Hokkaido, Japan has over 100 ski areas throughout the island. Each area of the island offer different resorts and terrain and the Japan powder is word renown for some of the world’s best powder snow. Since our kids are now old enough to ski on their own, we decided to make the pilgrimage to Hokkaido for a change of scenery from California Ski Resorts. This is a summary of the places we visited during our week spent at Hokkaido as a family of 4. All mentioned stays are gifted.

Getting there:

We took a direct flight from SFO to Haneda Airport (HND) in Tokyo and then a flight from Tokyo to New Chitose Airport (CTS) located on Hokkaido, Japan which is the northernmost island of Japan. Since we were unfamiliar with driving on the opposite side of the road as well as driving through the snow in the dark, we booked a private car to our hotel.

Highly suggest booking a private car if you have more than 2 people (we had 4) and a lot of luggage and arriving at night. Other transportation options would be a bus shuttle that would might not necessarily go directly to your destination and only leaves at certain times. A train is also an option but during the winter there are many delays and more time consuming.

The Westin Rusutsu Resort

Accommodations: The Westin Rusutsu Resort is located at one of the most popular ski areas in Hokkaido. When first stepping into the Westin Rusutsu Resort, you are greeted with their beautiful atrium lobby which is bright and airy. We stayed in a Deluxe King room which had 1 bedroom and a bi-level loft with a murphy bed in the living room. The room was perfect for our family of 4 and we loved waking up to the gorgeous views from multiple directions. The living room area was perfect for relaxing and enjoying a quick snack together.

Dining: The Westin serves both buffet breakfast and dinner options on site. Choose from their Japanese Restaurant Kazahana or their Atrium dining where you can enjoy many Hokkaido specialties including fresh seafood, snow crab legs, Hokkaido pork and also Hokkaido milk and soft serve which was our kids favorite.

Amenities: Once you arrive, there is no need to leave. The Westin offers everything you’ll need for a great and relaxing stay. Their staff is very friendly and helpful with many fun activities for kids. Enjoy their on site spa, indoor pool and gym, and their onsen which has both indoor and outdoor baths.

Activities: Rusutsu Resort has many activities year round. Take the free tram across the road to visit Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention that has an 2-story indoor carousel and many shops and restaurants to explore. There is a Kids Snow Park perfect to get some energy out for the little ones. Make memories with their many activities such as Dog Sledding, Ice Fishing, Snowmobile Rides, and Snow Rafting. We tried Snow Rafting for the first time and loved the adrenaline rush with the slipping and sliding that we’ve never experienced before! This activity is offered in very few places in the world and we highly suggest it!

Skiing and Snowboarding: We love that this hotel has a ski in/ski out option to get to the famous ski area of Rusutsu Resort. They have on site rental from clothing to different gear for different skill levels. All guests staying at The Westin is provided with a large ski locker located conveniently in the hotel next to the doors to head to the ski runs. Step outside and into the snow for a short walk or glide to a private chair lift that takes you to Rusutsu’s main ski area.

Rusutsu Resort is a year round destination and one of the largest ski resorts in Japan with 4 gondolas and 14 lifts and 37 runs. There are many gorgeous views of Mt. Yotei, Lake Toya and the ocean from many runs. There are 3 mountains to choose from with chair lifts and a tram to get from one mountain to the other. We loved doing some fun tree runs and admiring the unique views of the area. They also serve delicious and affordable food and drinks which was amazing to have a warm meal after being in the snow.

Sasson Resort Group- Asari

Accommodations: We had the pleasure of staying at Sasson Resort Group’s newest lodging options- Otaru Retreat. This luxury villa is designed by Hokkaido-born architect Makoto Nakayama and can fit up to 6 people in the 3 bedrooms. We loved the beautiful modern feel with privacy and nature surroundings. The villa comes fully equipped with luxurious amenities as well as a washer and dryer. Their outdoor open-air bath is not to be missed and was perfect after a day of skiing or snowboarding.

Dinner at Hanaya Hotpot: We had a delicious hotpot dinner at Hanaya Hotpot which is located a 10 minute walk from Otaru Retreat. Run by a local Japanese family, the cozy restaurant was simple but perfectly set up to enjoy an intimate and perfect meal when it’s snowing outside.

Breakfast and Dinner at Asarigawaonsen Hotel: Asarigawaonsen Hotel is around the corner from Otaru Retreat which made it convenient for both breakfast and dinner our second night. Their simple Japanese style breakfast buffet was just what we needed for a head start to our day on the slopes. We had a Japanese Kaiseki dinner which is a Japanese styled coursed meal. We loved the simple but very tasty flavors of each dish. The kids had a fun set meal as well.

Skiing and Snowboarding: Asari Ski Resort is across the street from Otaru Retreat. Asari Ski Resort is located close to popular Otaru city and Sapporo but it is not too touristy so guests can still enjoy the local atmosphere. They have rentals and food options on site with 9 courses to choose from. One special aspect of this resort is that you can see the ocean clearly from the top of the mountain! It’s a fun unique feeling as you gaze upon the ocean while heading down the mountain!

Grand Park Otaru

Accommodations: Otaru is a port city on Hokkaido and a popular destination for its historical canal a taste of fresh seafood. We stayed at Grand Park Otaru during our visit. Many rooms have beautiful ocean views of the coast and harbor. There are many room options for your budget and room arrangements.

Dining: The hotel has a Club Lounge available with certain rooms and packages. Enjoy some light bites and drinks during the lounge opening hours. Be sure to try their breakfast buffet at the Terrace Brasserie which has many delectable and diverse dishes to choose from. They have an open kitchen concept so you can see the food be freshly prepared. The Terrace Brasserie is also open for lunch and dinner buffet.

Location: The location of Grand Park Otaru is perfect for a relaxing stay. Located close to the Otaru Chikko Station, it is an easy train ride into town or other popular locations such as the Otaru Aquarium or Seafood Markets. Wing Bay Otaru is an adjacent Shopping Mall that has many restaurants, stores, and a grocery store with an indoor access.