“Demon God” Chases Kids on Powder Snow at Hokkaido’s Hoshino TOMAMU Resort—Absolutely Magical
▲ The two buildings on the left are “THE TOWER,” and the two on the right are “RISONARE.”
Reported by Chen Junhong / Photography from Hokkaido
Flakes of snow drift down from the sky, silently melting into water droplets upon touching your hands. Everywhere you look, thick layers of snow pile up like fluffy “cotton candy,” tempting you to take a big bite. Four blue-green-gray high-rise buildings stand out vividly against the vast silver-white landscape. This is Japan’s Hokkaido Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU, where once you step inside, you won’t want to leave—you’ll just want to indulge in the romance unique to the northern lands in this serene spot.
Although it’s freezing outside, with temperatures around -7°C to -8°C, as soon as you step indoors, you’ll want to shed your heavy coat. It’s no exaggeration—you could even wear short sleeves. With the heating on full blast, indoor temperatures stay above 25°C, creating an indoor-outdoor temperature difference of over 30°C. It’s Hokkaido’s very own version of a “sauna experience.”
TOMAMU is located in central Hokkaido, right in the middle of the island, not far from New Chitose Airport, Tokachi-Obihiro Airport, and Asahikawa Airport. A bus ride from New Chitose Airport to TOMAMU takes about 90 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a JR train to Minami-Chitose Station, then transfer to a Sekishō Line train, arriving at TOMAMU Station in about 1 hour. From there, take the resort’s complimentary shuttle bus.
TOMAMU boasts a vast area of 1,000 hectares—equivalent to 40 Ueno Parks or 213 Tokyo Domes. Each season offers distinct scenery: lush green forests in summer and a snow-covered wonderland in winter. The fluffy powder snow (Power Snow), a signature feature here, falls beautifully and feels incredibly soft—whether you’re simply admiring it or lying in the snowdrifts, it’s a pure delight.
TOMAMU is one of Japan’s most renowned alpine ski resorts, featuring 28 ski runs designed along the mountain slopes, categorized into beginner, easy, intermediate, and advanced levels to accommodate all skill levels. Even first-timers can learn from instructors who speak English, Japanese, and Chinese, teaching either traditional skiing or snowboarding—helping you get the hang of it in no time and maybe even fall in love with the sport and become a certified “snow addict.”
▲ Many visitors come to TOMAMU specifically for skiing, and there are also “beginner classes” available.
Visitors arriving directly at the resort can jump straight onto the slopes.
There’s also a rich cultural experience to enjoy.
For skiing, instructors will first teach you how to put on and take off your skis, how to use ski poles, and how to brake by spreading your skis into an “inward-V” shape. Next comes learning how to “fall safely”—many beginners lose control when they can’t stop in time, but falling “butt-first” is actually the safest method. As long as you do it correctly, it doesn’t hurt much.
Funny enough,there’s a character called the “Demon God” on the ski slopes who stole the forest seeds from the elves and occasionally shows up chasing kids. If the children win the challenge, they get a “bravery badge” as a priceless memory.Additionally, kids can head to “Adventure Snow Island” to complete challenges and earn points, with small prizes awarded for success.
The Demon God is TOMAMU’s mascot—the forest elf.
Kids won’t be bored here—they’ll have plenty of adventures.
Beyond skiing, there are also snow banana boats, snow rafts, and snowmobiles. For those from subtropical Taiwan, snow activities are a rare treat compared to water sports. Families can also rent “big-foot snowshoes” and stroll leisurely through the snowy landscape, admiring TOMAMU’s silver-clad beauty.
Staff can even help build snowmen for you on the slopes.
Kids can enjoy snow tubing and other exciting winter activities without worrying about getting cold.
Guests on the snow shuttle bus can also enjoy hot drinks served on board.
The resort also features Japan’s largest indoor artificial wave pool, the 80-meter-long, 30-meter-wide “Smile Beach.” Waves crash like tropical memories, massaging your body with soothing pleasure. After playing in the water, check out the adjacent “Forest Hot Springs” (Morinoyu), a semi-open-air bath nestled in the woods. Soak in 41°C hot water while gazing at the vast snowy plains during the day or stargazing at night. If you’re lucky, you might even spot animals peeking out from the trees.
The wave pool operates every 15 minutes.Waves are generatedon the hour and half-hour.
▲ The wave pool is especially popular with families, and there’s also a dedicated play area for younger kids.
Here, you can enjoy a 1°C hot spring while taking in nature, making nighttime bathing even more special.
TOMAMU has two main hotels: RISONARE and THE TOWER. RISONARE has only four rooms per floor, all suites, with spacious 30+ tatami-mat (approx. 50㎡) layouts. The rooms are fully furnished, including sofas, vanities, wardrobes, satellite TVs, and extra-large massage bathtubs perfect for bubble baths. Four people can easily fit, and even someone 180 cm tall can lie flat with their feet not touching the bottom. Facilities also include a sauna, steam room, bidet toilets, separated wet and dry bathrooms, and a coffee machine that brews fresh UCC coffee. Draw back the curtains, and the view outside your window is nothing short of breathtaking—pristine snowy landscapes paired with snow-dusted coniferous forests, like a painting you can’t tear your eyes away from.
The oversized massage tubs in RISONARE rooms also offer a clear window view of the snow scenery.
As for THE TOWER, which boasts a unique appearance resembling mosaic tiles, it consists of two 36-story buildings with nearly 500 guest rooms that are well-equipped with basic amenities. Located right in the center of the resort, it has received high praise from travelers.
The view from %HE TOWER rooms offers sight of several ski slopes.
Sleeping well is one thing, but eating is even better — TOMAMU has over 20 restaurants. For example, “Hal Restaurant,” which focuses on fresh, seasonal Hokkaido ingredients, serves crab soup or local specialty “hata hata” fish sashimi; there’s also DIY “marshmallow ice cream” with red bean filling, white rice dumplings, matcha mochi, various jellies, and more, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat in the snow.
▲ The chef at “Hal” restaurant carefully slices the sashimi; below is Hokkaido’s unique “hata hata” fish.
Another highlight is the “Forest Restaurant,” surrounded by coniferous forests, offering different views during the day and night. Especially at night, under the glow of lights, it’s a visual feast. The buffet here is incredibly rich — whether you love Japanese, Chinese, or Western cuisine, all taste buds can be satisfied at once. Meanwhile, “Green Kitchen,” as the name suggests, uses plenty of Hokkaido vegetables in its cooking. Besides being delicious, it’s healthy too; even the chairs are grass green, making you feel like you’re dining in nature.
%You can have a great meal here in the forest.
▲ The dishes at “Green Kitchen” use a lot of Hokkaido vegetables; below is a beef stew.
The hardware facilities and scenery at TOMAMU are definitely five-star, but what warms the heart even more is the friendly service staff. Everyone wears genuine smiles, and as they see guests off at the door, they keep waving their hands back and forth until the customers are “out of sight” — a truly memorable scene. At the same time, those in the car happily wave back. Though the car is warm, the feeling in the heart is even warmer.
Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU
Taiwan General Agent —“Rolisa Tour” Tang Guizhen International Travel Agency
Phone: (02) 2712-0009, for more information please contactTang Guizhen Travel Agency’s official website
China Airlines operates daily scheduled flights between Hokkaido Sapporo
CI130 flight departs from Taoyuan Airport at 08:35 and arrives at New Chitose Airport at 13:15
CI131 flight departs from New Chitose Airport at 14:20 and arrives at Taoyuan Airport at 18:05
For more information please contactChina Airlines’ official website
Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU’s official website
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