As part of Shiki Group’s ongoing commitment to innovative regional development, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the Nagano Real Estate Office, dedicated to serving the unique and rapidly emerging market of Nagano’s ski resorts.
Located in Iiyama, the office focuses on the growing alpine communities of Nozawa Onsen, Togari, Kijimadaira, Yudanaka, Shiga Kogen, and Madarao. These areas combine affordability, accessibility, and authentic mountain lifestyles, a distinct advantages over Japan’s more commercialized ski markets.
Why Nagano?
With bullet train access from Tokyo and a variety of smaller, character-rich resorts within an hour’s radius, the region offers rare opportunities:
- Abundant land and neglected homes at accessible price points
- Growing interest from domestic and international buyers
- Less saturation than larger resorts like Niseko
- Strong infrastructure and multi-season appeal
Shiki anticipates a large increase in international skiers visiting Nagano in the coming years, driven by limited capacity and rising prices in the Niseko region. At the same time, investment demand is shifting to the Japan Alps as Niseko becomes increasingly outpriced. Together, these trends are expected to drive significant capital appreciation, making this an excellent time for strategic investment.
Services Offered
At Shiki Real Estate’s new Nagano Real Estate Office, our goal is simple: to make it easier for international buyers to invest in one of Japan’s most exciting regions.
We offer hands-on support throughout the buying process, including:
- Expert property sourcing, with access to exclusive off-market listings
- Foreigner-friendly guidance to help you navigate Japan’s unique real estate system
- Short-term rental (STR) and hotel management services
- Advice on renovation and repositioning to boost your property’s value and appeal
Whether you’re looking for a vacation home, investment property, or boutique hotel opportunity, our local team is here to help you every step of the way.
Get to Know the Team: Ben Howard
We’re proud to welcome Ben Howard to the Shiki Group team as we expand our real estate footprint into the heart of Nagano.
Now based in Iiyama, Ben is launching our new Nagano Real Estate Office, focused on supporting buyers, investors, and lifestyle seekers interested in the emerging resort zones of Nozawa, Togari, Kijimadaira, Yudanaka, Shiga Kogen, and Madarao.
Ben has spent over 15 years living and working in Japan’s leading snow regions, with hands-on experience across Niseko, Kiroro, Rusutsu, Furano, Hakuba, and Madarao. With a formal background in International Hotel Management and Tourism, he has worked in hotel operations, property management, and sales—bringing a unique blend of frontline experience and commercial insight to the table.
Ben’s background also includes running a boutique travel agency focused on inbound tourism, giving him a strong understanding of international guest preferences, regional seasonality, and hospitality trends. This experience feeds directly into his real estate work—particularly in identifying properties with potential for renovation, holiday letting, or long-term lifestyle use.
He pairs his operational experience with genuine, long-standing relationships in the region. His direct contact with resort staff, agents, and landowners helps clients better understand the local landscape and explore opportunities that may not be publicly listed.
Whether you’re considering a renovation, exploring a foothold in the region, or seeking long-term investment potential, Ben and the Nagano Real Estate Office are here to offer informed, on-the-ground support in one of Japan’s most promising ski regions.
