Formerly known as Makkari, Rusutsu is a small village on the Japanese island of Hokkaido and one of the country’s top skiing destinations. Its snow-covered terrain sprawls across three mountains and includes groomed trails that are suitable for both experienced powder hounds and beginners.
If you’re visiting in the winter months, Rusutsu offers everything from downhill skiing and snowboarding to dog sledding and snowmobiling. There is fantastic off-piste terrain to explore, as well as tree-skiing along wooded trails. Exhilarating heli-skiing is possible on nearby Mount Shiribetsu and there are hot springs where you can soak at the end of the day.
In the warmer months, you can enjoy a round of golf on the Izumikawa Course, which offers magnificent panoramas across Rusutsu’s hilly terrain. At the Rusutsu Amusement Park, you’ll find family-friendly rides and thrilling roller coasters, as well as a gondola offering panoramic views of Mount Yōtei.
Getting there
Rusutsu is just under two hours’ drive from Sapporo and 1.5 hours from New Chitose Airport, which has flights to destinations across Asia. Buses and shuttle services connect to Rusutsu while the village centre is small enough to explore on foot.