Rusutsu Resort (Rusutsu Village, Hokkaido)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Rusutsu Resort is a large, comprehensive resort located in Rusutsu Village, Hokkaido. It boasts a vast ski area, a summer amusement park, golf courses, hot springs, accommodations, restaurants, and more, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of leisure activities throughout the year. It is one of Hokkaido's leading ski resorts, known for its powder snow, especially in winter, and is popular with a wide range of people, from families to advanced skiers. In summer, guests can enjoy an active stay with activities like the amusement park, golf, and nature walks, and another attraction is relaxing in the hot springs both inside and outside the hotel.

Highlights

• Skiing and Snowboarding: A variety of courses spanning multiple mountains and attractive powder snow. From beginner slopes to steep slopes and long cruises, there are plenty of schools and rentals.
• Family Attractions: In the summer, Rusutsu Amusement Park has roller coasters and a Ferris wheel, making it a fun place to visit all day with children.
• golf: A course that makes use of natural forests, and is popular with golfers in the summer.
• Hot springs and accommodation: You can stay at hotels and condominiums within the resort. Some facilities have hot spring facilities, such as large public baths and open-air baths, so you can soothe your fatigue after skiing.
• activity: There are plenty of seasonal experience plans available, including winter activities such as snowmobiles, snowshoes, and dog sledding, as well as summer trekking and buggy activities.
• food culture: There are many restaurants that use Hokkaido's seafood and dairy products, allowing you to enjoy gourmet food made with local ingredients.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• From New Chitose Airport: You can access the resort from the airport by rental car or express bus (seasonal service). The travel time depends on road conditions, but it usually takes about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• From Sapporo: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours by car. In winter, be aware of road conditions and chain regulations. There is also a direct express bus (seasonal operation) from Sapporo, but we recommend checking and booking in advance.
• Using public transportation: There is no direct connection from the nearest train station. The most common way to get there is to take JR or other trains to a nearby major station, and then take a local bus, taxi, or shuttle bus from there (service times vary depending on the season and day of the week, so please check in advance).
• Cars and parkingParking is available in and around the resort, but it can get crowded during peak times, so we recommend arriving early.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• For day trips: If you narrow down your activities to skiing, amusement parks, golf, etc., you can enjoy them in half a day to a full day (travel time is separate).
• If you want to enjoy it leisurely: It is common to spend two days and one night enjoying skiing, hot springs, and meals. In winter, we recommend staying overnight to relax and enjoy night skiing and hot springs.
• If you want to stay longer: If you stay for two nights or more, you will have plenty of time to enjoy sightseeing in the area (visiting lakes and hot springs) and multiple activities.

Nearby spots

• Niseko area (skiing, hot springs, and restaurants)
• Lake Toya (lakeside sightseeing, hot springs, sightseeing boats, etc.)
• Showa-Shinzan and Usuzan (volcanic landscape, ropeway)
• Kutchan (base for gourmet food and walking around town)
• Otaru and Sapporo (convenient for extending sightseeing and shopping. Within a day trip, but travel time should be taken into consideration)

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Congestion during peak season: The resort is extremely busy during the New Year's holiday, Lunar New Year, winter holidays, Golden Week, and summer vacation. Advance reservations for accommodation, lift tickets, and attractions are recommended.
• Winter Roads and WeatherSnowfall and frozen roads occur frequently in winter. When renting a car, always check road information, such as winter tires (studless tires) and carrying chains.
• Safety on the runway：When on the slopes, be careful not to go too fast or go off course. Beginners can improve safely and quickly by taking lessons at a ski school or receiving professional instruction.
• Amusement park and facility operations: Amusement parks and activities have seasonal opening hours and times. Some facilities are closed during the winter, so please check the official website in advance for the latest information.
• Consideration for the natural environment: Please observe etiquette, such as taking your trash with you, not harming the natural environment or flora and fauna, and not making noise.
• Clothing and equipment: In winter, it can be extremely cold and windy, so bring warm clothing, gloves, goggles, and sunscreen (to protect against the glare from the snow). Even in summer, it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings.
• Precautions when using the facility: Rules regarding etiquette for using hot springs and accommodation facilities, as well as rules regarding pets and barbecues, vary by facility. Please check in advance.

We recommend checking the official website or local tourist information for detailed and up-to-date information on business hours, transportation options, fees, events, etc. We hope you enjoy a safe and comfortable stay.