🐾 Escape the Ordinary: Dog Sled and Relax at Hokkaido’s Farm Inn Tonto

Are you dreaming of a winter escape that combines thrilling adventure with cozy, rustic comfort? Look no further than Farm Inn Tonto, a hidden gem nestled in the quiet, snowy town of Bifuka in northern Hokkaido, Japan. This unique destination offers the ultimate opportunity to disconnect from city life and connect with nature—and some very charming, young sled dogs!

Here’s why a trip to Farm Inn Tonto needs to be at the top of your winter travel list, complete with exhilarating dog sledding and delightful local cuisine.

 Race Through the Snow: Your Dog Sledding Adventure in Bifuka

At Farm Inn Tonto, the main attraction is a full-fledged dog sledding experience that puts you in the musher’s seat. Forget being a passive passenger; you’ll step into the role of a driver and command your own team across the magnificent, pure-white snowy fields of Bifuka. Bifuka is famous even in Hokkaido for its snowfall, and even when other dog sledding locations are struggling from lack of snow in the early or late season, Farm Inn Tonto is still going strong.

The tour operates during the prime Hokkaido winter season, generally from December through March, ensuring optimal snowy conditions for racing. And due to Bifuka’s off-the-beaten track location, you can still get reservations for this incredible experience when other dog sledding teams are fully booked up!

Key Details of the Dog Sledding Experience:

• Be the Musher: Get hands-on experience driving a one-person dog sled along an approximately 4-kilometer course.

• Beginner-Friendly: An experienced instructor leads the way on a snowmobile, making this exhilarating activity feel safe and accessible even for total beginners.

• Group Experience: If you’re traveling with a companion, you’ll be paired up, taking turns steering for half a lap each. When you’re not mushing, you’ll ride comfortably on a wooden sled towed by the snowmobile, giving you the perfect vantage point for filming and photography.

• Duration: The experience lasts approximately two hours, offering plenty of time to bond with the dogs and witness a private winter scenery few ever get to see.

• Pro Tip: Participants must be 12 years and older to mush. Younger children (3 years and older) can participate as observers only and ride in the sled.

Jordan’s comments:

I got to experience Farm Inn Tonto in their first year ever! Their dogs are young and ready to go, but they aren’t as wild as some of the more experienced dog sledding teams are, who are only focused on running!! This makes their team easier to handle and more beginner-friendly. Plus, the scenery of Bifuka is amazing! They got a ton of snowfall, so you get to enjoy playing the deep snow too.

Your Cozy Northern Hideaway: Staying at Farm Inn Tonto

After the rush of guiding your dog team across the snowy terrain, Farm Inn Tonto offers a comfortable and welcoming place to unwind. Tucked away in the countryside, it truly is a perfect hideaway for anyone looking to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The optional Accommodation Plan is designed to make your time in northern Hokkaido special and effortless, and includes:

• Comfortable Stays: Settle into comfortable and cozy private rooms for a restful night.

• Meals Included: The stay plan includes both a delicious dinner and breakfast.

• Signature Dinner: Enjoy a signature Hokkaido-style meal: Jingisukan (mutton barbecue), a delicious way to refuel after a day in the snow.

• Flexibility: You can strategically schedule your dog sledding experience either before check-in or after check-out, maximizing your time for both adventure and relaxation.

Jordan’s comments:

Staying at Farm Inn Tonto was such a treat! It’s far from the main roads and crowds, and since they have a small number of rooms it ends up being very cozy. Even with all the snow, the inn itself is warm with a wood-burning fireplace in the lobby. My husband and I spent a long time chatting with the innkeeper while we enjoyed dinner- which is locally produced jingisukan! After spending a day in the snow and being active, getting to relax and enjoy such incredible food made the drive along the snowy roads more than worth it. With its rural location, it’s also a prime spot for wildlife and bird watching. I would love to visit again!

If you are looking for an unforgettable winter trip that combines the thrill of a classic winter sport with a genuine, relaxing retreat, a dog sledding and stay package at Farm Inn Tonto in Bifuka, Hokkaido is the ultimate choice.

Ready to Plan Your Snowy Getaway? Check out the program here: Dog Sledding- Race Through the Snowy Town of Bifuka! Accommodation plans also available!