We’ll be sharing a trip itinerary to enjoy winter sightseeing in addition to skiing/snowboarding in Central Hokkaido with a rental car and accommodations based in Asahikawa. Experience the majestic nature of Taisetsuzan, the dry powder of Kamui and Furano, and the refined resorts of Tomamu and Sahoro, all while freely exploring the unique attraction of Central Hokkaido with a car. 

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Highlights of Central Hokkaido

Asahikawa is the main gateway to Hokkaido along with Shin-Chitose Airport. The convenience of having direct access between the mountains and the city is truly amazing. Road-tripping in Central Hokkaido from Asahikawa offers a whole new level of freedom compared to a Sapporo-based stay.

The mountain region stretching over 200km from north to south across Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, Furanodake, Tokachidake, Kurodake, Kamuidake, all the way to Taisetsuzan Asahidake is known as the “Hokkaido Powder Belt.” The area offers a wide range of riding, ranging from wild, untouched backcountry to well-maintained snow resorts. 

Central Hokkaido, home to this Powder belt, has been attracting growing interest from international powder hunters in recent years. Many adopt a flexible approach to skiing and snowboarding, adjusting their destinations based on weather and snow conditions to make the most of the region’s diverse backcountry and resorts. 

To fully enjoy a snowfield road trip, the most important thing is to stay updated on weather forecasts. Factors like daily weather, temperature, snowfall patterns and volume, snow quality, wind direction, and snow accumulation vary from mountain to mountain. Make sure to check weather reports frequently to plan your routes accordingly.

Day１：
Arrival at Asahikawa, sightseeing at Asahikawa Zoo, and Asahikawa gourmet

Morning
Arrive at Asahikawa Airport and pick up rental car

We recommend reserving your ride online for one of the many rental car companies with counters at Asahikawa Airport. Most companies have English-speaking staff, but it’s always less stressful to check ahead if they have English services. 

Be careful driving on snowy roads. See here for useful information.

“Must-have Handbook for Driving in Hokkaido” (created by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism: Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau)

JA　https://www.hkd.mlit.go.jp/ky/ki/renkei/ud49g70000003ian.html

EN　 https://www.hkd.mlit.go.jp/ky/ki/renkei/ud49g70000003e9z.html

Lunchtime
Gourmet lunch in Asahikawa City

Asahikawa Ramen

If you’re visiting Asahikawa, Asahikawa Ramen is a must-try. The medium-thin, wavy noodles absorb the signature double-stock soups such as the tonkotsu (pork bone broth) × seafood, making every bite delicious! Asahikawa is also known for its production of soybeans, used in the famous soy sauce ramen. It’s traditionally enjoyed with simple yet classic toppings like green onions, bamboo shoots, and char siu pork.

Afternoon
Enjoy behavioral exhibits of winter animals at Asahiyama Zoo

Asahiyama Zoo

If you’re staying in Asahikawa, a visit to Japan’s northernmost zoo is a must! The zoo is famous for its behavioral exhibits, designed to showcase the animals’ natural habits and allowing visitors to see their lively movements. Don’t miss the polar bears, seals gliding effortlessly through the water tanks, and the adorable penguin walk!

http://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/

Night
Enjoy craft beers at Taisestu Ji Beer Hall

Asahikawa’s popular local craft beer, Taisetsu Ji-Beer, is a must-try! The Taisetsu Ji-Beer Hall, a brick building that retains the atmosphere of Hokkaido’s pioneer era, offers a selection of five different Taisetsu Ji-Beer varieties. You can enjoy it with Jingisukan (grilled lamb) or opt for an all-you-can-drink plan for the ultimate experience.

● Open year-round, 17:00–22:00 (Dinner time)
https://ji-beer.com/

<Accommodations: a hotel in Asahikawa City>

Day ２：
Kamui Ski Links and sightseeing in Asahikawa

Morning and afternoon
Ride at Kamui Ski Links

Technical slopes perfect for advanced riders to put their skills to the test
Kamui Ski Links

Kamui, boasting the largest ski area in the northern Hokkaido region, features 26 courses and is known for its exceptional dry powder snow, thanks to its inland location with lower moisture content compared to other areas. Most advanced courses are ungroomed, offering long runs of 800–1200m with steep inclines exceeding 30°.

The terrain is dynamic, featuring mushrooms, bumps, and walls that skilled riders can carve into, making it a delightful resort for those who love natural features. The upper slopes also offer tree-run courses, allowing riders to weave through beautiful forest terrain.

https://www.kamui-skilinks.com/

Night
Asahikawa gourmet dinner

Shinko-yaki

A beloved local dish in Asahikawa, “Shinko-yaki” is a true soul food of the region. This dish features half a young chicken, grilled whole and coated in a sweet and savory sauce. By roasting it as a whole half, the juices are locked inside, creating a crispy exterior and an incredibly juicy interior. It’s a simple yet irresistibly delicious dish.

Chappu

“Chappu,” sliced pork shoulder loin grilled with a yakitori-style sweet and savory sauce, is a local specialty of Asahikawa that spread with its thriving pig farming industry. The name “Chappu” is said to have originated from a Hokkaido dialect variation of “pork chop”, evolving into its current form over time.

