Hokkaido Nakafurano Private Villa “Shikauchi” Achieves 58.9% Annual Occupancy Rate in First Year
Capturing Summer and Winter Demand for First-Year Success: Accelerating Year-Round Resort Strategy with End-to-End Tax and Property Management for Overseas Investors
Kukan Inc. (Headquarters: Furano, Hokkaido; CEO: Kentaro Yamamoto), a firm resolving regional and corporate challenges through spatial design and digital marketing, has released the first-year operating results (June 2025 – May 2026) for its private villa “Shikauchi” in Nakafurano, Hokkaido.
The property recorded an average annual occupancy rate of 58.9%, successfully balancing high summer occupancy (93.5% in August) with premium rates and extended stays during the winter season (December ADR: JPY 65,720). In a resort market known for extreme seasonality, Kukan demonstrated a highly profitable, stable year-round business model in its first year.
Building on this success, Kukan will fully launch idle real estate revitalization and new development projects across Nakafurano and Furano in FY2026. Backed by strong global demand—accounting for nearly 80% of total bookings—Kukan is enhancing “JANKEN,” its end-to-end service providing overseas real estate investors with property management, tax representative services, and local tax filing support to drive sustainable resort development.
◇Related Links for Kukan’s Private Villa “Shikauchi”
Shikauchi Furano Official Landing Page: https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/shikauchi-en/
Summer Performance Press Release: https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/pressrelease-en/4109/
Winter Performance Press Release: https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/pressrelease-en/5407/
Addressing Nakafurano’s Extreme Seasonality and Idle Real Estate
Located near the heart of Hokkaido, Nakafurano is one of Japan’s premier travel destinations, attracting roughly 1.1 million visitors annually for its picturesque lavender fields and pastoral countryside, despite having a population of just 4,385 (as of July 31, 2026).
However, the town has long faced a structural challenge: extreme seasonal volatility. According to a FY2025 survey by the Kamikawa Subprefectural Government, visitor numbers peak at nearly 468,000 in July but plummet by roughly 60-fold to just 7,600 during the March off-peak season. This steep decline has historically made year-round business stability difficult, contributing to vacant homes and underutilized land across the area.
◇Reference | Monthly Visitor Numbers in Nakafurano Town (FY2025)
Data Source:
Kamikawa Subprefectural Government, “FY2025 Kamikawa Region Tourist Visitor Survey Report”
Kukan Inc. viewed this challenge as a compelling growth opportunity, merging digital marketing with spatial design rooted in the local natural and cultural context. By self-developing and operating “Shikauchi,” the company successfully established a resilient, year-round resort business model unaffected by seasonal volatility.
First-Year Operating Results: Proven Year-Round Demand and Global Reach
During its first year of operation from June 2025 to May 2026, “Shikauchi” achieved strong initial results, driven by targeted positioning and refined spatial concepts.
① Achieved a 58.9% Annual Average Occupancy Rate, Peaking at 93.5% in Summer
Except for Nakafurano’s off-peak months of November (20.0%) and April (10.0%), occupancy remained above 60% for most of the year. The annual average occupancy reached 58.9%, establishing a strong, stable operating foundation from year one. Performance was especially strong during the peak summer season (June–August), reaching 93.5% in August.
② Winter Average Daily Rate (ADR) Reached a Peak of JPY 65,720
In terms of monthly Average Daily Rate (ADR), December reached a peak of JPY 65,720, with January (JPY 57,021) and February (JPY 57,768) also sustaining high room rates. December metrics showed an average group size of 6.2 guests and an average stay of 4.6 nights, successfully positioning the property as a preferred choice for mid- to long-term stays by families and groups. Going forward, optimization strategies are underway to further refine summer ADRs (June: JPY 18,734; July: JPY 40,414).
③ Generated JPY 4.22 Million in Revenue During the Regional Off-Season (Dec–Feb)
During the three winter months (December: ~JPY 1.52 million, January: ~JPY 1.44 million, February: ~JPY 1.25 million)—a period when tourist numbers typically drop regionwide—the property generated cumulative revenues of approximately JPY 4.22 million. By capturing winter demand for snowy landscapes and quiet retreats alongside peak summer tourism, “Shikauchi” successfully balanced its revenue stream throughout the year.
④ Over 80% Overseas Revenue: Capturing High-Value Global Demand Across International Markets
By guest country/region, revenue was led by Hong Kong (21.9%), Japan (20.2%), Taiwan (16.1%), the United States (9.9%), Thailand (7.3%), and Singapore (5.4%), alongside bookings from Europe (Bulgaria, Switzerland, the UK, etc.) and the Middle East. “Shikauchi” has successfully built a globally diversified guest base, mitigating over-reliance on any single market or domestic travel.
Spatial Design Philosophy: Transforming Regional Seasonality and Unused Resources into Value
“Nakafurano in winter is deep in snow, making tourist attraction difficult.” During initial development, such concerns were raised. Statistical visitor numbers indeed concentrate heavily in the summer. However, snow-covered stillness and crisp, sub-zero air can become highly rare regional assets for both domestic and international travelers seeking extraordinary experiences.
