By Jase, JPC Tours Owner, with 15+ years skiing 60+ Japanese resorts
I have now skied at over 60 resorts throughout Japan, so I have a few valuable insights from the past 15 years. Initially I started work at Niseko in Hokkaido, I did a couple of seasons there working for guiding and ski school companies and then moved on as it changed from powder lines all day to getting chopped up by 10am and battling with westerners to get fresh tracks. I worked for other ski guiding companies for a couple of seasons, as well as guiding all the well know resorts in Hokkaido (and some lesser known ones). I really enjoyed my early time in Hokkaido and the snow is fantastic especially at the unknown resorts off the beaten trail.
It was in 2013 that fate brought me to Yudanaka (home of the world-famous Snow Monkeys). Where we now base our business and recently have happily been able to call home.
Snow Conditions
Hokkaido is renowned for deep powder, but because of its close proximity to Siberia, the island gets blasted with icy arctic air reaching temperatures below -20°c – rough! Its stormy, windy weather and fewer sunny days can be challenging for beginners and intermediates. Often due to wind, upper lifts will close, leaving lower slopes crowded. Advanced skiers can escape the weather in the trees, but conditions can make it difficult for intermediate and beginner skiers to progress.
Honshu on the other hand is more known for its temples, gardens, food and culture. Where we are based in Yudanaka, it’s farther south and a bit milder. Our home resort Shiga Kogen also gets heaps of snow—13-18 meters a year—but fortunately the Japanese Alps block some of the wind and storm intensity. Higher up at 2300 meters, we get that dry, fluffy powder without the brutal cold or constant blowouts. Plus, we see more sunny days, which is great for learning to ski or just soaking in the views.
Shiga Kogen is Asia’s largest ski resort with over 50 lifts spanning 18km wide, hosting Japan's highest chairlift access of 2307m. Shiga delivers deep, dry, Utah-like powder. Its high elevation ensures consistent snow, even in lighter years like 2019/2020. This is why we like to call Shiga “Old Faithful.”
From Yudanaka (our base), we can chase fresh snow at Shiga Kogen, Madarao, Tangram, Togakushi, and Nozawa Onsen, finding untouched lines days after a storm.
Hype
Hokkaido has become a ski industry hotspot over the past 15 years, largely due to international investors purchasing resorts like Niseko and Furano in the late 1990s. This has attracted more foreign skiers ("gaijin") than Japanese locals, as Western owners have developed accommodations, bars, restaurants, and shops while heavily marketing to international audiences. Resorts on Honshu, such as Hakuba, Myoko, and Nozawa Onsen, follow a similar pattern. Japanese-run resorts, however, focus on the domestic skiers and less on international marketing which for you means non-existent lift lines, quieter slopes and powder all day long.
In contrast, our base in Yudanaka, Nagano, offers a less commercialized, more authentic ski experience that’s quietly building a loyal following. As the only guiding company in the area after 10 seasons, we provide exclusive, personalized tours, a distinction we plan to maintain for years to come. Yudanaka, an authentic ski town at 600 meters, serves as a gateway to our chosen resorts.
Our unique advantage lies in our flexibility. With our own vehicles, we chase microevent snow across nearby resorts like Madarao, Tangram, Togakushi, and Nozawa Onsen, prioritizing the best conditions without bias from pre-arranged lift deals. This sets us apart from Hokkaido’s more rigid, resort-specific operations. Yudanaka’s proximity to Tokyo—reached via bullet train or bus makes it far more accessible than Hokkaido. Combined with the cultural allure of Yudanaka’s ryokans, onsen, and the nearby Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, our base offers a unique blend of world-class skiing and authentic Japanese charm, appealing to skiers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure over Hokkaido’s crowded, hyped-up scene.
Culture
Due to the international hype of Hokkaido, most of the westernised resorts and towns create an atmosphere reminiscent of Whistler or Aspen rather than traditional Japan. To experience authentic Japanese culture in Hokkaido, you’d need a vehicle to venture to smaller, less Westernized resorts, where local dining and quieter slopes offer a glimpse of the real Japan. However, these spots are less accessible and often overshadowed by the commercialized hubs.
In Honshu, the cultural experience is deeply immersive and distinctly Japanese. Hidden from western influence Yudanaka is a gateway to cultural treasures like Shibu Onsen, the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, where samurai bathed 1,300 years ago. Nearby attractions include Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Matsumoto Castle, Zenkoji Temple, the Winter Olympic Museum, Togakushi’s shrines and ancient trees. Our tours integrate cultural experiences seamlessly into longer itineraries, recognizing that skiers are often too tired after a day on the slopes. Highlights include performances by Yoguri, a third-generation geisha whose captivating show is a rare treat, and Sensei Nakano, a former karate grandmaster who delivers world-class Taiko drum, Shamisen guitar, and lion dance performances, alongside an interactive karate display.