Hana-zono Plum Town: A Planned Residential Development in Sarabetsu, Hokkaido
Hana-zono Plum Town is a new land subdivision project offering residential plots in the village of Sarabetsu, Hokkaido. Strategically positioned adjacent to National Route 236, which connects the major city of Obihiro with the town of Hiroo, the development boasts a highly convenient location. The central village area is approximately a 5-minute walk away, and the neighborhood includes elementary schools, kindergartens, and a rural park.
The development offers excellent access. It is about a 45-minute drive south from Obihiro City, the central hub of the Tokachi region. The local gateway, Tokachi-Obihiro Airport, is just a 15-minute drive to the north, with flight times from Tokyo's Haneda Airport around 1 hour and 30 minutes, making day trips feasible. Access to Sapporo is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes via expressway.
Infrastructure details are clearly outlined. Water supply is provided by the village's simplified waterworks system. For sewage, the village's public sewer system is available; however, the cost of connecting the drainage pipe from the property boundary to the house is the responsibility of the purchaser. Gas service will be propane-based.
The subdivision is being released in three phases: Phase 1 began in April 2025 (Reiwa 7), Phase 2 is currently accepting applications (with contracts from April 2026), and Phase 3 is planned to start in April 2027 (Reiwa 9). Important conditions apply to applicants. The land must be purchased for the purpose of building a residence for oneself or a first-degree relative, and construction must be completed within 7 years of the ownership transfer date. The village retains a buyback right for 7 years after transfer, and a 5% fee applies in case of contract cancellation or buyback.
The surrounding Sarabetsu area is part of Hokkaido's vast Tokachi plain, renowned for its agricultural production. An interesting local fact is that the region is famous for its high-quality wheat and potatoes, which supply many of Japan's premier bakeries and snack producers. For recreation and tourism, residents are within a reasonable drive of the stunning Shikotsu-Toya National Park, known for its volcanic caldera lakes, hot springs, and pristine forests.
