[Great Adventure in Tomamu] 6 activities you’ll want to enjoy at Hoshino Resort Tomamu!

Hoshino Resort Tomamu is a large-scale resort facility located in Shimukappu Village, Yufutsu District, Hokkaido. Hoshino Resorts is a well-known hospitality brand that operates hotels and resorts across Japan. The vast grounds of Hoshino Resort Tomamu span the equivalent of over 200 Tokyo Domes and feature the iconic twin hotel towers, The Tower, at the heart of the property. Surrounding it is a wide variety of activities that let you fully enjoy the grandeur of nature.

At Hoshino Resort Tomamu, you can experience different activities depending on the season: Green Season (April to around October) and Winter Season (November to around April). This time, we’ll introduce 6 handpicked activities that let you immerse yourself in the stunning natural setting of Hoshino Resort Tomamu.

1. Unkai Terrace

A must-try activity at Hoshino Resort Tomamu is viewing the sea of clouds (unkai) from the scenic Unkai Terrace. From the base station on the resort grounds, you can take a gondola ride that takes about 13 minutes to reach the mountaintop station at an elevation of 1,088 meters.

At Unkai Terrace, there are various observation decks like Sky Wedge, Cloud Walk, and Cloud Pool—a hammock-style deck that lets you feel like you're floating on clouds. These platforms offer different angles to admire the surreal beauty of the unkai. At the Port Deck, you can even relax with a warm bowl of soup or coffee from the “Tenbou Café” while gazing at the clouds.

Unkai Terrace is open from around May to October. Since it depends on the weather, the view is not guaranteed every day. However, you can check the resort’s own Unkai Forecast to learn about the next day’s viewing probability and types of cloud formations expected. Why not take a trip to Hoshino Resort Tomamu for this dreamy walk above the clouds?

2. Hot Air Balloon Ride

The hot air balloon ride is one of the summer activities at Hoshino Resort Tomamu. Lift off and enjoy a tranquil 5-minute journey in the sky accompanied by the roaring sound of the burner. The rides take place from 5:30 (or 6:00) AM to 7:00 AM. Breathe in the crisp morning air, and you’ll feel refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

Soaring above the lush green surroundings will surely rejuvenate your mind. However, this activity is limited to the first 100 participants, so if you’re eager to ride the balloon, make sure to sign up early. It’s held from July to early October.

3. Tomamu Ski Resort

When it comes to winter activities, skiing and snowboarding top the list! At Tomamu Ski Resort, you can glide across light, powdery snow. With a wide range of courses—from beginner-friendly family slopes to challenging advanced runs—you can enjoy skiing no matter your skill level. The slopes also offer stunning views of the Daisetsuzan mountain range and the surrounding wilderness of Hokkaido.

For those looking for proper instruction, group lessons by skill level are available. Experienced instructors provide patient guidance tailored to each participant. And for advanced skiers looking for more thrills, special expert-only areas are also accessible. Some courses are even open for night skiing, making this the perfect spot for those who want to ski from morning till night.

4. Ice Village

Only appearing during the winter season, the Ice Village is a magical town made of ice where visitors can enjoy unique frozen activities. Thanks to Tomamu’s sub-zero temperatures, which can drop to -20°C, experiences like ice slides, snowball fights, ice bowling, and ice skating are made possible. There are also creative workshops such as the “Ice School.”

In addition, the Ice Village offers even more entertainment, including dining at the Ice Restaurant, ice skating shows, projection mapping, and fireworks. Ending your winter evening in the dreamy atmosphere of the Ice Village is highly recommended!

5. Rafting

Some of Hoshino Resort Tomamu’s activities take place outside the resort, such as rafting on the Sorachi River. Multiple routes are available based on difficulty level, allowing participants to enjoy river adventures at their own pace.

In addition to standard rafting, there are options like family-friendly courses on calm waters and splash rafting for a more thrilling ride. Some routes even include the chance to float freely in the crystal-clear Sorachi River, often referred to as a “miraculous stream.”

For those who want more than just rafting, Nature Rafting is a great choice. While gently cruising down the river, a guide will introduce you to the natural wonders of Tomamu. The river's clarity also allows for underwater fish observation—a bonus for nature lovers!

6. Mina-Mina Beach

For an activity you can enjoy year-round, visit Mina-Mina Beach, a massive indoor pool measuring approximately 80 meters in length and 30 meters in width. Kept at a constant 30°C, it provides a tropical escape no matter the season, making it a favorite spot for tourists.

Over 10 types of water activities are available, such as rolling through water inside a large inflatable tube called the Cyber Wheel, doing SUP yoga (yoga on a board over water), or enjoying the Wave Time, which simulates ocean waves. With so many options, you'll never get bored—even on longer stays. And since it’s indoors, there’s no need to worry about the weather.

In the same facility, you’ll also find Kirin-no-Yu, an outdoor bath. After a day of fun at Hoshino Resort Tomamu, relaxing in this open-air onsen while enjoying the view is the perfect way to unwind. On clear nights, you can even gaze at the star-filled sky!

◎ Summary

Hoshino Resort Tomamu offers a wide array of activities that let you experience the dynamic beauty of nature. What these activities have in common is their deep connection with the natural environment. Visitors can relax both physically and mentally through these outdoor experiences. At Hoshino Resort Tomamu, you’re sure to enjoy truly unique activities that capture the essence of Hokkaido’s great outdoors.