Taking in sweeping views of snowscapes from a warm interior while living comfortably creates unique value that standardized accommodation cannot match. At Kukan, we redefine overlooked regional elements—such as snow and idle real estate—into captivating spaces, pursuing spatial production that balances commercial viability with regional contribution.
“JANKEN” Real Estate Solution: End-to-End Management and Tax Agency Services for International Investors
As shown by “Shikauchi’s” strong performance, Hokkaido’s resort real estate holds immense inbound demand. However, for international owners and remote investors, property management and Japanese tax procedures remain major barriers to entry. In particular, appointing a tax agent and navigating complex tax returns pose significant legal risks if not handled by qualified professionals.
Through “JANKEN,” Kukan Inc. partners with an established network of certified tax accountants and industry specialists to deliver a comprehensive, end-to-end solution. From property acquisition and renovation to day-to-day operations and designated tax agency services, “JANKEN” handles every phase seamlessly.
◇ Explore Hokkaido Vacation Rental Investment with “JANKEN”
URL：https://janken-hokkaido.com/en/
1. Tax Agency & Tax Return Support From handling fixed asset tax payments to managing annual tax returns generated by vacation rental and real estate operations, we ensure strict compliance with Japanese tax laws. We safeguard overseas owners’ cross-border tax compliance through secure, transparent representation.
2. Property Renovation & High-Yield Asset Operations (JANKEN) We acquire and renovate idle regional properties and vacant traditional homes, repositioning them into high-ADR, high-occupancy luxury accommodations. Our model maximizes long-term capital appreciation while outperforming standard maintenance costs with reliable rental yields.
3. Japanese Entity Formation & Representative Director Introductions To support scaling investment portfolios, we offer comprehensive corporate setup services in Japan and facilitate fully compliant local representative director introductions, building a stable foundation for long-term wealth management.
Across high-growth markets like Furano, Biei, and Niseko, we eliminate linguistic, legal, and tax barriers to deliver a secure, frictionless real estate investment environment.
Future Outlook & Call for Development Properties/Land: Revitalizing Idle Assets Across Furano and Niseko
Building on the year-round, high-yield business model proven by “Shikauchi,” Kukan Inc. is advancing two key developments for FY2026: a new-build project at the Shikauchi Farm site in Nakafurano Town, and a residential-to-hospitality conversion project for an existing property in Yamabe, Furano City.
◇Press Release: Real Estate & Hospitality Projects (Kukan Inc.)
Furano Cabin YAM-PE: New Luxury Vacation Rental in Hokkaido Opening Autumn 2026
URL：https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/pressrelease-en/5990/
[Hokkaido, Furano] Old House Renovation in Higashiyama Hub: Accommodation Development Targeting Spillover Demand
URL：https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/pressrelease-en/6850/
In line with these expansions, we are actively seeking land and building acquisition opportunities for new development projects across the Furano / Biei and Niseko / Kutchan / Lake Toya regions.
- Priority Areas: Furano / Biei Vicinity, Kutchan / Niseko / Lake Toya Vicinity
- Size Requirements: Land area of 60 tsubo (~198 m²) or more / Building area of 30 tsubo (~99 m²) or more
- Key Criteria: Potential for spatial design that harmonizes with natural scenery, with convenient access to major resort destinations and tourist attractions
Individual owners and corporate entities considering sale or asset optimization for their real estate are invited to contact us via the link below:
Property & Investment Inquiries: https://janken-hokkaido.com/en/contact/
Message from the CEO: Kentaro Yamamoto, Representative Director of Kukan Inc.
With population decline and shifting industrial structures, rural regions across Japan hold an abundance of underutilized land and vacant homes. At Kukan, our mission is to breathe new life into these “overlooked regional assets,” transforming them into world-class spaces that attract travelers from across the globe.
Our first-year results at “Shikauchi” have confirmed that with the right spatial design and strategic marketing, even regional off-seasons can generate strong international demand and high profitability. Backed by the financial institutions that share our vision and have invested in our business model, we will accelerate our regional development projects across the Furano and Niseko areas and beyond.
Kukan Inc. — Corporate Profile
● 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/
Related News
● Furano, Hokkaido: “Shikauchi” Achieves High Winter Occupancy—Kukan’s Resort Development Gains Momentum.
https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/pressrelease-en/5407/
● New Strategy for Furano Real Estate & Land Use: Success Report of Shikauchi Furano Luxury Rental Villa (Summer 2025)
https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/pressrelease-en/4109/
● A new private lodging facility opening in Nakafurano! A one-of-a-kind accommodation experience to add color to your lavender and ski trip. | Shikauchi Furano
https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/pressrelease-en/2637/
Inquiries Regarding This Matter
Company Name： Kukan Inc. Public Relations Manager
E-mail address： pr@kukanhokkaido.co.jp
