Here's Why So Many Aussies Are Flocking to Tomamu Japan

After a few weeks skiing around Japan, Tomamu was the one that genuinely surprised us. Coming from places like Kamui, which feel raw and local, Tomamu is almost the opposite. It’s polished, well thought out, and built around the full experience, not just skiing. And for a first trip to Japan, that can actually makes a lot of sense.

If you’re the kind of person who wants great snow and a comfortable, easy place to stay, Tomamu is a very easy recommendation.

Where Tomamu Sits

Tomamu is located in central Hokkaido, sitting between Sapporo and Furano. It’s a purpose built resort, so everything revolves around the mountain, rather than a town like Asahikawa. That means it feels more like a destination in itself. You arrive, settle in, and everything you need is right at your heels.

What the Skiing Is Like

Tomamu isn’t as wild or hectic as somewhere like Kamui which won’t suit everyone, but that’s not a bad thing. The terrain is well spread out, with a good mix of cruisy groomers, plenty of intermediate runs, and some proper powder if you know where to look.

The snow wasn’t quite as light and dry as what we found at Kamui, but it was still very good by any standard. And the way the mountain is laid out makes it easy to explore without feeling overwhelmed by what’s on offer.

First tracks and fresh snow

One of the standout experiences was heading up early with ski patrol for first tracks.

After a fresh overnight dump, skiing untouched snow with no one else around is about as good as it gets. Long, quiet runs where every turn feels like you’ve got the place to yourself.

Off-piste access

There is one off-piste zone that requires location tracking to access, which is a nice way of keeping things controlled while still offering something a bit more adventurous.

We spent a bit of time in there and the snow was properly deep. The kind of deep where your skis disappear and you’re just floating through it. It’s not the whole mountain, but it’s enough to scratch that itch if you want to step off the groomers.

Who the Mountain Suits

Tomamu works really well for families, couples, first-time Japan skiers and anyone who doesn’t need super aggressive terrain all day. Tomamu is centered around the whole experience, rather than just purely pushing the limits everyday. You can still find good snow, but you’re not fighting the mountain the whole time.

Staying at Risonare Tomamu

This is where Tomamu really separates itself. Risonare Tomamu isn’t your stock standard resort. It’s a big part of the trip. We were honestly pretty shocked at how nice it was.

The rooms

The rooms are huge. Easily 100 square metres or more, which is massive by Japanese standards. You’ve got:

• a large living area
• a separate bedroom
• and a bathroom that feels more like a spa

The bathroom in particular stands out. Double-height ceilings, a proper spa bath, and even a sauna. After a long day skiing, it’s exactly what you want. There’s also plenty of space for gear, which makes life easier if you’re travelling with skis or boards.

Food and Dining

Food at Tomamu is on another level compared to most ski resorts i’ve stayed at.

Hotalu Street is the main dining strip, and although it is quite pricey, it’s very good and absolutely worth the money. You’ve got a range of options from traditional Japanese to Italian cuisine, and everything we tried felt considered and well done. You can eat somewhere different each night and not feel like you’re repeating yourself.

The buffet was another pleasant surprise. It’s not your typical buffet setup. Instead of basic trays of food, you’ve got fresh pizzas, wagyu, and a range of dishes that feel closer to restaurant quality.

Everything Off the Slopes

One of the best things about Tomamu is how much there is to do when you’re not skiing. We ended up doing a mix of snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cooking lessons in a hut on the mountain, swimming in one of the largest indoor heated pools in the area and checking out the Ice Village and fireworks at night.

We arrived in Tomamu at the end of our 2026 Japanese ski trip, the non-skiing activities gave us an actual excuse to take a day off the skis. And that’s a big plus if you’re travelling with people who might not want to ski non-stop.

The Overall Atmosphere

Tomamu feels like a home away from home for Australians. Everything is well organised. The service is good. The English support is solid. And the whole place has a luxurious feel, but not over the top or pretentious by any means.

Off the mountain, there’s a really good energy. People are out, dining, walking between venues, heading to the Ice Village. It’s a proper winter destination.

The Bottom Line

If there’s one thing to keep in mind, it’s that Tomamu isn’t as raw as some of the more local resorts. You’re not getting that same quiet, untouched feel everywhere on the mountain. And if you’re chasing steep, technical terrain all day, you might find it a bit mellow.

Tomamu delivers more than you expect. The skiing is fun and varied. The snow is very good. But what really stands out is the atmosphere. The accommodation, the food, and the range of things to do. Pairing that with a stay at Risonare Tomamu, and it turns into a trip you’ll be dying to come back to.

Families with kids, or skiers who love groomers will love it at Tomamu. For Families,first time visitors to Japan, it’s one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience it.