2025 Rusutsu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is a winter wonderland that attracts skiers and snowboarders from around the world. With its powdery snow, breathtaking scenery, and world-class ski resorts, Hokkaido is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. One of the best ways to experience the thrill of skiing in Hokkaido is by staying at a ski-in/ski-out hotel, where you can hit the slopes right from your doorstep. 1. The Green Leaf Niseko Village: Stylish and modern hotel with a natural hot spring, fitness center, and dining options. 2. Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention: Located in the Rusutsu ski resort, offering various room types with ski-in/ski-out access. It features a range of dining options, a natural hot spring, and activities like snowmobiling and snowshoeing. 3. Kiroro Resort: Ski-in/ski-out hotel with a unique experience in Hokkaido. It offers luxurious amenities and a variety of activities for guests. 4. Hoshino Resorts Tomamu: Ski-in/ski-out hotel with a range of amenities and activities. It features multiple dining options, a natural hot spring, and family-friendly activities. 5. Furano Ski Resort: Ski-in/ski-out hotel offering convenience and comfort. It provides easy access to the slopes and a range of amenities for guests. Staying at these ski-in/ski-out hotels in Hokkaido allows you to experience the thrill of skiing and snowboarding while enjoying the comfort and convenience of luxurious accommodations. Each hotel offers its own unique features and activities, ensuring a memorable winter getaway in Hokkaido's snowy paradise.

❄ Many people's longing for Hokkaido comes from the movie 'Love Letter', which depicts Otaru, Hokkaido as a romantic snow country town. Now this 'Love Letter' will invite you to a date in the snow country - 【Travel Highlights】 🦀Top Seafood｜Taste the fresh and sweet taste of the famous Hokkaido cold water seafood 🏂Quality Powder Snow｜Experience the silky world-class powder snow at Niseko/Rusutsu Ski Resort ✨Glass Workshop｜Feel the magical change of glass under high temperature, witness the craftsman's blowing process, and experience the production course ♨Hokkaido Hot Springs｜Bathe in the winter hot springs in the Sapporo backyard hidden by locals at Jozankei ⛄Snow Lantern Road｜In the winter-limited festival, feel the beautiful winter of Otaru decorated with warm candlelight and snow sculptures 🥃Visit Whiskey Brewery｜Taste the rich flavor of single malt whiskey - 【Encounter on the Way】 ✅Otaru｜Music Box Hall, Tengu Mountain, Asari, Triangle Market, Canal Warehouse, Funamizaka ✅Niseko and Rusutsu｜Skiing, drifting, horse riding, sledding, ice fishing, snow house sauna, helicopter tour, etc. ✅Sapporo｜Snow Festival, Sapporo Tower, Hokkaido Old Government Building, White Lover Factory, Tanuki Koji Shopping Street - 【Stay】 🏡Otaru Ginrinso｜Experience the Showa Japanese retro style, the vast and pure Ishikari Bay and the bustling romantic Otaru market are all in sight 🏡Niseko Park Hyatt｜Enjoy the private terrace hot spring, overlooking the magnificent scenery of Annupuri and Mt. Yotei 🏡Rusutsu Westin｜All rooms are duplex design, enjoy the fun of ice and snow in the mountains 🏡Jozankei Chalet｜Japan's latest SLH hotel, you can bathe in the hot spring in the room and enjoy the scenery of the four seasons - 【Delicacies】 🍣Otaru Sushi｜The top seafood produced in the cold water area makes the sushi chef adhere to the 'original flavor', highlighting the freshness of the ingredients 🐏Genghis Khan Grilled Lamb｜Thinly sliced lamb and vegetables are grilled on an iron plate, which is one of Hokkaido's local dishes 🏮Sapporo Miso Ramen｜One of Japan's three major ramen, with a representative flavor of rich soup - 【Itinerary Overview】 ❄DAY1｜Love Letter of Snow Country 💡Go to Otaru to watch the night view of Tengu Mountain and walk on the Snow Lantern Road ❄DAY2｜Fairy Tale Cross Street 🎏Triangle Market, Funamizaka, Music Box Hall, Glass Shop Tour, Taste Yoichi Distillery Whiskey ❄DAY3｜Dancing Niseko/Rusutsu 🏂Experience winter sports in the world-class powder snow field ❄DAY4｜Warm Jozankei ♨Experience the stunning holiday in Jozankei Hot Spring in Sapporo's backyard ❄DAY5｜Play with the Snow Festival ⛄Play with one of the world's four major snow festivals, the Sapporo Snow Festival, factory visit and production experience ❄DAY6｜Farewell to Hokkaido 👋🏻Return/Continue to travel to other cities in Japan

