The Kaen

A Sizzling Alpine Escape: The Kaen Experience

The Heart of Kiroro’s Culinary Scene

The Kaen stands as a culinary beacon within the newly elevated Club Med Kiroro Grand, offering a specialized contrast to the resort's main buffet. As an "Exclusive Collection" specialty restaurant, it provides a curated dining environment that prioritizes quality over quantity, focusing on the interactive and social nature of Japanese BBQ. It is a space designed for slow dining, where guests can appreciate the marbling of local meats and the precision of Japanese culinary techniques.

The restaurant serves as a bridge between the rugged natural beauty of Hokkaido and the refined hospitality Club Med Kiroro Grand is known for. By focusing on Yakiniku, The Kaen invites diners to take part in the cooking process, turning a meal into a shared event. This approach perfectly complements the "Peak" philosophy of providing a serene, adult-centric atmosphere where every detail—from the heat of the grill to the pairing of local sake—is intentionally crafted.

The Evolution of a Specialty Grill

While Club Med Kiroro Grand is a modern addition to the Hokkaido landscape, the history of The Kaen is rooted in the tradition of the region’s legendary produce. The restaurant was conceived as part of the resort's 2023 transformation into a premier luxury destination, aimed at showcasing the bounty of the Shiribeshi subprefecture. It represents a move toward more localized, authentic dining experiences that honor the history of Hokkaido’s farming and fishing communities.

Historically, Yakiniku in Japan evolved as a celebratory meal, and The Kaen honors this by sourcing ingredients from renowned local suppliers, such as the Tokachi farms. By integrating these historic Japanese flavors with modern French-inspired service, the restaurant has quickly become a cornerstone of the resort’s identity. It represents the "new" Hokkaido—a place where ancient tradition and global luxury intersect seamlessly.

Avant-Garde Meets Alpine Warmth

Designed by the world-renowned Studio HBA, the interior of The Kaen is a masterclass in "Japanese Avant-Garde." The design seamlessly blends clean Japanese lines with contemporary Western comfort, utilizing a palette of alpine timbers and warm, inviting tones. Large windows allow the blue-hour glow of the snowy forest to filter in, creating a striking contrast with the warm, golden lighting of the dining room.

The layout is designed to feel both spacious and intimate, with bespoke furniture and subtle Japanese patterns reflecting the local Ainu culture. Each table is equipped with state-of-the-art ventilation and integrated grills, ensuring that the "theatre of the flame" remains the focal point without compromising the sleek, modern aesthetic. The result is a dining space that feels like a private sanctuary within the mountains.

Top 3 Renowned Dishes

Kuroge Wagyu Cross Karubi

The undisputed star of the menu, this dish features thin slices of Wagyu known for its intense marbling and succulent texture. Sourced from the Tokachi region, the beef is grilled quickly to melt the intramuscular fat, resulting in a buttery flavor that is quintessential to high-end Japanese BBQ.

Boneless Short Rib (Tokachi Farm)

Renowned for its deep, beefy flavor and tenderness, the boneless short rib is a favorite for those who prefer a more robust bite. When paired with the restaurant’s signature dipping sauces and fresh Hokkaido-grown rice, it offers a hearty and satisfying mountain meal.

Otaru Seafood Medley

Drawing from the nearby coastal city of Otaru, this dish brings the "fruits of the sea" to the mountains. Featuring fresh scallops, squid, and seasonal fish, the seafood is lightly seasoned to allow the natural sweetness of the Hokkaido waters to shine through when kissed by the fire of the grill.