Discover Rusutsu

When looking for a hotel in Rusutsu, use your specific travel plans as a guide: the Benimaru potato is part of the area's history; the ski resort, trails, park, and seasonal events are located in the associated municipality of Rusutsu-mura. If you have a particular activity in mind, coordinate your travel dates with the seasonal and event information.

Benimaru: a local agricultural connection

Rusutsu is considered the place of origin of the Benimaru potato, a starch potato variety recognized as a high-quality variety in 1938. The variety gives local history a clear agricultural connection. For travelers, it is a cultural point of interest alongside the recreational options in the associated municipality.

Ski resort and terrain

At Rusutsu Resort in the associated municipality of Rusutsu-mura, the ski area spans three peaks and includes 37 runs. Four gondolas and 14 lifts provide access to the area. The ski area includes West Mt., East Mt., and Mt. Isola, each with its own terrain. These details describe both the scale of the facilities and how the terrain is divided among the three peaks. Since the number of facilities may change, check the latest mountain information before your trip.

Hiking and running trails

The Rusutsu Trail runs through the forest on West Mt. and across the resort grounds. Its three routes range from easy to steep and are suitable for walking or trail running. The Forest Trail is 1.5 kilometers long and leads from the foot of the mountain to the summit, through forest alongside a ski slope. The Rusutsu Trail therefore offers routes with varying levels of difficulty and uses, while the Forest Trail has a set distance and runs from the foot of the mountain to the summit. Access to and seasonal operation of the Rusutsu Trail may vary; access to the Forest Trail is also seasonal. Check the operator's latest information.

Summer activities in Rusutsu-mura

Rusutsu Resort offers rafting, canoeing, trekking, horseback riding, and fishing in the associated municipality. Programs may change or be canceled due to conditions; check directly with the provider before visiting to see what is currently available. A summer gondola takes you to the Yotei Panorama Terrace. From there, you can see Mount Yotei and Lake Toya. As gondola operations may vary by season, check in advance. During the summer holidays, a tethered hot-air balloon ride is also part of the seasonal offerings in Rusutsu-mura. Check whether it will operate in the year of your trip.

Park, cycling route, and events

Rusutsu Furusato Park features a nature forest trail for walking and observation, a flower garden with seasonal blooms, a campground, a play area, and the Nire no Harappa event lawn with a stage. The range of facilities extends from nature observation to play and event spaces. The availability of park facilities varies by season; check the latest conditions before visiting. Also in the associated municipality, a family-friendly cycling route runs from Izumikawa to Mukogaoka.

The Rusutsu Industrial Festival takes place every year in late August in Rusutsu-mura. The program includes the sale of vegetables and Rusutsu pork, as well as barbecue. If you would like to coordinate your visit with the festival, check the dates for the specific year.

Climbing Mount Shiribetsu

For experienced hikers, the climb up Mount Shiribetsu takes about an hour and a half; at a leisurely pace, it takes about two hours. The period when the route is open varies by season. Before setting out, check the latest local information on the opening period.

Discover more destinations: Niseko, Kyogoku, Kutchan.

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