Hoshino Resorts Tomamu: A look into the unique charm of this resort

2024/01/24

INDEX

A resort where you'll never get bored. Unique ideas that don't rest on their laurels

Hoshino Resort Tomamu in Hokkaido is popular both domestically and internationally as a resort with a variety of facilities and activities within the area that offer a variety of ways to spend your time, even if you are not a skier. It offers a variety of activities that take advantage of the exceptionally light snow produced by the inland climate, as well as a variety of facilities and activities that can be enjoyed by people who do not ski

Enjoy a stroll around the ice building while sipping a hot drink

Even if the weather outside is bad, the indoor pool is as warm as a tropical island. Very popular with families

The Rime Terrace can be accessed by a single gondola ride from the foot of the mountain. Rime is a phenomenon in which water vapor and fog in the air freeze onto trees in sub-zero temperatures

Ice Village is a facility made of snow and ice that takes advantage of temperatures that drop to nearly -30°C. Minamina Beach, an indoor pool that can be used in any weather, is one of Japan's largest wave pools, measuring 30m x 80m. There is also the Frost Terrace, accessible by a gondola from the foot of the mountain. There is also Hotalu Street, a ski-in/ski-out dining and shopping area. There are so many other activities that it would be hard to list them all

Among these, the unique attempts that appear from time to time are attracting attention as being typical of Tomamu

The strange feeling of having a kotatsu at a resort is especially popular with foreign visitors. This season, you can eat piping hot oden with kelp stock

For example, the " Ski-in Ski-out Kotatsu Lounge ."

In a corner of Hotalu Street, where you can enjoy dining and shopping ski-in/ski-out, kotatsu tables are lined up, allowing you to enjoy oden and sake while staying warm. The mismatch of a kotatsu table in a snowy ski resort is intriguing, and the service has been popular since it first began

The idea came from wondering if it was possible to bring out the essence of Japanese culture within the resort. From a general perspective, having a kotatsu in a ski resort would seem out of place, but for tourists from Japan and abroad, it leaves a strong impression. This leads to enjoyment. Hotalu Street is a place that can be enjoyed by both skiers and non-skiers alike, so it is the perfect place to experience joy, surprise and satisfaction that goes beyond just skiing

Also interesting is the initiative that incorporates music, which has a strong affinity with travel

"It looks interesting, so I'll give it a try" is my driving force

The pianist invited to perform was Takamine Ichikawa. He honed his skills at the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris and the Bern Conservatoire in Switzerland, and won first place in the chamber music section of the UFAM International Music Competition. He regularly holds concerts. He has also been taking ski lessons and participating in outdoor activities with the Miura Dolphins since he was a child, and is now an active pianist who, in addition to performing, skis on snowy mountains all over Japan

Takamine Ichikawa plays on the street piano set up in front of the resort center at the bottom of Tomamu Mountain

The two piano-related projects held in the 23rd season were also interesting attempts. One was a "Slope Piano," which was a piano placed on a slope, rather than a "Street Piano." The other was "Traveling Love Piano ," in which a piano traveled around the country.

The idea for both projects came from the street piano, which has become a popular trend in society. The project was started from the idea that "I've never seen a street piano on a slope," and "If I put a piano in front of the resort center and take a photo, it will look like Tomamu with Tomamu Mountain in the background."

"Traveling Love Piano" was painted by freelance illustrator Denali (Mai Ohno). Having studied abroad in Alaska and traveled around the world, she has created a pop-style piano that will no doubt make children want to try it out

A girl sat next to Takamine as he played. As she listened intently, her arms and legs began to move, and by the end they were playing a duet together. Music, like skiing and snowboarding, can be a communication tool that transcends age and nationality

As the event was held in March, Takamine played songs related to spring

"Traveling LovePiano" is a collaboration with Yamaha Music Japan. It's a unique idea to have a special piano decorated with illustrations travel around Hoshino Resorts facilities across the country. In Tomamu, it was set up at the cafe and bar "Tsukino" on Hotalu Street, and anyone can play it during opening hours, receiving a special sticker after playing. During the "Traveling LovePiano" experience, many YouTubers visited, and videos of them enjoying playing the piano while soaking up Tomamu's nature created a buzz on social media

The other, the on-piste piano, was installed next to the champagne bar in front of the resort center. Although it was held in March when the weather was relatively calm, there were still many hurdles to overcome before it could be held

