HANG OUT VOL.4 SKI & CHRISTMAS

Take me skiing at OMO7 Asahikawa.

The long-awaited ski season has arrived. With the fresh air you breathe on the mountaintop, the thrill of racing, and the snow-covered landscape in front of you, there's no need for logic. "OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts" offers excellent access to the ski resort while staying in the city, so you can enjoy skiing, food, and saunas. It's not like that classic TV drama, but this winter, take me to ski at "OMO7 Asahikawa".

Chapter 06

2024.12.23

Photo：Yuco Nakamura

Text：YUSUKE SUZUKI

Edit：YUSUKE SUZUKI

HANG OUT VOL.4

Chapter 06 | WINTER HAS COME in ASAHIKAWA.

INFORMATION

OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts

Address: 6-jo-dori 9-chome, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido

TEL_0166-29-2666

Number of rooms: 237

Check-in: 15:00, Check-out: 11:00

Price: From ¥25,000 per person (1 night, 2 days, no meals)

Home page

Seven keywords make Asahikawa's winter even more attractive.

"Asahikawa declares itself a ski city."

OMO7 Asahikawa has put forward a bold and memorable message. With many visitors from all over the world flocking to Japan in search of powder snow, Asahikawa's greatest strength is its easy access to multiple ski resorts and the city. OMO7 Asahikawa has been quick to take advantage of this convenient location, welcoming many city tourists, including skiers and snowboarders. As the name OMO7 Asahikawa suggests, we will unravel its appeal through seven keywords.

The OMO WAX BAR is located immediately to the right as you enter the hotel's main entrance. In addition to snow wax that can be used at snow temperatures ranging from +15°C to -30°C, they also stock a variety of brushes and other items.
Starting this season, rental service of domestic brand Vector glide will also be available. "Empty-handed skiing and city sightseeing combined" is a dream come true at OMO7 Asahikawa.

We have wax bars, rental gear, drying rooms, live cameras from the ski resort, and even a ticketing service.

Taking care of your gear is essential when skiing. The conditions of the snow change every day, so if you can't head to the slopes with the best settings, the fun is cut in half. A reassuring service in this situation is the "OMO WAX BAR," where you can use 30 types of snow wax and irons freely 24 hours a day.

The ski drying room, which has been expanded to about 2.5 times its size since last year, is located on the immediate right hand side of the hotel's main entrance, so you can put your wet gear away right away. Security is also assured as a card key is required to enter the room.

Simply put, you just need to bring your own skis. Rental gear is also available, and there is a spacious drying room. During the season, there are live cameras and information on today's powder conditions that allow you to check the ski resort conditions in real time, an OMO ticket counter where you can purchase lift tickets and vouchers, and a free shuttle bus to four ski resorts.

The special rack, which was custom-made by Asahikawa Furniture, is decorated with the words "SNOW GEAR STAND" and the facility's logo. As shown in the picture, you can hang headwear and boots on the hooks to dry them out, making it a great way to care for your gear.

Your precious ski wear and gear can be stored in the Snow Gear Stand Room.

When you go skiing and stay at a hotel, there must be many people who have had trouble finding a place to store their ski wear and gear. The Snow Gear Stand Room will relieve you of that stress. The room is equipped with a special rack that was custom-made by Asahikawa Furniture, one of the top five furniture companies in Japan. You can store everything from skis and boots to small gear such as goggles, and the height of the stand can also be adjusted. There are only nine rooms available per day, and staying in this special winter-only room promises you a wonderful time.

The two large baths and the "Sauna Plateau" are alternated between men's and women's depending on the time. Both baths have high ceilings and a mezzanine-like space. In addition to relaxing on a chair or bed, you can also choose a walking bath.

Two large baths and a sauna plateau to soothe your chilled and tired body.

Asahikawa is extremely cold in the middle of winter. More than 100 years ago, on January 25, 1902, a temperature of -41.0°C was recorded! Incidentally, this is also the coldest temperature ever recorded in Japan. According to the Asahikawa City website, the average minimum temperature in January is -7.0°C. At ski resorts at a higher altitude than the city, the temperature drops even more, chilling you to the core.

There is also a space to relax on the basement floor. The free sauna drinks of haskap & lychee and apple & vinegar are delicious!
In the two powder rooms, canvases painted by a cafe owner in Asahikawa are on display. The paintings feature animals from Asahiyama Zoo, a famous place in Asahikawa. Local art stands out in the powder rooms.

