If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about the best things to do after Club Med Hokkaido, you’re definitely not the only one. Plenty of travellers reach out asking what to do next, especially after a stay at Club Med Tomamu, Club Med Sahoro, Club Med Kiroro Grand, or Club Med Kiroro Peak. The good news? Hokkaido has so much more to offer after the resort check-out.
From food markets and scenic train rides to natural hot springs, extending your trip can be one of the best decisions you make. This winter-focused 5-day itinerary uses Sapporo as the overnight base for Days 1 to 4, with day trips to Otaru, Noboribetsu and Asahikawa. Treat it as a flexible plan: winter weather, transport connections and attraction opening dates can change what fits comfortably into a day. The penguin walk is seasonal, not guaranteed throughout the ski season.
Day 1 – Travel to Sapporo
After leaving Club Med Tomamu or Sahoro, head to Sapporo. The heart of Hokkaido’s urban scene. This is where your post-resort adventure begins. Exploring Sapporo is one of the best things to do after Club Med Hokkaido, especially if you enjoy a good mix of city culture, food, and winter charm.
Morning:
Check out from Club Med and travel to Sapporo by a pre-arranged private transfer or a rail itinerary with the necessary resort-to-station connection. Confirm the door-to-door journey from your particular resort rather than treating a train journey time as the whole transfer. Allow extra time for luggage, connections and winter road conditions.
Once you arrive, check into a hotel near Susukino or Odori Park. Super convenient, especially if you plan to do a bit of walking or last-minute shopping.
Afternoon:
Wander through Odori Park, soaking in the seasonal vibes. The snow-covered trees and quiet paths make it feel like you’re walking through a postcard. Make a quick stop at the Former Hokkaido Government Office, it’s not only beautiful, but also a great spot to warm up.
Evening:
Head over to Sapporo Beer Garden for their iconic Genghis Khan lamb BBQ. It’s loud, sizzling, and fun. Pair it with a fresh beer brewed just metres away. If you’re not quite ready to call it a night, wander through Susukino, dip into an izakaya or two, and just soak in the city lights.
Day 2 – Otaru Day Trip
Morning:
Take a short train ride to Otaru. It’s about 45 minutes from Sapporo and totally worth the trip. The moment you arrive, the charm hits you. There’s something dreamy about the Otaru Canal in winter, especially with those converted warehouses and softly falling snow.
Afternoon:
Head over to Sakaimachi Street. You’ll find little shops selling handblown glass, music boxes, and all sorts of vintage treasures.
For lunch, try the Otaru Sankaku Market. The seafood’s fresh, the ramen is steaming, and the vibe is very local. Don’t leave without stopping by LeTAO for cheesecake, or anything sweet. It’s what they’re famous for.
Evening:
Return to Sapporo. Try something warm and comforting like Hokkaido soup curry, GARAKU and Suage+
Day 3 – Onsen Day at Noboribetsu
Want to relax your muscles after all that skiing or snowboarding? Visiting an onsen town like Noboribetsu is one of the most soothing things to do after Club Med Hokkaido, especially if you’re craving peace, snow, and a long soak.
Morning:
From Sapporo, take a limited express train to Noboribetsu Station, then continue by local bus to the onsen area; the bus leg takes about 15 minutes, before waiting time. Alternatively, arrange a road transfer. Check the current train and bus connections in advance: the station is not beside Hell Valley. See JNTO’s Noboribetsu access guidance.
Explore Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley), with its steam vents, sulphur-scented air and dramatic volcanic landscape. Follow the open paths and local safety notices, particularly when snow or ice affects access. This is not the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Nagano, which is a different destination on Japan’s main island.
Afternoon:
Soak in a traditional Japanese onsen. Dai-ichi Takimotokan and Noboribetsu Grand Hotel are options to research; confirm their current day-use hours, admission and bathing rules before travelling. Try local snacks like onsen tamago (hot spring eggs).
