There are many ways to access the famous powder snow of Japan’s ski resorts, but surely the most convenient is to hop on a direct train. And not just any old train, but the fastest and most reliable in the world – the Japanese shinkansen. Bullet train access near to some resorts in Nagano and Niigata has been around for a while and you can get to Iiyama Station, which serves the resorts of Madarao and Nozawa Onsen, in just a couple of hours from Tokyo. This access has increased domestic visitation in both winter and summer.
For decades, Japan’s shinkansen has been the gold standard for fast, reliable travel, linking the country’s key regions with seamless efficiency. Direct bullet train access has transformed destinations like Iiyama in Nagano – gateway to Madarao and Nozawa Onsen – boosting both winter and summer tourism and underpinning steady real estate growth.
Hokkaido is next in line for a similar transformation, with plans to extend the shinkansen from Hakodate through some of the snowiest terrain on Earth to reach Sapporo, including a stop in Kutchan Town – the service hub for the world-famous Niseko United ski area. Originally set for completion by 2030, the project has recently faced delays. The exact timeline remains uncertain.
But here’s the key takeaway for investors: Kutchan’s property market is showing no signs of slowing down.
“Kutchan Town is the beating heart of Niseko, alongside Niseko Town itself,” says Chris Pickering, CEO of Uchi, Japan’s leading resort real estate platform. “It’s less than 10 minutes from both Niseko-Hanazono and Niseko-Hirafu resorts. Even without the shinkansen, demand is high – and with the line still coming, it’s just a matter of when, not if, travel times from Tokyo will be slashed to around four and a half hours and you’ll be able to get to Sapporo in under 30 minutes.”
In the meantime, Kutchan continues to attract buyers who see long-term upside. The town offers a rare mix of convenience, amenities, and proximity to the slopes, while also benefiting from year-round growth in domestic and international tourism.
“With prices already rising, there’s still value to be found – but that window won’t last forever,” notes Pickering. “When the shinkansen finally arrives, it will be a catalyst for another wave of interest, much like we saw in other shinkansen-linked ski towns.”
Uchi currently lists hundreds of properties across Japan’s resort regions, including a diverse selection in Kutchan – from development-ready land to stylish apartments and spacious family homes. Here are ten standout listings offering strong potential in one of Hokkaido’s most dynamic markets:
1. The Yardhouse Kutchan – ¥60,000,000 (~USD 410,000)
The Yardhouse Kutchan. View more images
A beautifully renovated 4-bedroom home blending modern comfort with thoughtful design. Just 10 minutes from Hirafu and 8 minutes from Hanazono, it features stylish interiors, bathrooms on both floors, a dedicated workspace, and large parking. Fully furnished and rental-ready, it’s a smart play in a high-growth market.
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2. Route5 8-Bedroom Residence – ¥54,800,000 (~USD 370,000)
Route5 8-bedroom Residence. View more images
Built in 1975, this roomy three-storey, eight-bedroom home sits right on Route 5—offering rare accessibility, flexible space (including a former shopfront), and a built-in garage. Walk to the station in 15 minutes, drive to Hanazono in 15, and enjoy Mt. Yotei views from the top floor—prime for large families, shared housing, or redevelopment.
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3. Hokuyou Contemporary Home – ¥78,000,000 (~USD 530,000)
Hokuyou Contemporary Home. View more images
A newly built (2020) gem with striking natural wood interiors and lofted living—this 3.5-bedroom home invites thoughtful design and warm comfort. Set on a generous 330 m² plot with parking, it’s a modern family-friendly sanctuary with excellent access to schools and Kutchan Station.
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4. Kutchan Spacious 6-Bedroom House – ¥59,800,000 (~USD 410,000)
Kutchan Spacious 6-Bedroom House. View more images
This well-maintained 2005 build offers 154 m² of space, Mt. Yotei views, and a flexible layout ideal for large families or staff housing. Just 1.3 km from Kutchan Station with supermarkets and amenities within walking distance—an excellent choice for year-round living or rental investment.
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5. Kutchan 5-Bedroom House – ¥58,000,000 (~USD 390,000)
Kutchan 5-Bedroom House. View more images
A recently renovated two-storey home offering five bedrooms, spacious living areas, and a 287 m² land parcel. Located within walking distance of JR Kutchan Station and close to both Hanazono and Hirafu ski resorts, this property delivers comfort, convenience, and strong rental appeal.
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6. Central Kutchan 5-Bedroom Home – ¥32,400,000 (~USD 220,000)
Central Kutchan 5 bedroom Home. View more images
Only a 2-minute walk from the future Shinkansen station, this five-bedroom home is centrally located for stellar long-term value. Renovated in 1990 and well-maintained, it offers off-street parking, a snow-melt pool, and immediate livability—at an exceptionally attractive price.
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7. Kutchan Station Asahi Land & Houses – ¥177,676,000 (~USD 1,180,000)
Kutchan Station Asahi Land & Houses. View more images
A massive 3,135 m² dual-site offering with three structures across four blocks. Located steps from Kutchan Station and Asahigaoka Park, this standout redevelopment opportunity is ideal for multi-residential, staff housing, or strategic lodging ahead of the Shinkansen arrival.
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8. Commercial Building in the Heart of Kutchan – ¥88,000,000 (~USD 600,000)
Commercial Building In The Heart Of Kutchan. View more images
Prime commercial asset in Kutchan’s lively dining and nightlife district. With three floors generating stable rental income and excellent scope for upgrades or repurposing, this is a rare opportunity to secure a central foothold in a high-demand hospitality hub.
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9. Kutchan Downtown Premium Land – ¥99,000,000 (~USD 680,000)
Kutchan Downtown Premium Land & New Building. View more images
A central 242 m² site with building conditions and support for ryokan or private accommodation licensing. Featuring a guaranteed 5% yield and strong future appreciation potential, it’s within walking distance of Kutchan Station and set to benefit from new motorway access.
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10. Mixed-Use Property in Central Kutchan – ¥34,800,000 (~USD 240,000)
Mixed Use Property in Central Kutchan. View more images
Just a 10-minute walk from Kutchan Station, this compact mixed-use property offers one bedroom plus a versatile street-facing commercial space—perfect for live-work entrepreneurs or savvy investors aiming for rental upside and high foot traffic.
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If you’re considering securing a stake in Hokkaido’s most dynamic ski town, Kutchan offers both current returns and future growth potential—with or without the immediate arrival of the shinkansen. Search the full range of Kutchan properties at uchijapan.com.
AloJapan.com