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Winter Driving Tips
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Watch for "black ice" on bridges and near tunnel entrances — it's hard to see, so avoid sudden braking or steering and keep extra distance from other cars. On open roads and mountain passes, sudden whiteouts can also occur during snowfall. If visibility drops, pull over safely and wait it out rather than continuing to drive.
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There are very few gas stations in the Tomamu area or along the Doto Expressway, so fueling options are limited. It's best to fill up beforehand in a town along your route — such as Obihiro, Furano, or Yubari. This is especially important in winter, when snow and traffic can make travel times unpredictable, so keep your tank well above empty.
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Some GPS apps may route you via the unpaved "Ikutora Pass" — no cell signal, no streetlights, and dangerous in snow. Instead, at the Ikutora intersection, stay straight on the national highway toward Obihiro, then turn right at the Route 1117 intersection in Ochiai (blue sign for Tomamu).
Absolutely. Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU is positioned as the ideal basecamp for Central Hokkaido (the Powder Belt). Furano Ski Resort is about a 90-minute drive away, and Kamui Ski Links near Asahikawa is about 2 hours away. Many international skiers stay at Tomamu to enjoy our resort while taking day trips to surrounding mountains.
A rental car is strongly recommended. Public transportation in the Tomamu area is limited, and most nearby ski resorts, hot springs, and sightseeing spots are best reached by car. In winter, be sure to prepare for snow and icy roads — always confirm your rental car is fitted with studless winter tires. A bus also runs between TOMAMU and the Asahikawa/Furano area; you can book it via our access details page.
Yes, it is generally safe to drive a rental car from Furano or Asahikawa to Tomamu in winter, as long as you take sensible precautions. Many rental car companies in Hokkaido include studless winter tires and 4WD as standard equipment, but it's a good idea to confirm this when you book or pick up the car. Icy roads and black ice are common in winter, so drive slowly and leave extra distance between vehicles.
Do not trust your car navigation system. It may route you over Ikutora Pass, a narrow unpaved gravel road with no mobile phone coverage and no street lights. If your car breaks down, help may not arrive until another vehicle passes. Instead, take National Route 38 toward Obihiro and continue past the Ikutora intersection in Minami-Furano. Turn right at the Ochiai district intersection onto Hokkaido Route 1117 (follow the blue signs toward Tomamu and the Tomamu IC on the Doto Expressway). Also, fill up your gas tank before entering the Tomamu area, as local gas stations are limited.
For more details, please check here.
Tomamu is a key resort in the Hokkaido Powder Belt region. Please check our official lift ticket page for details on multi-resort pass compatibility and purchasing options for the current season.
Tomamu itself features "hotalu street" (Japan's first ski-in ski-out village) and various dining spots. If you wish to explore outside, Furano’s Heso Nightlife District (90 mins) or Obihiro's Kita no Yatai food stalls village(70 mins) offer authentic Japanese nightlife and izakaya experiences.
The elevated resort, standing tall in the coniferous forest, with all rooms over 100m² and equipped with a jet bath/sauna with scenic views, is an all-suite hotel.
A hotel conveniently located at the center of the resort. It is recommended for those who would like to make the most out of their stay at the resort actively.
