vol.03
Rusutsu, Hokkaidō Architecture that elevates the entire surrounding region
Project: NOT A HOTEL RUSUTSU
NOT A HOTEL RUSUTSU is a villa designed by international design firm Snøhetta in Rusutsu, Hokkaidō. This project also marks a new kind of initiative for Rusutsu Resort, Hokkaido's leading all-season resort facility. President Hisatake Kamori, whose family has been running the resort for several generations, describes the goal of NOT A HOTEL RUSUTSU as “enhancing the value not only of the resort we operate, but also of the property around Rusutsu and the entire area."
A resort built on history and tradition
Mr. Kamori tells us: "In 1981, my father opened Rusutsu Kōgen, the predecessor of the current Rusutsu Resort. The idea was to use the summer revenue generated from the Noboribetsu Bear Ranch operating the Noboribetsu Onsen to build out a winter ski business. With such a convenient location adjacent to the heavily-trafficked National Route 230 connecting Sapporo and Hakodate, he also thought about how to attract more visitors year-round and further stimulate summer tourism. So he decided to build a large-scale amusement park, a first for Hokkaidō. Rusutsu Resort was actually the first to have a roller coaster in Hokkaidō. Thus began Hokkaido's first all-season resort." Since that time, Rusutsu Resort has developed into one of Hokkaidō’s most popular resorts. For Mr. Kamori, the land holds a special meaning. "As the third generation in the family business, I have a deep attachment to Rusutsu. I spent most of my childhood here, and it's a place filled with countless memories. So it holds a special place in my heart. There's no doubt that those experiences shaped who I am. Looking back, my own growth coincided with the development of Rusutsu. That's why I feel such joy, a sense of mission, and a heavy responsibility to be involved as a member of the company that runs Rusutsu. I put my all into my work every day, for the further development and future of this place."
Exploring new concepts for a resort in Rusutsu
Rusutsu Resort attracts visitors every day from around the world, especially those seeking high-quality powder snow in winter. In 2024, it won "Japan's Best Ski Resort 2024" at the World Ski Awards, one of the most prestigious awards in the global ski industry. "That was the fifth time we’ve won, making us the ski resort in Japan that’s won the most times. Furthermore, Rusutsu Resort has won a total of nine awards, including ‘Japan's Best Ski Hotel,’ making it the most awarded ski resort in Japan. We are proud to be Japan's leading ski resort, both in name and reality." In 2020, Kamori Kanko opened The Vale Rusutsu, a condominium offering a new style of accommodation. While the company continues to take on new challenges, there is one thing they keep in mind. "Rusutsu Resort is what it is today thanks to my grandfather, father, and the many others who have been involved up until now. We must continue to protect the fine traditions and values that our predecessors have built as our foundation. Of course, we change things to keep up with the times, but as part of this long history, I want to cherish what should be cherished and pass on that culture to the future members of our team. My role is just one stone in the wall that has been built up to now. However, the solidity of each of these stones will form the foundation for building the future of Rusutsu Resort." Driven by the history and passion that has been passed down through the years, Kamori has aimed to develop Rusutsu Resort not just as a tourist destination, but as a key player in contributing to the local community. "I believe our most important mission is to go beyond resort development and bring together companies, local residents, and investors to create new value and achieve sustainable growth. We believe in building a sustainable model that brings true benefits to the local community through a resort that is beloved over the long-term. That’s the future we aim for at Rusutsu Resort." A true movement is beginning to emerge in Rusutsu. "Rusutsu is already experiencing a wonderful resurgence of energy. Together with my fellow employees, local government officials in Rusutsu Village, and external companies, I feel we are forming a great community where everyone can find their own role and place in the world. While Japan and Hokkaidō are garnering attention from around the world as tourist destinations, Rusutsu is still a blank canvas, full of possibilities. How can we use the technology and knowledge we have today to highlight Japan's intrinsic charm and share it with the world? Depending on how we do this, we may be able to create new value that surpasses the world's most famous resorts... It's a place full of excitement."
The value NOT A HOTEL RUSUTSU brings to Hokkaidō
Rusutsu is a place where everyone is pushing themselves to do more, and the NOT A HOTEL RUSUTSU project is a clear example. "The mountaintop where we’ll build the Snøhetta-designed ‘NOT A HOTEL RUSUTSU’ is undoubtedly the best site in the entire Rusutsu Resort. Not only does it offer unobstructed views of Mt. Yotei, the ultimate ski-in/ski-out location, and great snow quality, but the experience of overlooking Lake Toya and Hakodate across the vast flat land is truly incredible. A single house with such a spectacular view is truly incredible. Above all, I believe the completion of this construction will draw even more attention to the Rusutsu area." "What we're aiming for in Rusutsu isn't simply resort development. It's high-quality urban development that makes people truly want to spend time and live here. That's why, rather than pursuing short-term profits, we prioritize increasing the value of the entire region. We see this project as one opportunity to create that value. When you drop a pebble into the water, ripples quietly spread out. Then, if those ripples catch the wind, they eventually turn into big waves. We hope our efforts will be the first step toward that goal, and that they will spark major change not only for Rusutsu Resort, but for Hokkaidō and beyond, and for Japan as a whole."
STAFF
EDIT・TEXT
PHOTO
NOT A HOTEL
Yuka Ito(Newcolor inc.)