Tomamu sits right in the middle of Hokkaido, a long way from the coast. That location is the whole point. Inland temperatures can drop to around −30°C on the coldest nights, and the snow that falls here is some of the driest in Japan. For snowboarders, Tomamu combines that snow with a well-run resort, groomers that are fun to carve and a properly managed expert powder zone.
In one line: Tomamu is the place to go for cold, dry central-Hokkaido snow, easy train access from New Chitose and a side-country zone you can ride legally after registering.
In this guide
Tomamu at a glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Shimukappu, central Hokkaido |
| Operator | Hoshino Resorts Tomamu |
| Mountains | Tomamu Mountain (1,239 m) and Tower Mountain |
| Vertical | About 700 m |
| Size | 29 courses, with a gondola and several chairlifts; longest run about 4.2 km |
| Snow | Inland “Powder Belt” snow; season totals usually quoted around 9 m |
| Off-piste | Expert powder areas: register, use the resort app and wear a helmet |
| Getting there | JR limited express to Tomamu Station (about 70–95 minutes from New Chitose or Sapporo), then a resort bus |
Why snowboarders like Tomamu
- The snow quality. Inland Hokkaido is colder and drier than the coast. On a cold morning, Tomamu powder is about as light as it gets.
- Groomers made for carving. Long, consistent runs with plenty of width, and a quieter feel than Niseko.
- Managed side-country. Tomamu lets advanced riders into its tree and off-piste zones after registering, rather than pretending they do not exist.
- Easy access by train. You can reach Tomamu Station by JR limited express without changing at Sapporo.
The two mountains
Tomamu Mountain
The main peak, at 1,239 m, with the Unkai Gondola and most of the steeper terrain. No Gravity is the resort’s well-known advanced run, and Glory, an ungroomed run reached from the gondola, is often the first place to look for leftover powder.
Tower Mountain
The east side, next to the resort’s tower hotels, with more mellow terrain for warming up, families and improvers.
Off-piste and tree riding rules
Tomamu’s expert powder areas are open only to advanced riders who follow the resort’s process:
- Register before you ride the zone, through the resort app and the reception or patrol as instructed.
- Agree to the resort’s rules for the area.
- Wear a helmet, which is compulsory in the expert zones.
As everywhere in Japan, these zones are self-responsible. Ride with a partner, carry avalanche gear and read our tree well safety guide.
Off the mountain
Tomamu is a resort complex rather than a town. Its best-known winter attraction is the Ice Village, a small “village” of ice and snow domes, and there is a large indoor wave pool for rest days. Dining is mostly inside the resort, so it suits riders who want everything in one place.
How to get to Tomamu
- Train: JR limited express services from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo to Tomamu Station take roughly 70 to 95 minutes, with a short bus to the resort.
- Car: About 90 minutes from the Chitose-Higashi interchange and around two hours from Sapporo in good conditions.
- From Furano or Asahikawa: The seasonal Powder Belt Liner shuttle links Asahikawa and Tomamu. See our Hokkaido Powder Belt road trip.
Tomamu or Niseko?
Niseko gets more snow and has far more terrain, services and nightlife, plus the gate system. Tomamu has colder, drier snow, shorter queues and a calmer resort feel. Many riders combine Niseko with a few days in central Hokkaido. See also our Furano guide and the Hokkaido snowboarding guide.
FAQ
Is Tomamu good for snowboarding?
Yes. It has very dry inland snow, long groomers and managed expert powder zones. It is quieter than Niseko.
How do I get to Tomamu from New Chitose Airport?
Take a JR limited express to Tomamu Station (roughly 70–95 minutes depending on the service), then the resort bus.
Can you ride off-piste at Tomamu?
Yes, in designated expert areas. You must register through the resort’s process and wear a helmet.
Is Tomamu on a multi-resort pass?
Tomamu is part of the Hokkaido Powder Belt with Furano and Kamui Ski Links, and a Powder Belt multi-day ticket has covered all three. Check current availability.
Sources and official links
Last checked: October 2026. Lift prices, dates and transport change every season, so always confirm with the official sites before you travel.
Snowboard instructors and guides who ride and teach in Niseko every winter. What we write comes from days on the mountain with our students. More about Snowboard Niseko.
Cover photo: Masahiro TAKAGI from Osaka, Japan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
