Patience Capital Group and local leaders continue shaping Myoko Kogen vision

Adam German
2 days ago
3 min read

Singapore-based investment fund Patience Capital Group (PCG) is spearheading a major international resort development in the Myoko Kogen area of Niigata Prefecture, with the aim of creating a sustainable, all-season mountain destination.

At a multi-stakeholder public-private council convened on July 15, PCG presented its phased plan to open two hotels and commercial facilities by the winter of 2028, eventually expanding the development to six hotels.

Multi-Phase Plan with Branded Residences

The first phase of the “Myoko Suginohara Mountain Resort” project - expected to open in December 2028 - includes two hotels totaling 40,000 square meters in floor area and two commercial buildings of 5,000 and 2,000 square meters, respectively.

One of the hotels will be a five-star brand that includes "branded residences" - luxury homes offering hotel-level service designed for long-term stays.

Japanese language news broadcast on July 15, 2025, from TeNY TV Niigata's "Niigata Ichiban" local news.

The second phase, planned for completion in 2034, will add another two hotels with a combined area of roughly 22,000 square meters. The total investment for the first phase alone is estimated at ¥70 billion.

Hot spring drilling has already begun, and PCG aims to finalize an agreement with a hotel operator by August, with a brand name announcement expected by September.

The resort is being designed to appeal to both international visitors and local residents, offering hospitality, retail, and recreation that extend beyond the ski season.

A Resort for All Seasons

While the Myoko region is already a popular winter destination, PCG is focusing on creating a year-round resort that avoids the seasonality seen in places like Niseko. “Myoko has the right mix of accessibility, nature, and infrastructure. We aim to build a mountain resort that attracts visitors throughout the year,” said PCG CEO Ken Chan, speaking remotely from Singapore.

YouTube news spot screen grab of Patience Capital Group Deputy Head of Japan Daisuke Irie.

PCG Japan Deputy Representative Daisuke Irie added, “We want to consider seasons and times of day that locals can enjoy as well. Sustainability and regional integration are key.”

Local Government and Private Sector Coordination

The July 15 meeting was the first session of a newly established public-private council composed of 11 groups, including Niigata Prefecture, four cities (Myoko, Joetsu, Itoigawa, and Sado), Echigo Tokimeki Railway, local banks, and other transportation operators.

Patience Capital Group and Local Leader Kick Off Public-Private Council on July 15

Composite YouTube screen grab of various stakeholders and media attendees immediately prior to meeting kickoff.

The council’s mission is to coordinate infrastructure, tourism strategy, and communication to ensure regional benefits from the development.

A Niigata Prefectural official emphasized the broader goal: “While foreign visitors currently concentrate in the Akakura area in winter, we need to ensure those benefits ripple through the greater Joetsu region.”

The prefecture has committed to barrier-free upgrades to Myoko Kogen Station by March 2027, the introduction of cashless payment systems on public transport, and local road improvements. Echigo Tokimeki Railway is also considering formal cooperation with PCG to support wider regional tourism.

Myoko City, in turn, is preparing to propose new regulations to prevent uncoordinated development by third parties, as momentum behind the PCG project builds.

Economic Revitalization and Regional Impact

The project is viewed not only as a tourism initiative but also as a driver of broader economic development. The council chairman remarked, “This has the potential to stimulate the regional economy through tourism, while also creating jobs and encouraging migration and permanent settlement.”

CEO Ken Chan reinforced this ambition: “We want to contribute to regional revitalization. We plan to share more detailed updates as our plans become more concrete in Q3 or Q4 of this year.”

A Myoko City official echoed the importance of keeping residents informed: “Once PCG’s plans are finalized, we intend to hold information sessions so citizens can understand and engage with the project.”

Looking Forward

With strong local government support and a clear strategy for both international appeal and local benefit, the Myoko Suginohara Mountain Resort is shaping up to become one of Japan’s most comprehensive all-season resort developments.

PCG plans to release further project details starting September 2025, with the long-term vision firmly centered on regional sustainability and global tourism competitiveness.