Changes in Japanese Ski Resorts with the Development of Inbound Tourism: A Case Study of Niseko-Hirafu District, Hokkaido

This study examines the recent changes in Japanese ski resorts brought about by the development of inbound tourism, analyzing landscape changes in the Niseko-Hirafu District, Hokkaido. Over the last 20 years, many ski resorts have faced hardships, with the number of skiers steadily declining since the early 1990s. However, since the mid-2000s, several resorts have attracted foreign skiers from specific markets. The Niseko region of Hokkaido appeals to many winter skiers from Australia, as well as Asian tourists from Hong Kong and Singapore. Many apartment buildings have been constructed near its ski bases since 2005. In most cases, Australians own such apartments—mostly cottages in refined Western styles, rather than condominiums. The apartments are rented out for long stays and command relatively higher prices; they are usually used by the owners and by foreign tourists brought in through firms managed by Australians.