Snowboarding is a whole body exercise that allows you to train different muscles that we use every single day. Yummy food after exercise is always an enjoyment physically & mentally. Unique powder snow of Hokkaido made this world ~ magic

Winter is all about skiing! If you want to ski, then a resort hotel in Hokkaido is the place to go! All rooms at Rusutsu Westin in Rusutsu Resort are maisonettes and are over 78 square meters in size. There is also a ski resort, shopping, and hot spring baths on the premises. You can enjoy a relaxing vacation at a reasonable price. You can also ride the two-story merry-go-round for free, so be sure to take a commemorative photo here! Rusutsu Westin: 13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu Village, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1711 #trip2022 #RusutsuWestin #RusutsuResort #SkiResort #Maisonette #WinterTravel

Rusutsu Furusato Park is located behind the roadside station in Rusutsu. It's sooooo big! It's well maintained, and the lawns and flower beds are gorgeous🌻 You can see the autumn leaves of Mt. Yotei right in front of you, and it seems there's even a dog run🦮 There's lots of play equipment, so it's a park that can be enjoyed by a wide range of ages, from small children to older kids. #AutumnLeaves

Agricultural produce direct sales shop at Rusutsu Roadside Station The roadside station was very crowded in the middle of autumn leaves! Let's see, what kind of seasonal autumn vegetables are there~? ? Oh!!! There are a lot of pumpkins🎃🎃🎃 Halloween is coming up, so there were a lot of pumpkins! Potatoes, carrots, radishes, yam, cabbage... There was a wide variety of products, and they all looked delicious😋 They also sold processed souvenirs, so they would be good for souvenirs from far away✌️ #Autumn leaves #Halloween

We stopped at the Rusutsu roadside station on National Route 230 to see the autumn leaves. The facilities are relatively new and the toilets were clean. The parking lot was spacious and we could see Mt. Yotei right in front of us. There was a baby room and some play equipment, so it was perfect for a drive with the kids! Why not stop by on your way back from hiking or a hot spring? 🚙 #Autumn leaves #Mountain climbing #Hot springs

Hey guys, if you're a ski enthusiast, Niseko in Hokkaido is an absolute must-visit dream destination! I just got back, and I'm still reminiscing about the amazing time I had skiing there. I just have to share this joy with everyone. Niseko is located in Hokkaido, and the most stunning feature here is the incredibly beautiful Mount Yōtei. From afar, Mount Yōtei resembles a massive ice castle, its peak perpetually covered in snow. Bathed in sunlight, it exudes a sacred and captivating glow. Every photo you take here is worthy of sharing on social media. Of course, the biggest draw of Niseko is its four unique ski resorts: Rusutsu Resort, Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area, Niseko Hanazono Resort, and Niseko Village (formerly known as Hirafu). Each resort offers slopes of varying difficulty, so whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll find something to enjoy. Rusutsu Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in Hokkaido, boasting a wide variety of slopes and thrilling cable car sightseeing, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking mountain views alongside skiing. Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area is renowned for its high-quality powder snow, so fine and comfortable that it feels like stepping on clouds. Niseko Hanazono Resort features thoughtfully designed slopes, with gentle and wide beginner slopes perfect for practice, while the advanced slopes offer plenty of challenges for experts to unleash their passion. Niseko Village has excellent facilities, and after a tiring day of skiing, you can relax and unwind in the nearby hot springs. I spent a whole week skiing at these four resorts, and it still wasn't enough! Every morning, skiing down the slopes as the sun rises, feeling the wind whistling past my ears, the sense of freedom and exhilaration is truly indescribable. Moreover, Niseko has a long ski season, lasting from November to April, giving you ample time to plan a perfect ski trip. Besides skiing, the food around Niseko is not to be missed. Fresh seafood sashimi, steaming hot ramen, sweet Hokkaido milk ice cream… every bite is a treat for your taste buds. There are also charming and cozy local cabins where you can stay overnight, listening to the snow falling outside your window, feeling like you're in a fairy tale. However, there are a few tips to keep in mind when skiing in Niseko. First, be sure to book your accommodation in advance, as rooms are in high demand during the ski season. Second, pack enough warm clothing, as Hokkaido winters are very cold. Finally, remember to purchase ski insurance, just in case. Hey guys, I can't wait to go back to Niseko next ski season. If you're looking for the ultimate ski trip, add Niseko to your travel list! Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Let's have some fun on the snowy mountains of Hokkaido! Are you excited about a ski trip to Niseko? Or do you have any other questions about ski trips? Feel free to leave a comment below!

