In my previous article, Head in the Clouds: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, I introduced the beautiful Hoshino Resorts Tomamu in Hokkaido, where I had the chance to spend a lovely summer vacation this year. In this article, I wish to show you all the wonderful summer activities I tried during my stay. Depending on the season, there are different activities to try; some are specific to summer and some to winter.
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Hoshino Resorts Tomamu 星野リゾート トマム
Naka-Tomamu Shimukappu Yufutsu Hokkaido JAPAN
TEL: 0167-58-1111
MAPCODE: 608 511 304*40
所在地 北海道勇払郡占冠村中トマム
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Spend an inspiring morning at the Unkai Terrace
A facility unique in Japan and the world, situated at 1,088 m, Unkai Terrace is the perfect place to witness a beautiful natural phenomenon: Unkai – a sea of clouds in Japanese. This phenomenon only occurs when all meteorological conditions are met when clouds form at a low elevation with little to no wind and high humidity. I had the chance to see this phenomenon in Hokkaido in October 2022, and since then, I have fallen in love and hoped to witness it again someday. I learned there are better chances for Unkai to form in the morning after a colder day. You can check the Unkai occurrence ratio and the Unkai status for the past seven days here.
There are many fun attractions at the Unkai Terrace beside the main deck; there is a Cloud Pool, Cloud Bed, Cloud Walk, and even a post box so that you can send postcards from here. KUMO Cafe is the perfect place for your morning coffee after waking up super early, before sunrise, to chase Unkai. The terrace is open from May to October; you can take the Unkai Gondola to visit it. Non-staying guests can also visit the Unkai Terrace.
Try something new: a Hot Air Balloon Ride
“Make a habit of trying new things” is one of my mottos.
After waking up early to go to the Unkai Terrace, our next activity for the day was a Hot Air Balloon Ride at 6 AM. I will not lie and admit I was pretty nervous as it was my first time trying this experience, but I am so glad I dared to do it because the feeling of floating was unique. This activity cannot be reserved in advance and is a first come, first served style.
Soak in nature and move your body at the Farm Area
Before becoming a resort, Tomamu was an area where 700 head of cattle were raised and farmed. Nowadays, the resort still operates a farm area of approximately 100 hectares, where you can interact with various animals and try different fun activities. One of my favorite parts about Hoshino Resorts is how they integrate and showcase the local culture in the best possible way. This is also a case at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, where the farm area is well maintained. Spending my summer days here reminded me of my childhood in my grandparents’s village, so although I was far away in Japan, this place felt like home to me.
Horse Riding at GAO Outdoor Center
I always wanted to try this experience, and I am so happy I finally had the chance to do it on this trip. You can enjoy horseback riding in a safe environment in a vast field, leisurely enjoying the view. There is an option for kids for Pony Riding Experience (ages 3-5).
My horse was a female named Moka-chan; I fell in love with her color, similar to mocha coffee *hence her name. She is not as popular as Hikaru-kun (a gorgeous white male horse), but she was a great partner for someone riding for the first time like me.
Nap on a hammock with sheep around
After horse riding, it is time to relax, so how about a nap? Are you the type who counts sheep to fall asleep? Here is the perfect place to do this, as you can count sheep in real life before falling asleep.
Big Hay Bed
Another place where you can relax and watch the cows is the Big Hay Bed, right at the entrance to the farm area when coming from the hotel’s side.
Farm Lounge
A unique lounge with sofas and tables made of hay, also a perfect spot for relaxation and getting your daily dose of Vitamin D from the sun.
Have a Cart Drive around the Farm Area
Explore the vast area with a ride on a cute Moo-Moo Cart. You can always stop to admire the view, interact with the animals, and take some photos. Another idea is to bring food from Farm Designs Tomamu in a basket and enjoy a lovely picnic.
Up to 5 people can go on a cart; a driver’s license is required.
Tomamu Pond Canoe Experience
Perfect for beginners, you can experience canoeing at Tomamu Pond, surrounded by white birch trees and lush vegetation. This activity is very relaxing, but you will also exercise a bit. It was my second time canoeing, but my first time on a Canadian canoe. Our instructor was friendly and taught us everything we needed to know before venturing into the pond. For this activity, a reservation is required.
Enjoy the waves at Japan’s largest wave pool: Mina-Mina Beach
Although we are in the mountains here, how about a beach experience at the indoor beach, Mina-Mina Beach, where you can find the largest wave pool in Japan? They also have cute floaties, and I had so much fun riding on the waves. You can even try surfing!
Kirin-no Yu
At the exact location of Mina-Mina Beach, Kirin-no Yu is an open-air bath facing the lush forest of Tomamu. At night, you can enjoy the incredible starry sky.
Summer extravagance with Melon and Champagne
This has to be one of my favorite summer festivals of the year, the Melon Champagne Festival at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, held between June 1 – and August 31, 2023. The festival’s setting was also elegant, with a bonfire in the middle, beautiful fairy lights, decorative champagne bottles, and melon food samples.
Here, you can try several types of melons from Hokkaido, both red and green, and try to find your favorite. This is the best melon I have ever tried: juicy and sweet. It is hard to go back to regular melon now…
They also pair the melon with locally produced cheese and prosciutto that will compliment the sweetness of the melon!
Fireworks: a Japanese summer tradition
And finally, one summer activity specific to Japan is watching fireworks. Every night from 20:30, we could enjoy fireworks at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu.
Those are just a few summer activities you can try at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu; click here to see a list of summer activities they offer (they might differ from year to year).
Would you like to experience summer in Hokkaido at the beautiful Hoshino Resorts Tomamu? Bookmark this article now so you do not lose it!
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Happy travels!
