Club Med Sahoro Review: The Ultimate All-Inclusive Ski Escape in Hokkaido ✨

HOW TO GET HERE:

The best way to reach the hotel is via Driving only.

Hotel Address: 〒081-0039 Hokkaido, Kamikawa District, Shintoku, KARIKACHI KOGEN SHINTOKU-CHO KAMIKAWA-GUN - HOKKAIDO

*Directions from* New Chitose Airport (CTS) to Club Med Sahoro by car.

How to Get to Club Med Sahoro

Club Med Sahoro is located near Shintoku in central Hokkaido, approximately 130 kilometres from New Chitose Airport.

The easiest option is Club Med’s shared transfer, which takes around 2.5 hours and may be included with a Fly & Stay package.

Alternatively, take a JR train from New Chitose Airport to Minami-Chitose, then transfer to a limited express train to Shintoku. The journey takes approximately 2–2.5 hours and costs around ¥4,000–5,000 (AUD$35–44), followed by a 15–20-minute taxi ride to the resort.

Driving takes around 2–2.5 hours in clear conditions. Rental cars generally start from ¥6,600–10,600 (AUD$58–93) per day for a small or compact car. Allow approximately ¥3,100 (AUD$27) each way for tolls, plus fuel.

During winter, allow extra travel time due to snow and icy roads. For the most hassle-free experience, I recommend booking the Club Med transfer.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

Arriving at Club Med Sahoro felt like stepping into a peaceful winter retreat. The large, terracotta-coloured resort sits among the forests and snow-covered landscapes of Mount Sahoro, with direct access to the ski slopes.

The property is spread across several connected wings, so you quickly realise how much there is to explore. While the exterior feels traditional, the entrance introduces a more contemporary Japanese style through warm timber finishes, decorative umbrellas and a playful blue bear sculpture.

The resort blends minimalist Japanese influences with modern comfort, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere from the moment we arrived. Its quiet mountain setting was exactly what we hoped to experience in Hokkaido.

Hotel Lobby Area

Daily activities board display information

Stepping into the lobby at Club Med Sahoro felt warm and welcoming after arriving from the cold. We were greeted with a hot green tea, which was exactly what we needed after travelling through the snowy Hokkaido mountains.

The lobby combines timber finishes, Japanese-inspired artwork and bright orange seating, with plenty of comfortable areas to relax or meet before heading out for the day.

One of the most useful features is the electronic display board, which is updated with the day’s schedule. It includes ski lessons, family activities, dining information and special events happening around the resort. With so much included in the stay, checking the board each morning made it much easier to plan our day.

During check-in, we were assigned our wonderful host, Dinesh. He gave us a full rundown of the resort, explained where everything was located and talked us through the activities and event times during our stay. He was friendly, funny and an all-round awesome fella who made us feel welcome straight away.

FAMILY DELUXE ROOM - TATAMI LOUNGE

The main sleeping area features a large king bed, while Japanese-style sliding doors lead into a separate tatami lounge with two single beds. This layout gives families extra space and a little privacy without needing to book two rooms. Large windows also bring in plenty of natural light, with views across the snowy resort and surrounding mountains.

The room includes a large television, desk, plenty of wardrobe space, heating, a kettle and a complimentary non-alcoholic minibar. We also received bottled water and cup noodles, which were perfect for a quick snack after a long day on the slopes.

The bathroom has a walk-in shower, toiletries, bathrobes, slippers and a separate toilet. While it is not the most luxurious room in Hokkaido, it feels warm, practical and comfortable. The spacious layout and separate tatami area make it a great choice for families or small groups staying at Club Med Sahoro.

DAICHI RESTAURANT

One of the biggest highlights of staying at Club Med Sahoro is the food at Daichi, the resort’s main buffet restaurant on Level 2. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with large windows overlooking the snow and ski slopes. If you can, grab a table beside the windows for one of the best views in the resort.

Breakfast includes a mix of Japanese and Western favourites, with eggs, pastries, fruit, cereals, rice, noodles, soup and grilled dishes. There are plenty of lighter options, but also enough hearty food to prepare you for a full morning of skiing or snowboarding.

Lunch and dinner offer an even bigger selection of Japanese, Asian and international food. You can expect sashimi, sushi, nigiri, handmade noodles, ramen, curries, salads, grilled meats and dishes prepared fresh at the live cooking stations. One of our favourites was the signature salmon and ikura rice bowl, prepared in front of us with fresh salmon and salmon roe.

