NEXT winter an upmarket steak restaurant will take up residence in the Lodge Ronde building – one of a handful of prime properties on the main road running through the centre of Hirafu.
Acquired by a Shanghai-based investor in November, Lodge Ronde is comprised of 12 serviced rooms and a restaurant-bar, which ran unsuccessfully for the past two years as The Northern Fox.
Ruskin McLennan of Niseko Property sold the property and said the purchase was one of several large investments made by the buyer in Niseko.
He said it was one of the first major investments by a mainland Chinese buyer, which was positive sign for that market sector. “Our client is at the forefront of what’s happening with Chinese-based investment, and he’s invested here in a big way,” said McLennan.
The owner already runs a successful steakhouse in Shanghai, specialising in high-quality American steaks and buffalo steaks, and featuring an in-house band.
The Hirafu restaurant will be similarly themed and will be open in time for the start of next winter.