Green Hokkaido landscape
Updated for winter 2026–27

The local area guide

Explore.

POWDER, GREEN ROADS, VOLCANIC LANDSCAPES AND SMALL TOWNS.

K-Winter Pass: member bus benefit

The official member notice received by the operator covers 2026–27 pass holders whose home resort is Rusutsu. For 28 November 2026–31 March 2027, the member alone rides the Sapporo–Rusutsu bus free with advance booking through the dedicated site, a correct membership number, and a membership card plus ID at boarding. The operator now advertises 2026–27 Sapporo service as accepting reservations. Check the dedicated site for member-free bookings. Service is scheduled to start on 28 November. If collecting your pass at Rusutsu and you do not yet know your number, contact web-ticket@rusutsu.co.jp. Other home resorts are not confirmed by this notice.

Dedicated member booking site · Rusutsu Express

Checked 7 November 2026 · BIGRUNS

2026.11.10 · KIMOBETSU

A snowy morning in Kimobetsu.

Kimobetsu on the morning of 10 November: snow along the streets and on rooftops, with blue sky breaking through the clouds. Even living in snow country, winter feels early this year. We are looking forward to the start of the ski season.

Snow-covered streets and a cloud-topped mountain in Kimobetsu
Snow-covered streets and a cloud-topped mountain in Kimobetsu
Snow beside a Kimobetsu road under a blue sky
Snow beside a Kimobetsu road under a blue sky

Photographed in Kimobetsu on the morning of 10 November 2026 (JST). Photos and local observations: site operator.

These photos show conditions when taken. An early-feeling winter is a local impression, not a comparison with historical averages. The photos do not confirm ski-area opening or current road conditions.

2026.11.04 · 08:00 JST · KIMOBETSU

Snow on the mountain, frost underfoot.

Kimobetsu, around 8 am on 4 November 2026. Snow remains on the mountain while morning light catches the frost on the grass. Autumn colours linger beside the river: two photographs and a short local video from the changing season.

A Kimobetsu morning with snow on the mountain and autumn trees
A Kimobetsu morning with snow on the mountain and autumn trees
Frosted grass and a green field in the morning light
Frosted grass and a green field in the morning light
A morning beside the river in Kimobetsu (7 seconds, no audio)

Captured around 8 am JST on 4 November 2026 in Kimobetsu. Photos and video supplied by the site operator.

A record of the scene at capture time, not a snow-depth measurement or a report of ski-area operations.

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.

In front of 66 Family Lodge
Office grounds

Filmed 28 October 2026 in Kimobetsu. Footage supplied by the site operator; date and locations confirmed by the owner.

A dated local scene, not a live road report or confirmation of ski-area opening. Check current road and weather information before travelling.

The morning after the snow, under blue skies.

Photographed on the morning of 29 October 2026 from the operator’s office grounds opposite 66 Family Lodge, Kimobetsu. Snow on the ground and trees catches the morning light. Photos supplied by the site operator; date and location confirmed by the owner.

The morning after the snow, under blue skies. 1
The morning after the snow, under blue skies. 2

Before an autumn outing.

A first touch of winter at Nakayama Pass

Local broadcaster UHB reported snow covering Nakayama Pass on 22 October 2026. A seasonal change on the route between Sapporo and Kimobetsu, captured in its on-location report.

This is a report of 22 October, not a live road-condition update or confirmation that ski areas have opened. Check current road and weather information before travelling.

Watch UHB’s on-location report (Japanese)

Sources checked 23 October 2026

2026 golf: the published Rusutsu course season has ended

The published last dates were 12 October for River and Wood, 18 October for Tower and 25 October for Izumikawa. Do not include these courses in a remaining-autumn itinerary on the basis of the expired 2026 schedule. The 19–25 October self-service period and its rates are historical information, not a current offer. Check the official site for the next season’s announcement.

