Heading to Club Med Tomamu, Sahoro, Kiroro Grand or Kiroro Peak? This guide takes you through what to prepare before you leave, where to meet your transfer and what to do when you reach the resort.
The guide covers these four Hokkaido resorts. Follow the section for your arrival route, then use the winter or summer tips that match your holiday. Club Med Kabira in Okinawa has different arrival arrangements.
Jump to the part you need
- Before you travel
- What to pack
- Your flight to Hokkaido
- Meeting your transfer
- Arriving at the resort
- Getting ready for your first day
- Useful tips during your stay
- Departure and check-out
- Who to contact
1. Before you travel
Before leaving Malaysia, make sure you have:
- A passport valid for your entire stay
- Your return or onward flight details
- Your Club Med booking confirmation
- Your transfer voucher, if a transfer has been arranged
- Travel insurance covering your planned activities
- Visit Japan Web completed and its QR code saved, if using this recommended optional service; otherwise, be ready to fill in the required forms on arrival
- Your airline’s current baggage allowance
- Any required documentation for prescription medicine
- Suitable clothing for Hokkaido’s weather
- A credit card and some Japanese yen
- Offline copies of important documents
Know which resort you are visiting
All four resorts covered in this guide are in Hokkaido, but their locations, facilities and transfer times differ.
| Resort | Best suited to | Approximate access from New Chitose Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Club Med Tomamu | Families, skiing, summer mountain activities and Mina Mina Beach | About 2 hours in winter or 1 hour 50 minutes in summer |
| Club Med Sahoro | A quieter mountain setting, families and skiing | About 2 hours 40 minutes |
| Club Med Kiroro Grand | Families, skiing, summer activities and Japanese hot baths | Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Club Med Kiroro Peak | Couples, friends and guests aged 12 or above | Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours |
Club Med Kiroro Peak welcomes guests from 12 years old. Families travelling with younger children should consider Kiroro Grand, Tomamu or Sahoro.
Travel times are estimates. Snow, road closures, traffic and scheduled stops can make winter transfers longer.
Alternative arrival airports and train stations
Club Med Tomamu and Sahoro can also be reached from Tokachi Obihiro Airport:
- Tomamu: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
- Sahoro: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
The Tomamu train station is about five minutes from Club Med Tomamu. Shintoku train station is about 20 minutes from Club Med Sahoro. Rail journeys require advance planning because some Hokkaido stations have limited facilities and certain limited-express trains require reserved seats.
Travelution Tip
Check the available transfer schedule before choosing your flights. Club Med’s shared transfers do not meet every flight, particularly very early departures and late arrivals.
See our Club Med transfer guide for the relevant route and seasonal information.
Keep your travel documents together
Passport validity
For Malaysian travellers, check your passport validity well before departure. Malaysia’s international travel guidance advises at least six months remaining. Japan itself requires your passport to remain valid for your stay, as explained by the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia. Also check any transit-country and airline requirements for your itinerary.
Visa requirements for Malaysians
Malaysian nationals holding an ICAO-compliant biometric ordinary passport may visit Japan without a visa for eligible short stays of up to 90 days, including tourism.
Travellers using a Malaysian Certificate of Identity or travelling for work, study or another non-tourism purpose may require a visa.
Entry remains subject to approval by Japanese immigration authorities. Other passport holders should check the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa-exemption list.
Documents to keep in your hand luggage
- Original passport
- Return or onward flight itinerary
- Club Med confirmation
- Transfer voucher
- Travel insurance details
- Domestic flight confirmation, if applicable
- Prescription or doctor’s letter for relevant medicine
- Emergency contact information
Keep offline copies on your phone and one printed set. Carry essential documents and medication in your hand luggage.
Prepare your arrival information
Visit Japan Web is Japan’s free official online service for immigration and Customs information. We recommend completing it before departure to save time filling in information on arrival, but it is not compulsory. If you do not use it, you can complete the required paper forms on arrival, as explained in Japan’s official arrival instructions. Online preparation does not guarantee shorter queues or exemption from immigration and Customs checks.
You can use it to:
- Register traveller information
- Add your arrival details
- Complete immigration information
- Submit your Customs declaration
- Generate the QR code used upon arrival
If using Visit Japan Web, complete it once your flights and accommodation are confirmed, then review the details before travelling.
Travelution Holidays’ step-by-step Visit Japan Web guide can help you complete the process.
