The Coolest Winter Wonderland Stay in Asia
Often those who live in warm climates dream of experiencing a white Christmas. However, you can’t always guarantee snow unless you stay at a northern hemisphere ski resort. But what if, like me, you don’t ski anymore? Do you just sit inside looking at everyone having fun amongst the white fluffy stuff?
Well, over the last ten years, I’ve discovered some rather cool and exhilarating white-laden adventures that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and haven’t had to risk life or limb over.
I’m talking about staying in an ice hotel, relaxing in an ice lounge and drinking in an ice bar – where everything, including the glass you drink from, is made of ice.
No need for ice in your drinks at the ice bar!
Now before I hear you scream, that’s just too cold — you don’t know what you’re missing until you’ve experienced it. There’s literally nothing cooler on this planet.
It’s 31 years since the first ice hotel was sculpted in Sweden, with many popping up around the arctic region since. But to date, there’s only one in the whole of Asia.
Located amongst Japan’s best ski resorts on Hokkaido, each year, an ice village emerges at Hoshino Resort Tomamu. Yes, an entire ice village complete with shops, bakery, bar, a craft shop, spa, hotel and even a chapel (for that fairytale wedding, perhaps?) And if you want to risk breaking something, there’s an ice-skating rink (naturally formed, unlike the rest of the village, which is handcrafted annually). For me, the ice slide is a much safer way to have some active fun.
Evening entertainment at the Tomamu Ice Village resort.
After flying into Shin-Chitose Airport and a comfortable 90-minute JR express train ride from Sapporo to Tomamu, free shuttle buses take you to the resort.
On the southern slope of Mount Tomamu, temperatures can get to as low as minus 30°C during winter. That’s why locals created the Tomamu Ice Village. Since 1998, this three-hectare village with at least 11 ice domes keeps visitors and locals entertained annually between December and the end of February.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to stay overnight in the ice hotel. In fact, most people get the chills at the thought of staying there. But truthfully, it’s not as cold laying on that slab of ice as you think. The ice bed is covered with natural animal fur, and you’re given a unique thermal sleeping bag, along with a few blankets if you need them, to ensure you stay toasty warm all night. The ice is also so thick you don’t hear a peep (unless your neighbour snores).
A view of the inside of my guestroom at the ice hotel.
I’ll confess to having a few additional layers of clothing on, plus socks and a beanie that I wouldn’t normally wear to bed. Still, I was undoubtedly warmer in my ice hotel than when I stayed in a park ranger’s hut in Bolivia in the middle of summer.
And if you do get cold feet during the night, your ice hotel stay comes with a room in the conventional hotel next door anyway. It’s also where your toilet, shower and luggage are during your overnight getaway.
One of the best additions to the Tomamu Ice Village is the Arctic Bath. It’s breathtaking. Soaking in the outdoor ice bath as the warm Yunosawa Onsen spring waters work their magic on your soul while surrounded by the birch forest behind and panoramic views ahead — it’s like living in a dream world.
The Arctic Bath at the Ice Village is in a dreamlike setting.
A bonus if you are outside at 7.30pm each night is the small fireworks display to brighten the already starry sky.
After totally chilling out, it’s time to test the ice bar. And oh, how I love ice bars! Just remember to keep your thermal gloves on as the glasses you drink from are made of ice. So, no need for additional ice in your drink either. And if you’re keen to know how these glasses are sculpted, join a craft class at the village Ice Atelier.
There are also indoor and outdoor lounge areas with music to enjoy your drinks and tasty hot and cold snacks. Choose from a variety of shops, all under different domes. Appreciate an array of deliciously fresh fruits, mouth-watering desserts and bakery delights. Inside the bakery, you’ll also find a central fireplace and cheese fondue.
And after all this crisp, white fluffy fun, if you want to take a memento of Tomamu Ice Village home, they even have a snow and ice motif souvenir shop.
After your memorable stay at Tomamu, if you’d like to see more of Japan’s winter landscapes, buy a Japan Rail Pass and tour to your heart’s content from the comfort of Japan’s warm and efficient trains. You can buy passes for 7, 14 or 21 days.
All images: © Nannette Holliday