But don't worry, there are two large baths and a sauna plateau on the basement floor of OMO7 Asahikawa. They'll warm up your chilled body, so you can recover from the fatigue of skiing. Of course, don't forget to take a morning bath and sauna plateau the day after your stay.

The Neighborhood Map is installed at the OMO Base, a public space that connects travelers and locals. The local information, which includes Asahikawa specialties such as Asahikawa ramen and Genghis Khan, as well as cafes and general stores, is the result of on-site research.
An OMO Ranger will guide you to Asahikawa's downtown area after skiing at night. Until Sunday, March 9, 2025, 230,000 lights will be shining in the center of Asahikawa. And "Fura-Rito", about a 5-minute walk from "OMO7 Asahikawa", is an area that still retains its atmosphere, with famous ramen shops and yakitori restaurants lined up.

With the OMO Rangers and the Neighborhood Map, you can build relationships with your neighbors by going out to bars.

One of the best parts of traveling is food (and alcohol). No matter how convenient the internet is, it can't beat face-to-face interaction when it comes to enjoying so-called local cuisine. That's where the OMO Rangers and the Neighborhood MAP come in handy. The MAP was created after repeated negotiations with various restaurants and general stores, with a 500-step walking distance from "OMO7 Asahikawa" as a guideline. There's no better way to fully enjoy Asahikawa's local culture than going from restaurant to restaurant, bar to bar, guided by the OMO Rangers.

The first place we visited during our interview was Hitsujiya, a famous Jingisukan restaurant. First, a Jingisukan pot in the shape of Hokkaido is served, followed by a lineup of popular dishes such as premium raw lamb and Hitsujiya Jingisukan, as well as rare venison. The staff will first grill the meat for you, so you can enjoy the best meat cooked to perfection with a chilled Hitsujiya Hyoketsu Lemon Sour.

-SHOP DETAILS-

Sheep House

Address: 1F, 718-2, 6-chome, 3-jo-dori, Asahikawa, Hokkaido

TEL_0166-73-3001

Business hours: 16:30-23:00

Closed: Irregular holidays

@ asahikawa_hitsujiya

The second place we went to was "Robata no Yukar", about a 3-minute walk from "Hitsujiya". The name of the restaurant, "Yukar", comes from an epic poem that has been passed down orally by the Ainu people. The tempura of Sakiika, a dish unique to Hokkaido, and a platter of fresh sashimi make for the perfect bar-hopping experience. The restaurant is spacious with counter and table seating, and has a wide variety of menu items, so you can take your time savoring Hokkaido's food and drinks.

-SHOP DETAILS-

Robata Yukar

Address: 4-jo-dori 7-chome, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido

TEL_0166-23-1114

Business hours: 16:30-23:00

Closed: Irregular holidays

http://www.robata-yukar.info

The last place we visited was "Freehouse THE YEAST", located about a minute's walk from "OMO7 Asahikawa". You can enjoy 12 types of fresh draft beer and a wide variety of about 50 types of bottled and canned beer. We also recommend the tasting set and the fish and chips, which are the perfect snack. Be careful not to drink too much.

-SHOP DETAILS-

-freehouse-THE YEAST

Address: 6-jo-dori 8-chome 37-5, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido

TEL_0166-85-6565

Business hours: 15:00-23:00 (Tuesday-Thursday, Sunday), 15:00-25:00 (Friday and Saturday)

Closed on Months

@freehouse_the_yeast

One of the best parts of the trip is enjoying a sumptuous breakfast, which includes freshly baked waffles topped with fruit and Hokkaido's signature salmon waffles. You'll also want to refuel before hitting the slopes.

Not only can you enjoy a meal, but it also serves as a crossroads for information about the slopes.

"Mountain City Pub" is now open from 4pm for après-skiing during the winter season. Drinking at a glass in hand, the pace of drinking tends to pick up as people talk about skiing and snowboarding. In addition, as part of the "White Christmas in a Snowy Town" event running until December 25th (Wednesday), "OMO Cafe & Bar" will be serving White Mont Blanc, inspired by a white Christmas tree, for a limited time only.

The wall at the back of the "OMO Cafe & Bar" is actually movable, and during breakfast time it can be moved to create a buffet space. This kind of entertainment is also one of the attractions of "OMO7 Asahikawa."

