Changes to the Hanazono North Hills Bylaws to Add to the Neighbourhood

Positioned just moments from both the Hanazono ski base and the championship golf course, North Hills has long offered a rare combination of proximity, privacy, and long-term planning integrity. While much attention in recent years has centred on new luxury hospitality and branded developments, North Hills quietly provided something equally compelling — a structured residential community at the base of the Hanazono Ski Area.

Fast forward to now, and Hanazono is home to first rate ski chairs and gondolas as well as the Park Hyatt Niseko and Nikko Style Hotel.

Consisting of 120 well-proportioned plots, Hanazono North Hills was carefully designed and benefits from three separate entrance and exit points, improving accessibility while maintaining a sense of privacy and exclusivity.

Importantly, generous plot sizes and architectural covenants were established to preserve standards and prevent overdevelopment. This ensures the neighbourhood will never feel overcrowded or inconsistent in character.

Until recently, approximately three-quarters of the neighbourhood was zoned as non-commercial, restricting development to private residential use only. This provided owners with confidence that the community would remain tranquil and residential in nature.

However, in a notable change of policy, Tokyu Resorts, the Estate Managers have announced that from April 2026, changes to the governing bylaws will allow all properties within North Hills to host short-term rental stays.

This shift materially enhances the investment profile of the neighbourhood. Owners who previously built or purchased purely for private use will now have the flexibility to generate income, should they wish. For prospective buyers, the ability to legally operate short-term rentals in such a prime location dramatically increases the potential of a property — particularly given Hanazono’s accelerating growth and year-round visitor numbers.

Aside from the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono and Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO, North Hills properties are the closest freehold homes to the Hanazono ski lifts. Every residence sits approximately 700m–1,200m from the base area — a genuine walk-to-lift proposition, particularly compelling once the proposed village infrastructure is fully realised.

Further strengthening its centrality within the resort is the forthcoming One Hanazono Villas — a collection of 13 architecturally designed homes by world-renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, branded under Park Hyatt. Two of these villas are already under construction, with completion anticipated in 2026. Branded residential products of this calibre elevates the entire market and signals PCPD’s long-term commitment to positioning Hanazono, and the wider Niseko area, as Asia’s premier luxury alpine destination.

Looking ahead, the proposed “South Village,” to be located in the current Hanazono parking area, will further transform accessibility and amenity. Once delivered, residents of North Hills are expected to enjoy true walk-in, walk-out access not only to skiing but to a curated village environment of dining, retail, and services — a defining characteristic of globally successful ski destinations.

Additionally, the planned Garden Hills development, situated directly east of the Park Hyatt hotel, will introduce further residential and lifestyle infrastructure — again reinforcing North Hills’ position at the geographic and commercial heart of the Hanazono Resort area.

Another understated strength of Hanazono North Hills lies in its management. The neighbourhood is overseen by Tokyu Resort Corporation, one of Japan’s most experienced resort operators. With a long-standing track record in hospitality, property management, and resort town planning across the country, Tokyu’s involvement provides reassurance regarding long term infrastructure maintenance and governance stability.

In resort real estate, professional estate management is often the difference between sustained value growth and stagnation. Tokyu’s stewardship of North Hills ensures that the future of the neighbourhood is in safe hands.

While Niseko built its global reputation on powder snow, the area — particularly Hanazono — is rapidly evolving into a four-season destination.

Winter remains anchored by world-class skiing on the slopes of Niseko Hanazono Resort, part of the broader Niseko United collective. Yet diversification beyond winter tourism is accelerating. With events such as Bruce Munro’s illuminated installation Mountain Lights as well as the network of free to access mountain bike trails being built around the area by NAMBA, the resort’s appeal into the green season continues to grow, complementing traditional cultural festivals held throughout the wider Niseko area.

Summer in Hanazono now offers golf, rafting, hiking, cycling, and nature-based experiences that attract domestic and international visitors alike, North Hills should increasingly be viewed not just as a winter enclave.

For buyers looking at the Niseko property landscape, Hanazono North Hills should be given a closer look for the following reasons:

• Established yet newly empowered by rental flexibility
• Centrally located within an expanding luxury resort masterplan
• Governed by clear architectural standards
• Managed by an experienced resort operator
• Centrally positioned within a four-season destination

Whether building a private retreat to enjoy Niseko’s renowned powder and summer tranquillity, or securing a long-term investment in one of Asia’s most internationally recognised alpine markets, Hanazono North Hills warrants serious consideration.

As Hanazono continues its evolution from ski outpost to integrated luxury resort, North Hills stands not on the edges of that transformation — but at its very centre.