Japan
Japan
Tohoku Storm Chaser Tour
On the first leg of the trip from Tokyo, we start with a comfortable journey north to Morioka on the famous Shinkansen train.
We try to be flexible as the snowfall can be very localized. We chase powder every day and find different ski resorts within a reasonable driving distance. You can expect very little competition for the fresh powder. We start in Geto Kogen which has a strong snow record and interesting forest terrain.
After enjoying the snow in Geto Kogen, we head to Tazawako with beautiful views of the deep lake in the background. Here there is easy access to the snow after a fresh dump and the place ranks high on the snow statistics in Japan.
At the end of the day, after a hard day’s work, we often relax in a traditional hot spring bath (onsen), indulge in the delicious and exciting Japanese cuisine and reflect on whether you could have a much better ski vacation. And if you’re active on social media, there’s more than enough to fill your account.
Eastern Snow has explored the freeride opportunities in Japan on the two main islands three times.
We have concluded that this route is best suited for a 7-day ski vacation if you want to experience the soul of Japan with good chances of the famous Japow.
After exploring northern Honshu, we head south again. Here we visit a number of small gems in the Gunma region, places that few gaijin (foreigners) find their way to.
After a heavy dump, in some places you can experience off-piste skiing on the slopes for most of the day.
The tour ends with a 3-4 hour trip to Tokyo, where you can either fly directly home or choose to stay in Tokyo and explore the city for a few days
- Daily chase of snow storms and the best powder conditions.
- Accommodation in 2-4 star hotels in authentic Japanese cities with few western tourists
- In some cases it can be simpler, such as a ‘Farmer Stay’ with a family
- Onsen, natural hot springs, to soothe sore and tired muscles
- Après-ski the Japanese way? Here we can try out the nightlife with izakayas and local brews for those who have the energy
- Japanese food is world-class and we’ll try different places
- Optimizing skiing and snowboarding with a Danish guide to the right places snow conditions and orientation at the different ski resorts
- Experiencing some ski resorts that few westerners find their way to (which usually means lots of powder for ourselves)
Ideally, the tour is suitable for skiers and snowboarders at a more advanced level, i.e. with some previous deep snow/off-piste experience. You don’t need to have top tour experience, but a reasonable level of physical fitness if you want to move away from the lift. In general, we only use touring or splitboard equipment for short trips up if conditions dictate it as the most optimal for the powder experience. On our trips, this has rarely been necessary due to frequent snowfall and easy access to the terrain. There will also be plenty of challenges in the forest areas.
On the whole, the focus of such a trip is not the usual comfort conditions that you know from a classic ski vacation. It’s a road trip in cozy company where flexibility is key as we chase the snow. On our last trip, the Gunma region wasn’t part of the plan at all, but this is where we had some of the best and most unforgettable powder days.
Japan
More about the trip
Program of the trip
Arrival in Tokyo on Saturday – Shinkansen up to Morioka.
Transportation to Geto Kogen and dinner/introduction in the evening.
Sunday to Monday skiing/snowboarding in Geto Kogen.
Transportation a couple of hours to Tazawako with dinner and onsen in the evening at the hotel.
Tuesday and Wednesday skiing/snowboarding in Tazawako.
Then we decide whether to stay in the Tazawako area or head south, finishing with 3 days of skiing in the Gunma region where we can choose from a variety of little gems such as Hakkaisan, Tendinjeira and Minakami-tone, just to name a few.
Your legs will be sore when you get on the plane.
PASSPORT and visa
It is very important that the information in your passport matches what is on your ticket. No visa is required to enter the country.
Ekstra info
Depending on your origin, you will need a travel adapter for the sockets. Japan uses the voltage of 100-110 volts and uses Type A and B plugs.
Japan
Prices and weeks
€ 3.350
Per. PERSON
- 2025
Calculate price
2025
- week 2
4. Jan. – 11. Jan 2025
- week 3
11. Jan. – 18. Jan. 2025
Inkluderet:
- Hotel
- Full board accommodation
- Lift pass
- Bus transportation between locations
- English speaking guide during the whole trip
- Shinkansen (Bullet train)
- Safety equipment loan options
For further info contact Morten Due:
Mail: [email protected]
Mobile: 0045 27224002
Priser:
Shared double room – 3.337 €
Single room – 3.606 €
Flights are not included in the above price.
A ski trip to Japan is nice. But did you know that we specialize in other unique locations?
Check out our ski trips to Georgia or North Macedonia.