The menu changes throughout the week, so each visit feels slightly different. Selected evenings feature special themed buffets, including seafood nights with an impressive display of Hokkaido king crab. Depending on the evening, you may also find Wagyu beef and other regional specialities from Hokkaido.

The dessert section is also worth saving room for, with cakes, macarons, fruit, ice cream and small individual desserts. Drinks are included as part of the Club Med package, making it easy to sit back and enjoy the meal without worrying about extra costs.

On selected nights, the entertainment continues outside the restaurant. We watched the Club Med team perform a colourful ski and snowboard show on the snow through the restaurant windows. Being able to enjoy dinner in the warmth while watching the night performance outside made the evening feel extra special.

Overall, Daichi is much more than a standard hotel buffet. The changing menu, fresh Japanese food, Hokkaido seafood and slope-side views made it one of our favourite parts of staying at Club Med Sahoro.

MINA MINA IZAKAYA RESTAURANT

For a change from Daichi’s buffet, Mina Mina offers a more relaxed izakaya-style dining experience on Level 1 of Club Med Sahoro. The restaurant is inspired by traditional Japanese bars, with warm timber interiors, soft lighting and tables designed for sharing food with family and friends.

The included izakaya course begins with a selection of small plates, known as otsumami. During our visit, these included fresh sashimi, yuba tofu, Japanese pickles, Hokkaido-style fried chicken, prawn tempura, grilled pork skewers and seasoned fries.

For the main course, we could choose between a beef sukiyaki rice bowl, a seafood kaisen don or a vegetable donburi. The seafood bowl was one of our favourites, topped with tuna, salmon, prawns, scallops and salmon roe. Dessert was also included to finish the meal.

There is a separate paid menu if you want to add something extra. Options included lightly seared salmon with ikura, fried octopus, grilled fish and crab gratin. More premium choices included Hokkaido Wagyu, sea urchin, hairy crab, king crab, lobster and large seafood platters. Premium sake, Champagne and other speciality drinks are also available at an additional cost.

Mina Mina gets very busy every evening, so booking ahead is highly recommended. I would reserve a table as soon as possible after checking in, especially if you are only staying for a few nights.

Overall, Mina Mina is well worth visiting at least once. The smaller dishes, Japanese flavours and lively atmosphere make it feel completely different from the main buffet and give you a more traditional dining experience during your stay.

SKI & SNOWBOARD HIRE

One of the best things about staying at Club Med Sahoro is having everything you need for the slopes right inside the resort. The on-site ski hire area carries skis, snowboards, boots and helmets, with equipment available for different experience levels. The staff will help with sizing and make sure everything feels comfortable before you head outside.

Equipment hire costs extra, but group ski and snowboard lessons are included with selected all-inclusive packages. Club Med offers seven ability levels, from complete beginners through to experienced riders. Ski lessons are available from four years old, while snowboard lessons begin from eight years old.

Lessons should be booked at least 24 hours in advance, so I recommend arranging them shortly after check-in. This gives the team time to place you in the right group and confirm where to meet your instructor.

Once your equipment is sorted, the large wooden locker area gives you somewhere convenient to store everything between sessions. There are benches for changing into your boots, and with direct access to the ski area, getting ready each morning feels surprisingly easy.

Having the hire shop, storage lockers, lift access and lessons all in one place takes much of the stress out of a ski holiday. It is especially helpful for beginners, families or anyone who would rather not travel around Hokkaido carrying bulky equipment.

LESSONS MEET-UP AREA

Skiing and snowboarding are a huge part of the Club Med Sahoro experience. Group lessons and lift passes are included with eligible all-inclusive packages, making it easy to enjoy the mountain whether it is your first time on the snow or you have years of experience.

Lessons should be booked at least 24 hours in advance. On the morning of your lesson, everyone meets at the designated meeting point outside the resort. The groups are clearly organised by ability, with seven levels available from complete beginner to expert. The instructors explain the basics, check everyone’s equipment and make sure you are comfortable before heading onto the snow.

I joined a beginner snowboarding lesson and definitely had a few awkward moments, but the instructor was patient, friendly and happy to slow things down when needed. The beginner area provides plenty of space to practise balancing, stopping and turning before attempting the chairlift or moving onto a longer run.

