Kitakobushi Resort, a unique collection of properties in Shiretoko, Hokkaido, has upgraded its security infrastructure to enhance safety and operational efficiency. Situated in a region recognised as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site since 2005, the resort encompasses a variety of settings, including a prominent hotel overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk and a historic establishment operational for over six decades.
As Shiretoko's allure grew, ensuring consistent security across these dispersed properties became paramount, prompting a thorough review of the existing surveillance systems.
Challenge: Enhancing video management across properties
Additionally, achieving extensive coverage across the premises while managing costs was a critical concern
As visitor traffic increased, so did the expectations for enhanced safety and effective operations at Kitakobushi Resort's flagship properties, namely Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort and KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort. The limitations of their outdated, standalone surveillance systems highlighted the need for modernisation.
The resort faced several key challenges, including the replacement of aging infrastructure and the requirement for a unified monitoring system. The existing surveillance approach, which managed each property's video independently, was inefficient, making a centralised, remote-accessible solution essential. Additionally, achieving extensive coverage across the premises while managing costs was a critical concern.
Solutions: Implementing a unified security system
VIVOTEK, chosen for its dependable security solutions and robust local support in Japan, provided the answer with a system incorporating 58 network cameras at Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort and KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort. Central management of these cameras is facilitated by two NVR-Pro units utilising System K’s SK VMS software.
The strategic deployment included 17 SD9161-H PTZ cameras, ideal for hotel interiors and parking areas due to their 10x optical zoom and mobility, and 41 FD9369 dome cameras, which are discreet and primarily installed indoors to maintain the resort's natural aesthetics while ensuring dependable performance.
Result: Advanced operations and safety enhancements
Resort staff now benefit from a single-interface system that simplifies daily monitoring
The integration of VIVOTEK’s solutions has revolutionised operations at the resort, offering streamlined multi-property management and enhancing guest experience. Resort staff now benefit from a single-interface system that simplifies daily monitoring and improves response times.
The PTZ cameras, with real-time control capabilities, allow for dynamic surveillance, reducing the need for on-site patrol. Additionally, the compact dome cameras integrate seamlessly with the resort's environment, providing effective coverage without disrupting the ambiance.
Customer feedback
Leaders at Kitakobushi Resort and System K highlighted the benefits of the new system. The Chief Digital Officer of Kitakobushi Resort noted the intuitive interface and substantial value offered by VIVOTEK, emphasising how integrating the NVR-Pro platform has drastically improved operational efficiency.
A representative from System K praised the system’s affordability, strong local support, and continued reliability through regular updates, reflecting strong satisfaction with the implementation.
Kitakobushi Resort operates multiple distinctive properties in Shiretoko, Hokkaido – a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site since 2005. Their portfolio includes a large resort hotel overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk, a forest retreat, private cottages, and a historic hotel with over 60 years of operation – all showcasing the region’s stunning landscapes and local charm.
As Shiretoko grew in popularity, maintaining a consistently safe and comfortable environment across multiple dispersed properties became increasingly important. This demand prompted a comprehensive review of the resort’s aging surveillance infrastructure.
Challenge
Towards smarter, unified, and more efficient video management
As visitor numbers continued to rise, expectations for safety and operational efficiency increased across Kitakobushi Resort’s dispersed properties.
The limitations of the resort’s aging, siloed surveillance system became particularly evident at its two flagship properties: Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort and KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort – where modernisation became a strategic priority.
The resort faced three critical challenges:
Upgrading aging infrastructure: The resort’s existing cameras and NVR had served reliably for many years, but an upgrade became essential to maintain smooth operations.
Unifying scattered monitoring operations: With several properties to oversee, each facility’s video was previously monitored separately, limiting operational efficiency and making management more complex. The resort wanted to enable remote monitoring, allowing staff to view live footage from anywhere without needing to be on-site.
Maximising coverage while controlling costs: Comprehensive coverage across facilities required numerous cameras spanning public spaces, parking areas, and back-of-house operations, yet keeping the system cost-effective remained an important consideration.
The resort sought a solution that could modernise infrastructure, unify operations, and maximise value while achieving smart upgrading within budget constraints.
Solutions
Smart video integration for a safer, more connected resort
As a global pioneering security solution provider, VIVOTEK was selected for its proven reliability, performance, and strong local support in Japan. The solution deployed 58 VIVOTEK network cameras across key areas at Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort and KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort, with centralised management through two NVR-Pro units powered by System K’s SK VMS.
Strategic camera deployment included:
SD9161-H (17 units): This PTZ camera, installed throughout hotel interiors and parking areas, offers 10x optical zoom and flexible pan-tilt-zoom capabilities. Staff can effortlessly monitor wide areas and zoom in on points of interest in real time — all without leaving the office.
FD9369 (41 units): Compact and discreet, this dome camera was installed mainly indoors, preserving the resort’s natural ambiance while delivering reliable, cost-effective performance.
By unifying all 58 cameras into a single management platform, the resort gained complete visibility across both properties. The centralised system streamlines daily monitoring, reduces patrol labour, and enables faster response to on-site needs. Staff can now monitor multiple facilities from a single interface, significantly improving overall operational efficiency.
Result and customer feedback
Making resort operations smarter and guest experiences safer
The VIVOTEK solution has transformed resort operations, enabling centralised monitoring, real-time flexibility, and enhanced safety.
Key improvements
Streamlined multi-facility management: Staff can now monitor multiple properties from a single interface. This unified system eliminates the need to check each facility separately, simplifying operations and boosting overall efficiency.
Flexible monitoring with PTZ cameras: The SD9161-H PTZ cameras allow staff to pan, tilt, and zoom in real time from any location, reducing the effort required for routine monitoring.
Seamless aesthetic integration: The compact FD9369 dome cameras blend discreetly into the resort’s interior, preserving the natural ambiance while delivering reliable performance at a cost-effective price.
Enhanced safety and guest experience: By combining advanced video technology with centralised management, the resort ensures a safe, seamless, and welcoming experience for both staff and guests.
Customer insights
"Based on System K’s recommendation, we explored and selected VIVOTEK due to its stability, intuitive interface, and excellent value. VIVOTEK offers strong warranty support, reliable performance, and an easy-to-manage system. Integrating all cameras with the NVR-Pro platform allows us to manage multiple properties in one place, greatly improving daily operations," Chief Digital Officer (CDO), Kitakobushi Resort.
"VIVOTEK offers an impressive balance of high functionality and affordability. With strong local support and ongoing firmware updates, the system continues to deliver reliability and satisfaction," Sales Representative, System K (VIVOTEK Distributor).
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