Included: 8-day self-guided ski touring Japan adventure Accommodation: 4 nights in a hotel in Hirosaki and 4 nights in a hotel at Hakkoda (double occupancy) Meals: 7 breakfasts & 4 dinners Rental van for the full duration of the trip Daily avalanche hazard briefing and snowpack review from a certified avalanche forecaster Detailed logistics package with route information and area guides Adventure sports swag Add-ons : Single occupancy room — please leave a note at checkout if interested Not included: Flights & airport transfers Personal ski and safety equipment (touring skis or splitboard, boots, poles, skins, transceiver, shovel, probe) Lift tickets and ropeway fees Meals not indicated in the “Included” section above Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — mandatory, available to add at checkout

How fit do I need to be?

This self-guided ski touring Japan trip is designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and splitboarders with existing touring or splitboarding experience . You should be comfortable skinning uphill for extended periods and skiing variable backcountry conditions, including powder, crust, and wind-affected snow . Aomori Springs uses ski lifts to access the backcountry, while Hakkoda involves more demanding ropeway-accessed exploration. You don’t need to be a professional athlete, but solid technique and good physical fitness are essential, as routes are self-navigated and mountain conditions can change quickly. Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more backcountry skiing adventures in Japan here!

Waiver and release of liability

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 prior to booking.

What do I need to bring?

Ski & splitboard equipment: Touring skis or splitboard Touring boots Poles Climbing skins, cut and fitted to your skis before the trip Ski crampons Snow safety equipment: 3-antenna digital avalanche transceiver Shovel and probe Helmet (recommended) Backcountry gear: Ski pack Sunglasses and goggles Sunscreen and lip balm Headlamp with spare batteries Ski straps Water bottle or thermos (1-2L) Packed lunch supplies Ski and boarding clothing: Wool or synthetic ski socks, at least 2 pairs Wool or synthetic base layers Light jacket Gore-Tex or equivalent jacket and pants Warm insulated outer jacket, down or synthetic fill Beanie, wool or synthetic Brimmed cap Face warmer Light gloves Insulated gloves or mitts Other clothing: Casual clothing for evenings out Comfortable footwear for evenings Slippers Bathing suit (for the onsen) Sleepwear Electronics: Mobile phone with charger and headphones Camera, optional Spare batteries or portable power pack Spare memory cards as needed Electrical adapter (Japan uses Type A plugs, 100V / 50-60 Hz) Travel documents and personal items: Passport and wallet Spare credit card Travel insurance info and itinerary Medications Blister kit if prone to blisters Toiletry bag Luggage: Boot bag (may be part of your ski/snowboard bag) Ski or snowboard bag, preferably wheeled Carry-on bag

What is a self-guided tour?

Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By joining this self-guided ski touring Japan adventure, we take care of lodging, meals, rental van, daily avalanche hazard briefing and snowpack review, and a detailed logistics package. Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option! As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed .

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing This tour can operate even with only 1 participant. The maximum group size is set at 6 participants . A ski touring Japan adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. If your group has participants under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single occupancy room available?

The price for this ski touring Japan adventure is based on twin-share rooms , but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee . If interested, please leave a note at checkout.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your ski touring Japan adventure is Hirosaki . To get there, most people fly into Aomori Airport (AOJ) . From there, you can take a limousine bus or a taxi to reach Hirosaki.

Safety measures and insurance

Insurance is mandatory for this ski touring adventure in Japan. 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.

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AOMORI | JAPAN

Self-Guided Ski Touring in Japan: Aomori & Hakkoda

8 days | Moderate to Challenging

From $2,299 ()

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Eight days, two of Japan’s most underrated ski areas, and zero crowds. This self-guided ski touring trip plants you in the snowy north of Honshu: first, lift-assisted backcountry on the forested flanks of Mt. Iwaki at Aomori Springs, then Hakkoda, a ropeway-accessed powder paradise where barely two runs are groomed and the rest is all yours. A rental van, certified avalanche forecasts, and a detailed logistics package are all taken care of. The only thing left to figure out is which ramen spot to hit after the onsen.

Adventure Highlights

Away from the crowds: Explore Aomori Springs and Hakkoda, two of Japan’s most overlooked ski destinations
Logistics, covered: Get a rental van, local accommodation, daily avalanche forecasts, and snowpack info
Powered by ramen & onsen: Wind down each evening in a natural hot spring, then work through Hirosaki’s food scene or Hakkoda’s local restaurants

Duration

8 days

Season

January

Group size

Up to 6 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

This self-guided ski touring Japan trip covers two of the country's most rewarding and least-known ski destinations over eight days. For the first half, you'll be based in Hirosaki and day-trip to Aomori Springs, a resort that serves as a gateway to lift-assisted backcountry on the volcanic slopes of Mt. Iwaki. The second half shifts to Hakkoda, a ropeway-accessed powder paradise with virtually no groomed terrain and limitless backcountry potential. A rental van, local accommodation, daily avalanche forecasts from a certified forecaster, and detailed snowpack reviews are all arranged, giving you everything you need to explore this corner of Japan confidently and on your own terms.

