Hoshino Resorts Tomamu — a nature wonder resort on Hokkaido's vast landscape — is launching a family-exclusive bus service called the "TOMAMU Fami Fami Bus" for the period from Wednesday, July 1 to Saturday, October 31, 2026. The bus connects Sapporo, New Chitose Airport, and the resort hotels, catering exclusively to guests traveling with children. The initiative is part of the "Tomamu Family Stay Project," a program devised by staff who are parents themselves, to support families on their travels.
The bus aims to ease common travel stresses for families — such as the strain of long-distance driving in Hokkaido, anxiety over limited rest stops on expressways, worrying about disturbing other passengers on public transportation, and managing heavy luggage. Beyond simply reducing stress, the service is designed to transform travel time into genuine family fun, building anticipation for the destination.
An Original Bus Design That Sparks Adventure Before You Even Board
The bus exterior was designed by Noriaki Tanigoshi of COBIN DESIGN (Asahikawa, Hokkaido), featuring two original designs — one representing Tomamu's summer (the Sea of Clouds Terrace and freely roaming cows) and one representing winter (the fantastical Ice Village). The designer drew inspiration from Hokkaido's climate, which shares similarities with Scandinavia, incorporating a Nordic-influenced color palette and a textured illustration style for an elegant, refined look.
From the moment families spot the bus at the airport or the Sapporo boarding point, the adventure has already begun.
A Comfortable, Stress-Free Space for Parents
Since every passenger on the bus is a family with children, parents can relax without worrying about disturbing others — the shared understanding that "we're all in the same boat" creates a warm atmosphere where children can be children.
The bus is stocked with bulky necessities like diapers, wipes, and drinking water, along with other emergency supplies, reducing the burden of over-packing. Seat pocket guides and a dedicated website for previewing activities upon arrival help parents use the journey as calm, restful time rather than anxious preparation.
Turning Travel Time Into an Attraction for Kids
Passengers receive an original "window bingo" card — a game where children punch holes to mark items they spot through the window: traffic lights, road signs, distant animals, and Tomamu-specific symbols. The activity naturally encourages children to look outward at the changing scenery, building excitement for the destination while also helping prevent motion sickness.
The bus also supports AR (augmented reality) photo frames via smartphone, allowing families to capture memorable photos with Tomamu's forest and animal characters during the ride. With parents freed from driving, they can join in the fun alongside their children.
Monitor Campaign: Ride Free for One Family Per Day
To mark the launch, a monitor campaign will run from July 1 to October 31, 2026 — one family per day selected to ride the TOMAMU Fami Fami Bus with complimentary round-trip fare. The campaign aims to gather honest feedback from real riders and use it to continuously improve the service.
How to Apply:
- Follow the official account (@hoshinoresorts.tomamu) on Instagram or X
- Like or repost the relevant campaign post
- Fill out the application form: https://forms.gle/gYYio7kw679ZUAAV8
Details: https://www.snowtomamu.jp/summer/topics/famifamibus/
TOMAMU Fami Fami Bus Overview
Period: July 1 (Wed) – October 31 (Sat), 2026
Outbound schedule:
- 10:00 AM — Sapporo departure
- 11:10 AM — New Chitose Airport departure
- 1:00 PM — Tomamu The Tower arrival
- 1:05 PM — Risonare Tomamu arrival
Return schedule:
- 2:50 PM — Tomamu The Tower departure
- 3:00 PM — Risonare Tomamu departure
- 4:50 PM — New Chitose Airport arrival
- 6:00 PM — Sapporo arrival
Schedules may vary due to weather or traffic conditions. The bus departs on time; please plan accordingly.
Fares:
- Sapporo ↔ Tomamu: Adults ¥7,000 / Children under 12 free (up to 5 children per adult)
- New Chitose Airport ↔ Tomamu: Adults ¥6,000 / Children under 12 free (up to 5 children per adult)
Capacity: 26 passengers (unreserved seating)
Location: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
Reservations: Required via the dedicated booking site: https://www.access-n.jp/summer2026/kankou_shuttle/detail/tomamu_fami-fami_bus.html
Eligibility: Guests staying at Tomamu The Tower or Risonare Tomamu only
About Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
Located near the center of Hokkaido, Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is a stay-focused resort built around two hotels: Tomamu The Tower and Risonare Tomamu. Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities celebrating Hokkaido's four seasons.
Risonare Tomamu features suites all exceeding 100 m², each equipped with a panoramic jet bath and private sauna. The resort concept is "Graceful Stay on Hokkaido's Vast Land." In the green season, highlights include the Sea of Clouds Terrace and Farm Area; in winter, a ski area with 29 courses and the fantastical Ice Village — a world of snow and ice — await.
Address: Naka Tomamu, Shimukappu Village, Yufutsu District, Hokkaido 079-2204
Phone: 0167-58-1111
Rooms: 735 total (Tomamu The Tower: 535 rooms / Risonare Tomamu: 200 rooms)
Check-in / Check-out: 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Rates: From ¥12,900/night at Tomamu The Tower; from ¥26,100/night at Risonare Tomamu
Access: Approximately 100 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport; approximately 90 minutes by JR (transfer required; complimentary shuttle from Tomamu Station, no reservation needed)
Website: https://www.snowtomamu.jp
