Two hotels, one resort, completely different experiences. Here’s what actually happened when we chose Risonare.
1. The Happy Dilemma: Activity vs Pure Relaxation
Hoshino Resort Tomamu is a vast ski resort in the heart of Hokkaido’s wilderness — and it operates two distinct hotels.
Tomamu The Tower
- Central location — easiest access to Hotaru Street restaurants and GAO Outdoor Center
- Casual, energetic atmosphere
- Standard hotel rooms at more accessible prices
Risonare Tomamu
- Deep in the forest — private, quiet, unhurried
- Every room is a suite over 100㎡
- In-room panoramic jet spa and private sauna in every unit
For our trip with a young child, space was the priority. We chose Risonare. It was the right call.
2. The Tower: A Quick Look
Before diving into Risonare, The Tower deserves its moment.
- Location: Dead center of the resort — unbeatable access to everything
- Rooms: Standard hotel sizing — perfect for active travelers who spend their days skiing and barely see the room
- Design: Colorful exterior representing summer and winter forests — genuinely photogenic
If you want value, maximum activity, and minimal time in the room: The Tower is the answer.
3. Risonare Tomamu: The Full Honest Review
A Living Room the Size of a Playground
Over 100㎡ means a child can run without hitting anything. Living room and bedroom are fully separated — kids can sleep while adults stay up. The bedding is deep, soft hotel-quality throughout.
Two Bathrooms, Three Sinks — Seriously
This was the biggest surprise of the stay — and the detail I recommend Risonare for most enthusiastically to families.
- 2 toilets: One near the entrance, one inside the main bathroom. No queuing, no awkwardness.
- 2 shower rooms: Wash your child in one while you shower in the other simultaneously. Morning prep time cut in half.
- 3 sinks: Three people brushing teeth side by side. It sounds small but it transforms the morning rhythm completely.
The Highlight: Panoramic Jet Spa & Private Sauna
Every Risonare room includes both.
Jet Spa: Floor-to-ceiling windows face the snow-covered forest. Soaking in bubbling water while snow falls outside — my child preferred the in-room spa to the resort pool. That says everything.
Private Dry Sauna: A Finnish-style sauna for your family only, inside the bathroom. Come in from a cold day on the slopes and heat through completely. For sauna lovers, this alone justifies the room rate.
4. Practical Tips for Risonare Guests
- Amenities: Hoshino Resort’s own branded products — gentle, unfragranced, and safe for young children.
- Breakfast: Use the Risonare-exclusive Restaurant SORA for a private, unhurried morning — or take the shuttle to Nininupuri buffet for the forest view experience.
- Getting around: Risonare is deep in the forest — intentionally private. Shuttles run frequently to Mina-Mina Beach, Ice Village, and all resort facilities. No need to worry about distance.
5. So Which One Should You Choose?
Choose The Tower if:
- Your children are older and highly active
- Skiing or snowboarding is the main purpose of the trip
- You want to maximize budget for food and activities
Choose Risonare if (Yan’s World Pick ⭐):
- You have young children who need space and easy bath time
- You want to avoid bathroom queues entirely (2 toilets, 2 showers, 3 sinks)
- You prefer quiet and private over central and busy
- You’re traveling with grandparents — the private sauna and spa make it an exceptional multi-generational stay
Don’t forget: winter season (December–March) brings Ice Village and the Frost Terrace — don’t miss either.
For reservations and more: hoshinoresorts.com