The Magic of Hokkaido’s Winter – The Special Experience of the Ice Hotel
Imagine the enchantment of a hotel where everything from the guest rooms to the open-air bath is made of ice. Open from January 20 to February 29, 2024, this magical world is yours to explore at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu. The Ice Hotel, a grand dome structure made entirely of ice, offers an otherworldly experience.
Surrounded by ice walls seamless and smooth, the dome, about 8.5 meters in diameter and 3.5 meters in height, transports you to a different realm. Inside, you’ll find a cozy study space with selected books, an ice mini-bar with wines and non-alcoholic drinks, and even a speaker set for music, all complemented by candlelight.
This hotel is not just about staying in an ice structure; it’s about embracing solitude and tranquility, a chance to connect with oneself amidst the serene, icy world.
Fantastical Open-Air Baths and Relaxation Under the Starry Sky
One of the Ice Hotel’s highlights is its open-air bath. Here, guests can immerse themselves in the perfect combination of ice and hot spring waters.
Sourced directly from the local Yunosawa Hot Springs, the bath, surrounded by ice, offers a feeling akin to being in an ice palace. The sodium chloride cold mineral spring gently warms the body from within, contrasting with the outside’s freezing temperatures.
Imagine the luxury of soaking in the hot spring while gazing at the countless stars twinkling in the night sky, all enveloped by the quiet of the surrounding birch trees.
This private space, available only to hotel guests, promises a unique and tranquil experience, away from the stress of everyday life.
Winter’s Reward – The Unique Clam Chowder of Hokkaido
Another allure of the Ice Hotel is its Hokkaido-style clam chowder, a perfect remedy for chilly winter nights. Made with Farm Hoshino’s Tomamu milk, the chowder is rich with flavors of local crab, shrimp, and clams, offering a taste of the sea’s freshness. Enjoy it with germ bread while it’s hot, a recommendation for a heartwarming experience.
A stay at the Ice Hotel starts from 28,000 yen per night, including the open-air ice bath, ice mini-bar, Tomamu chowder, a comfortable sleeping bag, and room wear. Reservations can be made on the Hoshino Resorts Tomamu official website up to seven days before the stay.