Days 1-4: Aomori Springs and the slopes of Mt. Iwaki

You’ll spend your first four days based in Hirosaki, a mid-sized city in Aomori Prefecture with one of northern Japan’s most celebrated food scenes. Each ski day brings a short drive to Aomori Springs resort, set on the northern slopes of Mt. Iwaki, a dormant volcano locally known as the Tsugaru Fuji. The lifts unlock extensive lift-assisted backcountry: long, consistent fall-line runs through perfectly spaced trees, soft snow, and wide views stretching to the coast. When the skies clear, a summit push on Iwaki opens up full alpine terrain above the tree line. Evenings in Hirosaki are yours to explore.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hirosaki

Days 5-8: Hakkoda powder paradise

Hakkoda is not a ski resort in any traditional sense. A single ropeway accesses the backcountry terrain above a ring road that circles a cluster of volcanic peaks, and with only two groomed runs in the whole area, everything else is open mountain. You’ll have three full ski days to explore at your own pace, with daily avalanche forecasts and snowpack briefings pointing you toward the best conditions. Each evening, a soak in an onsen, dinners of ramen, sushi, and sake, and a look at the next day’s snow report close out the day perfectly.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hakkoda

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Lodging & food

Comfy hotels in Hirosaki and Hakkoda

Accommodation for this self-guided ski touring Japan trip is split between two hotels. For the first four nights, you’ll stay in Hirosaki, a full-service city with excellent restaurants and easy access to Aomori Springs.

For the final four nights, you’ll be based at a hotel in the Hakkoda area, close to the ropeway and the backcountry terrain. Both hotels include breakfast, and the Hakkoda property includes dinner.

Food

Après ski in Japan follows a very specific and very good formula. First, an onsen soak in a natural hot spring to sort out your legs. Then food.

Hirosaki has one of the most celebrated food scenes in northern Japan, and Hakkoda’s local spots hold their own too. Sushi, ramen, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, omo-rice: the names might not mean much before you go, but by day three they’ll be the only things you’re thinking about on the skintrack.

Adventure, packed to go

Self-Guided Ski Touring in Japan: Aomori & Hakkoda

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

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Things to know

Included:
- - 8-day self-guided ski touring Japan adventure
  - Accommodation: 4 nights in a hotel in Hirosaki and 4 nights in a hotel at Hakkoda (double occupancy)
  - Meals: 7 breakfasts & 4 dinners
  - Rental van for the full duration of the trip
  - Daily avalanche hazard briefing and snowpack review from a certified avalanche forecaster
  - Detailed logistics package with route information and area guides
  - Adventure sports swag
Add-ons:
- - Single occupancy room — please leave a note at checkout if interested
Not included:
- - Flights & airport transfers
  - Personal ski and safety equipment (touring skis or splitboard, boots, poles, skins, transceiver, shovel, probe)
  - Lift tickets and ropeway fees
  - Meals not indicated in the “Included” section above
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — mandatory, available to add at checkout
This self-guided ski touring Japan trip is designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and splitboarders with existing touring or splitboarding experience. You should be comfortable skinning uphill for extended periods and skiing variable backcountry conditions, including powder, crust, and wind-affected snow.

Aomori Springs uses ski lifts to access the backcountry, while Hakkoda involves more demanding ropeway-accessed exploration. You don’t need to be a professional athlete, but solid technique and good physical fitness are essential, as routes are self-navigated and mountain conditions can change quickly.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more backcountry skiing adventures in Japan 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 prior to booking.
Ski & splitboard equipment:
- - Touring skis or splitboard
  - Touring boots
  - Poles
  - Climbing skins, cut and fitted to your skis before the trip
  - Ski crampons
Snow safety equipment:
- - 3-antenna digital avalanche transceiver
  - Shovel and probe
  - Helmet (recommended)
Backcountry gear:
- - Ski pack
  - Sunglasses and goggles
  - Sunscreen and lip balm
  - Headlamp with spare batteries
  - Ski straps
  - Water bottle or thermos (1-2L)
  - Packed lunch supplies
Ski and boarding clothing:
- - Wool or synthetic ski socks, at least 2 pairs
  - Wool or synthetic base layers
  - Light jacket
  - Gore-Tex or equivalent jacket and pants
  - Warm insulated outer jacket, down or synthetic fill
  - Beanie, wool or synthetic
  - Brimmed cap
  - Face warmer
  - Light gloves
  - Insulated gloves or mitts
Other clothing:
- - Casual clothing for evenings out
  - Comfortable footwear for evenings
  - Slippers
  - Bathing suit (for the onsen)
  - Sleepwear
Electronics:
- - Mobile phone with charger and headphones
  - Camera, optional
  - Spare batteries or portable power pack
  - Spare memory cards as needed
  - Electrical adapter (Japan uses Type A plugs, 100V / 50-60 Hz)
Travel documents and personal items:
- - Passport and wallet
  - Spare credit card
  - Travel insurance info and itinerary
  - Medications
  - Blister kit if prone to blisters
  - Toiletry bag
Luggage:
- - Boot bag (may be part of your ski/snowboard bag)
  - Ski or snowboard bag, preferably wheeled
  - Carry-on bag
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Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By joining this self-guided ski touring Japan adventure, we take care of lodging, meals, rental van, daily avalanche hazard briefing and snowpack review, and a detailed logistics package.

Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option!

As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed.
Group sizes and pricing
- - This tour can operate even with only 1 participant. The maximum group size is set at 6 participants.
A ski touring Japan adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this ski touring Japan adventure is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. If interested, please leave a note at checkout.
The starting point of your ski touring Japan adventure is Hirosaki. To get there, most people fly into Aomori Airport (AOJ). From there, you can take a limousine bus or a taxi to reach Hirosaki.
Insurance is mandatory for this ski touring adventure in Japan. 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.
Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.

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Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.

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