If using Visit Japan Web: before leaving Malaysia
- Save or screenshot the QR code
- Check that your passport number is correct
- Confirm your arrival flight and accommodation details
- Make sure every traveller has been properly registered
- Keep the QR code available offline
Japan Customs has warned about unofficial websites charging travellers to prepare Visit Japan Web declarations. The official service does not charge a fee.
Money, transport cards and connectivity
Money in Japan
Japan’s currency is the Japanese yen.
Credit cards are widely accepted at airports, hotels, department stores and larger businesses. Smaller restaurants, rural shops, vending machines and some transport services may still require cash.
Bring:
- At least one physical international credit or debit card
- A second payment method where possible
- A reasonable amount of Japanese yen
- Your bank’s emergency contact number
At Club Med, chargeable services are generally added to your resort account through your wristband or Club Med Pass and settled by card. Confirm the accepted cards with the resort.
Overseas-issued cards can be used at many Seven Bank, Lawson Bank and Japan Post Bank ATMs, subject to the card issuer’s approval and fees.
Should you get an IC card?
Prepaid IC cards such as Suica, Kitaca, PASMO and ICOCA are useful for:
- Eligible trains and buses
- Convenience stores
- Vending machines
- Coin lockers
- Participating shops and restaurants
iPhone users may be able to add a digital Suica to Apple Wallet. Compatibility and foreign-card top-ups can vary, so retain another payment method.
In Hokkaido, Kitaca can be purchased from participating JR stations, including New Chitose Airport Station. Suica and other compatible cards can also be used across much of the Kitaca area.
However, an IC card does not cover every Hokkaido journey. Stations including Tomamu are outside the standard Kitaca travel area, and limited-express services may require separate tickets and seat reservations.
Useful apps and services
Install these before departure:
- Google Translate with Japanese downloaded for offline use
- Google Maps or NAVITIME Japan Travel
- The Club Med app for resort information, activity schedules and evening themes
- Your airline’s app
- A weather app
- Japan’s official Safety Tips or Japan Safe Travel resources
Internet access
Arrange an international roaming plan, eSIM, SIM card or portable Wi-Fi before travelling. SIM and Wi-Fi services are also available at New Chitose Airport.
Club Med provides Wi-Fi, but speed and coverage can vary. Keep essential bookings and directions stored offline.
Insurance, health needs and medication
Travel insurance should cover:
- Overseas medical treatment
- Trip cancellation and disruption
- Flight delays and missed connections
- Baggage loss or delay
- Your planned sports and activities
- Winter sports, if skiing or snowboarding
- Emergency evacuation or repatriation
Standard policies may exclude skiing or snowboarding unless winter-sports coverage is added. Check whether lessons, equipment, personal liability and rescue costs are covered.
Malaysian travellers may contact Travelution Holidays for assistance choosing an appropriate plan.
Bringing medicine into Japan
Japan controls the import of medicine, including some ingredients available in ordinary cold, flu, pain or attention-deficit medication overseas.
Japan’s Ministry of Health generally permits travellers to bring, without an Import Confirmation:
- Up to one month’s supply of most prescription medicine
- Up to two months’ supply of many non-prescription medicines
Controlled substances may require advance permission, while certain stimulant ingredients are prohibited even when prescribed overseas.
Before travelling:
- Check the active ingredients, not only the brand name.
- Consult Japan’s official guidance for travellers carrying medicine.
- Keep medicine in its original labelled packaging.
- Carry a prescription or doctor’s letter where appropriate.
- Apply for permission well in advance if required.
Keep essential medication in your hand luggage.
If you become unwell
Contact reception for assistance locating appropriate medical care. Reception can help identify the appropriate local medical service.
Good hand hygiene helps reduce the spread of stomach and respiratory illness. If you develop persistent vomiting, severe dehydration, breathing difficulty, severe pain, blood in the stool or another concerning symptom, seek professional medical attention promptly.
2. What to pack
Winter packing list
Hokkaido winters can be extremely cold. Pack in layers:
- Thermal base layers
- Fleece, wool or another insulating mid-layer
- Waterproof and wind-resistant outer jacket
- Waterproof ski trousers
- Ski gloves or mittens
- Warm hat
- Neck warmer
- Ski goggles
- Sunglasses
- Ski socks
- Winter footwear with good grip
- Indoor sports shoes
- Swimwear, where applicable
- Moisturiser and lip balm
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Evening theme wear, if desired
Check the Club Med app closer to departure for the evening themes available during your stay. Joining the themes is optional.
