YTL Corporation expands Japanese portfolio with master plan to develop Hokkaido’s Niseko Village into an iconic all-seasons destination

Hokkaido, 14 December 2010: YTL Corporation announces its master plan to re-energise the 460-hectare Niseko Village development in Hokkaido. Targeting affluent individuals, Niseko Village will be transformed into an all-seasons mountain resort offering exclusive hotels, luxury homes, ski-in ski-out estates and exclusive shopping and dining, all with spectacular views of Mount Yotei (Ezo Fuji, the Mount Fuji of northern Japan). The first Asian non-Japanese company to be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, YTL Corporation’s investments in Japan include seven prime commercial properties in Tokyo such as Ebisu Fort, Daikanyama and Harajyuku Secondo, which were acquired by YTL subsidiary, Starhill Global REIT, in 2007.

Master plan integrates nature with culture.
In line with YTL’s global design philosophy to preserve local culture and enhance the natural beauty of the environment in every development, the Niseko Village master plan will recreate the rustic atmosphere of a traditional Japanese town in a natural alpine setting on Mount Annupuri. Designed by the award-winning, international HOK Group, Niseko Village will be a luxurious mountain retreat boasting two hotels, a world-class golf course, private villas, luxury condominiums, shopping, dining, and wellness facilities from spas to onsens. Each individual development will incorporate traditional elements of local culture, providing visitors with a holistic Japanese experience.

‘YTL Corporation first entered the Japanese market in 1996 with its listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and today we are proud to develop Niseko Village as our first venture outside Tokyo. I believe that YTL’s master plan is testament to our continued confidence in and commitment to the country. As well as bringing on board the best talent from across Japan and the world to plan and design the town, we also want to engage local communities throughout every stage of the development. We aim to establish Niseko Village as the ‘Aspen of the East’ by bringing world-class ski facilities, infrastructure, attractions and resort properties to visitors and residents. The re-energised Niseko Village will be comprehensively planned, setting us apart from many resort destinations in Japan,’ said Tan Sri Dato (Dr.) Francis Yeoh, Managing Director of YTL Corporation.

Hinode Hill – First residential property development in Niseko Village
Tapping into the growing trend of well-heeled international home buyers investing in vacation properties around the world, YTL Corporation has named its first residential project in Niseko Village, ‘Hinode Hill’. This premium development of 125 luxuriously furnished apartments, with panoramic views of Mt. Yotei, will also be fully serviced by YTL Hotels.

Designed by award-winning Japanese architecture firm Tokyu Architects & Engineering Inc, along with world-renowned Japanese interior designer Yukio Hashimoto, and landscape designer Hiromitsu Sato, each apartment blends modern contemporary style with refined Japanese aesthetics. When completed, Hinode Hill will be one of the most luxurious serviced residences in the area. The name is derived from ‘Hinode’, Japanese for ‘Sunrise’, symbolic of the dawn of a new beginning for Niseko Village.

The development has a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, and premium penthouses with private onsens. Residents will enjoy lush gardens, ski-in ski-out facilities, and rooftop onsens, a first for residences in this area. Homeowners will also benefit from YTL Hotel’s established international marketing network to lease out the apartments to vacationers visiting Niseko Village.
‘Located on one of Asia’s ‘perfect powder’ spots, Hinode Hill offers a holiday home away from home. It will be the first of many residential developments supporting the township. With the master plan for Niseko Village due to be completed within the next five to 10 years, Hinode Hill homeowners will enjoy a strong first-mover advantage in significant investment returns as we commence the development of further residential and commercial properties in the area,’ said Kemmy Tan, Director of YTL Singapore.

Green Leaf Niseko Village Hotel Relaunched With A Wide Range Of Winter Activities
Newly-transformed by award-winning, New York-based firm, Champalimaud Design, the latest offering from YTL Hotels is the art-inspired Green Leaf Niseko Village hotel – a charming, 200-room eclectic retreat for both ski lovers and those wishing to experience snow and winter R&R for the first time. An excellent range of R&R options include a traditional, outdoor onsen and a spa with a menu for all the family including children. Access to Asia’s perfect powder alpine terrain is on your door-step with convenient ski-in and ski-out facilities.

Complementing the Green Leaf hotel in Niseko Village is the 500-room Hilton Hotel nearby, also owned by YTL Hotels, and right next to the Niseko Ski Gondola providing direct access to the top of Mount Annupuri, 1,000m above sea level. With both hotels ideally located at the base of Mount Annupuri and adjacent to two 18-hole golf courses – one of which was designed by Arnold Palmer − an all-season equestrian centre and a 23-court tennis complex, the action never stops in Niseko Village. For summer, there’s a host of exciting activities including white-water rafting and scenic flights in a hot-air balloon. All this contribute to making Niseko Village an ideal resort destination for all-season, all-family enjoyment. ‘At Niseko Village, a vacation will include a host of exciting adventure activities for snow lovers and summer visitors,’ said James McBride, President, YTL Hotels. ‘Ultimately, YTL Hotels’ vision and investment will turn this spectacularly beautiful region into a mountain resort destination that can rival anything Europe or the US has to offer today or tomorrow,’ he added.