Kiroro Ski Resort is located in Akaigawa Village, near Otaru City. It can be reached from Sapporo City by train and then by resort bus. In winter, the area around the resort is a popular skiing destination. We know this resort from the movie Fan Day.

We departed from Sapporo Station (JR) at 7:33 AM. The journey took 41 minutes and we arrived at Otaru Chikou Station at 8:14 AM. The fare was 640 yen and the Hokkaido Pass can be used. At Otaru Chikou Station, there is a snowplow train, so we took a picture of it.

To reach the bus stop for Kiroro, follow the signs from the platform. Due to the high volume of visitors, there are multiple routes:
1. Exit through the door next to the shop on the left and turn left.
2. Walk straight and turn right to descend the stairs, or turn left for the elevator.
3. Exit through the first floor exit and turn left.
4. Walk straight to the bus stop marked with a red star in the picture.
The bus departs at 08:30 AM and 09:30 AM. Reservations are required.
Link: https://www.secure-site.in/ASP/shuttle_bus/kiroro/...

As we had booked the resort's free bus for 8:30 AM, we presented the booking document to the driver upon arrival. He verified it and directed us to our designated bus. There were two buses available today due to the high number of guests. I was seated at the front, which allowed me to capture photos of the scenery along the way.

After driving for about half an hour, the car began to ascend a winding mountain road, with increasing amounts of snow visible on both sides.

The entrance is marked by a sign that reads "KIRORO," with the names of the Sheraton Hotel and THE KIRORO a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

The car stopped to drop people off at THE KIRORO a Tribute Portfolio Hotel before we did. We did not get off at this point.

The bus will then drop passengers off at the Sheraton Hotel, which is located at the Mountain Center but with a different entrance.

While riding the bus, we saw a group of young Thai women sitting nearby. We wanted to ask them for travel recommendations, but we didn't have the courage. When the bus stopped at the first hotel, we didn't see any cable cars, so we assumed we hadn't arrived yet. We took a chance and continued riding. When we finally reached our destination, I had to go and ask for information myself. We decided to purchase **Gondola Round Trip** tickets for 2,000 yen each and head up to the top first.

After purchasing your ticket, exit through the back and walk through the snow to reach the Godola at the building shown in the image below. Along the way, capture the morning atmosphere before the crowds arrive. Initially, I thought there was another path, but the staff advised me to walk through the snow.

Take a picture of the ski slope and the view behind you before entering the Godola.

Upon entering the building, you can immediately board the gondola. There was no queue when we went, so we split up to make it easier to take photos.

The view on the way up is not very open today, with many clouds and occasional wind.

This gondola is shared by both sightseers and skiers/snowboarders. Therefore, there are no passengers descending on the gondola.

Initially, I thought it wouldn't be a long journey, but after sitting down, it seems quite far. It took quite a while to get here.

Reaching the top, we were greeted by the same bell featured in the movie "Fan Day." However, the frigid air and strong winds made us decide to wait for the skiers to clear the area before proceeding.

People are starting to go out and take pictures now that they have free time. The weather is very cold and windy, with temperatures dropping to -7 degrees Celsius. Hurry up and take pictures of the view before it gets too cold.

"I once visited ZAO when the temperature was minus six degrees Celsius, but there was no wind. I wasn't very well prepared, so it was extremely cold. This time, I prepared better, but I still couldn't withstand the cold because of the strong wind. It made my hands stiff while taking photos."

This group of skiers is well-prepared. Seeing them makes me envious. If I were in a cold climate, I would be able to ski too.

I returned to the shelter to escape the cold for a while, then went out to take new photos near the bell. It's starting to snow lightly now.

Let's take turns taking photos quickly. It's very cold. No need to pose too much. The photographer can't take it anymore. Let's take two or three photos each first.

The side has a full space for resting on the mountain. Officials allow people to enter and take pictures. The reason why it is open is because the officials pulled it to the back of the tent.

Upon entering the interior, you will find only two chairs to sit on. The dining room is not yet open, but do not think that you will be able to escape the cold. The wind blows in full force.

Here, you will find a coin-operated keychain vending machine for 500 yen. You can take out a keychain, write your name on it, and hang it on the provided rack.

There is a staircase leading down to the bathroom below. I went down to escape the cold, but the smell was too strong. I couldn't stay long and had to come back up.

While we were at the top, there were no tourists coming up. There were only people waiting to get off the cable car when we arrived. Our hands were no longer stiff, so we went out to take pictures again before taking the cable car down.

The descent was as divided as ever. This time, I captured both video and photos. It snowed the entire time we were riding the gondola down, so the atmosphere was gloomy. If the weather had been better, it would have been beautiful.

As we descend, the number of skiers increases significantly. Here are some photos of the scenery from the top of the cable car before we reach the bottom.

After getting off the cable car, I inquired about snowmobiling. The staff told me to go down to the hotel and walk further, but since I wasn't sure if there were any restaurants downstairs, we decided to wait and eat here, which opens at 11:00 AM. The menu item I'm interested in is ramen, as the cold weather makes me want something warm to eat.

I chose to pay first and then receive a card to exchange for food. Other shops allow you to order food first and then pay. Check the sign in front of the shop before ordering. For this meal, I ordered Sho-Yu Ramen. Does it look delicious?

My friend went to the bathroom and came back with a bag of snacks. They said they had left it in the bathroom since this morning before going up to the Godola, and it was still there when they came back.

After we finished eating, we went to wait for the free bus to go down to THE KIRORO, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Before getting on the bus, we asked the driver if it went to the banana boat area. The driver said yes. When we got off the bus, he told us to walk for another 3 minutes. The picture shows the front of the hotel. We walked in the opposite direction of the booth that can be seen in the distance in the picture.

I continued walking along the roadside for a while. Then, I tried walking up the snow and saw a banana boat playground. So, I walked along the top instead, planning to take some pictures.

Getting ready for the tourists to come and play. Let's hurry up, or we won't be able to take pictures.

Watching these two play is fun. The snowmobiler rides around very fast but doesn't fall. It makes me want to ride a snowmobile more.

Head to the Recreation Center. If you're driving, it's located before THE KIRORO a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

I opted for the Mini Snowmobile Large Enjoy Course (2 laps) at 2,000 yen per person.

A small snowmobile, suitable for recreational use. It has limited speed capabilities.

I see this snowmobile parked here, I'd rather ride it like this.

Ride around the track twice before exiting the arena. Officials will take your picture. Those who want to take videos can stand in the cold, but some have already gone back inside to avoid the chill.

Seeking refuge from the cold at the outdoor sports center for now. While waiting, the Snow Buggy looks like fun to ride.

Let's try riding and taking pictures first. It seems that riding this one will be more fun.

Find a partner to ride with you. You can rent a bike for 1,000 yen for 10 minutes, which is longer than the time stated in the brochure (the brochure states 5 minutes for 1,000 yen). After paying, wait at the field for the staff to ride the bike out to you.

Two snow buggies arrived together, and we set off. The snow buggies were much faster than the mini snowmobiles, so we had to be careful, especially when cornering. If we fell and caused damage, we would have to pay for it. We signed a waiver before starting. After riding for the allotted time, the staff took photos of us, just like before.

Taking a break inside, I saw people bringing their children to rent Snow Bubble Balls to play with. I went out to take some pictures. I checked the price on the brochure: 600 yen for 15 minutes. If anyone wants to try rolling around in one, go ahead. It looks like it would make you dizzy.

Let's walk back to THE KIRORO a Tribute Portfolio Hotel and take some photos along the way. The snow is falling lightly, and it's quite cold.

Walking path along the road back to the hotel

We've arrived at the hotel. Let's take a photo at the booth first.

Looking back at the hotel from the booth

Let's head inside the hotel. The lobby is spacious and inviting, perfect for relaxing. We can grab a bite to eat and wait for our ride back here.

Go up the stairs to the second floor and take a picture of the lobby.

On the second floor, you can walk to the left or right, which will lead you to the Resort Market. If you walk straight out from the center, you will reach an open space, perfect for taking photos.

Walk to the far left side, which is the Nature Center. We did not play in this area. Most Thai tour groups come here to play.

Take a stroll through the Resort Market and browse the products on display.

Please return to the hotel lobby to wait for your car. While you wait, you can order a cake and enjoy it.

All these cakes look delicious. Let's each have a piece while we wait.

While waiting at the hotel, we saw two groups of Thai tourists staying there. Upon arrival, they had to rush to do outdoor activities, such as skiing or tubing, as they only had 1 hour left before closing. It took almost 10 minutes for them to gather, and once they came down, some went to the bathroom, some went to buy snacks. If you're going on a tour, be prepared for limited playtime.

When it was time for the pick-up, the driver would hold a list of names and ask at the hotel lobby. You don't have to walk out, but I saw the car parked and went to ask anyway, just in case there was no car to take us back. Today, we had some time left, so we went for a walk in Otaru before returning. Tomorrow, we have to go to another ski resort. Then, we'll follow each other to Tomamu, a resort with endless activities.

Thank you for reading until the end.

Travel plan for this trip:

Day 1, 13:15: Arrive at CTS, visit Sapporo, and stay at Hokkaido Sapporo-eki Kita-guchi. Exchange JR-Hokkaido 7-day pass for 24,000 yen, valid from the next day. Pay an additional 1,360 yen for the train ticket into the city.

Day 2, 08:43: Take the train to Otaru, then transfer to Kutchan, and take the bus to Grand Hirafu. Today, we visit Niseko and stay at Moutin Jam/Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafutei.

Day 3, 11:50: Take the bus to Kutchan Station, transfer to the train to Oshamambe, then transfer to the train to Toya (JR-MURORAN), then transfer to the bus to Lake Toya (Toya Lake). Stay at Kohan Tei tonight.

Day 4: Take a boat trip on Lake Toya, then take the bus to Toya Station (JR-MURORAN), transfer to the train to Noboribetsu, then transfer to the bus to Noboribetsu Onsen. Visit the bear farm and the hell valley. Stay at Takimoto tonight.

Day 5: Take the bus to Noboribetsu Station, transfer to the train to Sapporo (JR). Today, we visit Mt. Moiwa. Stay at Hokkaido Sapporo-eki Kita-guchi.

Day 6: Take the train to Otaru Chikou, transfer to the bus to Kiroro. In the evening, return to Otaru and then go back to Sapporo.

Day 7: Take the train to Tomamu, visit and stay at The Tower.

Day 8: Travel back to CTS airport for sightseeing before returning to Bangkok.

Related information:

The morning train schedule is checked from Hyperdia.

Bow Sure recommends the padlock available at the top of the hill, KIRO LOCK, for 500 yen.

Coin-operated KIRO LOCK key box located on top of the hill.

Map showing the location of each type of playground equipment at the Nature Center

Price list for arcade games at Recreation Center

Winter Activities at the Nature Center