The overall design and planning of Rusutsu Resort are excellent! It's also great for families. If you don't ski, you can participate in various snow activities or just take a leisurely stroll around the resort. The snow in the resort is generally very thick, and it looks really beautiful with the trees in the background. We experienced snow drifting, which was very thrilling and fun, and we took many beautiful photos. There is also a children's park that you can enter for a fee, where both adults and children can have a great time!

#skitrip Rusutsu Ski Resort, located in Hokkaido, is a top-tier destination known for its incredible powder, tree skiing, and well-groomed runs. It offers a vast ski area with minimal crowds, making it ideal for those who want deep snow without long lift lines. The resort features modern lifts, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a unique amusement park that operates in summer. While it lacks the vibrant nightlife of nearby Niseko, it provides high-quality accommodations and excellent dining options. With consistent snowfall, diverse terrain, and a relaxed atmosphere, Rusutsu is perfect for skiers and snowboarders seeking a premier powder experience in Japan.

Rusutsu Ski Resort, spanning three mountains, offers slopes suitable for skiers of all levels. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Lake Toya from the top of Mount Isola. It takes about 2 hours to reach Rusutsu by bus or rental car from Sapporo. There is a free shuttle service from Sapporo and a paid shuttle service from New Chitose Airport. For visitors staying in Niseko, Rusutsu is the most convenient day trip destination, and there are various shuttle buses available. Rusutsu Resort boasts natural powder snow and the most chairlifts and cable cars among all single ski resorts in Hokkaido. The Heavenly area is particularly popular with snowboarders and skiers, as it offers forest slopes covered in powder snow and off-piste skiing.

#getgoing2025 Rusutsu ski Resort has 37 courses, a maximum distance of 42 km, and a transportation capacity of 30,000 people per hour, including 4 gondolas, which is the "HOKKAIDO No. 1" ski resort, which is overwhelming among the large-scale ski resorts in Hokkaido. There are many course variations from the uncompressurised snow course of the finest powder to the course maintained by the pressure snow truck every night, so you can enjoy it to your heart's content from beginners to the highest level. Rusutsu Resort's powder zone is also highly regarded by foreign countries, and even top professional players come to play in search of powder during the season.

The Westin Rusutsu Resort is a well-known hotel in Rusutsu. Whether you're planning a long stay or a day trip, this hotel is an ideal choice. The hotel has excellent facilities and beautiful decor to make your stay more enjoyable. The hotel is equipped with self-service laundry facilities, a convenience store, free in-room Wi-Fi, daily room cleaning, postal services, and more. The comfortable rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a private bathroom, bathrobes, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a variety of entertainment facilities to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable. The friendly staff, excellent facilities, and convenient location make it easy for guests to visit Rusutsu's attractions. These are just some of the reasons why so many guests choose The Westin Rusutsu Resort.

