All year
Four seasons,
one destination.
Deep snow in winter, fresh green landscapes in summer, and something new to discover in every season.
Updated for winter 2026–27RUSUTSU
Hokkaido, Japan
RUSUTSU
LOCAL
STAY. EAT. EXPLORE. RUSUTSU.
Make the next part of your trip easier.
Practical guides for planning ahead and exploring after arrival.
Airport bus or private transfer?
New Chitose to Rusutsu: booking deadlines, group costs and the last part of the journey.
Resort hotel or a Kimobetsu lodge?
Choose a base around your transport, group and length of stay.
Prepare for winter 2026–27
Opening plans, lift tickets, lessons and choosing a guide.
2026.10.28 · KIMOBETSU
Snow reaches Kimobetsu’s streets.
On 28 October 2026, snow covered the ground in front of 66 Family Lodge and on the operator’s office grounds in Kimobetsu. These short videos capture the changing season close to home.
Watch the local snow report2026.10.22
A first touch of winter at Nakayama Pass
22 October 2026: snow at Nakayama Pass. See the local report and travel notes.
Read the seasonal noteYour local guide
to Rusutsu.
Discover where to stay, what to eat, and what to experience — selected with a local point of view.
StayPlaces worth settling into
EatSmall places, honest food
ExploreMountains, lakes and local towns
Beyond the resort
Why Rusutsu?
Rusutsu is more than a ski resort. Surrounded by mountains, lakes and small local towns, it’s a place to slow down, explore, and experience Hokkaido beyond the usual tourist route.
Four seasons,
Chosen locally
From a local
point of view.
We share places we know, experiences we enjoy, and local spots we genuinely recommend.
Local places, real experiences.
From small restaurants to local producers, we introduce the places and people that make this area special.
A better base for longer stays
Stay close.
Live in Kimobetsu.
Kimobetsu is close enough to reach Rusutsu easily by car, yet it feels more like a place to live than a resort zone. For a longer stay, that difference matters.
Homes tend to offer more space, proper kitchens, laundry and quieter evenings. You can spend the day on the mountain, then return to somewhere that feels settled rather than temporary.
The trade-off: a car or confirmed shuttle is important, especially in winter. For guests who plan around transport, Kimobetsu can be more comfortable than staying in Rusutsu village itself.
Explore Rusutsu.
Places to stay, local food, hot springs and experiences worth discovering.
90 min
Approximate drive from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport in normal conditions.
4 seasons
Powder snow, green-season roads, farm produce and autumn colour.
Local first
Independent stays, village shops and small places alongside the resort.
Start here
Plan a better
Rusutsu stay.
The mountain is the headline, but the villages, shops and roads around it are what make a trip memorable.
Choose your base
Stay ski-in/ski-out for pure convenience, or choose a lodge or whole home for more space and a quieter local rhythm.
Read the stay guideBook dinner early
Winter evenings get busy and village restaurants are small. Check opening days and reserve before you arrive.
Read the food guideKeep one free day
Use it for Lake Toya, local producers, a green-season drive or simply a slower day beyond the resort.
Read the area guide