Niseko residents concerned as prices rise in the wake of tourism boom

Japanese ski resort district Niseko is now feeling the adverse impact of overtourism.

Locals voiced their concerns as the cost of food and utilities has risen considerably in the wake of a massive wave of foreign arrivals into the area.

Though official figures are not yet in, officials say that arrivals for the 2024-2025 season may surpass the record 740,000 seen back in 2023.

While foreigners have not shied from paying up to US$66 for a simple meal, Japanese citizens worry that such exorbitant pricing will have consequences even when the winter sports season ends.

Paying higher prices for stays

Observers noted a recent increase of around ten percent in the price of accommodations in Niseko, as well as the neighbouring towns of Rankoshi and Kutchan.

Again, this has not deterred foreigners taking advantage of the weakened yen, as accommodations in the region are mostly fully booked till March.

While this is seen as advantageous for major hospitality players in the area, those operating traditional ryōkan inns and smaller accomodations fear that there may not be equipped to handle the massive influx of foreign guests.