#travel Good bonding with friends and family. #localfood

#travel #thingstodo Building snow man outside hotel. Fun experience

6-day New Year's skiing trip to Japan! The snow is beautiful, the skiing is great, and the winter romance is waiting for you! -------- Japan is a country with a rich history🏛️ and beautiful cherry blossoms🌸. From the majesty of Mount Fuji🗻 to the ancient capital of Kyoto🎋, every place has its own unique charm. Hot springs, sushi🍣, and kimonos👘 are all part of the experience! -------- 🏃Itinerary: D1: Shenzhen -> New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, then visit Otaru Canal at night 🌃 Arrive at New Chitose Airport, Sapporo, and start your trip to Japan. Explore the charming night view of Otaru Canal. D2: Otaru Music Box Museum -> Kitaichi Glass -> Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura -> Lake Toya -> Rusutsu Resort 🎵🍶 Visit Otaru Music Box Museum, Kitaichi Glass, and Tanaka Sake Brewery, then head to Lake Toya for the view, and finally enjoy skiing at Rusutsu Resort. D3: Onuma -> Hachimanzaka -> Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse -> Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden -> Noboribetsu Jigokudani 🌳🏭 Stroll through Onuma, climb Hachimanzaka, visit Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, explore Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, and finally experience the unique landscape of Noboribetsu Jigokudani. D4: Shiroi Koibito Park -> Odori Park -> Sapporo Clock Tower -> Hokkaido University 🍪🏫 Visit Shiroi Koibito Park, stroll through Odori Park, see Sapporo Clock Tower, and finally visit Hokkaido University. D5 (Route A): Asahiyama Zoo -> Biei -> Blue Pond -> Forest Terrace 🐒🌳 Visit Asahiyama Zoo, tour Biei, enjoy the view of Blue Pond, and finally experience the mystery of Forest Terrace. (Route B): Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort 🎿 Enjoy a full day of skiing at Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, including cable car, transportation, and guide. (Route C): Free time 🆓 Plan your own day, explore or relax. D6: Mitsui Outlet Park, Kitahiroshima -> New Chitose Airport -> Shenzhen 🛍️🛫 Shop at Mitsui Outlet Park, Kitahiroshima, then head to New Chitose Airport to end your trip to Japan and return to Shenzhen. -------- Tips: - Food: Japanese cuisine emphasizes the original flavor of food and does not advocate adding too much seasoning🍱. - Time difference: Japan is only 1 hour ahead of China, so you can almost ignore it🕐. - Exchange rate: The exchange rate between the Japanese yen and the Chinese yuan is about 16:1, so remember to convert in advance💴. - Specialties: Japanese matcha and kimonos are famous, but expensive, so shop around👘. -------- A trip to Japan is not just about the scenery, but also a journey of self-discovery. We hope you find your own inspiration.

Great time and amazing snow experience with family.

#0yentravelnovember This hotel is located at the foot of Mt. West in Rusutsu Ski Resort! It's very convenient as the gondola station to Mt. East and Mt. Isola is right in front of you! The unique feature of this hotel is that there is a town inside the hotel! With everything from a convenience store to a mini amusement park, a game center, and a pool, you'll be able to make lasting memories! In addition, the dinner and breakfast buffets are very luxurious, with all-you-can-eat crab, salmon roe, steak, and many other items! There is also an accommodation plan that includes a lift ticket, so please try staying there once! ! 📍13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu Village, Abuta District, Hokkaido

#0 yen trip November This is a ski resort where you can enjoy Hokkaido's powder snow while looking at Mt. Yotei! You can travel from the hotel area to Mt. East and Mt. Isola by gondola! There are 37 courses, and there is a wide variety, so it can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers alike! Please note that Mt. Isola is quite far back from the hotel area, so you need to plan your return slowly in the afternoon! If you ski without thinking, you may end up leaving some courses behind, so be careful! It's such a large ski resort that you're sure to be very satisfied! Please go and check it out! ! 📍13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu Village, Abuta District, Hokkaido

📍Rusutsu Resort Amusement Park This amusement park is located on a vast piece of land and has a beautiful view. There may not be many rides for an amusement park! But the view is amazing and it feels great! 【INFORMATION】 Rusutsu Resort Amusement Park 📮13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, 048-1711 #0 yen trip November

#winterplay This is the ski resort at Rusutomi Resort in Hokkaido☃️ The powder snow in Hokkaido is so high quality that it is sought after by snowboarders and skiers from all over the world🤗 I want you to visit it at least once🥺 I couldn't turn very well on my snowboard, but after practicing here, I can now jump🤗 No matter how soft it is, I'm afraid of falling...! It takes 2.3 hours from Sapporo to Rusutomi, but it's also a good idea to visit it in addition to Niseko! If you are staying at Rusutomi Resort or the Westin Resort, there is a shuttle bus from New Chitose Airport, so please check it out🙆♀️

wonderful meal at hokkiado.

