Rating8.0
Rating8.0
Rating8.0Good
Based on 823 reviews
Exceptional G.O. Team
Guests consistently praise the G.O. team for their warmth, hospitality, and dedication in creating a wonderful and engaging holiday experience for all ages.
Outstanding Culinary Experience
The main restaurant, Yoichi, receives high acclaim for its extensive selection of high-quality local and international dishes, including fresh seafood and decadent options like Zuwai crab.
Premier Skiing and Onsen
Winter sports enthusiasts rave about the ski-in/ski-out access, professional lessons, and the renowned Kiroro powder snow, complemented by the relaxing outdoor onsen baths amidst falling snow.
Family-Friendly Environment
The resort is highly regarded for its comprehensive childcare facilities, diverse activities for all ages, and engaging kids' and teen clubs, including ski lessons for children.
Comfortable Accommodation
Rooms are consistently described as spacious, clean, modern, and comfortable, often featuring breathtaking mountain views that enhance the overall stay.
Hygiene Concerns (Norovirus)
A past norovirus outbreak is a notable concern, suggesting guests should be mindful of hygiene protocols and the resort's ongoing efforts to reinforce health and safety management.
Inconvenient Transportation
The 1.5-2 hour transfer time from New Chitose Airport is a recurring point of caution, potentially leading to exhaustion after long international flights if not planned with an overnight airport stay.
Summer Crowding
During peak summer months, the resort can become significantly crowded with large tour groups, which might affect the experience for guests seeking a quieter or more intimate retreat.
Additional Costs
While largely all-inclusive, guests should be aware that dining at premium specialty restaurants and certain specific excursions will incur extra charges beyond the base package rate.
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It List
2024 (Best New International Resorts of 2023)
Travel + Leisure
Club Med Kiroro Grand occupies a former Yamaha-owned hotel that Club Med stripped and rebuilt, reopening in December 2023 as the family-focused anchor of its two-property Kiroro campus. The fundamental appeal is straightforward: direct ski-in/ski-out access to Kiroro's runs, which receive some of the deepest and driest powder in Japan across a 160-day season, all packaged into an all-inclusive format where the lift ticket, lessons, and meals are bundled. The building's "enchanted forest" interior design is a genuine architectural statement, not just marketing language.
This resort is calibrated for families with children. The Petit Club covers toddlers from age 2, Mini Club handles ages 4–10, and the Junior/Teens Club runs for 11–17 year olds with separate programs for skiers and non-skiers. Couples or adult groups wanting the Kiroro experience without children's programming should look at Club Med Kiroro Peak next door, which operates as adults-only (12+) and carries the higher Exclusive Collection designation.
The main operational drawback: Kiroro is remote. The transfer from New Chitose Airport (CTS) runs 90 minutes to two hours depending on road conditions and snow — tiring after a long-haul flight. The resort recommends staying overnight at the airport hotel before transferring; it's genuinely worth considering. Also worth noting: a norovirus outbreak occurred here in the recent past, which raised questions about food-safety management. The resort subsequently tightened protocols, but it's a known incident worth awareness.
Specifics: 266 rooms across eight categories, from 387 sq ft Superior Rooms to 1,000–1,100 sq ft Master Family Suites (only two exist — book them early if needed). All-inclusive covers meals at the main buffet restaurant Yoichi, unlimited beverages, and group ski and snowboard lessons. The three specialty restaurants (The Ebisu, The Kaen, The Ogon) are included in the package with reservation. Room service is complimentary continental breakfast for all guests; Deluxe and Suite guests get all-day room service included.
Peak winter season is December through March, with the deepest snow typically January–February. Summer operation exists (hiking, outdoor activities) but the primary value proposition is skiing. Otaru, a charming canal city about 40 minutes away, is reachable on the free resort shuttle — worth a half-day for guests staying a week or longer.
