Located almost ski-in-ski-out, the Rusutsu Resprt hotel is home not only to its own restaurants, pools, activity centre and onsen but also to a stunning shopping plaza, a carousel and a shopping and game arcade. It has everything a family or couple could want in a ski holiday, presented in a in a unique style.

It contains many traditional Japanese elements, as the area is not a hugely popular one for tourists, but easily accommodates those looking for western comforts. The hotel boasts an indoor wave pool and an outdoor pool, a steaming onsen, an in-house spa and spacious, comfortable rooms.

The rooms, particularly those situated on higher levels, are subject to stunning views of the snowy landscape and, for the lucky ones, Mt. Yotei, also known as Hokkaido’s Mt. Fuji. Rooms are available in both western style bedding and Japanese tatami room designs and each is fitted with large bathrooms, plenty of space and comfortable bedding.

The resort is particularly family friendly, not only offering plenty of activities and decorations to keep the kids entertained but also, a wide variety of dining options and international dishes and family oriented rooms. The entire hotel is of good value, again because it’s not saturated with tourists, so you can expect everything to be reasonably priced – from the food to the day trips and activities.

Despite the hotel’s relative distance from any larger cities or towns, everything you could need is provided in the shopping plaza and transport services are provided. Again, in spite of this, the staff speak extremely good English and the reception, spa and concierge services are extremely friendly and helpful.

The resort is definitely unique and offers an experience unlike any other in Japan. From the pop music you’ll hear throughout the day to the 1980’s décor and arcade, the hotel provides guests not only with the perfect destination from which to explore the slopes but also to explore the resort itself and all it has to offer.