As you exit the resort center, you can see the performance right in front of you. Some people stopped to listen carefully before boarding the gondola or to take videos

Takamine played outdoors wearing ski boots. "It was my first time playing the piano in ski boots," he said, but the GripWalk sole seemed to fit snugly on the pedals

He couldn't play with gloves on, so of course he played with his bare hands. After each song, Takamine repeatedly warmed his fingertips as he struck the keys. The atmosphere seemed warm, but even though it was March, the air was freezing, and he could only play for about 10 minutes. It was so bright that it was dazzling to the naked eye, so he had to wear sunglasses. He finished the performance with a smile, saying that everything about it was an extraordinary piano performance

Since we were going to place the piano outdoors, the rental company suggested initially using a digital piano. Unwilling to compromise on authenticity, we next considered a grand piano, but the sled supporting it couldn't support the weight. We ultimately settled on a Yamaha Gravinova. The

piano was tightly wrapped in a cover to keep out snow and rain and left outside. Because pianos are sensitive to humidity caused by temperature changes, they weren't moved in and out. Even in March, temperatures sometimes drop below -10°C, but the piano didn't go out of tune significantly during the event.

The general flow of the day was that a patrol would check the weather for the day in the morning, and if the forecast was mostly clear, the cover would be removed.

After all, this was the rental company's first time setting up a piano in the frigid ski resort. Even during pre-installation meetings, we were told that errors wouldn't be identified until we tried it out. There may have been some risks involved, but more than that, people were impressed by the fun of doing something they had never done before, and they were happy to cooperate.

This was explained by Mr. Watanabe, the general manager who oversaw this project

The sound of the piano resonates. A mysterious ski slope space

The on-piste piano, which anyone can play, is located right in front of you as you exit the resort center onto the ski slopes. If someone is playing, you can enjoy the magical experience of being enveloped in the sound of the piano as soon as you step onto the slopes

Spring music played to cherish the remaining snow

During the event, a pianist gave mini concerts at 10:00, 12:00, and 14:00, and the champagne bar that accompanied it also attracted people to the location, away from the ski resort. People took photos, came closer, sat on the sleds listening to the music, and enjoyed champagne, all in their own way. It was also nice that the piano was not automated, but played by a person. Music is truly one of the essences that create a resort atmosphere

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is a resort that is buzzing with various topics for the 24th season. One of the highlights is the "Spectacular Champagne Terrace," an event that will be held only on clear days from March 1st to 31st. This is an observation deck on the Frost Terrace at an altitude of 1,088m, where you can enjoy champagne and the spectacular view. Non-alcoholic drinks are also available, so everyone, from children to adults, skiers and non-skiers alike, can enjoy a luxurious time

Spectacular Champagne Terrace https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/topics/2303/

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is located in the center of Hokkaido, in a notable area known as the "Hokkaido Powder Belt."

With a wide variety of snowy mountain experiences, from the rugged backcountry of the alpine area to local ski resorts and resort ski resorts, this area offers an environment where everyone from beginners to advanced skiers can enjoy winter to the fullest, making it a popular area for more than just skiing enthusiasts

This was Takamine's first time skiing at Tomamu, other than during his piano performance. He skied when he had time, and his riding was stable. He skied on the ridge course "Dragon Ridge," which offers a spectacular view

Even in March, there was still a lot of snow left, and Takamine was very satisfied with the smooth course. He thoroughly enjoyed both skiing and playing the piano

Tomamu, with its slopes facing east, is made up of two mountains: Tower Mountain, which has a gentle shape, and Tomamu Mountain, which has a moderate slope. The average temperature in January and February is close to minus 10 degrees, and the rate of sunny days increases from February onwards, so the snow dries out as the moisture evaporates due to radiation cooling, allowing you to enjoy even higher quality powder skiing

Furthermore, there are many activities that take advantage of the snow's properties, such as the "Advanced Ski Area" where you can ski in the finest powder snow, and the "Dake Karifuri CAT Tour" held in the Karifuri area, about a 20-minute drive from the ski resort, which will satisfy even the most hardcore skiers

Part of the slope for the CAT tour held at Mt. Karifuri. Photo/Hiroya Nakata

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
Address: Nakatomamu, Shimukappu Village, Yufutsu District, Hokkaido 079-2204
Phone: 0167-58-1111 (main phone number)
URL: https://www.snowtomamu.jp
SNS: Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)