12 Exceptional Rusutsu Stays for a Memorable Getaway

Rusutsu Resort Area

In Rusutsu, the real buzz is around the Resort area, a lively hotspot brimming with eateries and direct gondola access to the slopes. The hotels listed in this article are strategically placed – just a brisk walk or a short shuttle ride away from the heart of the action.

12 Exceptional Rusutsu Stays

1. The Vale Rusutsu

(Image: Booking.com)

Perched on the West Mountain of the Rusutsu Resort area, The Vale Rusutsu is the area’s trendiest hotel. For groups and families seeking a stylish winter escape with the utmost privacy, the modern condos and apartments of The Valle Rusutsu are perfect!

(Image: Booking.com)

(Image: Booking.com)

Pick from cozy one-bedroom suites to lavish four-bedroom panorama penthouse. Each space is thoughtfully equipped with a kitchen, washer, and dryer, making your time in Rusutsu one of relaxation and convenience. With English-speaking staff trained to give special attention and focus to guests’ every need, staying here is a no-brainer. Plus, its ski-to-door access is a dream for ski buffs.

(Image: Booking.com)

(Image: Booking.com)

The Vale Rusutsu has a small cafe near the lobby for quick bites. For more dining options, an indoor walkway connects hotel guests to Rusutsu Resort’s main skiing area which hosts a plethora of eateries amidst a picturesque setting.

2. The Westin Rusutsu Resort

(Image: Booking.com)

The Westin chain of hotels is world-renowned and synonymous with quality, and its Resort in Hokkaido is no exception. Showcasing luxury with prime amenities, the resort’s split-level rooms and suites offer sweeping views of Hokkaido’s landscapes, and some even provide a stunning vista of Mount Yotei. Plus, the rooms are beyond spacious, with lofty ceilings reaching up to 76 square meters, providing guests ample space to relax.

(Image: Booking.com)

(Image: Booking.com)

Kickstart your morning with their scrumptious breakfast buffet before hitting the slopes. As the day winds down, the outdoor hot spring with mountainside views awaits to soothe any soreness. Finally, sink into a deep sleep in Westin’s signature “Heavenly Beds,” — a perfect finish to your day.

Located at the lower elevations of the Rusutsu ski area, The Westin Rusutsu Resort provides direct access to the slopes. A quick chairlift ride takes skiers to the trails of Mt. Isola and East Mountain. And, a monorail connects two parts of the hotel, making it easy to access beginner-friendly ski areas, shared amenities, and the Amusement Park. Reaching the resort from Sapporo is a breeze, thanks to the free shuttle bus service provided by the hotel.

3. Ohisama House

(Image: Booking.com)

Finding an inn that’s both budget-friendly and hosted by welcoming locals can be a rarity, so if you’re lucky enough to find room at Ohisama House, seize the opportunity.

Sitting less than 2 hours drive from Sapporo, Ohisama House welcomes guests with its warm wooden interiors with streams of natural light flowing in. Choose between the comfort of an 18 m² twin bedroom with a private bathroom or the equally spacious Economy double bedroom with a shared bathroom. Grab drinks from the vending machine and spend a relaxed evening in the spacious shared lounge, a perfect spot for mingling with fellow skiers from around the globe. And be sure to spend some time with your hosts — a lovely couple always eager to share insights into the local culture.

(Image: Booking.com)

Coming from Sapporo on a bus? Contact the hosts and they’ll be happy to collect you from the Rusutsu Resort stop.

(Image: Booking.com)

4. Japavista Rusutsu

(Image: Booking.com)

Eco-conscious guests looking to de-stress in the lap of luxury in a quiet forested area will love Japanvista Rusutsu. The striking jet-black exterior of this impressive villa-style rental beautifully stands out against the snowy white backdrop, creating a surreal sight.

As stylish as it is on the outside, step inside to be truly blown away. Expect gorgeous design-driven interiors in muted grays contrasted by beige wood paneling, accented by silver and black.