Snow boots are useful for walking outside the resort or joining winter excursions. Ski boots are normally obtained with rented ski equipment.
Summer packing list
Hokkaido’s mountain weather can change quickly, even in summer:
- Breathable clothing
- Light jacket or fleece
- Rain jacket or compact umbrella
- Sportswear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Refillable bottle
- Evening theme wear, if desired
Electrical items
Japan uses Type A plugs and a 100V electricity supply. Bring an appropriate adapter and check that your devices support 100V.
Read Travelution’s ski-trip packing guide for a more detailed checklist.
3. Your flight to Hokkaido
Flight schedules, terminals and operational notices can change, so check the latest information with your airline before departure.
As a general guide:
- Malaysia Airlines, Japan Airlines, ANA and Thai Airways operate from KLIA Terminal 1
- AirAsia operates from KLIA Terminal 2
Travellers using codeshare services or other airlines should confirm the operating carrier, and check-in location through the airline’s latest app, website or notification.
When to arrive at KLIA
Plan to arrive at least three hours before an international flight. Allow additional time during school holidays, long weekends, public holidays and major travel periods.
Before leaving home:
- Confirm the airport terminal
- Check in online when available
- Review cabin and checked-baggage allowances
- Declare ski bags or oversized baggage
- Check lithium-battery and power-bank rules
- Confirm the operating airline for codeshare flights
- Review the connection time
Connecting through Tokyo or Osaka
If you fly into Tokyo, Osaka or another Japanese city before continuing to Hokkaido, that airport will normally be your first point of entry into Japan. You will usually need to:
- Clear Japanese immigration.
- Collect your checked luggage.
- Clear Customs.
- Proceed to the domestic transfer or check-in counter.
- Re-check your luggage.
- Pass through domestic security.
- Continue to the departure gate.
Ask at your Malaysian departure airport whether your baggage is tagged only to the first Japanese airport or through to New Chitose. Even if it is tagged through, follow the airline’s instructions about collection and Customs at the first point of entry.
Allow a generous connection. Changing terminals, immigration queues and baggage delivery can take longer than expected.
4. Meeting your transfer
International arrival
After landing:
- Follow the signs to immigration.
- Present your passport and, if you used Visit Japan Web, its QR code. Otherwise, complete and present the required arrival form.
- Complete fingerprint and photograph procedures where required.
- Collect your checked luggage.
- Complete animal or plant quarantine procedures if applicable.
- Clear Customs using your QR code or a paper declaration.
- Enter the international arrival hall.
Declare any meat, meat products, fruit, vegetables, plants or other regulated items. Check any packaged or canned food against the current quarantine rules before travelling.
Domestic arrival
If you have already entered Japan in Tokyo, Osaka or another city:
- Collect your luggage.
- Enter the domestic arrival hall.
- Follow the instructions on your transfer voucher.
New Chitose’s international and domestic buildings are connected, but walking between meeting points takes time.
Find your Club Med or private transfer
Airport and railway transfers are not standard inclusions in a Club Med resort-only package. They are included only when stated in your confirmed booking, such as with an eligible Club Med Fly & Stay package, or when arranged separately.
A Club Med transfer is confirmed only when it appears in your booking confirmation or transfer voucher.
The voucher will normally include:
- The arrival airport or railway station
- Your flight or train number
- The scheduled arrival or departure time
- The number of travellers covered by the transfer
Club Med shared transfer
After collecting your luggage, proceed to the Club Med transfer desk shown in your current instructions.
For international arrivals, collect your luggage, clear Customs, turn left after exiting the arrival gate and head to the Club Med counter on Level 2F. Register with the team, confirm your departure time and note when to return. Keep your luggage with you while waiting.
For domestic arrivals, head to the Club Med counter between arrival gates 4 and 5 on Level 1F in the JAL arrival area. Register with the team, confirm the departure time and keep your luggage with you.
If your flight is delayed or you miss the shared transfer, contact the Club Med transfer desk to arrange the next available transfer.
Private airport transfer
If you booked a private airport transfer, look for your driver or representative with your name sign at the arrival hall.
The supplier allows a one-hour wait for airport pickups. If you are taking longer to clear immigration or collect your bags, message Travelution so we can coordinate with the supplier. If you cannot find your driver, send us a photograph of your location and the nearest arrival gate or sign.
If your private transfer collects you from a hotel
Be ready in the lobby at least 15 minutes before the confirmed pickup time and follow the instructions supplied for your booking. The one-hour airport waiting allowance does not apply to hotel pickups.