Official course calendar and conditions

Sources checked 26 October 2026

Between seasons: check each facility separately

Under the published 2026 schedule, the amusement park ran through 18 October and Hotel & Convention summer stays through 24 October, with the summer closing date listed as 25 October. These summer dates have passed. The hotel’s published winter stay period starts on 28 November; the ski area also lists a planned 28 November opening for winter 2026–27, subject to conditions. Neither date confirms that skiing has begun. Check the particular hotel, restaurant or activity you intend to use.

Official notice · Hotel & Convention

Sources checked 26 October 2026

Kimobetsu: check bear reports before walking or cycling

New report: on the afternoon of 15 October 2026, a bear was seen in Hanaoka (花丘地区), near a point 600 m from the junction of National Route 276 and the Hanaoka–Chiraibetsu municipal road (町道花丘知来別線). The notice does not specify a direction from the junction.

Kimobetsu’s latest list records adult bears with cubs on 9 October 2026 at around 11:20 and on 10 October at 08:00 on the mountain side of the former Sakae Water Treatment Plant (栄地区旧浄水場). A further sighting was reported on 13 October at around 16:40 near Futaba Water Treatment Plant on the Futaba–Otaki No. 1 municipal road (町道双葉大滝1号線). Check the latest location reports before walking or cycling, and secure food and waste. These are sighting records, not confirmation that other routes are safe.

Official details

Source checked 17 October 2026

13–30 October 2026 · Plan your toilet stops

The Sannohara Akadamo public toilet in Rusutsu is scheduled to close for renovation on 13–30 October. The village recommends the public toilets at Akai Kutsu Park or Akai Kutsu Furusato Park during the closure. Check the notice before a drive or cycle ride; construction progress may change the dates.

Village closure notice

Sources checked 5 October 2026

13 October 2026 · Route 58 winter closure

The official winter 2026–27 closure period for Route 58 runs from 10:00 on 13 October 2026 between the Hanazono National Forest gate in Kutchan and the Goshiki Onsen gate at the Niseko–Rankoshi boundary. Reopening is scheduled for 10:00 on 21 May 2027 and may change with weather. Do not plan to travel through this section; check current official road restrictions before departure.

Official closure notice

Source checked 14 October 2026

Official winter closure notice

Routes 66 and 268: different winter closure start times

The official update dated 22 October changes Route 66 (Panorama Line) to a closure start of 15:00 JST on 22 October 2026, earlier than the previously announced 23 October start. The affected section is the Oikomi 744-1 gate in Kyowa to the Yusato gate in Rankoshi (18.3 km); reopening is planned for 10:00 on 26 April 2027. Route 268 is listed separately from 10:00 on 23 October 2026, between its Route 66 junction gate in Oikomi and the temporary Tomioka 1005-1 gate in Rankoshi (10.7 km), with reopening planned for 10:00 on 24 May 2027. Avoid these crossings when planning autumn drives or cycle rides; recheck current restrictions before departure, as weather may change them.

Official Niseko notice
Kutchan notice: revised Route 66 start

Sources checked 24 October 2026. Municipality pages may display temporary maintenance notices; check with the road authority if unavailable.

Annupuri summer gondola: service has ended

Annupuri confirms that its 2026 summer sightseeing gondola service ended on 12 October. Do not include it in a subsequent autumn itinerary. The ski area is scheduled to open for winter 2026–27 on 28 November, subject to snow and weather; that is not an announcement that winter operations have begun.

Official announcement

Source checked 13 October 2026

SUMMER TO AUTUMN · CYCLING

Ride the Yotei foothills.
Stay in Kimobetsu.

For riders from Taiwan and English-speaking countries, summer through autumn is a chance to experience Hokkaido at road level: open farmland, Mt. Yotei, small towns and stops for local food. Kimobetsu is a practical base for different day rides towards Rusutsu, Makkari, Kyogoku and Kutchan. Return to the same accommodation each evening, then choose tomorrow’s ride around the weather and your energy.

