You know business is booming when you need a new bank.
The main local bank, Hokuyo Ginkou, is currently being redeveloped in the centre of neighbouring town Kutchan.
It follows on from a swathe of large domestic and multinational companies establishing new business operations in local towns (not just the ski resorts) over the past several years.
Hirafu’s first 7-Eleven opened in November in an impressive new Niseko-esque building Crossroads in Izumikyo (pictured).
It follows on from the construction of a huge new 7-Eleven in Niseko Town last winter (believed to be the largest in Japan) and a Lawson convenience built several years ago in Hirafu to cater to increasing demand.
Other new chain stores include a new Lucky Supermarket and three Sapporo Drug stores.