Tokyu Land & Niseko Tokyu Resort Launch “NATURE NISEKO HIRAFU” Modular Dormitory with 24/7 Smart Store

Customer Requirements

Niseko has rapidly developed into a world‑class mountain resort destination, attracting global visitors for its legendary powder snow. However, this rapid growth has brought significant challenges: acute labor shortages, insufficient staff housing, and traffic congestion.

Tokyu Land Corporation signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Kutchan Town in 2022, launching the “Value up NISEKO 2030” initiative. This public‑private partnership aims to solve regional challenges and build a sustainable, year‑round international ski town.

A critical pain point emerged: seasonal workers – both winter and summer – had nowhere to live. Without stable housing, the resort could not attract or retain the staff needed to run hotels, restaurants, and ski operations. Additionally, workers lacked convenient access to daily essentials during late hours.

Cloudpick Solution

On December 15, 2024, Tokyu Land and Niseko Tokyu Resort opened “NATURE NISEKO HIRAFU” – a next‑generation wooden modular dormitory in the Hirafu area of Niseko. This is Phase 6 of the “Value up NISEKO 2030” initiative.

The dormitory features:

• 110 rooms (100 units of 11.8㎡–12.3㎡; 10 units of 24.1㎡–24.6㎡)

• 2‑story wooden structure, 2,050㎡ total floor area

• Shared facilities: communal kitchen, laundry room, and a 24‑hour unmanned “Smart Store”

The Smart Store is powered by Cloudpick’s AI technology and operated by LMCU. It is Niseko‘s first fully unmanned, 24‑hour cashier‑less store. Workers can access daily essentials – snacks, beverages, and necessities – anytime, day or night.

Entry and usage:

• Users scan a QR code via a dedicated app or LINE

• Register payment method (credit card)

• Enter the store, pick up items, and exit – payment is automatic

No cashiers, no queues, no time restrictions. This ensures that staff working late shifts or early mornings can easily obtain what they need.

Result

NATURE NISEKO HIRAFU directly addresses the twin challenges of staff housing and after‑hours access that have long plagued the region.

Key outcomes:

• Stable workforce: Seasonal workers now have reliable, comfortable housing, reducing turnover and attracting more talent.

• 24/7 convenience: The Smart Store eliminates the frustration of closed shops after hours – workers can get what they need anytime.

• Reduced operating costs: The unmanned store requires no staffing, lowering operational expenses for the facility.

• Sustainability: The modular wooden construction reduces environmental impact and shortens construction time.

• Scalable model: The solution can be replicated across other resort areas facing similar seasonal housing and labor challenges.

The dormitory is open not only to winter workers but also to summer staff, helping stabilize employment across the construction and service sectors throughout the year.

Customer Testimonial

“NATURE NISEKO HIRAFU is a key step in our ‘Value up NISEKO 2030’ vision. By providing quality housing and a 24‑hour Smart Store, we can attract and retain the workers who make this resort world‑class. The modular wooden construction is sustainable, quick to build, and perfectly suited for this environment. This is how we build the future of resort communities.”

— Tokyu Land Corporation / Niseko Tokyu Resort Management

Video

To see the NATURE NISEKO HIRAFU Smart Store in action, watch the video below: