With 16 locations across Japan, OMO by Hoshino Resorts is a fast-growing brand of urban tourism hotels where guests can discover lesser-known attractions and local culinary delights, all within walking distance.

Providing a unique and innovative hotel experience, OMO's numbering also helps guests to find an option befitting their travel goals as it details the capacity of services in its name, from 1 for capsule hotels to 7 for full-service hotels.

Hoshino Resorts is encouraging the idea of an “Urban Ski Strip” so that guests can enjoy not only skiing but also urban sightseeing during their visit to snowy regions such as Hokkaido.

There are currently three OMO facilities in Hokkaido: OMO7 Asahikawa, OMO5 Otaru and OMO5 Hakodate, offering various services to help guests make the most of their urban ski trip experience.

Here are four reasons to enjoy an urban ski trip in Hokkaido along with services offered at each OMO facility:

 

1. Visit the best slopes of the day by monitoring snow conditions

One of the biggest advantages of planning a ski trip to a city with nearby ski resorts is that you can decide which mountain to ski on when you wake up. Depending on the snow accumulation and weather conditions, you can visit the ski resort with the best conditions that day.

2. Enjoy Après-Ski that is unique to urban areas

During a ski trip, enjoying local food is just as important as experiencing the unique aspects of the area. By choosing an urban ski trip, you can savour local foods and delicacies that are not available in ski resorts, offering a wide variety of options.

3. Enjoy not only skiing and snowboarding, but also sightseeing in the area

For long stays, it's important to have days where you rest your body or enjoy sightseeing beyond the ski fields. On days when there is bad weather or you need to rest, you can enjoy local attractions that reflect the charm of the area.

4. More affordable than resorts, making it ideal for long-term stays

In urban areas, the cost of living is lower compared to resort areas, therefore allowing you to enjoy sightseeing at a relatively affordable price. As a result, it is also ideal for long-term stays, especially for visitors from overseas.

 

Common Ski Services at OMO

OMO by Hoshino Resorts offers a variety of ski services which include a wax bar for skiers and snowboarders visiting multiple ski resorts where a free selection of snow waxes suited to the day's temperature is provided.

Both OMO7 Asahikawa and OMO5 Hakodate have ski lockers to store your gear away so that you can enjoy a spacious guest room during your stay.

OMO7 Asahikawa and OMO5 Otaru are equipped with a ski drying room where skis, snowboards, boots, and other gear can be dried and stored. Located near the OMO WAX BAR, it allows you to quickly dry and manage your gear before or after applying snow wax.

Each facility has a map displaying nearby ski resorts and the latest information for the day, allowing you to adjust your destination and plans based on the day's snowfall conditions and weather.

 Shuttle buses are also available from OMO7 Asahikawa and OMO5 Otaru to nearby ski resorts. You can board the bus while wearing your ski gear, allowing you to access the slopes as soon as you arrive at the resort.

 

Services Offered at Each Facility:

OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts

Located in Hokkaido's second largest city, this facility is a great base for exploring Furano and Biei, with excellent access to Kamui Ski Links and Asahidake. With over 2,000 dining establishments nearby, guests can enjoy a rich après-ski experience. On days with bad weather, guests can visit one of the many local attractions such as Asahiyama Zoo.

1. Ski Resort Live Cameras

Located on the first floor of OMO7 Asahikawa, the Live Ski Resort Cameras allow guests to view the real-time conditions of the slopes. You can check the conditions of five ski resorts, including Kamui Ski Links and Santa Present Park.

2. Mountain City Pub

A new experience, the "Mountain City Pub" offers a relaxed spot for skiers to enjoy après-ski. The pub features exciting food menus served on snowboard-shaped plates, bringing a fun and energising après-ski vibe.

3. Local Gourmet Discovery Tour

This tour takes guests to renowned Asahikawa eateries that serve the famous Asahikawa Ramen, Shinko Yaki (grilled young chicken), and Shio Horumon (salted offal). The OMO Rangers will guide you through local hidden alleyways, allowing you to explore Asahikawa's culinary scene in a deeper way.

4. Sauna Plateau

After skiing, relaxing in the sauna is highly recommended to soothe your muscles. Sauna Plateau offers two types of sauna rooms: a high-temperature sauna and a mist sauna. In the high-temperature sauna, both automatic and self-service (steam infusion) are available. The men's and women's saunas alternate morning and night, so during a one-night stay, guests can enjoy both types of experiences.

 

OMO5 Otaru by Hoshino Resorts

Located in an area lined with many historical buildings, this city-centre hotel is designed around the concept of 'Soran', the awakening port town. It offers a stay that lets you fully experience Otaru's hidden history, culture, and culinary charm whilst providing convenient access to Kiroro Snow World, renowned worldwide for its excellent snow quality.

1. Kiroro Snow World Benefits

Enjoy special privileges at Kiroro Snow World, including discounts on lift tickets, ski or apparel rentals, making your ski experience even more enjoyable.

2. Illuminated Otaru Night Lounge

In the South Wing of the hotel, a renovated historical building, the oil lamps from the renowned Otaru brand Kitaichi Glass are lit, and antique music boxes play a soothing melody. Guests can indulge in original plates inspired by local restaurant menus and sample Hokkaido's finest alcohol, fully embracing the charm of Otaru until the end of the day.

3. Otaru Canal Kotatsu Cruising

In between skiing, you can enjoy sightseeing in the port town, such as taking a scenic cruise along the Otaru Canal. OMO5 Otaru also offers a unique cruise with kotatsu (heated tables) on the boat where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful snowy scenery of Otaru, warming both your body and heart.

4. Donburi Tour at the Morning Market

An early morning activity at the lively Sankaku Market. The market vendors will suggest the freshest seafood they've acquired from that day's auction to create a unique, special seafood donburi (rice bowl) with lots of help from the locals. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind, delicious bowl of seafood!

 

OMO5 Hakodate by Hoshino Resorts

One of Hokkaido's top tourist destinations, Hakodate, is blessed with fresh seafood throughout the four seasons. The port city has many historical buildings as well as stunning night views. OMO5 Hakodate offers a stay that lets you fully enjoy Hakodate's unique seafood, the night view from Mt. Hakodate, the historical streets, and the deep charm of the local neighbourhoods.

1. Sea Lantern Lounge after Hot Spring

Relax in a space illuminated by lights inspired by fishing fires, accompanied by the soothing sounds of jazz music. Enjoy the Local Rhythm Night, a nighttime event where you can savour local flavours while spending a blissful time in this enchanting atmosphere.

2. Amber-Coloured Hot Spring

This natural hot spring features rich, iron-infused brown water, known for its ability to retain heat and deeply warm your body. As a source of direct flow from the spring, this onsen provides a truly relaxing and therapeutic experience.

3. Ice Fishing for Wakasagi at Onuma Quasi-National Park

Experience the joy of ice fishing for wakasagi (smelt) in the scenic Onuma Quasi-National Park. Once caught, enjoy the freshly fried tempura of your catch right on the spot. With 90 minutes of unlimited fishing, and the availability of fishing and winter gear rental, it's an exciting and memorable winter activity.

4. Morning Hakodate JIYUU Market Tour

Guided by OMO Rangers, visit the Hakodate Free Market, bustling with locals and known as the 'kitchen of the people.' Enjoy engaging with shopkeepers about the day's special offerings and have the chance to taste fresh seafood, skilfully prepared for an exclusive tasting experience.

 

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*When using any images provided with the release please add "©︎Hoshino Resorts"

 

For Australia and New Zealand media enquiries, please contact Maki Watabe at m.watabe@thedoq.com or call 0481 796 381.

 

About Hoshino Resorts

Hoshino Resorts was first established as a Japanese inn/ryokan in 1914 in Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture before it began the operation of other resorts in Japan. Today, it has evolved into a highly influential hotel management company and is run by 4th-generation family member Yoshiharu Hoshino. Providing a unique experience focused on the local charms of each destination and a high level of omotenashi, Japanese-style hospitality, the company has expanded rapidly out of Karuizawa since 2001 and now operates more than 60 accommodations both in and outside Japan with one of the following categories: luxury hotel brand “HOSHINOYA,” hot spring ryokan brand “KAI,” countryside resort hotel brand “RISONARE,” city tourism hotel brand “OMO,” free-spirited hotel brand “BEB,” or other unique lodgings.

https://www.hoshinoresorts.com/en/

 

About OMO

OMO is a city tourism hotel in a convenient city-centre location, perfect for exploring the deep, urban culture. We consider the city centred around the hotel to be part of our resort, offering a variety of options to see, eat and shop. With the cooperation of the local community, city lovers can get an insight into culture through our original tours and maps; sharing locals' all-time favourites to hidden gems only with you!