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Winter wonder awaits at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu in Hokkaido, Japan. From thrilling ski runs to the sparkling ice village and warming local treats, this guide shows you how to enjoy an unforgettable winter getaway.
Tomamu Ski Resort is Hokkaido’s largest winter playground, offering luxury stays, countless ski courses, and the best of local Hokkaido cuisine. During my stay at the five-star Hoshino Resort Tomamu Risonare, I enjoyed unforgettable experiences, such as the misty heights of Unkai Terrace and the charming igloos of the Ice Village.
Here’s a glimpse into my winter adventure and tips for making the most of your own!
How to Get to Tomamu
Driving from Sapporo to Tomamu takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes via the highway, with tolls around 2,660 yen one way. From New Chitose Airport, it’s roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, with tolls about 1,830 yen (2024 prices). In January and February, highways can get narrow and slippery, so take it slow and drive carefully.
If you prefer trains, Tomamu is easy to reach from Sapporo. Take the Ozora Limited Express to Kushiro from Sapporo Station—it reaches Tomamu in about 1 hour and 45 minutes, costing 5,550 yen one way (2024). From Tomamu Station, a shuttle bus will take you directly to the resort.
Tomamu is also close to Furano, another fantastic winter destination. I love both spots as quieter alternatives to the often-crowded Niseko.
When is the best time to go to Tomamu?
The ski season at Tomamu runs from December 1 to April 1, with night skiing available from late December through late March. For skiing and snowboarding, January and February bring the heaviest snowfall and the best chances for powder. March and April still offer fun on the slopes, though temperatures are milder and powder snow is less common.
I especially recommend visiting between late January and mid-February when the Ice Village, one of Tomamu’s most magical attractions, is open.
What to Do in Tomamu
Winter Sports – Skiing and Snowboarding
Most visitors come to Tomamu for the slopes, and with 29 trails for all levels, there’s something for everyone. Beginners have ten gentle slopes and can book lessons through the website, the hotel or by phone. Advanced skiers can explore designated off-piste areas or join backcountry tours—just register with ski patrol and wear the special bib.
Lift passes start at 7,000 yen ($47 USD) for adults and 5,000 yen ($33) for children for a one-day ticket. Half-day and seasonal passes are also available. More information here.
Winter Activities – Snowmobile and More
For those wanting snow adventures off the slopes, GAO Outdoor Center offers snowmobiling, banana boat rides, snow trekking, and even winter horseback riding.
I finally tried a snowmobile ride, with courses of 3km, 6km, and 10km guided through the snowy terrain, with the Hoshino Resort Towers as a perfect photo backdrop.
Nearby, Farm Design café is a cozy spot for drinks and snacks, and a great place for kids to play in the snow.
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu – Unkai Terrace
Unkai Terrace, accessed via the Unkai Gondola, is famous for its “sea of clouds” in summer and autumn. In winter, parts are open, offering panoramic views over the resort and mountains. Gondola tickets are 1,900 yen ($13) for adults and 1,200 yen ($8) for children ages 7–11 (children under six are free, 2024 prices). Some hotel stays include tickets, so check ahead.
At the terrace, you’ll find Kumo Cafe with cloud-themed drinks and sweets, plus the Cloud Bar and Cloud Walk. While you won’t see the full sea of clouds in winter, the winter views are still stunning. Watch out for skiers and snowboarders as you explore!
Local Hokkaido Specialties
Throughout Tomamu, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes serving local Hokkaido flavors. If you’re staying overnight, your hotel will have multiple dining options.
At the heart of the resort is Hotalu Street, a small complex of restaurants, cafes, and bars offering everything from fresh seafood to miso ramen. I tried soup curry at GARAKU, a Sapporo favorite. It’s a rich, spicy curry served in broth form, perfect for warming up in the winter cold, with tender chicken and a variety of vegetables.
Ice Village
The Ice Village is a winter wonderland with 11 ice domes featuring snacks, drinks, activities, an ice rink, and even a zipline. Entrance is 600 yen for guests and day visitors, and may be included with your hotel stay.
The village is marked by a grand ice gateway. You can explore via stairs or slide down the ice slide—careful, it’s fast! Every day at 7:30 pm, there is a small fireworks show.
Grab a marshmallow to toast over a small fire and warm up while exploring. If you want the zipline, book early—it fills up fast!
Frozen Ramen at Seicomart
In Hokkaido, Seicomart is a must-visit convenience store, famous for its hot food section, Hot Chef, which serves some of the best convenience store meals in Japan.
One of the must-try novelties? Ice ramen: a regular ramen bowl, but everything frozen and served in a bowl made of ice. It’s a bit pricey (1,500 yen / $10 USD), but surprisingly tasty!
Other activities include ice cream making, learning about the history of the event, or even staying overnight at the ice hotel. Check the full list of activities and opening times here when you visit.
Chapel on the Water
Just outside the Ice Village is Chapel on the Water, designed by Tadao Ando. Made of stone and glass, it sits beside a small lake that mirrors the surrounding forest.
In spring, summer, and autumn, the glass facade opens, letting you feel the breeze and connect with nature. In winter, the chapel is closed during the day and only open in the evening from 8:30 pm.
Mina Mina Beach
For families or anyone wanting a break from the cold, Mina Mina Beach is Japan’s largest wave pool. You can rent paddle boards, banana floats, or let kids enjoy the smaller pool. I didn’t get to visit this time, but it’s on my list for next!
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu – Risonare
I stayed at Risonare, the five-star hotel among the four iconic Hoshino towers. Check-in at 3 pm was smooth, the staff spoke English, and the lobby was spacious and relaxing.
There’s a kid’s play area, a work area with complimentary drinks, and ski-in/ski-out access. My room had a sauna, jacuzzi, and stunning views over the resort, plus amenities like coffee, green tea, and Hokkaido water. The hospitality was fantastic—I could have happily stayed a week!
Shinta Izakaya Tomamu
Dinner options at Tomamu are plentiful, including Otte Sette for fine French dining or N43°SEAFOOD – GRILLED AGI for grilled seafood—but many restaurants book up fast, so reservations are essential.
I ended up at Shinta, a local izakaya just five minutes from the resort. The menu featured izakaya classics using local Hokkaido ingredients. I went with karaage (fried chicken), tempura smelt, and clams in dashi broth. Everything was delicious and comforting, a solid choice if other spots are full.
For breakfast, Restaurant SORA is the most popular, so book early, especially in January and February. If unavailable, Platinum offers a standard buffet option.
Outside Hoshino Resorts, there’s also Club Med, an all-inclusive resort, and glamping nearby.
That wraps up my Tomamu trip! One night barely scratches the surface, so I’d recommend three nights or more to fully enjoy the resort and hotel. Where should we explore next? Let us know in the comments!
More to Explore Nearby
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is an exceptional year-round resort located in the mountainous center of Hokkaido, offering a perfect base for exploring the island’s vast natural parks, famous flower fields, and major historical centers.
- Furano and Biei – Drive northwest to witness the stunning seasonal beauty of vast, colorful flower fields and gentle rolling hills that define the agricultural landscape of central Hokkaido.
- Daisetsuzan National Park – Discover the largest national park in Japan, known as the “Playground of the Gods,” offering spectacular hiking, alpine scenery, and early autumn color viewing.
- Sapporo City – Head west to the major regional hub of Hokkaido to explore its vibrant downtown, famous beer gardens, and seasonal events like the renowned Snow Festival.
- Asahikawa Ramen Village – Journey north to the second-largest city in Hokkaido to sample the city’s famous soy-sauce-based ramen at eight different specialized shops housed in one convenient location.
