Cover Kiroro, Hokkaido (Photo: Getty Images)
Kiroro, Hokkaido (Photo: Getty Images)
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One of Hokkaido’s best-kept secrets, the destination is blanketed by white powdery snow in the winter while offering a lush green sanctuary in the summer
When it comes to ski season, Hokkaido is a must-visit for avid skiers and snowboarders thanks to its legendary powdery snow and long winter season. In Japan’s winter playground, there are plenty of slopes to cover—and they’re not just located in Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano.
Take a trip to Yoichi district and you’ll find Kiroro, a charming area that receives 21 metres of snowfall per year on average. Claiming to have some of the best powder conditions in Hokkaido, Kiroro is home to a plethora of groomed trails and off-pistes terrains.
While the area is known for being a ski paradise, other outdoor activities are also available—even in the summer. Head down the slopes on a banana boat in the winter or trek up the mountains and be rewarded with stunning views in the summer. Regardless of the season, there are plenty of reasons to visit.
In case you missed it: Hitting the slopes: The best ski destinations in Japan
The food
One of the main reasons people visit Japan is, of course, the food. A trip to Kiroro means you get to savour the best produce that Hokkaido has to offer. Apart from seafood, sink your teeth into fruits, vegetables and hearty speciality dishes like Sapporo soup curry.
If you find yourself feeling peckish while on the slopes, stop by Cafeteria Lumiere for a hearty meal. Located at Mountain Center, the restaurant serves up made from local Akaigawa pork. Within the restaurant, visit its paid lounge and get to enjoy your food in a semi-private room with majestic views of the slopes in the background.
While there are various in-resort dining options, depending on where you stay, consider taking a trip to the nearby harbour city of Otaru for more restaurants and cafe options. Near the Otaru station, find Otaru triangle market filled with seafood shops offering decadent bowls that brim with fresh fish and crustaceans. If you’re prepared to queue, Takinami Donburi’s customisable Wagamama bowl brims with fluffy Japanese rice and fresh seafood of your choice.
Warm your body up with a piping hot bowl of ramen at Mahoro. A local favourite, this ramen shop offers comforting bowls all day long. Bowls are filled with handmade noodles topped with Hokkaido-sourced ingredients like Rausu konbu, shiitake mushrooms, fresh meats and more.
All year-round activities
Skiing is the main event at Kiroro in the winter and if your aim is to improve your skills and techniques, this is the place to go. After all, the area is loved for its thick snowfall and a long ski season that stretches from November to May.
If you’re just learning to ski or looking for an instructor to bring you down the slopes, Kiroro offers a range of ski academies for all levels. Little ones can learn to ski and snowboard confidently at Kiroro Kids Academy while private lessons are available at Kiroro International Ski & Snowboard Academy.
Not a fan of skiing and snowboarding? Head to Kiroro Snow World and enjoy other snow activities including snow rafting, snow banana boat, mini snowmobiles and more. Boots and bench coats are also available for rent in the area.
There’s so much to do in Kiroro, even in the summer. During this season, powdery white vistas are replaced with blue skies and vibrant green landscapes. Avid golfers can look forward to a number of courses suitable to all levels. Sasson Golf Club, for one, is an open course that overlooks the Sea of Japan. The fairly challenging course is designed by the master of Japanese golf course design Osaka Ueda.
During the green season, take a private kayak tour down the gorgeous Akaigawa Lake or follow a guide through some of Kiroro’s lesser-explored areas. For scenic vistas, take the Mount Asari Panorama Gondola and admire views of Ishikari Bay, Shakotan Peninsula and Niseko Mountains.
Above Club Med Kiroro Grand
Club Med Kiroro Grand
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The hotels
Kiroro boasts a wide selection of hotels and resorts to choose from, with the latest additions being Club Med Kiroro Grand and Club Med Kiroro Peak.
The former is an all-inclusive family-friendly resort with plenty to do, ranging from fun ski classes to indulgent buffet spreads. Try your hand at snowboarding or take a trek up the mountain for a stunning Birdseye view of the district. A plethora of activities are also available when you visit in the summer—think golf, mountain boarding and hiking.
Also available at the resort is a special programme for children. Here, little ones have the opportunity to learn how to ski and snowboard at the Mini Club Med. On top of activities on the slopes, indoor activities are also available, including board games, arts and crafts and more.
A gondola ride away, find Club Med Kiroro Peak, a lush resort designed for couples and families with kids above 12 years old. Here, you’ll get direct access to the Asari and Nagamine mountains. Explore the 23 different trails before heading back for a relaxing onsen and dinner session.
Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
