Guest Reviews

“To learn the true meaning of skiing or snowboarding is to be able to live in the NOW. That feeling when your mind and ego are at peace while riding down that pristine slope, and you are totally in the present moment can have life changing repercussions for all aspects of your life. True realisation of ongoing enlightenment happens in the NOW and this is the hope we have for all our guests when they leave us at Japan Powder Culture Tours.” Jase (Owner)

Greg and lyndell

owners of www.powderhounds.com - australia - feb 2023

We initially reviewed JPCT back in 2016 and it was a very fun time, and now the additional experience is evident because JPCT has evolved into a very well oiled machine. All the logistics were well managed, and communication was tight which was enhanced by whatsapp group messages regarding plans for the day and/or evening.
It was the sort of tour that makes you wonder why people go on a Japan snow trip and just park themselves up at a westernised ski resort for the duration. They miss out on Japanese cultural experiences and miss out on skiing fresh powder run after run.
YUDANAKA
Staying in Yudanaka was fantastic as it’s a real town and the complete antithesis of a curated resort. It didn’t matter that we weren’t staying on-mountain considering that we had guides to drive us to the ski areas and look after all the planning. Ryokan Biyu was a lovely spot to stay and provided Japanese experiences including the all-important onsen. We had a multi-course Japanese dinner one night which ticked all the boxes, and breakfasts were also spot on.
SKI AREAS
The guides picked good ski areas to match the snow conditions. Days after snowfall, they found untracked lines at Shiga that only required a fossick in and a short push out, and lines at Togakushi that required no work to get in or out. And on a powder day at Shiga, Jase took us to tree lines that were untracked all day and the runs kept getting better and better each time.
GUIDING
The guiding has changed remarkably over the past 7 years. We had a couple of different guides and there was a lot of emphasis on avalanche safety, reminders about tree buddies, appropriate regrouping, and other strategies to ensure we were all accounted for. Instructions were clear and we felt like we always knew the plan.
It was advantageous that there were multiple groups, so the guides had flexibility to change the groups a little each day, depending on how people were feeling or if someone had overstated their ability level.
The tour was well suited to those who could pack a sense of humour and not take things too seriously, because Jase has a whacky and infectious sense of humour. However when he was guiding, he was all business and there was a good balance between fun and seriousness. Our other guide also had the right equilibrium.
OTHER EXPERIENCES
This tour was so much more than just skiing powder. On the way home from skiing, little excursions were included. On nights when dinner wasn’t organised such as the sushi train restaurant or the Biyu feast, the guides provided recommendations for dining in Yudanaka.
Other additions were a geisha performance and fun karaoke night – just don’t pick a song that one of the guides doesn’t like!

dan abbott 49

advanced snowboarder - usa - jan 2023 - Nagno snowboard Buffet

I just got back from a nine-day snowboarding trip with JPCT and it was amazing. Going into the trip and I huge expectations based on the years of hearing stories of Japow, and looking back I can say it is all 100% true. We had phenomenal snow conditions every day of the trip except one, when there was huge storm and it snowed too much. Everyday Jase and his crew would guide us to untracked lines all over the mountain and only we would ski, and we could return a day or two later to do it all again. I'm so glad I went with a guided trip as there is no way I would have found all these lines, and instead would have spent the majority of the time trying to figure out how to get around the mountain or hiking out of ravines. So worth it! In addition to the snow conditions the Japanese ski resorts are great. Beautiful terrain, great food and restaurants, almost no lift lines.
I went on this trip for the snowboarding but also for the cultural aspect of being in Japan and here as well this trip exceeded what I had hoped for. The Jase and his crew are incredibly hard working and a full day skiing they would facilitate a huge variety of culture experiences ranging from visiting 400-year old cypress trees at the Togakushi shrine to a super modern sushi restaurant where you order on an iPad and the food is brought to your table by a laser-controlled conveyer belt. Not to mention the daily trip to the Onsen.
I highly recommend Japan Powder Culture Tours