(Image: Booking.com)

(Image: Booking.com)

Pick Japanvista Rusutsu’s airy 72 m² one-bedroom villas suitable for up to 4 guests. For larger groups, nearly double-in-size two-bedroom villas are available, each accommodating up to 8 guests. What’s common in all is stellar mountain views, spotless interiors, and beds you can sink right into.

Japanvista’s secluded location adds to its allure. But when staying here, having your vehicle to facilitate transport is recommended. Conveniently, it’s only a 5-minute drive from Rusutsu Resort and 20 miles from Lake Toya, making it an excellent base for exploring the region.

5. Rusutsu Pension Clydesdale

(Image: Booking.com)

Pension Clydesdale is more than just a place to rest your head; it’s your home away from home in the heart of Rusutsu. The lodge exudes a quiet charm, providing a warm and inviting environment that showcases the best of Japanese hospitality.

(Image: Booking.com)

(Image: Booking.com)

Snag a stay in their tastefully decorated and ultra-instagrammable 58 m² igloo-style dome cottage. Heated and perfect for any season, it boasts snowy vistas during winter and lush greenery in summer. We love this unusual bubble of tranquility! Families of five planning longer stays should consider booking Pension Clydesdale’s 36 m² mobile home. It has a living and dining area, providing ample space and comfort.

Along with stellar accommodation, past guests rave about Pension Clydesdale’s ability to arrange heart-pumping activities like horseback riding, hot air ballooning, and rafting adventures. This makes it a favorite for couples seeking a peaceful yet adventurous escape. And, when you’re ready to hit the slopes, the free shuttle service to Rusutsu Ski Resort makes it a hassle-free journey.

6. Lodge Romulus

(Image: Booking.com)

Lodge Romulus, just 1 km east of the famed Rusutsu Resort area, is a no-frills hotel with hosts that treat you like family. They attract all types of travelers, from solo explorers to couples and even families.

(Image: Booking.com)

(Image: Booking.com)

At Lodge Romulus, couples have the choice of booking a double room with a private bathroom or opting for the standard room. Solo travelers, meanwhile, will find the single bedroom both affordable and charming. Mornings here are delightful, with a hearty breakfast accompanied by views of goats and ponies playing outside the hotel. For added convenience, guests are offered complimentary shuttle services to the ski area every morning and noon.

7. Matsu House

(Image: Booking.com)

Matsu House sets a new standard for homely luxury rentals with its four-bedroom design and chic interiors. The fusion of light wood elements and plush furniture, complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows, brings guests closer to the natural beauty outside.

(Image: Booking.com)

It’s one of the rare instances where the reality of the hotel is even more gorgeous than the photos. It’s especially favored by families, who appreciate both the ample room for play and the secure environment for children. The multilingual hosts, fluent in English, Japanese, and Russian, make communication and travel planning effortless.

(Image: Booking.com)

8. WaPura Rusutsu

(Image: Booking.com)

Discover WaPura Rusutsu’s spacious 99 m² house, featuring three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen with all appliances, and spectacular views of snow-capped mountains in the winter. A spotless townhouse designed with function and aesthetics in mind, WaPura has everything you need, from lavish beds to even a convenient bench to lace up your ski boots. For anything else, you’re encouraged to reach out to the courteous English-speaking staff. They will ensure that your stay is as flawless as their accommodation.

(Image: Booking.com)

The Rusutsu amusement park sits at a 20-minute stroll and West 1st Quad, 2nd Quad, and Gondola are less than 1km away. But, while lunging around ski equipment in waist-deep snow, this walk may feel stressful. So, if possible, come with a rental car. Don’t forget to stop by Pirateman Izakaya next door to sample small bites and clink kanpai to your Rusutsu adventure.

9. Tanuki House

(Image: Booking.com)

A 160 m² light-filled holiday home known for its sustainable practices, Tanuki House invites guests to spend slow days of deep relaxation in the heart of Rusutsu. With four bedrooms, each boasting either a large bed or two spacious single beds, the house can easily host up to 8 guests at a time.

