In Japan, few places capture winter like Hokkaido. It’s the country’s ultimate winter destination, full of fun and frosty things to do. This year, though, there’s something extra special for visitors. Instead of a cozy cabin, why not spend the night in a hotel made entirely of ice? That’s right—Hokkaido is now on the map, with a brand-new ice hotel that’s the talk of the season!
Where is Hokkaido on the map?
Hokkaido is Japan’s second-largest and northernmost island. Due to its geographical location, Hokkaido receives heavy snowfall each winter. This makes it a perfect destination for those who love being outdoors in the colder months. Hokkaido is known for its capital, Sapporo, and its many winter snow and ice festivals. To visit, you can fly there like most people or travel through the Seikan Tunnel.
An interesting fact about Hokkaido is that, despite being so far north and bitterly cold in the winter, it’s a major source of crops for Japan. In addition, soybeans, potatoes, and wheat are among the major crops grown in the region. As the region accounts for nearly one-fourth of all of Japan’s arable land, it cannot be understated how important Hokkaido is for Japan’s agriculture.
Are you looking for amazing snacks for the spring? Check out Sakuraco! Sakuraco sends traditional Japanese snacks, teas, and sweets from local makers straight to your door each month!
What is the Ice Hotel?
The new hotel at Hoshino Resort Tomomu is, as the name suggests, made entirely of ice. It’s shaped like a classic igloo and sized for one or two guests. Despite being built from solid ice, it has speakers, reading materials, thick blankets, and pillows. Staying warm inside a block of ice might sound impossible at first. But that’s the magic of an igloo—it stays solid even with warmth inside.
The short end of it is that the cold air outside an igloo cools the ice faster than the warmth inside it can melt it. All this means is that you’ll be perfectly happy and toasty inside your icy room! But it really must be understood that the room itself is very simple in scope and accommodations. Guests hoping for a full suite with a hot tub and walk-in shower will be disappointed. The room has enough space, but its main goal is simple—to offer a warm, cozy place to rest on cold winter nights.
Where is the Ice Hotel Located?
The Hoshino Resort Tomomu is located in the village of Shimukappu in Kamikawa Subprefecture, itself within the Hokkaido region. Hokkaido is the northernmost region of the country, which makes it the perfect winter destination. The resort boasts far more than just the ice village; it also offers plenty of slopes to ski down, as well as a breathtaking terrace with the best views of the surrounding forest. The resort really does offer guests plenty of bang for their buck, making the train ride worth it!
Of course, the ice village is the main draw this season as the ice hotel will only be open from January 20th to February 20th of this year. That said, if checking out the hotel is essential, make sure to get your reservation in as soon as possible. The ice village offers guests the chance to skate, visit an ice bar, and see an ice chapel. It has only one ice hotel, so bookings fill up fast. The room is small, so it won’t fit a whole family. Still, for anyone seeking a unique winter experience, getting a reservation is worth it.
What makes the Ice Hotel so special on the map of Hokkaido?
Visiting Japan can easily take months for those willing to do and see as much as possible. Even with every single day being packed to the gills with action and adventure, it’s simply astounding just how much there is to do. Whether that entails staying strictly within Tokyo’s city limits and visiting every ward, or traveling down to Osaka and over to Kyoto, there is literally no end to what can be experienced.
Food, shrines, theme parks: you name it, there’s a way to do it. And while this can be amazing, it also means it’s easy to miss out on the rest of Japan’s offerings. While it’s awesome to check out the big cities, it’s also awesome to break away from the big three and go up north. Take a shinkansen, ride the local rail, and check out some smaller businesses.
Hokkaido is the perfect place to check out for those who wish to see more of the country than just Tokyo. While it may cater more to those who enjoy winter activities, especially physical ones, it’s still one of the most gorgeous locations in the country. Japan is packed with modern hotels and traditional inns, but there’s only one place to spend the night in an actual igloo, though. The sheer n
