Furano, Hokkaido: Direct Sales Launch for Sauna & Vacation Rental Base Driven by Holy Land Revitalization and New Distillery Project
Surging Inbound Demand in Furano: Disclosing a ~138-Tsubo Plot and Renovation Budget Upfront to Support High-Value Resort Development.
Kukan Inc. (Headquarters: Furano, Hokkaido; CEO: Kentaro Yamamoto), a real estate and web support company in Hokkaido, has launched an idle property revitalization project in the Nunobe area of Furano, Hokkaido.
Nunobe is gaining global and domestic attention through the reuse of the iconic former Nunobe Station—famous as the setting for a classic TV drama—and plans for a new whisky distillery. In October 2026, Kukan initiated direct sales of a property tailored for vacation rental and villa development, utilizing a newly acquired 458.42 sqm (~138 tsubo) plot with an existing house.
The Setting of “Kita no Kuni kara”: Furano’s Resort Momentum Driven by Former Nunobe Station’s Revival and New Whisky Distillery
◇Image Source:：Furano Biei Photo Library
Mt. Ashibetsu (Furano City)
Overlooking majestic Mt. Ashibetsu, the Nunobe district of Furano City is entering a major turning point, blending historical heritage with new industrial developments. This project aims to transform regional idle assets into high-value resort bases, driven by three key market trends:
Former Nunobe Station: A Sacred Site reborn through Community Action
Famous as the location where the main characters arrived in Episode 1 of the hit TV drama Kita no Kuni kara, the former Nunobe Station continues to attract passionate fans even after the closure of the JR Nemuro Main Line (Furano–Shintoku segment) in March 2024. In July 2026, a local tourism company acquired the station building. Today, its regeneration as a new community hub is underway, with events organized by the local “Nunobe Station Revitalization Project Executive Committee.”
◇References:
“The station where Goro landed with Jun and Hotaru in ‘Kita no Kuni kara’ acquired by residents via crowdfunding… ‘Fresh start’ as a tourism facility” (Yomiuri Shimbun Online)
Crowdfunding: Revitalizing Nunobe Station, the birthplace of “Kita no Kuni kara”! (ACT NOW)
“Sacred site of ‘Kita no Kuni kara’ in Furano: Former Nunobe Station restarts as a community gathering space” (Hokkaido Shimbun Digital)
Whisky Distillery Auxiliary Facility Planned for Former Nunobe Elementary and Junior High School Site
Regarding the former Nunobe Elementary and Junior High School closed in March 2024, the Furano City Board of Education selected Karuizawa Distillers Inc. (Tokyo) as the preferred proposal candidate for the site purchase. The company is currently building the “Furaris Distillery” near New Furano Prince Hotel (targeting an opening in Autumn 2029) and plans to operate the former school site as an integrated auxiliary facility. It is expected to become a vibrant new tourist attraction, drawing whisky enthusiasts and travelers worldwide.
Rapidly Growing Inbound Demand and Long-Term Foreign Residents
◇Image Sources: Furano Biei Photo Library
Rice Harvesting (Furano City)
Furano–Biei Scenery (Furano City)
According to demographic data published by Furano City, the foreign population grew from 682 at the end of April 2026 to 787 by the end of August 2026—an increase of over 100 residents in just four months. Beyond the central urban area and ski resorts, demand for seasonal stays, relocation, and inbound employment is expected to surge in Nunobe, an area blessed with rich rural scenery and untouched landscapes.
◇Reference:
Population of Furano City (Furano City Official Website)
Sauna & Vacation Rental Development Utilizing a ~138-Tsubo Plot, Paired with Transparent Budgeting
To seamlessly hand over high-potential land and properties in the high-growth Nunobe area to visionary business operators and private owners, Kukan Inc. provides comprehensive solutions designed to minimize risk and uncertainty from acquisition to launch.
A ~138-Tsubo Plot Offering Ample Space to Realize the “Whisky × Sauna” Concept
Alongside the existing two-story wooden building, the spacious ~138-tsubo plot overlooking Mt. Ashibetsu offers ample land to construct a private sauna cabin or a BBQ terrace. This flexibility allows for high-value concept development, such as a sauna-equipped vacation rental operating in tandem with local distillery tours.
Direct-from-Seller Model for Lower Initial Costs and Transparent Upfront Budget Estimates
Because Kukan Inc. serves as the direct seller, no brokerage commissions apply. To alleviate common anxieties when purchasing real estate, we clearly outline total estimated initial costs upfront—combining the property purchase price (¥8.8 million, tax included), full renovation expenses (~¥15.2 million), and furnishings, appliances, and vacation rental licensing fees (~¥2.5 million), resulting in an estimated initial budget of approximately ¥25 million to ¥28 million.
