JaPow—the deep, dry powder that any serious skier chases—is now just a few taps away. But this adventure isn’t just about the skiing. It’s about diving into Japan headfirst: soaking in steaming onsens, eating like a local, and crashing in cozy ryokans after big days in the mountains. Over 11 days, we’ll ski-tour the best of the Japan Alps—a rugged range north of Tokyo, home to the 1988 Winter Olympics and those famous hot-spring-loving snow monkeys. You’ll get your fill of world-class powder, and when the legs start talking, we’ll swap skins for slippers and wind down with great food, hot baths, and proper rest.
Experience world-class powder skiing in Honshu, Japan! Beyond the Japan Alps’ incredible and varied terrain, this 11-day adventure offers a rich cultural journey. We’ll stay in cozy ryokans with all breakfasts, dinners, and transfers included, giving you a hassle-free trip. Enjoy epic backcountry runs and immerse yourself in legendary Japanese powder—this is a must for any serious skier.
Konnichiwa, and welcome to Japan! Today is arrival day on the island of Honshu. The trip begins at an authentic Japanese ryokan (a traditional inn with an onsen/hot spring) in Yuzawa, located 80–90 minutes by bullet train north of Tokyo Station. Our ryokan is within walking distance or a short taxi ride from Echigo-Yuzawa Station. It features four exceptional onsens (the best we know of in Japan), gourmet Japanese cuisine served in the traditional style, and a choice of rooms with either tatami flooring or Western-style beds. Check-in begins at 4pm, and we’ll meet for dinner at 6:30pm.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Ryokan
Skiing around Yuzawa offers a unique experience in a vibrant Japanese town with very little Western influence and plenty of excellent restaurants. It’s also close to legendary Niigata ski resorts known for steep tree runs, big mountain terrain, and classic JaPow powder.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Ryokan
Myoko National Park is a renowned powder ski zone known for its deep snow and varied terrain. We’ll stay in a quirky yet elegant ski lodge right in the heart of this classic powder skiing area.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Ryokan
Hakuba Town is a famous destination for backcountry skiing with stunning mountain views. We’re staying at a classic backcountry ski lodge just north of town.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Ryokan
Following our last breakfast, it’s time to pack up and leave the ryokan. The trip concludes with a shuttle service to Nagano train station, with drop-off scheduled for 9am.
Meals: Breakfast
Was a blast skiing with Tom!! Tom is a serious and very professional guid, I would be more than happy to take another trip with him. Thanks for all the fun turns.
I have been on multiple trips with Tom over the past 10+ years. Over that time Tom has always provided a safe and fun trip even in the worst of conditions. If there is ever a concern about a slope or terrain, Tom takes the time to explain to the group his decision making and make sure that everyone is on board. Tom strives to make sure that his clients have a good time and is willing to help them grow as backcountry enthusiasts as well!
Included:
Not included:
In order to join this Honshu skiing adventure, you have to have prior backcountry skiing experience.
You should be comfortable with daily elevation gains of 1,300-1,500 m (4.265-4,920 ft). Most ski runs will be of intermediate difficulty, but you can expect regular sections of advanced terrain, including steeper tree skiing and challenging alpine conditions such as hardpack and sastrugi.
It’s also recommended to have taken an AST-1 course prior to the trip.
For more ski adventures in Japan, click here!
Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.
Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.
Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us.
You need to bring all of the following personal equipment. Please don’t bring extra equipment. If you’re not a fan of traveling by train with all your luggage, check out Yamato / Black Cat Luggage Services. Japan has an outstanding luggage transport service so you don’t have to drag your luggage along with you through the train stations.
Clothing
Snow safety equipment
Travel equipment
Personal equipment
Apres ski, hotel/ryokan, etc.
Pillows, duvets, bed linen, and towels are provided at all ryokans and hotels. Slippers are also available at the ryokans.
Group sizes and pricing
Honshu, Japan ski adventures can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Honshu, Japan ski adventure is Yuzawa. To get there, most people fly into Haneda Airport (HND), Narita Airport (NRT), or Niigata Airport (KIJ). From Tokyo (Haneda or Narita), you can take a train to Tokyo Station and then board the Jōetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa. From Niigata, it’s a short bus ride to Niigata Station, followed by about 40 minutes on the same Shinkansen line.
Once in Echigo-Yuzawa, local buses, shuttles, or taxis can take you to Hotel Futaba at Echigo-Yuzawa Station. That’s where you’ll meet your guide at 6:30pm for dinner on Day 1. Check-in is available from 4pm onwards.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, and the rest of the amount is due 4 months (120 days) prior to departure. Once the trip has been confirmed, your guide cannot refund any payments.
It is highly recommended buying cancellation insurance to cover your losses for the case that you can’t participate or have to interrupt your trip “for any reason”. If you need to cancel a reservation, please do so in writing.
Your guides do reserve the right to change guides, particular lodging or the itinerary or venue should unforeseen circumstances (guide sickness, hut or route closing etc.) force them to do so or should the physical condition of the participants, weather or mountain conditions make a continuation as planned too risky. Your guides will not be deemed to be in default for any delay or failure to perform their obligations under this agreement resulting from acts of God, the elements, war, acts of government, civil or military authorities, natural calamities, catastrophe, fire, flood, accidents, epidemics, shortage of transportation, or any other like events beyond our reasonable control.
Was a blast skiing with Tom!! Tom is a serious and very professional guid, I would be more than happy to take another trip with him. Thanks for all the fun turns.