Don Corfield 69

intermediate skier - canada - jan 2023 - grey snowmads in japan

Oh my such a fun tour and end-to-end great journey. Jase and his wonderful crew show how to put a smile in every day. When traveling to this amazing land the logistics came so smooth and easy. Jase booked us into fabulous accommodations on arrival in Japan, arranged a layover in Tokyo, and encouraged us through the awesome train system to our Yudanaka destination, Ryokan ( hotel) Biyu. This mountain town is home of the unique Onsen (mineral bath) culture, with the 1300-year-old spa town of Yamanouchi adjacent. (a great stroll in a medieval Japanese spa/shrine town)

Oh, and there's SKIING, such as you find only a few times in your life, just a fun 30-minute coach ride away. Small (typically 6-person) groups, matched in ability, guided by dedicated 'powder munkies' weaving through thigh-high powder, on the largest area and highest serviced lifts in all of Asia. the amazing ShigaKogen. Returning at day end, relaxing in the Onsen, having a beverage in house and tasting the evening cultural events, traditional dinner, Geisha dancer, Karyoki nite, Dragon dance and drummer, and the giant Snomonster ride to the mountain top for sunset and a glimpse in the distance of Mt Fuji glinting, etc. etc. Always something coming up to bring a smile and touch the amazing cultural side of the 'Japanese experience'.

Even after our ten days in the ski world, Jase arranged two wonderful destinations to visit and we were well rewarded to experience the wonders of ancient Samurai Japan in Kanazawa and Nagano, unforgettable. Thank you Jase,George and John, see you soon again Don and the GreySnoBadgers from Canada.

eugene and nicole 29

beginner skiers - singapore - jan 2023 - Nagno Beginner Package

We joined Jase and his team for 3 days in skiing and it was nothing short of a magical experience. Hailing from the ass crack of the equator, we had never even seen snow before, let alone skied. Pre-trip, Jase patiently answered all our queries and efficiently arranged the booking process and was key in making us feel at ease and excited. 

As part of a highly customised tour, Liam and Dan were the padawans who took care of the beginner group and they were not only patient, encouraging and skilful, but also flexible at adjusting to our individual learning speeds. We felt comfortable being under their care and pushing ourselves knowing they had our backs. 

There are many other areas we were impressed with, including the group's dedication to ensure we had the best snow conditions throughout all three days and Jase's top notch driving skills! The cherry on top is all the other activities that Jase and team organised, including taking us out to local haunts for dinner; beautiful, non-touristy spots that truly felt special; taiko drums and geisha performance; karaoke nights; the list goes on. 

The biyu was an excellent choice of accommodation. Staff (including honorary staff Jase) were friendly, helpful and the onsen after a day of skiing was absolutely divine. Yudanaka is a quaint town with proximity to the snow monkeys and Shibu Onsen, great for exploration. 

Overall, it was an extremely smooth and enjoyable process that was fun, safe and we found a new, very addictive hobby. We thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend to anyone looking for a good experience. Can't wait to be back!

Jerome Gay 31

advanced skier - france - dec 2022 - Nagno Powder chaser

Amazing week I had with Japan Powder Culture Tours, there was just so much action!
I joined Jase for the Powder Chaser Tour at the end of December and got extremely lucky with the snow conditions. Jase, John and George are amazing skiers and are ready to give you some tips anytime to improve your skiing. Besides, they know the (big) area very well and will take you out of the beaten tracks to enjoy the JaPOW!
The team has a unique product, offering a number of different options especially some cultural events and visits. His flexibility to provide a start and end date that suited my travels was one of the main attractions when booking. Whilst I joined the Powder Chaser Tour with more of the advanced skiers, I witnessed Jase and his crew taking out beginners in small groups and they showed amazing improvement with such focused tuition.
The town of Yudanaka had a plethora of restaurants and whilst not ski in/ski out, I’m glad I chose the option of such a lovely town, with dining options galore and comfortable bus ride. I stayed in the Aibiya lodge and encourage anyone thinking of booking to do the same.

The location is great and many onsen are accessible at a walking distance. In a nutshell, skiing and accommodation were both great, and the tour was a lot of fun!