Club Med Sahoro is also well set up for families. Ski lessons are available for children from four years old, while snowboarding lessons generally begin from eight years old. The dedicated children’s areas allow younger guests to learn in a safer and more manageable environment with instructors experienced in teaching kids.

Before heading out, it is worth studying the large ski area map near the meeting point. Sahoro has around 22 kilometres of slopes, with runs ranging from gentle beginner terrain to much steeper red and black courses. The map shows the chairlifts, routes, difficulty levels and connections across the mountain.

Your Club Med wristband works as your lift pass, so you can scan it at the gates and access the operating chairlifts around the ski area. It feels incredibly convenient, but do not let that convenience take you somewhere beyond your ability. Some routes become much steeper on the way down, and there may not be an easy beginner trail back. Always check the map, follow the signs and ask your instructor before exploring a new course alone.

One of the coolest moments during our lessons was having a DJ playing music outside while everyone enjoyed a barbecue lunch in the snow. It created such a fun atmosphere and turned an ordinary lesson day into one of our favourite experiences at the resort.

From friendly beginner lessons to challenging terrain for experienced riders, Sahoro offers something for every level. Just take your time, listen to your instructor and never underestimate the mountain when heading out without a guide.

SKI SHOP

Located side by side inside Club Med Sahoro, the ski shop and confectionery shop are both worth visiting during your stay. Their location is really convenient, especially if you realise at the last minute that you have forgotten something before heading onto the slopes.

The ski shop carries a good selection of winter clothing and accessories for adults and children. You will find ski jackets, snow pants, gloves, goggles, beanies, boots and other cold-weather essentials from recognised snow brands. It is particularly useful if your gloves get wet, your goggles are not suitable for the conditions or you simply need another warm layer.

Right next door is the confectionery and souvenir shop, filled with Japanese snacks, chocolates, biscuits and beautifully packaged Hokkaido sweets. There are also small gifts, clothing, plush toys and local souvenirs that are easy to pack and take home.

I loved how you could shop for practical snow gear and then walk straight next door to pick up a few snacks for later. Although meals and many activities are part of Club Med’s all-inclusive package, purchases from both shops cost extra.

The product selection and opening times may change throughout the season, but having both shops inside the resort is a thoughtful touch. Whether you need an emergency pair of gloves or a box of Hokkaido treats for home, you do not need to leave the property.

INDOOR POOL AREA

After spending hours skiing or snowboarding in the cold, the pool area at Club Med Sahoro is one of the best places to relax. The resort has a large heated indoor swimming pool, surrounded by windows that bring in plenty of natural light while keeping the entire space warm and comfortable.

The pool is long enough for swimming laps, but it is also a lovely place to enjoy a slower afternoon with the family. The warm water feels especially good after a full day on the mountain, when your legs are beginning to remind you just how much exercise skiing involves.

Beside the pool is an indoor jacuzzi where you can sit back and let the warm bubbling water soothe tired muscles. It became one of our favourite spots for unwinding before dinner, particularly after a long snowboarding lesson.

The real highlight, however, is the outdoor hot bath, which Club Med officially calls its Canadian bath. Stepping outside into the freezing Hokkaido air sounds intimidating at first, but once you are in the hot water, it feels amazing. You can sit surrounded by snow while looking towards the mountain and watching the winter landscape around you.

The contrast between the hot water and cold air made this such a memorable experience. Watching the snow from the outdoor bath was peaceful, relaxing and easily one of our favourite moments at Club Med Sahoro.

Whether you want to swim, soak indoors or enjoy the snowy views from the outdoor bath, the pool area is the perfect place to recover after another big day on the slopes.

FITNESS CENTER

If skiing and snowboarding are not enough of a workout, Club Med Sahoro also has a surprisingly large fitness centre inside the resort. It is a practical space with plenty of equipment for guests who want to maintain their normal training routine while on holiday.

The gym includes a good selection of cardio equipment, free weights and resistance machines. There are dumbbells, adjustable benches, cable stations and machines targeting different muscle groups, giving you enough variety for a complete workout.

One of the best features is the large open floor area. With mirrored walls and plenty of room to move, it is ideal for stretching, mobility work or practising yoga. This is especially useful after a long day on the mountain when your legs, hips and back need some extra attention.