(Image: Booking.com)

(Image: Booking.com)

Summertime visitors will appreciate the outdoor BBQs, while winter months call for a gathering around the fireplace. Whip up some steaming hot chocolate in the fully equipped kitchen and make lifetime memories with your travel companions.

The Rusutsu Resort area is just 5 minutes away and convenience stores are dotted around Tanuki House, making your stay extremely convenient.

10. Kalamunda House Rusutsu

(Image: Booking.com)

Live like kings in the striking Kalamunda House Rusutsu. This elegant chalet welcomes you with a heated entryway. It has three bedrooms: two with plush queen-sized beds and a third with four cozy bunk beds, ideal for large groups or families. Plus, there’s a spacious kitchen outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances, including a premium coffee machine — an absolute necessity for extended stays.

(Image: Booking.com)

(Image: Booking.com)

There are several eateries nearby, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself lured to the warmth and solace of Kalamunda House after a day on the slopes. Unwind in the comfortable lounge area, with a hot cup of coffee, as you bask in the natural light streaming through the windows.

11. Iguru Ski Chalet

(Image: Booking.com)

Gather a group of friends and plan a winter stay at Iguru Ski Chalet, a spacious 166 m² property in a quiet, forested area, away from the noise and crowds.

This recently built chalet features a master suite upstairs with an extravagant bath and a similar, comfortable setup downstairs. Plus, it also houses two extra bedrooms with comfortable single beds. Downstairs, you’ll also find a guest bathroom that leads to a rejuvenating sauna – perfect to heat up after a day in the snow. The entire property looks like it came straight out of the architectural digest.

(Image: Booking.com)

Gear up for the slopes with ease, thanks to Iguru’s spacious entrance stoop designed for all your ski stuff. Also, there’s a convenient washer/dryer set up for you to use.

(Image: Booking.com)

The kitchen is a chef’s dream, decked out with a breakfast bar, an 8-seater dining table, a plush sofa, a flat-screen TV, and a fireplace for cold evenings. Ready to whip up a feast? You’ve got a stove, oven, dishwasher, a giant fridge-freezer, and all the kitchen bells and whistles you need. If cooking isn’t on your agenda, the chalet is just a stone’s throw away from Rusutsu Resort’s eateries and snowy fun. It’s a mere 5 minutes on foot or a speedy 1-minute drive to the lifts and gondolas.

12. Guesthouse EN

(Image: Booking.com)

Families, couples, and solo explorers—everyone is welcome at Guesthouse EN! Unassuming yet full of charm, this inn offers various room types, all ensuring a comfortable stay with a homely vibe and extremely cozy beds.

(Image: Booking.com)

Choose between the 10 m² single room or the slightly larger 14 m² twin room. Given its fantastic location near the ski fields and great prices. Guesthouse EN combines practicality with excellent value, making it a smart choice for your stay in Rusutsu.

Sleep, Ski, Relax, Repeat In Rusutsu, Hokkaido

Scattered throughout the snowy pocket of Rusutsu, these hotels provide the perfect base to explore the region’s stunning natural landscapes and thrilling ski slopes. Listed above are some of Rusutu’s most sought-after hotels, and they tend to fill up months ahead of time. So, plan your stay wisely and book your dream hotel as soon as possible.

Written by:

Himanshi Shah

Himanshi is a seasoned travel writer, photographer, and graphic designer. After graduating from Ecole Intuit Lab in 2015, she began designing for global brands. Drawn by Japan’s landscapes and culture, she traveled extensively—from Tokyo’s neon-lit streets to the peaks of Hokkaido. She’s also lived in the Seto Inland Sea and volunteered in Fukushima. Through her blog, Nomadic Travelscapes, Himanshi uncovers stories rooted in authenticity instead of influencer-led experiences. Recently, her work was exhibited at Nox Gallery, Tokyo. On Instagram: @nomadictavelscapes. Website: www.nomadictravelscapes.com.