Furano and Tomamu Resort Accommodation — Hokkaido Powder Without the Markup

Central Hokkaido — Powder Without the Niseko Price Tag

While Niseko gets the international headlines, central Hokkaido's Furano and Tomamu resorts deliver equally spectacular powder skiing at significantly lower prices. Located in the heart of Hokkaido, these resorts receive the same Siberian weather systems that dump snow on Niseko — but without the international premium on accommodation and dining.

Furano Ski Resort

Furano hosted five consecutive FIS Alpine Ski World Cup events in the 1970s and 80s, and the racing heritage shows in the quality of the terrain. The resort offers 24 runs across two zones (Furano and Kitanomine) with a vertical drop of 964 metres.

The snow here is extraordinary — cold, dry Hokkaido powder that averages 8-9 metres per season. The town of Furano itself is a genuine Japanese agricultural town famous for lavender fields in summer and some of Hokkaido's best local cuisine year-round.

Accommodation in Furano ranges from Western-style hotels like the New Furano Prince Hotel (slopeside) to traditional pensions and minshukus in town. Peak season rates are typically $100-$300/night — roughly half what you'd pay for comparable quality at Niseko.

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

Tomamu is a different proposition — a purpose-built resort operated by Hoshino Resorts, one of Japan's premier hospitality companies. The centrepiece is the two soaring hotel towers (The Tower and Risonare) set against dramatic mountain scenery.

The resort is famous for its "Unkai Terrace" (sea of clouds), its massive indoor beach facility, and its ice village — a winter-only village of ice buildings with an ice chapel, ice bar, and ice hotel rooms.

Skiing covers 29 runs with excellent powder zones in the Tomamu trees. It's particularly good for intermediate skiers and families, with well-managed terrain and outstanding facilities.

Booking Smart at Furano and Tomamu

Both resorts see growing international bookings through OTA platforms, and the familiar commission structure applies — 15-25% of your room rate goes to the booking platform. EezyStay eliminates that margin.

For $79/year, your EezyStay membership gives you wholesale rates across both resorts and the surrounding accommodation. Think of it as the Costco membership for hotel bookings — one flat fee, then every rate you see is the trade price with zero commission attached.

For a week-long Hokkaido trip combining Furano and Tomamu, wholesale rates across both accommodation stops can save you the equivalent of two or three days' lift passes.

Combining Furano and Tomamu

The two resorts are about 90 minutes apart by car, making a split trip easy:

• 3-4 nights at Furano for the authentic Japanese town experience and World Cup-quality runs
• 2-3 nights at Tomamu for the resort facilities, ice village, and tree skiing

Both are accessible from Asahikawa Airport (closer to Furano) or New Chitose Airport (closer to Tomamu). Direct bus and train connections make car hire optional.

Book Hokkaido's best-value powder at the real price. Join EezyStay for $79/year →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Furano as good as Niseko for powder?

The snow quality is comparable — the same cold Siberian weather systems that hit Niseko also reach Furano. Total accumulation is slightly less (8-9m vs. 14-18m), but you'll rarely be disappointed with the powder conditions, especially in January and February.

Is Tomamu suitable for non-skiers?

Absolutely. Tomamu's Mina Mina Beach (indoor wave pool), ice village, snowshoeing, and wellness facilities make it one of the best Japan snow destinations for mixed groups where not everyone skis.

How do I get to Furano and Tomamu?

Furano: fly to Asahikawa Airport (direct from Tokyo Haneda), then 1-hour bus. Tomamu: fly to New Chitose Airport (Sapporo), then 90-minute direct train on the JR Sekisho Line. Both are straightforward.