This is a continuation of the previous report [“A Quick Trip to Tomamu”, what to do for 2 days and 1 night]. This entry will conclude the second day.
[DAY1]
What to do (1): Wake up with a jet bath
5:00 AM
Retiring before midnight the previous night I got some great sleep and am wide awake. Spirits are high at the sight of clear weather, but first a bath. The jet bath is big enough for four adults, but I am the only occupant! It’s very luxurious.
6:30 AM
There is a popular breakfast buffet where they make omelets and French toast on the 32nd floor (top floor) of RISONARE Tomamu North. And what a view! Enjoy a morning of indulgence.
What to do (2): Make snow angels in the virgin snow
7:30 AM
After breakfast, take a walk around the hotel grounds. I got to make an imprint of myself in the newly fallen snow! There were no foot prints from other people on the field of snow yet, so you can make as many imprints as you want.
8:00 AM
Ride the Unkai gondola (ropeway) up to the “Muhyo Terrace” (“Unkai Terrace (Sea of Clouds)”)! Our goal is to see the beautiful view of “hard rime (type of frost)”, made by below freezing temperatures. Fog and other moisture in the air clings to trees in a below freezing environment forming “hard rime”. The contrast of white trees and blue sky makes a picturesque scene. It may depend on the weather and temperature, but definitely check it out if you visit Tomamu!
What to do (3): Admire the white ice and picturesque scenery of Tomamu
Look out over a mysterious world from the Muhyo Terrace (Unkai Terrace) set on the gondola summit, at an elevation of 1088 m. We recommend heading for the gondola when they first open.
There is a deck where you can enjoy walking in the air, so to speak, it’s located a little ways away from the “Minato Deck” which is near the gondola drop-off point. You can take pictures of the scenery and it’s very popular with sightseers. We also took some photos.
What to do (4): Glide across the famous powder snow
9:00 AM
Now it’s time to try out the powder snow of your dreams! Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU, has 29 courses in all! One course is very wide so that skiers and snowboarders, from beginners to very advanced, can enjoy themselves!
When I first tried gliding down the slope, I was surprised at the amazing quality of the snow. Tomamu was established in a particularly cold part of Hokkaido, so the snow keeps its quality until spring with little moisture. The crunching sound is proof of good snow!
What to do (5): Try new snow activities
1:00 PM
There are many snow activities available at Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU! Even children and those who don’t like skiing have plenty of opportunities to interact with the snow. We rounded out the morning with skiing, then in the afternoon we decided to try a new activity. First we challenged ourselves with cross country skiing, walk-sliding on the snow with long, slim skis.
After taking a simple lesson we headed for the course! You work your whole body more than expected, but the good weather felt great. Once you get used to it, it’s OK to go off course into the snow fields with untouched snow. This activity is like taking a walk, you can enjoy the scenery at your own pace while listening to the crunch of the snow.
As people who haven’t exercised in a while, we soon reached our physical limit. Lastly, we tried the banana boat activity, a snow mobile pulls you across the snow, so it’s easy on the body. The course has plenty of thrills with lots of curves! Recommended for families as children can participate also.
What to do (6): Refresh yourself with sweets and a massage
3:00 PM
We returned to the hotel and took a small break at the “Books & Café” lounge designated for guests on the 1st floor of RISONARE Tomamu. Here you can have vanilla ice cream covered with whiskey (Yoichi distilled) for free. The coffee and Wi-Fi is also free! There’s nothing more we could want.
4:00 PM
We then went to “The Tower” to enjoy some blissful massage time for the end of our trip. You won’t have to worry about next day muscle pain as the 60 minute leg special aroma course at “le celebisu” will untangle all the fatigue and swelling from the day’s skiing and other activities.
5:10 PM
Now it’s time to say farewell to Tomamu, as we board the resort liner bus bound for New Chitose Airport. I fell fast asleep on the bus and when I woke up we had already arrived at the airport.
What to do (7): Hokkaido souvenir shopping spree
Thanks to the nap I had on the bus, I felt refreshed. Now it’s time to buy souvenirs for family and the work place! I recommend marine products by Sato Suisan. I bought many items to accompany rice like salmon roe marinated in soy sauce, fish marinated in Kyoto-style miso, salted shrimp, etc.
Although there are many sweets said to be Hokkaido’s best, my personal three favorites are “Marusei Butter Sandwich”, “Shiroi Koibito”, and “Yuubari Melon Pure Jelly Puchi Gold”. I can’t wait to go home knowing these are in my refrigerator. I recommend these for foreign visitors as they have longer expiration dates than marine products.
9:20 PM
Depart from New Chitose Aiport for Tokyo on flight ANA84.
11:00 PM
Arrive at Haneda. And that’s the end of our “quick trip to Tomamu” for 2 days and 1 night! In this trip I realized that Hokkaido is so close! If you stretch your legs just a little farther than Sapporo, there is a world with dreamlike powder snow, beautiful scenery, and fine dining! Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU is a great place to entertain any kind of trip, be it couples, family, group trip, etc. There are also many activities to enjoy that aren’t skiing!
Unfortunately the ski area closes for the season on April 2nd, but Tomamu, Hokkaido is a great place to experience the charm of spring and summer as well.
This is a great place to visit for your 1st or 5th time visiting Japan.
Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU URL：https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/ Naka-Tomamu, Shimukappu, Yufutsu, Hokkaido JAPAN TEL +(81)167-58-1111 (main)
Edit & Text: Tokyo Nadeshiko
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Editor and writer. Writes lifestyle pieces centered on women’s fashion, and restaurant information, etc. A foodie born and raised in Tokyo.
