The Orchards Niseko is located on the northern most Japanese island of Hokkaido and on the eastern side of Hirafu. The resort boasts double mountain views of Mount Yotei—which is also known as the Mount Fuji of Hokkaido—and the ski hill, Mount Annupuri. The area is popular during the winter months but tourists are also attracted to the temperate climate, fresh air, quality food and wide array of outdoor activities which include hiking, cycling and golf offered during the green season, making it a year-round destination. Property demand has climbed alongside tourism figures and developers are taking advantage of the opportunities.

Unique features in houses at The Orchards Niseko include high ceilings, exposed beams, open plan living, and traditional Japanese entrances and hallways.

The Orchards Niseko is a master planned estate development with 40 residential land plots of pre-designed and custom homes; buildings will have complementary designs and finishes. They will all have similar styles which fit within the design parameters of the community and incorporate extensive use of timber, stone and glass. Buyers of custom homes are shown a design board and product samples to help in the process of choosing the type and color of external timber cladding, stonework, and the overall interior design of the 300m² (3,229sf) space.

‘Washi no Su’ is a custom designed home which has 350sqm of living area.

Alternatively, the process can be delegated by an architect and project manager, if buyers prefer. Construction process span approximately six months and may differ depending on the complexity of design requirements.

Each house will be strategically positioned in consideration of view channels and privacy. Externally, The Orchards houses are required to use selected colors from a master color palette; yet, no two house will be identical. Internally, the houses feature high ceilings of up to 6.5 meter above floor level on the upper level, exposed beams, large Japanese-style baths, open plan living, kitchen and dining areas as well as traditional Japanese entrances and hallways.

For example, ‘Washi no Su’ is a custom designed four-bedroom, six-bathroom home which has 350m² (3,767sf) of living area with a garage, living space upstairs and downstairs, vaulted ceiling in the two master bedrooms. Other custom designed homes include the four-bedroom ‘Goyomatsu’ and ‘Kashi’, and the six-bedroom ‘Keyaki’ and ‘Winterhaven’. Pre-designed homes are such as the ‘Akagashi’ and ‘Kuromatsu’ which are three-bedroom and three-bathroom homes boasting 200m² (2,152sf) and 202m² (2,174sf) of living area respectively.

‘Keyaki’ is a six-bedroom custom designed home.

‘Akagashi’ has a traditional alpine roof design while ‘Kuromatsu’ has a gable roof design. Both open up to views of Hirafu’s ski hills, a farm and Mount Yotei.

‘Winterhaven’ is a custom designed six-bedroom home located on plot 40 with approximately 9,000sf of land.

Facilities in the Orchards include a clubhouse which features an owner’s lounge, open fireplace, reception area, multi-purpose space which can accommodate up to 80 people, gym and kitchen. There is also a pond, walking track, mature cherry, walnut, and pine trees, and a vegetable garden for guests and owners—especially nature lovers—to enjoy.

‘Goyomatsu’ is a custom designed four-bedroom home

Rental returns fluctuate considering demand and running costs but investors can expect one to three per cent return per annum subject to the frequency and time of owner’s usage. Occupancy is expected to be above 50 per cent during the peak winter ski season and close to full occupancy during the winter holiday periods which usually run from Christmas to Chinese New Year. Midori no Ki (MnK)—Japanese property management company which manages the Orchards Niseko—encourages owners to provide feedback on nightly rental rates, however, the rates and inventory of rooms are managed dynamically (changes occur daily in some cases) to maximize revenue for each owner. Financing for home purchases can be obtained via Niseko Resorts Group on a case-by-case basis. Owners may choose to rent their homes or keep them for personal use.

Clubhouse facilities and other amenities at The Orchards Niseko allow guests to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities

Buyer Information
Property: The Orchards Niseko
Location: Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan
Developer: Niseko Resorts Group
Highlights:
Double mountain views of Mount Yotei and the ski hill, Mount Annupuri
Selection of pre-designed and custom homes
Extensive use of timber, stone and glass
Each house strategically positioned in consideration of view channels and privacy
High ceilings of up to 6.5 metre, large Japanese-style baths, open plan living, kitchen and dining areas, Japanese entrances and hallways
Open fireplace, bar, multi-purpose space, gym, pond and walking track
Occupancy is expected to be above 50 per cent during the peak winter ski season and close to full occupancy during the winter holiday periods
Price: Price on application
Contact: + 81 (0)136 555 122 or sales@theorchardsniseko.com

This article was originally published in PALACE Magazine