When we started MnK, we believed that the long-term success of the Niseko region depended on more than just the world-class skiing and incredible powder snow. Creating a thriving four-season destination requires investment in the people who live and work here every day. One of the biggest challenges facing Niseko's continued growth is the shortage of quality, affordable long-term housing for full-time residents.
The Maple Valley Apartments project was created to help address that challenge.
“For more than two decades, we have watched Niseko evolve into one of the world's most recognized ski destinations. The next chapter is about creating a community where people can build careers, raise families, and enjoy a high quality of life year-round. Investing in affordable, long-term housing is one important contribution we can make to the future of the region.”
— Eddie Guillemette, CEO, MnK Niseko
As one of MnK's first commercial real estate developments, the Maple Valley apartment complex has increased the supply of modern, well-designed, affordable rental housing, which makes it easier for families and year-round full-time residents to build their lives here.
Less than 20 minutes from Niseko Annupuri, Rankoshi is famous for its farms and for producing some of the highest-quality rice in Japan. The town is also unique in that the municipal boundaries encompass the flow of the Shiribetsu River from the mountains to the Japan Sea. Rankoshi has long been one of our favorite destinations during the warmer months because of:
• Beautiful cycling trails
• Easy access to rivers
• Natural hot springs (onsen)
• Excellent local restaurants and cafés
• Family-friendly parks
• A welcoming local community
The combination of natural beauty, accessibility, and affordability made Rankoshi the ideal location for our first commercial apartment development.
In 2022, we identified a strategically located parcel of land being offered through a public land auction. Around the same time, Rankoshi Town announced financial incentives to encourage the construction of long-term residential housing.
MnK Real Estate successfully secured the site and began planning what would become the Maple Valley Apartments.
Working closely with our in-house design team (Kengo Oshio and Yuko Oono) and trusted construction partners, MnK Real Estate developed six spacious two-bedroom apartments with generous parking and dedicated external storage for every resident. The building was completed in 2024 and was fully leased before it officially opened.
Demand for quality long-term housing exceeded our expectations, with every apartment leased before the building officially opened. The strong response confirmed what many local residents and businesses already knew: there remains a significant shortage of affordable, professionally managed rental accommodation in the Niseko area.
“One of the questions employers are asked most often by potential staff is housing, given Niseko's reputation as an expensive real estate market in Japan. Maple Valley answered that question before the doors opened. Every apartment was leased prior to completion, and demand has continued to outpace supply. That reinforced our confidence to expand Maple Valley and our strategy to provide professionally managed, affordable residential projects as a near-term objective.”
— Alistair, Head of Real Estate, MnK
Following the success of the first building and with an active waiting list of prospective tenants, MnK acquired the adjacent land to continue the development. Construction is now underway on Maple Valley II and Maple Valley III, scheduled for completion in November 2026.
Maple Valley is part of our broader vision for sustainable regional growth. To grow our summer businesses—accommodation rentals, EdVenture Kids summer camp, biking and hiking tours, food and beverage outlets, and our retail presence—we need staff and more long-term residents. By increasing the supply of long-term housing, we attract skilled professionals, support year-round employment, provide quality accommodation for families, strengthen local businesses, and encourage sustainable four-season tourism.
“The conversations we have with prospective tenants are often about more than finding an apartment. People are looking for stability, somewhere they can settle, become part of the community, and enjoy everything the region offers throughout the year. Seeing residents make Maple Valley their home has been one of the most rewarding parts of the project.”
— Yoichi Koshibuchi, Real Estate Specialist,, MnK Real Estate
For MnK, Maple Valley represents far more than a successful real estate project. It demonstrates our belief that sustainable tourism begins with strong local communities. As Niseko continues its evolution into one of Asia's leading four-season mountain destinations, investing in housing, infrastructure, and community amenities will be just as important as developing hotels, ski facilities, and visitor experiences.
Our vision is to help create a region where people can not only visit but also build careers, raise families, and enjoy an exceptional quality of life throughout the year.
At MnK, we don't simply develop properties—we invest in communities. Every project we undertake is guided by a long-term commitment to creating places where people want to live, work, and build their future. As Niseko continues its transformation into one of the world's leading four-season mountain destinations, we are proud to be investing in the housing, infrastructure, and partnerships that will help support that vision for decades to come.
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