Madarao Tokyu Tangram Condominium
¥9,000,000
Madarao
Apartment
Exciting time ahead for the Myoko Kogen and surrounding areas as plans emerge to develop a luxury ski resort and boost local tourism.
About 240 kilometers northwest of Tokyo lies Myoko Kogen, a quiet valley leading to the Sea of Japan that was once a lively ski destination in the 1980s. Since then, the area has quieted down, reflecting broader challenges in Japan’s ski industry and rural population decline.
Recently, a real estate investment firm has been acquiring land around Myoko Kogen with plans to develop it into a luxury ski resort comparable to well-known international destinations. The project aims to include international hotels, upscale shopping, dining, and housing for workers, with a timeline spanning about ten years and investments reaching over ¥200 billion.
The area offers convenient access from Tokyo by bullet train or car and is known for its powdery snow and long ski runs. However, the number of skiers and snowboarders in Japan has dropped significantly since the 1990s, meaning the success of such developments will likely depend on attracting foreign tourists.
Local businesses express cautious optimism about the potential influx of visitors, hoping it could revitalize the region’s tourism industry. At the same time, some residents remain wary of the changes that large-scale foreign investment might bring.
The prefectural government supports efforts to revive ski resorts, especially if they have local community backing. Like many rural parts of Japan, Myoko has faced population decline over several decades, making revitalization efforts important for its future.
This development is seen as a long-term project aimed at benefiting future generations by creating a sustainable, year-round mountain resort destination.