Delivered Clean in Present Condition with All Remaining Items Removed
Leftover items—often a significant burden for buyers in vacant property ventures—have been fully cleared at the seller’s (our) expense. This ensures a clean slate, allowing you to immediately begin planning and executing renovation works upon purchase.
Spatial Production: Turning 50 Years of Aging into a “Blank Canvas for Value Creation”
Built in December 1975 (50 years old), this property is offered in its “as-is condition,” requiring renovations to the plumbing, piping, and fixtures. While natural age and wear are often avoided in the conventional real estate market, we view these features as a “blank canvas for visionary owners to shape their unique world.”
In a few years, guests will savor local whisky crafted at the neighboring distillery while relaxing in an outdoor sauna bath overlooking the majestic Mt. Ashibetsu range. The ideal time to sow the seeds for such an extraordinary stay experience is now—before regional interest fully peaks. We look forward to partnering with next-generation, forward-thinking owners ready to turn history into refined hospitality, bridging the land’s rich past with its promising future.
Property Overview
Location:
11523-2 Nunobe-Ishiwata, Furano City, Hokkaido, and other parcels
Access
Approx. 11 min by car from JR Furano Line “Furano” Station
Land Area
Total of 3 parcels: 458.42 m² (138.67 tsubo)
Building Area
81.71 m² (Wooden structure, 2 stories / Built in Dec 1975)
Floor Area:
1st Floor: LDK (Living, Dining, Kitchen), Japanese-style room, Storage room, Bathroom, Restroom
2nd Floor: 2 Western-style bedrooms, Closet/Storage space
Price:
¥8,800,000 (tax included)
Transaction Type:
Seller (Direct sales by Kukan Inc. / No brokerage fee)
Floor Plan
Virtual Room Tour Video (YouTube)
Property Details & Sales Page (JANKEN)
◇Reference Links
Japanese Page
English Page
Traditional Chinese Page
About Kukan Inc.
A creative company with the mission of “Creating Spaces, Circulating Value,” engaged in spatial production, web development, and accommodation facilities development. We carefully unpack the challenges and historical backgrounds of real estate, weaving new stories into local landscapes through design, humor, and clear business structuring.
Kukan Corporate Website
URL：https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/en/
● Company Name: Kukan Inc.
● Established: November 29, 2022
● Capital: ¥1,000,000
● Representative: Kentaro Yamamoto
● Locations (Furano Office): 4-7 Sakaemachi, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0023, Japan
● Locations (Sapporo Office): 1-1 Toyohira 4-jo 3-chome, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0904, Japan
● License Number: Real Estate Transaction Dealer Hokkaido Governor Kamikawa (1) No. 1316
Business Activities
● Minpaku Investment Business – Planning and operation of JANKEN, support for minpaku investment projects in the Hokkaido area.
● Creative Business – Business development, branding, planning support for marketing solutions.
● Real Estate Services – Buying, selling, leasing, brokerage, purchase and revitalization, development, property management, detached housing/land subdivision, house/condominium construction and sales, interior construction, renovation work.
● Web Services – Website planning, production, and operation, IT support services, online secretarial services, internet information provision.
● Recruitment Support Services – Comprehensive solutions to build high-performance teams through Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO), employer branding, Wantedly management, career site/video production, and recruitment DX integration.
Related Links
● Kukan：https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/en/
● JANKEN：https://janken-hokkaido.com/en/
● Real Estate Buying Specialist “Goen”：https://goen-hokkaido.jp/
● Web Support Services：https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/websolutions/
● Kukan Real Estate：https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/realestate/
● Recruitive：https://recruitive.hokkaido.jp/
● Iwor Monthly: https://iwor-monthly.com/
Related News
● Licensed & Fully Renovated: Private Rental Cabin “YAM-PE” in Yamabe, Furano Now On Sale!
https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/pressrelease-en/8153/
● Hokkaido Nakafurano Private Villa “Shikauchi” Achieves 58.9% Annual Occupancy Rate in First Year
https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/pressrelease-en/7810/
● End-to-End Vacation Rental Investment Support in Niseko | “JANKEN Hokkaido” Management Services
https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/pressrelease-en/7026/
Inquiries Regarding This Matter
Company Name： Kukan Inc. Public Relations Manager
E-mail address： pr@kukanhokkaido.co.jp