#staycation Located in the picturesque Rusutsu region of Hokkaido, The Westin Rusutsu Resort offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. Known for its world-class ski slopes and stunning natural surroundings, the resort is ideal for both winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The rooms are spacious and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The resort offers various amenities, including an indoor wave pool, a spa with Japanese-style baths, and multiple dining options that feature local Hokkaido ingredients. During the summer months, guests can enjoy activities such as golf, hiking, and cycling. The Westin Rusutsu Resort is perfect for those looking to combine a love of nature and adventure with a luxurious staycation experience.

Visited Suttsu Shrine in Oshima-cho, Suttsu-cho. A large shrine along National Route 229 near the town hall. The first gray torii gate. Wide grassy grounds. A gravel approach. A splendid loyalty monument, a rusted stone, a historical signboard, and a large covered water fountain. Mikoshi warehouse, materials warehouse. The amulet awarding place, a banner for praying for earthquake recovery. The second gray torii gate. A beautiful shrine in the back. A large shrine office where the chief priest resides.

I stopped by a cafe on the second floor of a hotel next to Rusutsu Resort😊 They also had bread and other light meals, but I had just had lunch so I only had a caramel latte🙆♀️ The lady at the hotel recommended a matcha Frappuccino, but it was raining and cold so I couldn't drink a Frappuccino so I went for the caramel recommended by the lady at the cafe! I was able to drink it warm and it was just the right amount of sweet and delicious! Next time I'll go when it's warm and drink a Frappuccino🥺 The staff were also very nice and it was a nice cafe with a relaxing atmosphere! If you ever go to a cafe in Rusutsu, please try it out!! 🕰️Business hours: 8:30-16:00 Weekends: 8:30-17:00 📍Address: 13 Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 048-1711 #0 yen trip

I went to Rusutsu for workcation! Unfortunately, the weather was bad, but it was workcation so it was no problem👀 I had some work to do and an interview scheduled for the afternoon, so I arrived at the hotel around 11 o'clock, but I was able to check in🥺 I was planning to work at a cafe, but even though I arrived much earlier than the check-in time, they kindly let me check in and I was able to work in my room😳 First of all, I was impressed by the hospitality...🥺 I worked quickly, went out to eat lunch, and then stayed in the hotel! The loft room had a high ceiling and large windows, so it felt open and I was able to work a lot! I thought it was nice to change the environment and have a little luxury!! There was also a hot spring, and although we didn't go, it seems there was a pool, so it was great to just enjoy the hotel🫶 I recommend everyone to visit this hotel! I would love to come back again☺︎ 📍Address: 133 Abuta-gun, Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Hokkaido 048-1711 #0 yen trip

It was a bit disappointing that all three roller coasters, two large and one small, were closed. The experience was still good, so we also went to the hot springs to relax and soak after a fun day. Rather than the usual athletics, we were suspended from ropes, which the whole family enjoyed. The trapeze and thrill rides were not cutting edge, but that was just right! The location was also good, so you could relax in the hot springs on your way home! This is a highly recommended amusement park! #0yentrip

Nestled in Serenity: The Westin Rusutsu Resort, Hokkaido 🏔️🌲 133 Izumikawa, Rusutsu Village, Abuta District, Hokkaido, Japan Imagine waking up to a symphony of nature at The Westin Rusutsu Resort, where luxury meets the wilderness of Hokkaido. Here's the scoop on why this place should top your Hokkaido hideaway list! 🛌 Room with a View: Each room is a spacious sanctuary with mesmerizing mountain vistas. Think of it as your personal canvas of nature, painted with the hues of dawn and dusk. 🌟 Stellar Service & Amenities: From the warm welcome at the lobby to the pampering spa sessions, the Westin's hospitality is top-notch. Dive into the indoor pool or hit the slopes, then retreat to comfort served with a smile. 🍣 Taste of Hokkaido: Indulge in the culinary wonders of the region with a spread of fresh seafood and succulent Wagyu beef that'll make your taste buds dance! 🎿 Post-Adventure Pampering: After shredding the ski slopes, unwind with a hot soak or a spa treatment, enveloped by the tranquil forests. Perfect for families and couples, The Westin Rusutsu Resort is a blend of natural splendor and heartfelt hospitality, promising quality time in tranquility. #Hokkaido #HokkaidoHotel #HokkaidoTravel