Hong Kong-based real estate developer Zekkei Cosmos (headed by Shutaro Ishimaru, Minami 10-jo Nishi 14-chome 1-25, Chuo-ku, Sapporo) is planning to build a new hotel for sale in the Hirafu Area of Kutchan Town. Hoshino Resorts (headquartered in Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture) will operate the hotel as HOSHINOYA, the company’s top luxury brand, for the first time in Hokkaido. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2023. The contractor will be decided at a later time.
The facility is tentatively named HOSHINOYA Lodge Niseko and will be located at 204-2 Yamada. It is the site of the former Yamada Onsen Hotel, located very close to the Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU Ski Area.
Covering a total area of 14,700 m2 with 62 rooms, the hotel will be a five-story RC and partially steel structure with one basement level, and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2026. Azuma Architect & Associates is responsible for the design. Whether to drill for hot springs or develop the land is currently under consideration.
Individual guest rooms will be sold, and Hoshino Resort will operate them as hotel rooms when not in use by their owners, thereby making it what the company refers to as a “residence hotel.” All rooms will be equipped with a kitchen. Meals can also be prepared by the cooking staff and delivered to the guest rooms. The top floor will feature a hot spring pool with a view of Mt. Yotei. Accommodation rates and other details have not yet been decided.
The Zekkei Group, which owns Zekkei Cosmos, has experience developing accommodation facilities in Niseko and Furano.
(Excerpt from an article on October 14, 2022)
