While winter can be bone-shivering cold, it’s also one of the most beautiful times of year in Japan. And Hokkaido is the place to go for a real winter wonderland experience, with places like Hoshino Resort Tomamu opening dreamy ice hotels that you can actually spend a night in.
Hoshino Resort Tomamu's stunning ice hotel will be open from January 20 to February 20 2026 at Shimukappu Village, where the hotel is part of the area’s winter Ice Village. During the beginning of the year, temperatures in Shimukappu can drop to a freezing -30 degrees Celsius, an ideal climate for a hotel made entirely of ice. The Ice Village consists of 11 special ice domes, but only one is open for overnight stays.
The room, with space for two people, is constructed inside a dome-shaped ice hut where the ceiling, walls and furniture are all made of ice. To help keep you warm throughout the night, sleeping bags and fuzzy blankets will be provided to keep you nice and cosy until morning comes around. The room also comes with amenities like speakers, candles and books to keep you occupied.
If that wasn't enough, you can also relax in the open-air bath surrounded by ice.
A new highlight of the Ice Village this year is the Ice Museum, which explores the history of the village’s Ice Church as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Around the village, you’ll also find a series of domes – including an Ice Restaurant serving unique dishes like ice ramen and piping-hot cheese fondue, plus an Ice Sweets Shop where you can make your own chocolate.
Hoshino Resort Tomamu's Ice Hotel will open from January 20 to February 20 2026 and costs ¥28,000 per person per night. The surrounding Ice Village is open from December 10 to March 14 2026. More information here.
Prefer to stay wam? Check out these top onsen destinations in Japan.
This article was published on January 19 2022 and updated on November 27 2025.
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