28 DAYS OF JAPOW
Discover the very best Japan has to offer on this epic powder adventure across the country
A bucket list ski trip for powder-hungry skiers. Spend 28 days travelling the length of Japan, where you’ll explore steeper terrain in Hakuba and the surrounding Japanese Alps, escape the crowds in undiscovered Tohoku and ski some of the world’s deepest powder in Central Hokkaido. The ultimate mix of culture, food, and powder, this adventure is ideal for a small group of 2-4 people and can run from mid-December to the end of February.
This itinerary has been created to give you an idea of what’s possible in the area. As with all our sample itineraries, this can be tailored to suit your group size, budget, ability and any other preferences.
Spend 28 days exploring the very best Japan has to offer on this powder-fueled ski adventure. Starting in the Japanese Alps of Hakuba, moving through the Tohoku region and up into Hokkaido, you will experience not only the best hidden-gem ski areas in Japan, but a true cultural immersion. Oh, and did we mention the food? For anyone looking to experience authentic Japan, this trip is a must.
This 28-day trip takes place all over Honshu (south island) and Hokkaido (north island). You will travel to the popular resort town of Niseko, ski areas without tourists, and everywhere in-between. Whilst conditions will determine exact locations, Hakuba, Zao Onsen, Marioka, Kuroishi, Furano and Niseko will be the the main highlights.
Best suited for advanced-intermediate to expert skiers looking to push their boundaries, explore local culture and ski a lot of powder! Some off-piste experience is recommended, but a good level of fitness and enthusiasm is more important. We can include ski touring days, stick to lift-accessed backcountry or choose a mix of both.
This trip can take place from mid-December through to the end of March, although the deepest snow conditions are typically in January and February.
DAYS 1-8
Kickstart your adventure with 6 days in Hakuba over 8 nights. Receiving an average of 11 to 13 metres per season and a mountainous feel, the Hakuba Valley is made up of 10 resorts, with over 200 runs, creating a vast range of on-piste and off-piste terrain. Explore the off-piste areas within the Hakuba Valley with your private guide, riding deep tree runs and open bowls. After a couple of days getting your ski legs, you’ll head further afield to discover the deeper backcountry accessed off the back of the resort, or via foot. Spend your evenings exploring the vast array of traditional onsens (Japanese hot springs), visiting craft sake breweries and diving into Hakuba’s thriving (yet often tucked away) dining scene.
DAYS 9-18
From Hakuba you will take a bullet train up to Northern Honshu – Tohoku – often considered the last frontier of Japanese deep powder snow. On arrival into Yamagata, you will be whisked off to a traditional Ryokan in Zao Onsen for 2 nights, home of some of the best onsens in the region and famous for its snow monsters (snow-covered trees). Experience mouth-watering Japanese cuisine, and sleep on traditional futons in rooms laid with tatami mats. With barely a tourist in sight, your guide will show you around local breweries, sake bars as well as hosting a Kaiseki dinner at a local izakaya with a private Maiko dancing performance. You’ll then head off to Morioka city for 5 nights, exploring different zones in Japan’s deepest and least-known powder resorts. Finally, onto Northern Tohoku for 3 nights, where more powder awaits, and the option of “van-lapping” the mountain ring road – skiing 650m+ vertical runs from the top of the road to the bottom, ready to be picked up and go again!
DAYS 19-24
After 9 epic ski days in the Tohoku region, it’s time to take the high-speed Shinkansen train up to Hokkaido, Japan’s North Island, and home of some of the deepest ski areas in the country. Spending your first 5 nights in the up-and-coming backcountry ski town of Furano, your guide will monitor the conditions and determine which resort of the Daisetsu Range will likely have the best snow each day. Some of Hokkaido’s best rated ski touring routes are to be found in this region, with endless options as well as an all-important selection of traditional onsens, to soothe those sore muscles!
DAYS 25-28
On the final leg of this adventure, you will head to Japan’s crown-jewel resort, Niseko, where you will be guided around resort, using the lift system (home of the legendary 1-seater “pizza box” chairlift!) or touring some of Niseko’s neighbouring volcanoes for those looking to access more remote terrain. Adventurous skiers can ascend the legendary Mt. Yotei – the towering volcano, visible from almost all areas of Niseko resort – and if weather conditions play fairly, you can ski into the crater! Spend your final day cat-skiing by the ocean, near the picturesque fishing village of Iwanai
Experience the lightest, driest champagne powder Japan has to offer by day, and spend your evenings dining on Hokkaido’s world-famous seafood and exploring the bustling nightlife of Niseko. Finish the trip with a final mountainside onsen, followed by a farewell dinner and sake, before flying back to Tokyo with sore legs and memories to last a lifetime. Kanpai!
Private Guided Trips:
USD$19,000 per person (based on 4 guests travelling during peak period)
Inclusions:
- Bullet train from Tokyo to Hakuba
- 8 nights’ accommodation at 4-star hotel in Hakuba
- 6-day lift pass for Hakuba Valley
- 6 days’ guiding in the Hakuba Valley area
- Day trip to visit the snow monkeys
- Bullet train to Yamagata
- 2 nights’ accommodation at traditional ryokan in Zao Onsen
- 5 nights’ accommmodation at 3-star hotel in Marioka
- 9-day lift pass for Tohoku region
- 9 days’ guiding in the Tohoku region
- 3 nights’ accommodation at traditional ryokan in Kuroishi
- Bullet train to Hokkaido
- 5 nights’ accommodation at traditional ryokan in Furano
- 4-day lift pass for Furano
- 4 days’ guiding in Central Hokkaido
- 4 nights’ accommodation at pension in Niseko
- 3-day lift pass for Niseko
- 3 days’ guiding in Niseko
- Daily local breakfast and dinner
- Transfer to Sapporo New Chitose Airport
- All other transportation such as resort transfers and ferry
The following are not included:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Privately organised meals and lunches
- International or domestic flights
Please contact our Japan experts for a personal quotation tailored to your group size, budget and preferences.
Make it yours
As with all of our adventures, we can customize this experience to fit your vision of a dream trip. We can arrange for city breaks in Tokyo, Otaru, Kyoto and more in between resorts, and change this itinerary to suit you and your group’s dynamic.