<Accommodations: a hotel in Asahikawa City>

Day３：
Taisetsuzan and Sounkyo Onsen

Morning and afternoon
Enjoy stunning snow-covered winter views from the Taisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway

Travel from Asahikawa to Taisetsuzan (approximately 1 hour) and head to the Taisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway. As you ascend, take in the majestic white landscapes at an altitude of 2,291m, immersing yourself in Hokkaido’s wilderness. Taisetsuzan is filled with nature’s wonders, offering a high chance to witness breathtaking natural phenomena such as diamond dust, sun pillars, and wind-formed snow patterns during the winter.

https://asahidake.hokkaido.jp/ja/

Evening to night
A relaxing stay at Sounkyo Onsen, stargazing, and the snow festival

Sounkyo Onsen “Hotel Taisestu”

Located at the foot of the Taisetsuzan mountain range, Sounkyo Onsen is about 1.5 hours by car from Asahikawa City. The onsen town has over 60 natural hot springs, each with its unique scent and color.

Among the many accommodations, Hotel Taisetsu stands out as the highest-elevated inn in Sounkyo Onsen, with spectacular panoramic views. Soak in an outdoor hot spring while gazing at a star-filled winter sky for an unforgettable snow-viewing onsen experience. 

Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival　

If you’re traveling during peak season, don’t miss the Sounkyo Onsen Hyoubaku Festival. Held in Taisetsuzan Sounkyo, this event showcases a magical world of ice and light. The vast festival grounds feature 30 stunning ice sculptures, including a massive main ice structure, all beautifully illuminated for a dramatic effect. Visitors can explore the Hyoubaku Shrine, glide down an ice slide, and even try ice climbing. Throughout the festival, various stage performances and fireworks light up the frigid night, making for an unforgettable winter experience.

<Accommodations: an onsen inn in Sounkyo Onsen>

Day４：
Tokachi Sahoro Resort and resort life

Morning and afternoon
Riding and activities in Tokachi Sahro Ski Resort

A sunshine rate of over 50%! A stunning view of the contrasted snow and sky
Sahoro Resort

Leave Sounkyo early and head to Sahoro Resort. A hidden gem with diverse courses that preserve the natural terrain offering thrills for advanced skiers, the resort is relatively uncrowded. Though the area receives less snowfall, many of its slopes are north-facing with dry powder. With 50% of the terrain left ungroomed, it’s a great resort for free riding. 

https://sahoro.co.jp

Evening to night
Enjoy a resort stay and relax at the Tokachi Sauna

After skiing, unwind at the Sahoro Resort Hotel. Enjoy a delicious dinner, then head to the hotel’s “SPA REFRE” to experience a self-löyly sauna and vihta, both infused with the essence of Tokachi’s natural beauty. The Tokachi region is known as a sauna hotspot. 

<Accommodations: Sahoro Resort Hotel>

Day５：
Furano Ski and resort ife

Morning and afternoon
Ride in Furano Ski Resort

Powder and stunning views found nowhere else
Furano Ski Resort

Drive about 80 minutes from Sahoro Resort to Furano, where you’ll find the “Furano Bonchi Powder”—a unique, ultra-light, and silky powder snow created by the inland climate of the Furano Basin. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Tokachidake and Taisetsuzan mountain ranges, while exploring 28 diverse courses spread across two areas: Furano Zone and Kitanomine Zone, catering to all skill levels from beginners to experts.

https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/furano/winter

Evening to night
Enjoy an après-ski in Furano and Ningle Terrace

Shin Furano Prince Hotel offers a highly satisfying stay with its diverse facilities, including restaurants, a natural hot spring with a sauna, and “Ningle Terrace”—a charming village of 15 log cabins. Additionally, its convenient access to Furano’s city center provides plenty of après-ski entertainment options.

https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/furano/winter

<Accommodations: Shin Furano Prince Hotel>

Day ６：
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu and resort life

Morning and afternoon
Ride in Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

A treasure trove of riding, activities, luxurious stays, gourmet foods, and fun
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

About 1.5 hours south of Furano by car, you’ll reach Hoshino Resorts Tomamu. The ski area spans a diverse 29 courses across two mountains, ranging from one of the largest family ski areas in Asia to ungroomed runs for powder enthusiasts to side-country courses with breathtaking tree runs featuring natural undulations.

The resort also offers CAT tours and backcountry programs, providing the perfect setup to fully experience Tomamu’s renowned dry powder.

Lunchtime
Lunch at a restaurant in Hotalu Street

At “Hotalu Street,” a ski-in/ski-out shopping and dining area, you can enjoy gourmet food and shopping without taking off your skis. You might even get so caught up in exploring the street lined with unique restaurants and shops, that you forget to head back to the slopes!

Evening and night
Endless fun in Tomamu’s after skiing

Even after coming down from the mountain, Tomamu keeps the excitement going! Warm up in a uniquely Japanese way at the Ski-in/Ski-out Kotatsu Lounge, where you can cozy up under a kotatsu while enjoying steaming hot oden.

Or step into the magical, all-snow-and-ice world of the Ice Village, where everything is crafted from ice. Don’t miss the Ice Bar, where you can sip on a special cocktail served in a glass made of ice while reminiscing about your unforgettable journey through Hokkaido!

<Accomodations: Risonare Tomamu>

Day７：
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, then return flight from Asahikawa Airport

Morning
Finish up your travels with Tomamu’s first tracks and Muhyou Terrace

When in Tomamu, don’t miss the chance to experience the “Morning Glory.” This early-morning first-track program lets you ride the gondola before general operations begin, giving you access to freshly groomed slopes at an incredibly reasonable price.

It’s available until the end of March for ¥5,500 per person (minimum of two participants). If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can still enjoy a relaxing time at the “Muhyou Terrace”, where you can take in the breathtaking frost-covered landscape.

Afternoon
Travel to Asahikawa Airport from Tomamu

Return rental car and flight home

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In addition to this suggested itinerary, you can mix and match the featured destinations and activities to create your own unique travel plan!