By Chris Lane
Izumikyo Company client advisor

IZUMIKYO Company has had a hand in the creation of the Niseko resort area since 1973. After successfully developing such integral sites as the Hirafu Middle Village, Izumikyo, St. Moritz and Country Resort, the pioneering developer is about to release what it calls its ‘newest

Several credible local sources believe a Tokyo-based development company plans to build a 40-storey tower block in Hirafu, despite tough new building guidelines set to become legislation early next year.

Such buildings are often found in Japanese ski resorts - nearby Rusutsu has a 24-storey hotel and Tomamu has twin 36-storey towers.

The

A privately owned valley just several hundred metres from Hirafu is on the market for ¥700,000,000, or $US7m.

Spring Valley is a 10,800sqm (3280 tsubo) estate which frames a postcard view of Mt Yotei out its mouth.

The property - situated just past the base of the family lift on the way to St Moritz - has four small