Australians are falling so hard for The Land of the Rising Sun that they’re wanting to do more than just visit, they want to set up there permanently.
Like for example, a trio of Aussie investors who love Japan’s powder snow so much they purchased a ski in-ski out boutique lodge in an up and coming ski area called, Madarao.
After carrying out extensive research, they chose Madarao because a new high-speed bullet line from Tokyo was opened in 2015, it was underdeveloped (compared to Niseko) and the cost of establishing a new venture was considered quite reasonable.
They offer a ski-lodge-style holiday at Kuma Lodge that has nine well-equipped bedrooms spread over two floors. Guests have to walk less than 100metres to the closest ski lift.
Another key aspect of their acquisition is the concierge-style service they offer to lodge guests such as evening meal arrangements, side trips such a visit to the world-famous Snow Monkeys, snow equipment hire, ski or board lessons with English-speaking instructors, suggestions where guests could ski or board at other resorts such as either Myoko /Nozawa and ensure guests upgrade to a Mountain Pass to explore Tangram Ski Circus.
The lodge is small enough to maintain a private home feel, it caters for a maximum 21 guests max per night so it takes on a family or holiday house feel with guests interacting if they wish and making new friends.
This venture is now one of the numerous snow properties that have been purchased by Australian and New Zealand nationals. Whilst this could be the ‘tip of the iceberg’ there’s no doubt the presence of the new owners will increase the popularity of this resort on Japan’s main island of Honshu.
READ: 6 reasons why you’ll get hooked on the Land of the Rising Sun
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