If you arrive at Tomamu by another route
Tomamu also has arrival arrangements from Tokachi Obihiro Airport and JR Tomamu Station. Confirm the transfers for your booked flight or train before travelling. See Club Med Tomamu’s arrival information for the relevant meeting point.
Travelution Tip
Our transfer provider can only monitor the correct journey if Travelution has the final flight number, arrival time and terminal. Notify us immediately if your airline changes the flight.
5. Arriving at the resort
Club Med’s standard check-in time is 3:00 pm.
When you arrive, you may receive a wristband or Club Med Pass that serves as your:
- Room key
- Resort identification
- Payment method for chargeable services
You will also receive information about dining, activities and resort facilities.
Arriving before 3:00 pm
If your room is not ready, leave your luggage only in the designated area. Keep passports, medication, money and valuables with you.
Early-arrival fees for the coming season are awaiting confirmation. For budgeting, the previous season’s rates were JPY 6,000 per adult, JPY 5,000 per teen aged 12 to 17 and JPY 3,500 per child aged 4 to 11. These are historical reference rates only, not confirmed prices for the coming season.
Silver, Gold and Platinum Great Members receive complimentary early arrival. This benefit does not guarantee that the room will be ready early. Ask reception about luggage storage and what you can use while you wait.
Preparing for a ski holiday
On arrival:
- Confirm where and when ski lessons meet
- Register for included group lessons
- Check any private lesson booking
- Collect and fit pre-booked equipment
- Confirm the ski-locker procedure
- Check the lift-pass start date
- Review the following day’s slope and weather information
Group ski or snowboard lessons and lift passes are included in the Club Med winter package. Equipment rental and private lessons cost extra unless your booking states otherwise.
Lift operations depend on weather, snow and the mountain operator.
Official slope information:
Tomamu Summer and Unkai Terrace
The Sea of Clouds is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed.
Before visiting:
- Check the official Unkai forecast
- Ask reception about the current gondola access procedure
- Confirm whether a booking or ticket is required
- Arrive at the meeting or boarding point early
- Dress warmly for the morning mountain temperature
6. Getting ready for your first day
Activities vary by resort, season, weather and operating schedule. Use the Club Med app and ask the activity desk for the programme during your stay.
Possible activities include:
Winter
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snow trekking
- Fitness and yoga
- Indoor swimming
- Cultural activities
- Evening entertainment
Summer
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Tennis
- Archery
- Flying trapeze at participating resorts
- Mountain boarding or grass skiing at participating resorts
- Fitness and yoga
- Swimming
Some activities require advance registration, have age or ability restrictions, or may cost extra.
Summer programmes differ by resort. Kiroro Grand’s summer activity list features mountain biking, hiking, tennis, mountain boarding, grass skiing and wall climbing. Tomamu’s summer activity list features mountain biking, hiking, tennis, archery, flying trapeze and pickleball. Use the programme for your resort to check session times, age requirements and registration. Some activities, including e-bike, and grass skiing, carry an extra charge.
Children’s programmes
At participating family resorts:
- Petit Club Med: ages 2 to 3, at extra cost
- Mini Club Med+: ages 4 to 10
- Club Med Teens: ages 11 to 13
- Club Med Chill Pass: ages 14 to 17
Registration times and daily programmes vary. Speak with the children’s-club team after arrival for the programme during your stay.
Kiroro Peak does not offer the same family programme because the resort accepts guests from age 12.
Onsen, ofuro and hot-bath etiquette
Depending on the resort, guests may have access to an onsen, traditional ofuro, outdoor bath or swimming facility.
Basic etiquette includes:
- Remove all clothing before entering a traditional communal bath
- Wash and rinse your body before entering the water
- Do not wear swimwear in an onsen or ofuro
- Keep the small towel out of the bathwater
- Tie up long hair
- Speak quietly
- Follow the resort’s tattoo policy
Tattoo rules vary. Ask the resort whether a cover is required or whether access is restricted.
Laundry
Self-service laundry facilities are available at Club Med resorts. The payment method and location of detergent vary, so check the resort map or ask reception.
7. Useful tips during your stay
- Keep your passport and bookings accessible.
- Carry some yen even if you prefer using cards.
- Save your resort address in English and Japanese.
- Check ticket requirements separately for Hokkaido journeys that are outside the IC-card network.
- Check activity schedules daily because weather can change the programme.
- Pack one change of clothing and essential toiletries in your cabin bag.
