2023 Hokkaido Trip Day 05: Hoshino Resorts and back to Sapporo

July 10, 2024

This is by far the earliest that I've woken up for a trip (or slept) at 3.30AM, because we need to leave the hotel by 430. We rushed to the bus (as it was already outside waiting for passenger), and reach by 0445.

the shuttle bus of Hoshino Resorts

the entrance to the gondola (Alight at the first stop)

we need to queue to get a number and wait for our turn before we can go to queue for the gondola. I was surprised that there were already a lot of people.

from the time your number is called to go and take the gondola, it will take some 30 - 45 minutes more

and it comes with different designs .. We were only able to ride the gondola at 0525AM.

Once you board, this is the scenery you see while you are in the ropeway

we did see the report that there is 30% chance of an unkai. Unfortunately that day didn't have unkai (and it was cloudy) . Here are some of the views we got on the terrace cafe .. since the unkai didn't form, you will only see fog.

How the terrace cafe looks from the other side

But going there is not for naught as there are still a few more things you can do.

in case you dare climb up the steps of the cloud bar.

but this is the view you get on top. ( I don't have a problem with the height, though when you get to seat up high, you feel a slight tremor because of people climbing down from the bar stool)

then you can walk to the cloud bed

the cloud walk (be prepared to queue )

what you can see while in the skywalk

and another perspective

you can also climb to go to the summit (but it closes at 0730AM)

and the cloud pool (max of 10 people in the pool. You need to have a good grip on the feet to firmly stand and position yourself)

Around 8AM, and after roaming for about 3hrs on top, it was time to get breakfast. We decided to go out to nininupuri forest to have breakfast (free when you book the rooms, and I think the only one that serves buffet breakfast). The concierge during check in told us to get our breakfast on that site for the views (He was not wrong.. )

And they serve you french toast ...

The breakfast was totally worth it (and am not saying because it was free , and comes with the package we bought) and it was enough for us to get by until lunch.

As you check out, the concierge will really tried their best to explain things in english. They will ask you if you need assistance for when you want to go back to Sapporo (You can pay onsite for the fare onsite with them to go back OR you can tell them that you have your Hokkaido Pass. Note: Tomamu Station is an unmanned station. Tickets are only checked once you board the train). After check out, there were still some time before the earliest shuttle out. So we went around the compounds and explore.

Most of the animals are free to roam and graze. we saw goats, cows and horses. If you want to do any activity, you need to register (and pay) for the activities. The passenger services are at the office at the nearby parking lot.

Most of the activities have a fee. Only lounging around is free. What i would have done differently is to buy some snacks and drinks, and hang around the area. I will probably pack some snacks to go.

The swimming pool area is free (but you need to bring your swim wear out). So it's really like being pampered (they will actually put your luggage in the compartment of the bus as well, though i could have also just put it myself) , and then it was time to leave the resort.

Although coming back to Sapporo is another thing... So this is why you need to carry light when going to Tomamu (this is also an unmanned train station so you need to go and get your tickets at the front desk - OR - just prepare your Hokkaido Rail Pass)

You need to climb the stairs and also go down (with your luggage, so carry light). There are no lifts around the area (So just pack an overnight bag when you want to go to the resort)

The unmanned stations of Tomamu (so pray there are no delay, and not snowing .. because .. )

After that , it's another 5 hour ride to go to Sapporo. We did not have any itinerary for the day (just in case there are any delays), and just decided to just go to Mt Moiwa ( you can go there by the shiden) but before that we need to find something that was quick for dinner.

Dinner was at Lotteria , the fries were tad salty. Since we were running for time, we had to eat somewhere fast (but it wasn't the best decision either)

1. Chicken cutlet and shrimp cutlet sandwich

2. Vanilla shake (w/melon soda)

Off to Mt Moiwa. Pro Tip: to get good pictures, you need a lot of patience and wait for that window where people will not crowd on the landmarks.

While joining the queue, you can take a photo of these 2 cute mascots (this should be another pitstop)

The views you get at Mt Moiwa (not a bad idea to go here, take the ropeway to go to the top) . You can buy some food and drink souvenirs (as the price is also the same outside the souvenir shop)

Sapporo Tokyu Rei Hotel

Directions: on the left /northside of Exit 4, Susukino Station.

Pro

You can leave white card out for cleaners, to get the trash & replace the towels.
hotel where most of the tours pick up point is.
Near the tram station and subway station.
A lot of shopping areas and food places.

Con:

The hotel is not clean, the corner table has an assortment of trash that was not collected.
Close to red light district (where the Jack of clubs is) but you can always just avoid it.

What the hotel looks like