Hokkaido Tracks has expanded its operations out of the Niseko area, choosing the Furano ski fields as a first point of focus.
A new Hokkaido Tracks office is functioning on the future development site, open Saturdays 1pm-5pm, Sundays 9am-2pm, Wednesday 1pm-5pm, and Thursday 9am-12pm.
Furthermore, the Shibisey apartments in Furano will be located in front of the Mount Furano gondola base.
Hokkaido Tracks sales and marketing manager James Gallagher said the market was ‘totally undeveloped, compared to Niseko’. “There has been very little new development for 10 years, and there are no self-contained accommodation options close to the ski lifts,” he said. “We recognise an opportunity to provide a level of accommodation that we know will suit the needs of the emerging local and international travel market.”
Gallagher said locals were hoping the development would boost visitation and business in Furano, adding that they also hoped building and occupants respected the unique local culture of Furano.