Proposals for a New Airport in Niseko and Sapporo Highway Expansion Discussed at JAPIC Symposium in Tokyo

Niseko Real Estate Investment News
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The Japan Project-Industry Council (JAPIC), comprised of companies in industries such as steel and construction, held a symposium in Tokyo on December 10 to present development proposals for four regions, including Hokkaido. Among the key proposals were the construction of a new airport near the Niseko area and the development of a new highway ring in Sapporo.

JAPIC has been advocating for 12 infrastructure development concepts across Japan aimed at regional revitalization and disaster prevention/mitigation. This symposium focused on new proposals for Hokkaido, Northern Kinki, Shikoku, and Okinawa, which have been under discussion by working groups in each region over the past two years.

Niseko Real Estate CEO’s Perspective

There has been talk about creating a site for planes to take off and land in Makkari Town, but there seems to be little progress so far. Helicopter tourism services bringing visitors to Niseko have also started on a trial basis.

Currently, it takes about two hours to drive from New Chitose Airport to Niseko. The area is not particularly accessible, with many single-lane roads leading to Niseko. In winter, when accidents are common, travel plans often face significant delays.

Given these challenges, the demand for a new airport in the Niseko area is high, especially among affluent travelers who want to enjoy the world-class powder snow with minimal travel time. A new airport would enable faster and more convenient access to ski resorts, catering directly to this demographic.

However, the challenges are substantial. From the enormous construction costs to the ongoing maintenance expenses and necessary infrastructure upgrades, the hurdles are numerous. For local residents who value the area’s tranquility and pristine natural environment, issues such as environmental degradation, noise pollution, and increased CO2 emissions pose serious concerns.

Balancing town development with environmental preservation remains an everlasting theme for the Niseko area.