A semi-curated Japan powder experience designed for riders who want flexibility with expert guidance, this trip brings together deep, back-to-back powder zones, traditional onsen stays, and seamless travel across three iconic regions. From Minakami’s steep, storm-loaded terrain to the endless resort variety of Yuzawa, and finishing in the high-alpine expanse of Shiga Kogen, it offers a true Japow progression—blending diverse terrain, cultural immersion, and consistently exceptional snow.
Tokyo/Minakami
Meet at Tokyo Station and board Toki 325 at 2:40 PM from Platform 22. Arrive at Jōmō-Kōgen at 3:43 PM, where a private car will meet you at 4 PM. Your ryokan is a modern-Japanese boutique inn in the foothills of Mt. T, founded by a traditional flute master and now run by his elder son. The younger son continues the family’s flute school, and on some evenings, guests enjoy an intimate flute performance during dinner. Savor their full-course modern Japanese dinner, then unwind in the 3 private natural hot spring onsens.
Ski Day 1 Minakami
Mt. T (Tanigawa)– A newly added Ikon resort known for deep, relentless snowfall and its steep terrain. Experience Tanigawa Peak (also known as Tenjin), infamous as the deadliest mountain on Earth. There is also a smaller resort nearby that has been kept hidden as locals’ powder-day secret.
Ski Day 2 Minakami
Mt. T or a local’s powder-day secret (+add +$50/day) resort if it is a powder day. We will head to Yuzawa in the late afternoon by a private car service.
Ski Day 3 Yuzawa
Begin the morning with a generous breakfast buffet of 40 Western, Japanese, and Chinese dishes. With 20+ resorts in the region accessible by a short shuttle bus or train ride, pick your own or follow your trip leader’s snow intel for the best conditions. After skiing, unwind your way—enjoy après in Yuzawa and dine at one of the town’s many standout restaurants. Dinners are not included, but assistance with reservations is available.
Ski Day 4 Yuzawa
Each morning, we’ll check which resorts received the best fresh snow and choose our destination accordingly. Yuzawa is lovingly known as Yukiguni— “Snow Country”—for good reason: the volume and frequency of snowfall here are extraordinary. It’s not unusual for snow to pile up to the height of traffic lights, or for resorts to temporarily close because the lift chairs have been buried overnight and staff need to dig them out by hand. Chase the deepest powder, explore a different mountain each day, or join an optional side country/backcountry tour if you’re craving something more adventurous. If you prefer to stay local, the town offers a lineup of easy, memorable experiences such as Fresh strawberry picking, Sake tasting at the Ponshukan Sake Museum, sampling regional sweets at Cocoro Mall, or the Tunnel of Light at Kiyotsu Gorge for an artsy, immersive moment.
Ski Day 5 Shiga Kogen
Private car service to Shiga Kogen departs in the morning. Settle in and enjoy the breathtaking snowscapes outside your window as we travel through one of the deepest snow regions on earth. We will arrive at Shiga Kogen, Japan’s largest ski resort, in about 3 hours.
Ski Day 6 Shiga Kogen
We’ll be staying at a half-board, ski-in/ski-out hotel located at Yakebitaiyama area (Yake), at one of the highest ski-resort base elevations in Japan—1,650 meters (5,413 ft). Here, you’ll experience quintessential Japow at altitude. While Shiga Kogen doesn’t receive the same sheer volume or frequency of snowfall as Yuzawa, its consistently cold temperatures create reliable, dry powder that delivers Shiga’s famous champagne snow.
Ski Day 7 Shiga Kogen
Explore the biggest ski resorts in Japan- 18 connected ski areas with everything from mellow cruisers to high-alpine bowls. Ski from Yakebitaiyama → Okushiga → Ichinose loop for a full-day excursion. Ichinose is a good place for a lunch break.
Ski Day 8 Shiga Kogen
Summit Yokoteyama for the view and “pizza box” single chair. Giant for your high-speed GS turns. Note: the upper part of Okushiga is for skiers only.
Return to Tokyo
A private shuttle to Haneda Airport departs at 9 am and arrives around 3:30 pm. Our 9-night, 10-day trip concludes upon arrival at the airport. A frequent direct shuttle bus service to Narita Airport and short public transportation options to Tokyo’s center are available for those continuing their journey in Japan.
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