Experience the Sea of Japan in winter.
Winter StaysThe Sea of Japan in winter, skiing and hot pot
Winter at Otaru Geihinkan
Spend the day at Kiroro or Niseko, then gather for hot pot in a transparent dome in the evening.
Winter offers ways to spend your time that no other season can.
Otaru’s Winter Sea
The view outside your window is completely different from summer.
Distances and Travel Times from Otaru Geihinkan to Ski Areas
To the slopesSki areas range from Mt. Tengu, 15 minutes away by car, to Niseko, 1 hour 20 minutes away. Otaru Geihinkan is near Route 5, which leads to Niseko.
- Otaru Tenguyama Ski ResortAbout 8 kmAbout 15 minutes
- Asarigawa Onsen Ski ResortAbout 23 km (expressway) / about 19 kmAbout 25 minutes / about 35 minutes
- Kiroro ResortAbout 35 kmAbout 45 minutes
- Sapporo Kokusai Ski ResortAbout 32 kmAbout 50 minutes
- Sapporo TeineAbout 36 kmAbout 1 hour
- Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFUAbout 60 kmAbout 1 hour 20 minutes
- Niseko HANAZONO ResortAbout 58 kmAbout 1 hour 20 minutes
- Niseko Annupuri International Ski AreaAbout 70 kmAbout 1 hour 20 minutes
- Niseko VillageAbout 67 kmAbout 1 hour 20 minutes
Distances and travel times are based on information from February 2026. Allow extra time on winter roads. Please check each ski area’s official website for lift prices, opening hours and night skiing.
A Sample Winter Day
A winter dayFor a family of 4.
- MorningMorning
After breakfast, father and son head to Kiroro, while mother and daughter head into Otaru.
- DaytimeDaytime
Spend the day skiing at Kiroro. In Otaru, walk along the canal and Sakaimachi Street, then visit a café.
- EveningEvening
Everyone returns to the hotel.
- NightNight
Gather for hot pot in a transparent dome right by the sea.
Dining Dome ao in Winter
Hot Pot in a Dome Right by the Sea
Dining Dome ao has been open since October 12, 2026. Enjoy hot pot and other dishes in a dome with a heater.
Visit the Dining Dome ao PageTraveling to Otaru Geihinkan on Winter Roads
- Route 5 is also snow-covered in winter. Please drive safely
- The drive from New Chitose Airport takes about 1 hour 10 minutes when there is no snow. Please allow extra time in winter.
- Public transport may be disrupted. Please check the latest information.
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival in February
A winter event that fills Otaru with candlelight. The town is about 8 km from the hotel.
Winter Stay FAQs
QuestionsCan I see the sea in winter too?
Yes. The scenery is different from the calm seas of summer.
How far is it to the ski resorts?
Kiroro is about 35 km away (about 45 minutes), and Niseko about 60 km (about 1 hour 20 minutes).
Travel may take longer than usual due to winter road conditions.
Do you offer transfers to ski areas?
We are sorry, but we do not offer transfers.