Choose a route for the day

The official Yotei–Niseko network includes a Kimobetsu course, a Shiribetsu River course and a longer circuit around Mt. Yotei. Check the route map, climbing and the extra distance from your accommodation before setting out.

Official Yotei–Niseko cycle routes

Plan for public roads

These routes include roads shared with traffic. Check road works, wind, daylight and conditions on the day. Bring a helmet, lights, water and basic repair supplies. In autumn, avoid riding if snow or ice is possible.

Route information checked 29 September 2026. Ask your accommodation about bicycle storage, rental, repairs and transfers before booking.

The mountain —
and what lies beyond.

Rusutsu is known for snow, but its position between Mt. Yotei and Lake Toya makes it an unusually good base for seeing southwest Hokkaido. Build your trip around the season, then leave enough space for weather and spontaneous stops.

Winter essential

Rusutsu Ski Area

Thirty-seven courses spread across West Mountain, East Mountain and Mt. Isola, with dry powder and views toward Mt. Yotei and Lake Toya. Terrain ranges from beginner runs to famous tree skiing.

SkiSnowboardThree mountains
Hokkaido official guide

Green season

Yotei Panorama Terrace

Ride the West Mountain gondola in summer for wide views of Mt. Yotei and Lake Toya. It pairs naturally with the amusement park, gardens or a relaxed resort day.

GondolaViewsSummer
Hokkaido official guide

Local everyday life

Roadside Station & Furusato Park

Pick up local vegetables and regional products at Michi-no-Eki 230 Rusutsu, then use the neighbouring park for a break. In green season the area has open lawns, play space and camping facilities.

ProduceParkFamilies
Village tourism information

Easy day trip

Lake Toya

An ice-free volcanic caldera lake with onsen, viewpoints and the Mt. Usu landscape. It is roughly 30–40 minutes from Rusutsu by car in normal conditions, making it one of the easiest day trips.

LakeOnsenVolcanic landscape
Official Lake Toya guide

See the source

Rusutsu Farm Sheep Ranch

A farm setting beneath Mt. Yotei connected to the resort’s food story. Sheep and original lamb products offer a different view of the land behind Hokkaido dining.

FarmMt. Yotei viewsLocal food
Official website

The road itself

A slow local drive

Follow Route 230 between Rusutsu, Kimobetsu and Lake Toya, stopping for farm shops, small cafés and changing mountain views. In winter, treat this as transport rather than sightseeing and drive for the conditions.

Road tripKimobetsuRoute 230
Official access guide

Activity dates, lifts, buses and road conditions change with weather and season. Check official information on the day.

THE GAME AND THE REAL LANDSCAPE

Ghost of Yōtei starts here.

PlayStation's Ghost of Yōtei is set in a fictionalized 1603 landscape around Mt. Yōtei. The developers travelled in Hokkaido and chose the mountain as a symbol of home in the story. Rusutsu, Kimobetsu and the surrounding towns are a natural base for seeing the real mountain that inspired it.

A journey for players, too.

See Yōtei from different sides as you travel between Rusutsu, Kimobetsu, Makkari and Niseko. On a clear day, pause for the mountain views, then explore local food and onsen. The game world is fictional: there is no claim that a particular building, path or battle scene can be found at a real address.

Read the creators' account on PlayStation Blog

Past announcement｜Ghost of Yōtei airport sales, 16–17 October 2026

The announced sales period has passed. Kutchan Tourism Association listed officially licensed GRAPHT Ghost of Yōtei goods for 16–17 October, 10:00–18:00 JST, at New Chitose Airport Domestic Terminal 2F Center Plaza. The wider Shiribeshi fair runs through 18 October, but that announcement does not include goods sales on 18 October. This is an archive of the announced schedule, not confirmation of actual sales or stock.

