Chill Out in Style: Tomamu’s Ice Hotel Offers a Unique Winter Getaway in Hokkaido

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A striking Ice Hotel and Ice Chapel in the heart of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu ski resort have opened for the 2026 winter season, offering visitors an unforgettable Arctic experience amid the snow‑covered landscape of central Hokkaido. The dome‑shaped ice structures — crafted each year from single, seamless blocks of ice — provide a one‑of‑a‑kind lodging and photographic attraction for winter travelers exploring Japan’s northernmost prefecture.

Located in the Tomamu resort area, these icy installations have become a staple of Hokkaido’s winter tourism, drawing visitors who seek seasonal adventures beyond skiing and snowboarding. With temperatures hovering around minus 10°C, guests can experience the chill and beauty of an ice environment while remaining close to the comforts of Tomamu’s full resort complex.

What Visitors Can Expect at the Ice Hotel and Chapel

The Ice Hotel and adjoining Ice Chapel are constructed each year by spraying layers of water and snow onto large balloons during cold nights, allowing the elements to freeze the material into sturdy, translucent domes. Each structure measures approximately 8.5 meters in diameter and 3.5 meters in height, creating a stunning visual centerpiece against the snowy backdrop.

• Ice Hotel Lodging: The Ice Hotel is offered as exclusive accommodation for one group per night. Inside, the temperature ranges from minus 5°C to minus 7°C, giving guests the rare opportunity to sleep in a true ice environment. The space is fitted with ice furniture and sleeping bags designed for subzero comfort.
• Ice Chapel: Nearby, the Ice Chapel serves as both a scenic photo spot and a venue for small winter ceremonies. Visitors from around the world pause here to capture the uniquely Hokkaido winter atmosphere and enjoy the architectural elegance of the icy interior.

Access to the Ice Hotel is available to guests staying at other hotels within the Tomamu resort for an additional fee of 28,000 yen (approximately $177) per person. The experience offers a blend of adventure and cultural exploration, adding a memorable highlight to any winter itinerary in Hokkaido.

Tomamu Resort: A Winter Wonderland for Tourists

Tomamu, located in the central highlands of Hokkaido, is best known for its extensive ski and snowboard terrain. The resort draws winter sports enthusiasts from across Japan and abroad, thanks to its reliable snow conditions and variety of slopes catering to all skill levels. The addition of the Ice Hotel and Chapel enhances Tomamu’s appeal as a multi‑activity winter destination.

• Skiing and Snowboarding: Tomamu’s ski slopes provide runs suitable for beginners to advanced riders, with well‑maintained trails and modern lift infrastructure. The resort also offers night skiing, allowing travelers to enjoy illuminated runs after sunset.
• Family Activities and Snow Parks: For families, Tomamu features snow parks and fun zones where children and adults alike can try tubing, snow rafting, and other snow‑play experiences.
• Ice Village and Attractions: In addition to the Ice Hotel and Chapel, the resort area often features ice sculptures, light installations, and entertainment areas that add to the festive winter atmosphere.

Visiting Tomamu during the ice attractions’ operating period — typically from late January through February 20 — allows travelers to combine active winter sports with cultural and seasonal sightseeing.

How the Ice Structures Are Built

The creation of the Ice Hotel and Chapel involves a detailed process that takes place under Hokkaido’s subfreezing conditions. Large balloons are strategically placed at the site, and water mixed with snow is sprayed over them in layers. As nights remain well below freezing, the water gradually solidifies into thick ice. Once the ice has sufficiently hardened, the balloons are deflated and removed, leaving the solid ice shell that forms the domes.

The resulting structures are not only visually impressive but also structurally sound for winter lodging and events. Sculptors and construction teams work together to ensure the domes are evenly shaped and safe for visitors. The luminous, ethereal quality of the ice under winter skies makes the Ice Hotel and Chapel especially photogenic and a popular subject for travel photography.

Booking and Visitor Tips

Due to their limited capacity and seasonal nature, reservations for the Ice Hotel fill quickly. For the 2026 season, all available stays have already been fully booked, indicating strong demand among winter travelers. Prospective visitors planning future trips to Hokkaido should monitor the resort’s official site for updates and early reservation options for the next season.

Here are a few practical travel tips for those considering a visit:

• Plan Ahead: Ice Hotel stays are limited to one group per night, so early booking is essential. Packages that include ski passes or other resort amenities may offer added value.
• Dress Appropriately: While the Ice Hotel provides insulated bedding, the overall environment is cold. Visitors should bring appropriate winter gear, including thermal layers, insulated boots, hats, and gloves.
• Combine Activities: Tomamu’s location makes it easy to combine a stay with other winter activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing, and exploring nearby towns like Obihiro and Niseko.
• Local Cuisine: Don’t miss opportunities to sample Hokkaido’s winter cuisine in the resort area, including warm ramen, seafood hotpots, and locally made dairy treats — all perfect after a day in the snow.

The Tourism Appeal of Hokkaido’s Winter Attractions

Hokkaido is one of Japan’s premier winter tourism destinations, offering snowfall‑rich landscapes and a range of seasonal attractions. Beyond Tomamu, visitors often include stops in areas such as Niseko, Asahikawa, and Otaru on a winter itinerary. Each of these destinations boasts its own unique winter charms — from world‑class ski fields to snow festivals and canal views flanked by icy lanterns.

Tomamu’s Ice Hotel and Ice Chapel add to this mosaic of experiences, providing a distinctive accommodation option and visual highlight that enhances the region’s appeal. For international travelers, these offerings make Hokkaido a destination with something beyond skiing — a place where the environment itself becomes part of the travel experience.

Looking Ahead: Winter Tourism in Hokkaido

With winter tourism in Japan continuing to grow, attractions like the Ice Hotel play a significant role in diversifying what travelers can experience. Seasonal lodgings, festivals, and snow art have become important draws, attracting visitors eager to see parts of Japan they may not have encountered before.

From families looking for memorable winter experiences to couples seeking a romantic and unusual stay, Tomamu’s ice attractions provide a compelling reason to explore Hokkaido in the colder months. As travel patterns evolve and interest in winter destinations rises, Japan’s northern island continues to offer a rich array of experiences that combine natural beauty with cultural and seasonal flair.