Ice hotels
When you think of an unforgettable winter getaway, the Ice Village at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu in Hokkaido stands out as a truly magical destination. Imagine stepping into a winter wonderland, where everything around you—buildings, furniture, and even your bed—are made entirely out of ice and snow. It’s an experience that feels like stepping into a snow globe, making it one of the most unique stays you can have in Japan, if not the world.
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, already famous for its ski slopes and stunning mountain views, takes winter to the next level with its Ice Village, which is open only during the coldest months, from mid-December to early March. Every year attractions are created from sratch: new Ice Chapel, Ice Bar where you sip cocktails from ice glasses, an Ice Sweets Café serving frozen treats, and even an Ice Atelier for those wanting to create their own icy works of art.
The real highlight, though, is the Ice Hotel, where you can book an overnight stay. Each year, the hotel’s design changes, making every stay unique, and the rooms are furnished with stunning ice furniture, right down to the bedframe.
You can take a skating spin around the Ice Village's outdoor rink, soak in a hot chocolate from the Ice Café, or even have a frozen dessert prepared before your eyes at the Ice Sweets Café. You can try ice slides or warm up in the Ice Sauna, or even an ice bat!.
While the Ice Village sounds like an adventurous choice for the bold, it’s also an incredibly romantic and even family-friendly destination. The Ice Chapel has a serene beauty that makes it perfect for proposals or intimate moments. In fact, many couples have said their “I do’s” here, wrapped in the glow of candlelight and surrounded by crystal-clear ice sculptures. For families, there’s a lot of fun to be had, too. Kids can build snow castles, slide down ice slides, and marvel at the fantasy-like setting, making it a memorable trip for little ones as well.
In hotel:
Outside:
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