Yoga and fitness activities may also be available through the resort’s daily program. Class schedules can change, so it is worth checking the electronic activity board or asking the team about what is running during your stay.

The fitness centre may not be the first facility you think about when booking a ski resort, but it is a useful addition. Whether you want a full workout, a light cardio session or simply somewhere warm to stretch after skiing, the space has everything you need.

OTHER INDOOR FACILITIES

Club Med Sahoro may be best known for its skiing and snowboarding, but there is still plenty to do indoors. This is especially useful on a rest day, during poor weather or if snow activities simply are not your thing.

One of the highlights for children is the interactive rock-climbing wall. It combines climbing with colourful games projected onto the wall, making the experience feel more playful than a traditional climbing session. Two players can even compete together, which is a great way for the kids to burn off some energy.

The resort also has indoor badminton and squash courts, providing another fun option for families and groups. Equipment availability and scheduled activities can vary, so check with the resort team before playing.

For something more relaxed, there are pool tables and several ping-pong tables around the indoor recreation areas. These spaces have a casual atmosphere and are perfect for filling the time between meals or enjoying a friendly competition after skiing. Some games, including the pool tables, may require an additional fee.

Another practical feature is the self-service laundry area, with washing machines and dryers available for guests. It is incredibly useful during a snow holiday, particularly when you need to refresh thermals, socks and other winter layers. The machines are paid separately, so it is worth keeping some Japanese coins handy.

With climbing, court sports, table games and laundry facilities all available inside, there is much more to Club Med Sahoro than the slopes. Whether the children need to release some energy or you simply want a quiet day away from the snow, the resort offers plenty of ways to stay occupied.

THE WAKKA BAR

Wakka Bar is the main social hub at Club Med Sahoro and one of the easiest places to relax between activities. Located near the resort’s main entertainment hall, it has plenty of seating and a casual atmosphere that works well for both adults and families.

During the afternoon, the bar serves light snacks and refreshments, which are perfect when you return hungry from the slopes but do not want a full meal. You can grab a coffee, soft drink, beer or light cocktail while the kids play Mario Kart on the large screen nearby. It creates a fun and relaxed atmosphere where everyone can enjoy some downtime together.

Most standard drinks are included as part of Club Med’s all-inclusive package. The bar offers cocktails, wine, spirits, soft drinks and beers on tap, although selected premium brands and special tastings may cost extra. It was nice being able to order a drink without worrying about signing a bill each time.

Once evening arrives, Wakka Bar becomes much livelier. Guests gather for pre-show drinks before walking across to the main event hall for the nightly performance. After the show finishes, the party often continues back at the bar with music, dancing and organised after-party events.

What I liked most was how the atmosphere changed throughout the day. In the afternoon, it was a comfortable family space for snacks and games. At night, it became one of the most energetic parts of the resort, with cocktails flowing and guests enjoying the music together.

Whether you are stopping for a quick refreshment after skiing or staying for the late-night party, Wakka Bar is very much the heart of the Club Med Sahoro social experience.

MAIN EVENT HALL

The main entertainment hall is one of the first large spaces you pass after checking in at Club Med Sahoro, and its size immediately catches your attention. The room is absolutely huge, with rows of seating, an elevated viewing area, a full stage, large digital screens and professional lighting.

Every evening, the hall becomes the centre of the resort’s entertainment. The program changes throughout the week and may include dancing, live singing, comedy, theatre, circus acts and impressive aerial performances. Club Med officially promotes nightly entertainment as part of the all-inclusive experience, so there is usually something new to watch after dinner.

What makes the shows so entertaining is that many of the performers are actually Club Med staff members from around the resort. You might suddenly recognise someone from reception, the restaurant or even your ski and snowboard lessons performing on stage. Seeing your serious snowboard instructor dancing in costume later that evening is unexpected and honestly pretty funny.

The performances feel light-hearted and are designed for the whole family. Some nights are more theatrical, while others focus on dance, music, comedy or circus-style routines. The staff put a surprising amount of energy into every show, which creates a fun atmosphere even if you would not usually attend hotel entertainment.

Once the main performance finishes, the evening often continues at nearby Wakka Bar. Depending on the program, there may be karaoke, dancing, themed parties or live music. Guests can order an included drink and continue socialising with the same staff members they just watched performing on stage.