Evening:
Return to your Sapporo hotel if you plan to follow the Asahikawa day trip below. For a slower alternative, stay overnight in a Noboribetsu ryokan and replace Day 4 with a relaxed return to Sapporo, or add an extra night to your trip. Do not treat the approximately 1.5-hour Sapporo–Asahikawa train journey as a journey from Noboribetsu.
Day 4 – Asahikawa and Asahiyama Zoo from Sapporo
From Asahiyama Zoo to hot bowls of shoyu ramen, Asahikawa offers a fun change of pace. This is a full day out from Sapporo, so choose your additional stops around the zoo visit and return transport rather than trying to fit everything in.
Morning:
Take a morning limited express train from Sapporo Station to Asahikawa Station, allowing approximately 1.5 hours for that rail leg. Then allow about 40 minutes by bus to Asahiyama Zoo, plus waiting time. These are planning estimates, not a guaranteed door-to-door time; check the zoo’s current access information and your travel-date timetable.
About the penguin walk: It takes place only when enough snow has accumulated for a safe course. The zoo describes late December to mid-March as the usual period, but actual dates and times depend on snow conditions. Weather, the course and the animals’ condition can cause changes or cancellation. Check the official zoo FAQ and current opening calendar and daily programme before choosing your date. Do not assume last winter’s walk times apply to your visit.
Afternoon:
For lunch, don’t miss Asahikawa Ramen Village. This city’s known for its shoyu ramen. Rich, deep, and perfect in winter. If you’ve still got time and interest, drop by Otokoyama Sake Brewery. Free tastings, snow-covered sake barrels, and a bit of local culture.
Evening:
Return to Sapporo for a quiet dinner. Maybe a seafood donburi at Nijo Market if you’re still curious about what else Hokkaido’s waters have to offer.
Day 5 – Last-Minute Shopping & Departure
Morning:
Pick up Hokkaido goodies at Tanukikoji Shopping Street or Sapporo Stellar Place. Think Shiroi Koibito cookies, Royce’ chocolate, and Marusei butter sandwiches. All perfect for gifting.
Afternoon:
If your flight is later in the day, consider swinging by Shiroi Koibito Park. It’s charming in a theme-park-meets-sweets-factory kind of way. A surprisingly fun way to end your trip.
Evening:
Head to New Chitose Airport. If you’re early, the airport itself is a mini attraction with an onsen, Doraemon Sky Park, and a food court.
Alternative Version: After Club Med Kiroro Grand or Kiroro Peak
If you’re wrapping up your trip at Club Med Kiroro, you can visit Otaru before continuing to Sapporo. Arrange a transfer that allows sightseeing and luggage handling, rather than assuming a standard resort transfer includes stops. Use our Kiroro transport guide to compare the available routes, and confirm the travel time for your date and winter conditions.
Here’s what that could look like:
Day 1 – Otaru First, Then Onward to Sapporo
Morning:
Check out and make your way to Otaru. Wander the canal and soaking in the town’s vintage charm. Grab lunch, do a bit of shopping, and then continue on to Sapporo in the late afternoon.
Evening:
Check into your hotel and have dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden just like before. You’re still ending the day with grilled lamb and cold beer, just with a scenic detour.
Keep Sapporo as your overnight base for the later day trips, and use the original Otaru day as a flexible Sapporo day instead of repeating the visit. If you choose an overnight in Noboribetsu, adjust the Asahikawa day as explained above.
Planning Private Tours in Hokkaido After Club Med
If you’d rather not navigate the logistics yourself, Travelution Holidays also offers private tours in Hokkaido. Perfect if you’re looking for a more personalised experience after your Club Med stay.
Whether it’s a day trip to Otaru, a guided visit to Noboribetsu, or a fully planned itinerary with a private driver, we can arrange it all. Please keep in mind, private tours need to be booked in advance, especially during peak travel months from December to March, as drivers are limited and room availability fills up quickly.
How many days should travellers add after Club Med Hokkaido?
Five additional days allow enough time to combine Sapporo with places such as Otaru and another regional stop without rushing every transfer. Travellers with less time can shorten the itinerary to Sapporo and Otaru, while longer stays can include more distant areas according to the season.
