The Niseko and Rusutsu areas in Hokkaido are drawing attention from investors worldwide. Major infrastructure projects are currently underway, poised to further enhance the future value of this region. In this article, we use the latest information from 2026 to provide a detailed analysis of how the Hokkaido Shinkansen extension to Sapporo, the development of the expressway network, and the expansion of New Chitose Airport will transform access to Niseko and Rusutsu and impact real estate investment.

Niseko & Rusutsu to Become More Accessible in the 2030s: Major Infrastructure Projects Underway

In the 2030s, transportation access in Hokkaido is set to undergo a major transformation. At the heart of this change are the extension of the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Sapporo, the development of the Shiribeshi Expressway (Kutchan-Yoichi Road), and the expansion project for the region’s aerial gateway, New Chitose Airport. Once completed, these projects will dramatically improve access from both within Japan and abroad.

Until now, accessing the Niseko and Rusutsu areas typically required a drive of over two hours by car or bus from New Chitose Airport. However, with this new infrastructure, travel times will be significantly reduced, making these world-class snow resorts more accessible than ever before.

Improved transportation networks are likely to lead not only to an increase in tourists but also to a rise in the permanent resident population and the number of people with second homes. Enhanced accessibility is a key factor that will boost the overall appeal of the area and have a long-term positive impact on the real estate market.

[Sapporo Extension] The Latest on the Hokkaido Shinkansen and Its Impact

The project drawing the most attention for its potential to dramatically change access to the Niseko area is the Hokkaido Shinkansen extension to Sapporo. Originally scheduled for completion by the end of fiscal 2030, the opening has been postponed due to delays in tunnel construction. In September 2026, it was reported that the new opening is now expected around the end of fiscal 2038. (Source: Hotel Bank)

Although the opening date has been pushed back, the project is steadily progressing. At Kutchan Station, which will serve as the gateway to the Niseko area, plans for the station and its surrounding area are taking shape, with a recommended design for the new Shinkansen station building already decided. (Source: Kutchan Town) The new station is being designed to harmonize with the local natural environment and is expected to become a new, welcoming symbol for visitors.

Once the Shinkansen is operational, it will connect Tokyo to Kutchan without any transfers, significantly reducing travel time. This is expected to not only increase the number of tourists and business travelers from the Tokyo metropolitan area but also make access to Niseko much smoother for international travelers arriving via Tokyo’s airports, which offer numerous international flights.

The Gateway to the Skies is Also Evolving: New Chitose Airport’s Expansion and Inbound Demand

Hokkaido’s aerial gateway, New Chitose Airport, is also continuing to evolve. Hokkaido Airports Co., Ltd., the airport operator, plans to invest approximately 15.8 billion yen (approx. 99.37 million USD) in fiscal 2026 to renovate the connecting corridors between the domestic and international terminals and to add new retail stores. (Source: Hokkaido Television Broadcasting (HTB)) These improvements aim to enhance convenience for connecting flights and enrich the travel experience for passengers.

Furthermore, plans are being considered to increase the capacity of the JR Chitose Line, which connects Sapporo and the airport. This project, which includes adding more cars to the Rapid Airport trains and extending station platforms, is estimated to cost around 100 billion yen (approx. 628.93 million USD) and is a move to accommodate future increases in passenger numbers. (Source: 4gousya.net)

Driving this infrastructure enhancement is the strong recovery and growth of inbound tourism demand. According to the Hokkaido District Transport Bureau, the total number of overnight stays by foreign visitors in Hokkaido reached 13.303 million in fiscal year 2025 (annual figure), a record high and a 51.1% increase compared to the 8.805 million in fiscal year 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. (Source: Hokkaido District Transport Bureau) Strengthening airport functions is a crucial investment to reliably capture this strong demand and promote further growth.

Cutting Down Travel Time from Sapporo: Progress on the Kutchan-Yoichi Expressway

In parallel with wide-area access networks like the Shinkansen and air travel, Hokkaido’s internal transportation network is also steadily developing. A key project improving access to the Niseko and Rusutsu areas is the Kutchan-Yoichi Road, part of the Shiribeshi Expressway. This dedicated motorway connects the towns of Yoichi and Kutchan, and its full opening is expected to shorten the travel time between Sapporo and Kutchan by about 35 minutes. (Source: Wikipedia)

Construction of the Kutchan-Yoichi Road is proceeding in stages, with some sections (Niki IC – Yoichi IC) already open. While a specific date for the full opening is yet to be determined, its completion will significantly improve access from the Sapporo metropolitan area. This will facilitate more diverse tourism styles, such as short weekend stays and day trips for summer activities.

Ensuring stable access even during adverse winter weather is a major advantage for enhancing the reliability of the area as a resort destination. Improved access from the Sapporo area, a market with a population of about 2 million people, will be a driving force in accelerating the transformation of Niseko and Rusutsu into year-round resorts.

Does Improved Access Directly Translate to Higher Real Estate Value? An Investment Strategy with an Eye on the Future

Transportation infrastructure development is generally said to have a positive impact on real estate values. In fact, in the official land price announcements published by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, land prices in Kutchan Town, the center of the Niseko area, have continued to record some of the highest growth rates in the country, driven by strong resort demand. (Source: Wako Real Estate Appraisal Co., Ltd.) It is believed that anticipation of infrastructure development is already one of the factors pushing up land prices.

Let’s look at the current real estate market trends in the Niseko and Rusutsu areas based on data compiled by our company (as of December 2025). The median price for detached houses and villas is 250 million yen (approx. 1.57 million USD) in Niseko and 285 million yen (approx. 1.79 million USD) in Rusutsu. Notably, although there are fewer properties in Rusutsu, they are trading at a higher price point than in Niseko, indicating their high scarcity value. (Source: Compiled by our company from listings on various platforms)

The graph above shows the trend in listing prices and the number of listings for detached houses and villas in the Niseko and Rusutsu areas. In Niseko, while the number of listings is on an upward trend, prices have remained at a high level. In Rusutsu, the number of listings is limited, but prices are stable, suggesting that high-quality properties are entering the market.

In the long term, infrastructure development will provide a strong foundation supporting the real estate value of the area. However, the market is constantly changing, and individual property prices are determined by various factors such as location, building quality, and market supply and demand. A prudent investment strategy involves calmly assessing current market trends and individual property values while keeping an eye on future infrastructure completion. The information provided in this article does not guarantee investment results, and final investment decisions should be made at your own discretion.

For consultations on land and villa investments in Rusutsu and Niseko, please contact GA Partners through our contact page.

Sources & references

• Hotel Bank
• Kutchan Town
• Hokkaido Television Broadcasting (HTB)
• Wikipedia
• Hokkaido District Transport Bureau
• Wako Real Estate Appraisal Co., Ltd.
• 4gousya.net
• Listing prices from various companies, compiled by our company (December 2025 edition)

Prices and data in this article are based on publicly available sources and do not guarantee future values. Please make investment decisions at your own discretion.

Tags: インフラ, ニセコ, ルスツ, 不動産投資, 北海道新幹線