The entertainment hall shows what makes Club Med different from a typical ski hotel. The team teaching lessons and serving guests during the day also helps bring the resort to life at night, making the whole experience feel much more personal and memorable.

FINAL THOUGHTS

My stay at Club Med Sahoro was an absolutely delightful experience from beginning to end. The resort combines comfortable rooms, fantastic food, friendly service and endless activities in one easy all-inclusive package. Everything is designed to make your holiday feel effortless, whether you are learning to snowboard, relaxing in the outdoor hot bath or enjoying the nightly entertainment.

Customer Service: 10/10

The service was easily one of the biggest highlights. Dinesh was absolutely awesome, giving us a warm welcome and explaining everything happening around the resort. He was funny, friendly and always happy to help.

The snowboard instructors were also incredibly patient and encouraging. As a beginner, I never felt rushed or uncomfortable. They helped build my confidence and made the lessons genuinely enjoyable, even when I was struggling.

The bar team were fantastic throughout our stay, and I was particularly impressed by the resort’s General Manager, who regularly walked around greeting guests and checking that everyone was having a good time. That personal approach made the entire experience feel very welcoming.

Rooms: 9/10

Our Family Deluxe Room with Tatami Lounge was spacious, comfortable and perfect for relaxing after a full day on the slopes. The beds were comfortable, there was plenty of storage, and the separate bathroom and toilet made the room practical for a family or group.

The additional tatami area gave the room plenty of character and space, while the mountain view made waking up each morning feel special. It was warm, clean and easily became our comfortable little retreat during the stay.

Food: 10/10

The food at Club Med Sahoro was outstanding. Daichi’s buffet offered so much variety that we never became tired of eating there. The menu regularly changed, with a huge selection of Japanese, Western and international dishes available throughout our stay.

The king crab leg night was a major highlight, along with the beautifully cooked Wagyu beef. There were also plenty of fresh seafood options, noodles, salads, desserts and familiar favourites, so choosing what to eat was often the hardest part.

Our dinner at Mina Mina was equally impressive. The izakaya-style dishes were absolutely delicious, especially the fresh sashimi. Combined with the excellent service and more intimate atmosphere, it was one of our favourite dining experiences at the resort.

Overall

Club Med Sahoro exceeded my expectations. The rooms were comfortable, the food was consistently excellent and the service felt genuinely personal. From Dinesh’s warm welcome to the patient snowboard instructors, friendly bar team and hands-on General Manager, the staff made a huge difference to our stay.

It is a resort where everything feels taken care of, allowing you to focus on enjoying the snow, food and entertainment. I left with more confidence on a snowboard, plenty of great memories and a real appreciation for the people who made the experience so enjoyable.

For anyone looking for an easy, family-friendly and genuinely fun ski holiday in Hokkaido, Club Med Sahoro is a resort I would happily recommend.

CLUB MED SAHORO HOKKAIDO

Club Med Sahoro Review: The Ultimate All-Inclusive Ski Escape in Hokkaido ✨

HOW TO GET HERE:

How to Get to Club Med Sahoro

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

Hotel Lobby Area

FAMILY DELUXE ROOM - TATAMI LOUNGE

DAICHI RESTAURANT

MINA MINA IZAKAYA RESTAURANT

SKI & SNOWBOARD HIRE

LESSONS MEET-UP AREA

SKI SHOP

INDOOR POOL AREA

FITNESS CENTER

OTHER INDOOR FACILITIES

THE WAKKA BAR

MAIN EVENT HALL

FINAL THOUGHTS

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CLUB MED SAHORO HOKKAIDO

Club Med Sahoro Review: The Ultimate All-Inclusive Ski Escape in Hokkaido ✨

HOW TO GET HERE:

How to Get to Club Med Sahoro

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

Hotel Lobby Area

FAMILY DELUXE ROOM - TATAMI LOUNGE

DAICHI RESTAURANT

MINA MINA IZAKAYA RESTAURANT

SKI & SNOWBOARD HIRE

LESSONS MEET-UP AREA

SKI SHOP

INDOOR POOL AREA

FITNESS CENTER

OTHER INDOOR FACILITIES

THE WAKKA BAR

MAIN EVENT HALL

FINAL THOUGHTS

OMO7 ASAHIKAWA BY HOSHINO RESORTS

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