Review: Summer revelry at Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido, an all-inclusive family-friendly resort

The size of each Club Med Tomamu room may surprise even those who are all too familiar with travelling in Japan.  At 38 square meters, there was plenty of space for a family—much less a solo traveller. My stay in the Superior Room comes with generous views of Mount Tomamu and occasional door visits from surrounding wildlife—one that both the young and old will appreciate. In the day, you may be treated to a dashing mob of Sika deers; when night falls, look out for an adorable skulk of Sakhalin foxes.

The room interiors share a similar theme to the lobby, except with a bolder pop of colour amidst soft wood accents. While the queen-sized bed is plush, the ergonomic couch stands out for its ability to convert into a sofa bed that can comfortably accommodate a small family. 

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From surveying the hills littered with farm animals to gaining some airtime at the flying trapeze, there is a wide array of summer sports to try during your stay. Club Med Tomamu’s strategic location by Mount Tomamu boasts convenient access to the Unkai Terrace, an attraction that draws tourists and locals alike to gather and witness the Unkai, a breathtaking sea of clouds that occurs at random. Having a gondola station only a stone’s throw away from the property means no one needs to wake up in the wee hours to jostle with the crowds. 

On Unkai Terrace, hit the trail early to catch a glimpse of picture-worthy instalments such as the cloud pool, a suspended net over a ledge or the cloud bar, which is equipped with towering chairs for watching the phenomenon unfold. Up for a hike? You can always attempt a steep trail that leads to the peak of Mount Tomamu, promising spectacular views once the thick fog clears. 

The property is also home to Mina Mina Beach, Japan’s largest indoor wave pool, where one can float about comfortably indoors. As for mountain biking, Club Med Tomamu offers two levels of difficulty: beginner and advanced. The former is a simple scenic route that goes around the grounds of Tomamu with minimal uphill climbs and many photo stops. The latter, however, will require a lot more experience and legwork. The route begins with a 45-degree uphill climb to reach a high ground located within the hills behind the property. Thereafter, an epic series of rocky dirt roads meander downslope, kicking the thrill meter up a notch.

For other extreme sports, river fishing or river rafting led by experts at the nearby Sorachi River is available at an additional cost. For tennis and golf enthusiasts, dedicated courts and courses allow one to perfect their shots among the lush Tokachi mountain range—also at an additional course.

Dining privileges are all-inclusive and all guests are granted access to Itara, the main restaurant where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. The international buffet offers a diverse range that rotates daily. Guests can indulge in classic Japanese kaarage, aromatic chicken 65, Angus steaks and even wok-kissed fried rice. For me, the main draw is always the fresh sashimi station where one can witness the live butchering of a whole tuna—subjected to daily availability.

Alternatively, visit Haku, a specialty yakiniku restaurant, where the art of grilling is celebrated. On top of marinated pork and premium cut beef, there is also a treasure trove of seafood offerings. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned hand, the knowledgeable crew is ready to advise whenever required.

For the imbiber, alcoholic beverages are inclusive with some exceptions of top-shelf liquors. During our visit, Club Med Tomamu offered exclusive Japanese whisky-tasting sessions featuring highly sought-after bottles of Yamazaki and Nikka. Of course, it comes with a reasonable top-up.

Be intentional when visiting the Unkai Terrace. Check the weather conditions before planning on the official Unkai Terrace app. The phenomenon doesn’t typically occur twice in a row so if it happened the day before, you’re likely not to witness any Unkai today. Don’t leave it up to divine intervention, especially after making considerable efforts to visit.

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