Australia, Asia and Europe. The immediate neighbours in our data are Hirafu, Niseko, Hanazono, Kutchan and Rusutsu. Sapporo is the large city and transport hub, roughly two hours or more away by road, so it is a different market.

Because demand is seasonal, rental income concentrates in winter, and snow clearing, heating and summer maintenance are real running costs.

Japan does not restrict foreign ownership of land or buildings, and you do not need to be a resident. Title is freehold for most land, and registration is through a judicial scrivener (shihō shoshi). Expect acquisition tax, registration tax and annual fixed asset tax, with 10% consumption tax on new buildings from developers.

Banks are cautious with non-resident borrowers, so many overseas buyers pay cash. Short-term letting requires a licence under Japan's minpaku or hotel rules, which limit nights per year, so confirm the permitted use before buying a ski property for rental. See the Japan country page, the Japan buying guide and financing in Japan.