- Use pictures or translation apps when a menu is only in Japanese.
- Keep voices low and avoid phone calls on public transport.
- Tipping is not customary.
- Follow local waste-separation instructions.
- Ask before photographing people.
- Check the resort’s tattoo policy before using an onsen or ofuro.
- Keep tax-free goods accessible for departure Customs inspection.
Tax-free shopping changes from 1 November 2026
Japan’s tax-free shopping system changes on 1 November 2026.
Purchases made on or before 31 October 2026
Under the existing system, eligible visitors generally purchase qualifying goods from participating tax-free shops without paying consumption tax at the point of sale.
The shop will register the purchase against your passport. Consumables may be sealed and must not be opened or used in Japan.
Purchases made from 1 November 2026
From 1 November 2026, Japan moves to a refund system:
- You buy qualifying goods at the tax-inclusive price.
- The shop records the purchase using your passport or eligible Visit Japan Web information.
- You take the goods out of Japan within 90 days of purchase.
- Customs confirms at departure that you are carrying the goods out of Japan.
- The shop or its appointed refund provider processes the consumption-tax refund after Customs confirmation.
The refund method, timing and payment channel will depend on the shop or refund provider. Ask for the retailer’s instructions before completing the purchase.
Which purchases qualify?
From 1 November 2026:
- The qualifying purchase must total at least JPY5,000 before tax per shop per day.
- The goods must be for personal use and taken out of Japan.
- Gold and platinum bullion and items already exempt from consumption tax do not qualify.
- Special sealed packaging for consumables will be abolished.
- Food, drinks, cosmetics and other consumables must not be consumed in Japan if you intend to claim the refund.
- You must have the qualifying goods with you when Customs requests to inspect them.
If one purchase record contains several items and you cannot present the required goods, Customs may be unable to confirm that purchase record.
Before checking in for your flight home
Keep your tax-free purchases, passport and purchase information accessible.
If the goods are inside luggage that you plan to check in, ask Customs or your airline where the inspection must take place before handing over the bag.
Allow extra time at the airport, especially during the first months of the new system.
For current instructions, refer to the Japan Tourism Agency’s official tax-free shopping page.
8. Departure and check-out
Check-out time
Check out of your room by 10:00 am. Lunch is included for everyone on departure day. Ask reception which facilities remain available while you wait for your transfer. Room check-out, lunch and transfer pickup are separate timings.
Need a late check-out?
Ask the resort as early as possible, preferably at least one day before departure. Late check-out is subject to room availability, and additional charges may apply.
Before leaving the resort
- Pack and check the room carefully
- Settle spa, excursion, boutique and other additional charges
- Follow the resort’s instructions for returning the wristband, key or ski pass
- Confirm where luggage should be stored
- Leave luggage only in the area requested by the resort team
- Keep passports, valuables, medicine and tax-free purchases accessible
If you have a Club Med transfer
The resort will plan your departure time based on:
- Your flight schedule
- The journey to the airport
- Expected road and weather conditions
- The airline’s recommended airport arrival time
Check the resort’s departure information screen or confirm with reception one day before departure. Be in the lobby at least 15 minutes before the scheduled transfer so you can identify your luggage.
Tell reception immediately if your flight details change.
If you booked a private transfer
- Confirm the pick-up time one day before departure
- Be in the lobby at least 15 minutes early
- Identify your luggage before it is loaded
- Allow additional time when heavy snow or poor weather is forecast
9. Who to contact
Embassy of Malaysia in Tokyo
General enquiries: +81-3-3476-3840
Emergency line: +81-80-4322-3366
Email: mwtokyo@kln.gov.my or consular.tyo@kln.gov.my
Check the Embassy of Malaysia in Tokyo website before travelling in case the emergency number changes.
Emergency services in Japan
- Police: 110
- Ambulance and fire: 119
Travelution Holidays
For help with Club Med bookings, flights or private transfers, contact Travelution Holidays using the telephone or WhatsApp details in your booking documents.
Let Travelution Holidays coordinate your Club Med Japan holiday
A Club Med Japan holiday becomes much easier when the flights, connection time, luggage allowance and Hokkaido transfer are planned together.
Travelution Holidays can help you compare Club Med resorts, review flight options, arrange shared or private transfers, explain ski-package inclusions and prepare for your arrival in Japan.
Contact our team with your travel dates, preferred resort and number of travellers, and we will help you plan the journey from Malaysia to Hokkaido and home again.
