Hey guys, quick plug before we start: We finished our Otaru, Myoko, Asahikawa, and Miyazaki Investment Guides. They’re packed with the kind of data we wish existed when we first started buying in Japan.
You’re from Colorado. Salt Lake. Northern Vermont. Bellingham. Tahoe. You know snow.
You’ve lived around it your whole life. You know what it’s like. You can handle shoveling off your car, driving in storms, digging yourself out. You’re a pro.
So when you hear Hokkaido is snowy, Otaru is snowy, you think, I got this. This is nothing.
Trust me you are in for a rude awakening.
Yeah, those places get snow. But you have never experienced a winter like the one that exists in western Hokkaido.
It is flat-out on another level.
About two weeks into winter, I remember looking at my friend and saying, “This is starting to get oppressive. Like the walls are closing in.”
And I love snow. It’s why I’m here. It’s what I asked for. But there were times where it had snowed seven days in a row, you’ve shoveled every morning, you shovel your neighbor’s every morning, and now your roof is starting to look like it needs a quick shovel too.
At a certain point you stop thinking, wow this is beautiful, and start thinking, wow... this might actually be too much snow.
Then, of course, you bounce back and go, nah, this is awesome. This is what I signed up for lol.
That’s kind of the cycle.
I’m going to add a series of photos because honestly, nothing explains how oppressive it can feel like a photo does.’
But yeah, as you can see, this is a different level.
If you want to buy an akiya up here in the real yuki-guni, just be prepared. All the joy that comes with endless powder days also comes with endless work at your house.
The fantasy is real. The powder is real. But so is the labor.
And if you’re a decent human and you see your 70-year-old neighbor out there shoveling not only her own house, but the whole road for the kids walking to school every day, you’re going to join in. So now every morning you’re out there too, spending 45 minutes shoveling.
That’s just life up here.
And it’s not only the shoveling. It changes your entire day-to-day life.
I like dressing in nice streetwear every day. What can I say, I’ve always enjoyed it. But in a place like this, you are basically wearing the same thing every day all winter. Utility wear. Snow boots. Big jacket. Gloves. Repeat.
Personally it start’s to take a toll on my overall mood.
Because everywhere you go there’s snow, sleet, road sludge, falling ice, piled-up sidewalks double overhead.
The main streets are legit ice rinks. If you want a good laugh, stand on the main tourist street in Otaru and just watch people. You’ll see person after person walking all confident and then taking an absolutely insane spill.
And don’t laugh too hard, because you’re next.
NO ONE is safe lol.
Little tip here: go to DCM and buy some of the original FUBUKI boots. Yeah, that company basically ripped off Japanese Home Depot. You can get the real ones there for like a quarter of the price. Those are winter essentials.
So ya we all love what 800+ inches of snow is on the mountains.
But remember that snow is falling in the city too, to a lesser degree yes, but if it was anymore, I’m not sure if Otaru would be a habitable place…
Browse opportunities yourself: Check out current listings at Nipponhomes.com
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We’ve been building out a solid list of travel + ski partnerships lately.
If you’re gearing up for a trip and need things like luggage, Goggles, insurance and much much more there are some really good deals below.
We’re always looking to partner with great travel + ski brands.
If you’d like to be featured on our perks page or partner with us, reach out here:
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects my personal opinions and experience. I am not a licensed financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consult qualified professionals before making any investment decisions.
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Our team
Meet the founders.
Derek has been working in the Airbnb space for the past 10+ years and recently purchased a home in Japan. He is excited to bring this investment opportunity to others in the States & abroad.
Nick has a passion for adventure and has always dreamed of owning a property in Japan. His dreams finally came true when Derek brought him in on a deal of a lifetime in Hokkaido, Japan - one of Nick's favorite places on Earth.