The pure white Mont Blanc made with white beans is filled with berry sauce, and is guaranteed to look as good as it tastes. Breakfast is served buffet style, with a wide variety of Japanese and Western dishes, including waffles made fresh right in front of you and a seafood rice bowl topped with freshly grated mountain wasabi that is rich in the aroma of seafood. It is no exaggeration to say that OMO7 Asahikawa is the only place in Asahikawa where you can enjoy all of these dishes without having to go out of town.

The specialty seafood and mountain wasabi bowl is made by marinating several kinds of seafood and sprinkling mountain wasabi on top. The freshly grated mountain wasabi aroma will definitely whet your appetite. Of course, you can eat as many bowls as you like.

The lighting, made by Asahikawa Furniture using recycled materials produced during the furniture manufacturing process, allows you to enjoy the various expressions of wood.
The umbrella of this light is actually a Chinese rice bowl! It's a fitting design for Asahikawa, which is famous for ramen.
White Christmas cards are also on sale at "White Christmas in a Snowy Town." If you drop them off in a postbox installed in the building, they will be delivered to your home on Christmas day.

A space packed with the charm of Asahikawa locals. Christmas-only events are also being held!

The "OMO Base" is the face of "OMO7 Asahikawa" and is located right at the front entrance. There is no end to things to see, including the aforementioned "OMO WAX BAR" and the "OMO Cafe & Bar" on the neighborhood map, as well as a spacious free lounge with a kotatsu and a book tunnel with a selection of books, magazines, and manga related to Asahikawa.

Skis from FIELD EARTH, a ski manufacturer made in Asahikawa, will be on display to further liven up the ski mood.
There are books about Asahikawa Furniture, which handles the various fixtures at OMO7 Asahikawa, books about skiing and the Ainu, and even the manga Golden Kamuy. You'll find yourself losing track of time as you leaf through the pages of the selection of books related to Hokkaido.
The umbrella of this light is actually a Chinese rice bowl! It's a fitting design for Asahikawa, which is famous for ramen.

A giant Christmas tree will be welcoming visitors until December 25th (Wednesday) under the title "White Christmas in a Snowy Town." There are also other content that can be enjoyed throughout the year, such as a lecture on how to relax in the hot bath "Sauna Plateau" from 4pm, and an Asahikawa Zoo lecture from 8pm where you can hear "secret stories" about the zoo from an OMO ranger who knows Asahiyama Zoo inside and out. There is also a souvenir corner and a ski board exhibition space, and the service goes beyond the level of a lodging facility, so you'll definitely want to come back.

Kamui Ski Links is about 30 minutes by car from OMO7. There is a 2,327m long gondola, and many skiers and snowboarders visit the area looking for ungroomed runs.
Santa Present Park, where the Snowboarding World Cup was also held, is famous for its beautiful night view, as shown in the photo. The feeling of gliding through the night view is truly special.
Pippu Ski Resort, which offers a panoramic view of the vast Kamikawa Basin with the Daisetsuzan mountain range, known as the roof of Hokkaido, in the background, features nine courses on its expansive slopes, the largest in northern Hokkaido.

Services linked to ski resorts and the essence of enjoying skiing in the city.

As Asahikawa has declared itself a ski city, it is a must to know about the nearby ski resorts. At OMO7 Asahikawa, you can check the conditions of the five nearby ski resorts in real time with the ski resort cameras, get advice from powder guides, and hear the real voices of the local staff at Kamui Ski Links. Which ski resort is best to go to while staying at the hotel? Being able to make such a plan is one of the benefits of enjoying skiing during a city stay. OMO7 Asahikawa is the only place where you can use the shuttle bus to four different colored slopes, including the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway, known as the highest peak in Hokkaido, Kamui Ski Links, the largest ski resort in Hokkaido and popular with beginners and advanced skiers alike, Santa Present Park, where you can enjoy night skiing, and Pippu Ski Resort, which boasts the largest slope in northern Hokkaido.

As introduced so far, OMO, which includes OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts, is an exciting 'city hotel' that Hoshino Resorts has rolled out nationwide, a new type of hotel run by staff who love the city and the local people. There are currently 17 facilities across the country, each of which continues to attract many people with services that reflect the local color. In addition to enjoying skiing at OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts, you can also enjoy the city itself at OMO locations across the country.

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