Tourism association announcement · Airport fair details

Source rechecked 18 October 2026

Getting here · winter 2026–27

Airport bus or a private van?

For a group arriving at New Chitose Airport, it is worth comparing the total cost and the actual drop-off point before booking.

BIGRUNS airport bus

The Rusutsu Resort bus lists ¥5,000 per person one way for qualifying advance online bookings, or ¥5,500 for other reservations. It runs to the resort, requires advance booking, and has a seasonal timetable. Check the terms and departure time for your flight.

Official bus fares and timetable

World Kotsu private vehicle

Kimobetsu-based World Kotsu operates HiAce vehicles. Ask the company for a current written quote, passenger and ski-bag capacity, destination, and any extra charges.

World Kotsu listing

At five travellers, the bus total is ¥25,000–¥27,500; at six, ¥30,000–¥33,000. Compare a written vehicle quote with that group total and the extra travel from the resort bus stop to your accommodation. Vehicle and luggage capacity may limit an eight-person group.

Need help asking World Kotsu in Japanese? English or Chinese communication may be difficult. Email RUSUTSU LOCAL with your flight, date, destination, party size and luggage; we can help with the inquiry. A transfer is arranged only after the operator confirms it.

Winter transport: what is confirmed?

The operator’s official website now lists winter 2026–27 BIGRUNS airport-bus bookings as open. Prices are ¥5,000 one way per seat online, or ¥5,500 for other bookings; online booking closes seven days before travel at 24:00 JST. Confirm your date, available seats and the last connection to your accommodation. This is not confirmation of a completed booking or actual operation.

Checked 2 November 2026 · BIGRUNS

Official details

Winter 2026–27 general fare: ¥3,000 per seat one way, prepaid online by 15:00 the previous day. See the member exception below.

Official announcement · Paid-service announcement

Source checked 16 October 2026

Sapporo boarding: allow for building works

For winter 2026–27, Rusutsu announces renovation work at Kamori Building 3 from late October 2026. The information desk and boarding area may be harder to find; passengers will be told the boarding location on the morning of travel. Toilets inside the building will not be available. Recheck your operator’s latest instructions instead of relying on an old meeting-point photo.

Official Sapporo bus guidance

Source checked 20 October 2026

90 min

Approximate drive from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport in normal conditions.

30 min

Approximate drive from Niseko or Lake Toya according to the village access guide.

2 hours

Typical public-bus time from central Sapporo; seasonal resort shuttles also operate.

Goshiki visitor facilities closed for winter

Niseko Town announced winter closure of Niseko Campsite and Goshiki Onsen Information Center from 28 October 2026. Toilets and water points are unavailable during closure. Reopening is planned around early June 2027, after snowmelt.

Official notice

Checked 30 October 2026

Shiribetsu trail: winter closure

Rusutsu Village announces winter closure of the Shiribetsu hiking trail from 30 October 2026. Reopening is targeted for late May–early June 2027, after snowmelt and safety checks; a further announcement will follow.

Official notice

Checked 31 October 2026

Rusutsu park golf | winter closures

Rusutsu Village announced winter closures of Fureai Park and Akadamo park-golf courses on 2 November 2026. Both published 2026 calendars ended on 31 October. Do not plan a November round using the summer opening hours; wait for the village’s announcement of the 2027 reopening.

Fureai Park official information · Akadamo official information

Checked: 3 November 2026

Niseko rental bicycles: 2026 season ended

Niseko Resort Tourist Association ended this season’s bicycle rentals after 3 November 2026. Its 4 November notice anticipates restarting in late April 2027 around the beginning of Golden Week; this is not a confirmed reopening date. For a summer or autumn cycling trip based in Kimobetsu, confirm next season’s rental dates before planning pickup in Niseko.

Official seasonal notice

Checked 6 November 2026

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.

Breakfast, bakeries and local tables

Food stops in Rusutsu, Kimobetsu, Makkari, Niseko and Kutchan.