A New Era for Hokkaido Rentals: Kukan — Your Partner in Navigating New Tax Complexities - クウカン株式会社

2026-02-16 Press Release

A New Era for Hokkaido Rentals: Kukan — Your Partner in Navigating New Tax Complexities

Empowering Our 4th Year: Kukan Optimizes Rental Investment Support Across Furano, Niseko, and Sapporo

Based in Furano, Kukan Inc. (CEO: Kentaro Yamamoto) operates vacation rentals across Hokkaido. In response to the new “Accommodation Tax” launching April 1, 2026, we have reinforced our support system. As the “Ultimate Partner for Hokkaido Rental Investment,” we are fully prepared to navigate these industry changes for our owners and investors.

Sapporo Municipal Accommodation Tax: Accommodation Tax in Sapporo
Hokkaido Prefectural Accommodation Tax: Hokkaido Prefectural Accommodation Tax

Entering Our 4th Year: Transitioning from Industry Evolution to Your “Absolute Shield” for Revenue Protection

In November 2025, Kukan Inc. proudly entered its 4th phase of growth. From our inception, we have driven the Hokkaido rental market through “JANKEN,” our premier property portal. We have expanded into “Web Solutions,” fueling digital transformation for local businesses, and “Kukan Real Estate,” which integrates comprehensive property expertise. This multi-faceted approach has solidified our roots and success in the region.
As the new accommodation tax marks a major industry turning point, our mission is clearer than ever. Armed with unparalleled on-the-ground insights and digital agility, we serve as the “Shield” for our owners—firmly protecting your rightful interests and maximizing your investment returns.

Rising Operational Risks: Navigating the Impact of “Double Taxation”

（Reference: Hokkaido Prefectural Accommodation Tax）

Starting April 1, 2026, many major tourist cities in Hokkaido will implement a “Double Taxation” system, where municipal taxes are layered on top of the prefectural tax. This shift inevitably introduces significant “Operational Complexity.” Owners will now be required to manage precise tax calculations based on nightly rates, provide accurate pre-arrival notifications to guests, and handle rigorous filing and payment processes for each local municipality.

【Total Accommodation Tax by Major Area – Effective April 1, 2026 (Per Person/Night)】

Since calculation logic and tiered rates vary by municipality, flawless execution is essential. Failure to accurately manage these rules can lead to serious risks, including financial disputes with guests and legal complications from under-reporting to local authorities.
※Transition Period: Stays spanning March 31 to April 1 are tax-exempt.
※Effective Date: Regardless of when the booking was made, all stays starting April 1, 2026, are taxable.
※Tax Exemptions (The following guests are exempt):
　・Children (aged 3+) and chaperones participating in group events organized by certified child centers, nurseries, or home-based childcare facilities.
　・Students, children, and chaperones participating in school trips or official events organized by recognized schools (excluding universities).

Note on Niseko Town’s Special Tax Rule:
※1：For room rates under 5,000 JPY (per person/night), the total tax is 200 JPY.
※2：For premium stays over 100,000 JPY, the maximum total tax is 2,500 JPY.
For detailed information regarding accommodation taxes in other municipalities, please refer to the official link below:
Comprehensive Tax Rate Table for Hokkaido

Why Kukan Inc. is Your Definitive Partner for Success

We are more than just a “Property Management Company.” Kukan is a strategic partner dedicated to maximizing your investment value through our four core business pillars.

1. Web Solutions Division: Provides website development, digital marketing, and comprehensive IT infrastructure support.
2. Rental Investment Division: Operates the “JANKEN” property portal and provides specialized resort investment support.
3. Creative & Branding Division: Delivers expert branding, strategic marketing, and high-end content production.
4. Real Estate Division: Covers brokerage (sales/leasing), asset revitalization, property management, and renovation/construction services.

On-the-Ground Expertise and Continuity Since Inception

Since our founding, we have designed and operated “JANKEN,” Hokkaido’s premier rental property portal, accumulating a wealth of specialized data and investment expertise. Our proven track record in key areas—such as Sapporo (Tsukisamu) and early-adopter regions like Niseko and Kutchan—gives us a distinct advantage. We possess deep, firsthand knowledge of how to navigate the complexities of tax transitions. This localized expertise allows us to safeguard your investments by preemptively mitigating risks and ensuring a smooth, trouble-free operation.

JANKEN：https://janken-hokkaido.com/

The Power of Digital Creativity x Local Networks

Through our “Web Solutions Division” launched last year, we now manage precise multi-language communication and complex system configurations entirely in-house. This allows for rapid execution and seamless adaptation to regulatory changes. Furthermore, our extensive connections with local businesses—such as providing creative support to construction firms in the Furano and Asahikawa areas—serve as a major competitive advantage. This deep integration into the local community ensures robust support for your rental investments, bridging the gap between digital management and physical asset care.

Creative Track Record：https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/pressrelease-en/4722/

Vertical Integration via “Kukan Real Estate”: End-to-End Support for Your Investment Lifecycle

With “Kukan Real Estate” providing comprehensive functions—including brokerage, leasing, and renovations—we offer true end-to-end support deeply rooted in the local Hokkaido community. Our multi-faceted capabilities allow us to view the upcoming accommodation tax not as a hurdle, but as an opportunity to refresh and optimize your property for higher profitability. By integrating our diverse expertise, we provide strategic proposals that turn industry shifts into a competitive advantage, ensuring your investment thrives in a changing landscape.

Kukan Real Estate：https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/realestate/

Building Hokkaido’s Tourism Infrastructure Together: A Trusted Partnership

The introduction of the accommodation tax is more than just an administrative shift; it is a pivotal turning point for Hokkaido to evolve into a world-class tourism destination. Born in the midst of a global pandemic, Kukan Inc. has always thrived on transforming volatility into opportunity. Because of this resilience, we are uniquely positioned to sublimate these regulatory changes—not as risks, but as “Added Value” that enhances overall operational quality.
Equipped with our “End-to-End Solutions” that transcend the boundaries of Real Estate, Web, and Creative industries, we remain the definitive supporter of rental investments in Hokkaido. Together with our owners, we will continue to pave the way for a vibrant regional future.

Company Profile

● Company Name: Kukan Inc.
● Established: November 29, 2022
● Capital: ¥1,000,000
● Representative: Kentaro Yamamoto
● Locations: 1-1 Toyohira 4-jo 3-chome, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0904, Japan
　　○　Furano Office: 4-7 Sakaemachi, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0023, Japan
　　○　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.

Related News

●　Kukan Inc. Showcases Creative Success in Empowering Local Hokkaido Businesses.
　　https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/pressrelease-en/4722/
●　One-Stop Support for Hokkaido Accommodation: From Fire Safety Compliance to Full Operations. JANKEN Launches New Multi-language Service Hub in English, Chinese, and Japanese.
　　https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/pressrelease-en/4657/
●　Kukan Enters 4th Term: Accelerating Global Real Estate & Web Business from Furano & Niseko with Strategic Focus
　　https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/pressrelease-en/4322/

Inquiries Regarding This Matter

Company Name： Kukan Inc. Public Relations Manager
E-mail address： pr@kukanhokkaido.co.jp

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