Edward Moore 48

beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers - australia - dec/jan 2023 - Tailor Made family

At Japan Powder Culture Tours we focus on giving our guests some amazing living memories and new friends to share them with.  Our pre packaged tours and tailor made tours suit singles, couples, groups and families and our United Nations type group dynamics make for a fantastic and humorous tour.  But don't take our word for it check out what are previous guests have to say about their time with us.

What an awesome trip. We went as 2 families, just the boys, so 2 men and 5 boys. 1of the boys had never skied before. Jase and his team of guides, who during our stay, were John, George, Liam and Dan were all so helpful and accommodating it made the trip so easy from the initial kitting out of gear to the final night we left.
We had skiers through from advanced to intermediate and beginner and the groups we were put into were perfectly matched to each skill level. The guides provided excellent tips and advice during the runs that my personal skiing level increased dramatically, as did all of the boys in the beginner groups. The guides provided concise instruction on techniques that I had never been told before that not only made perfect sense but instantly increased my skiing aptitude.
It was essentially one on one guiding for the entire trip.
Added to that the guys know the mountains backwards and can advise what runs are best to go on or what lifts/gondolas were likely to have small queues, I personally never once bothered to open the mountain map which allowed me to just ski with no concern of ever going the wrong way or being lost on the mountains. The guides were so beneficial to the boys that they were skiing really well by day 3 - see video of my boy who had never skied before on day 3 and the commentary on John skiing beside him.
Even the bus rides to and from the mountains were painless and good fun... and informative.
We stayed in a Ryokan in Yudanaka that provided a great Japanese experience, the town itself was a great little town with lots of restaurants and bars down many little streets. We had some wonderful meals and fun out with the group and on our own including a meal down a wrong turn in the green light area.
The cultural experiences that were interspersed within the trip
were very enjoyable and on one night ended up being interactive for the boys, which I'm not sure is the usual plan but was certainly wonderful for the boys.
On our final night just our family and a few of the guides had a cultural experience in a dive bar in Nagano where Jase pulled out some musical talents that left us and the guides comprehensively impressed!
At no stage during our trip was anything to hard to accommodate or facilitate.

I would highly recommend Jase and his team at Japan Powder Culture Tours.

Yash Mani 32

intermediate skiers - australia - feb 2023 - Nagno ski powder progression

What a fantastic time we had! Having never been to Japan before, this trip was the perfect way to get immersed in Japanese culture and, most importantly, the JAPOW!
The team at JPCT emulated everything Japanese - warmth, patience, respect and humility. The entire trip was so well organised and delivered everything as promised. Our entire cohort was exceptional too - we were respectful of each other and got along swellingly. We made great friends through this trip and planned to do this together again. Each guide was a seasoned veteran and knew precisely when to push or hold back and balanced the dynamics of varying skiing/snowboarding abilities well. I have definitely left becoming a better skier
In summary, I am having massive withdrawals of the culture, the powder, the fun, the escape from our monotonous daily lives and I would absolutely do this again in a heartbeat.

Richard hutchison 79

intermediate skiers - new zealand - feb 2023 - grey snowmads in japan

I recently spent some time with Jason as a "Grey Nomad" on his most excellent Japan Powder Culture Tours.
What a Tour.
Everything ran like clockwork, and the guiding and instruction was outstanding.
I must mention the " Culture " side of the tour. As a "Grey Nomad" I did not ski every day and the variety of information provided by Jason and his intimate knowledge of day trips ensured a visit to sites in Japan I would never have seen otherwise.
Our trips to the Olympic Stadium in Nagano, Matsumoto Castle and ZenjokiTemples, created unforgettable memories.
We stay in a typical Japanese town called Yudanaka.
This town is the international base for all "Snow Monkey" tours. ( www.travel4wildlife.com)
The nights we were not being fed and entertained at our hotel (more later), we could have a choice of literally a dozen or more restaurants in Yudanaka, all serving outstanding Japanese cuisine at "oh so reasonable" prices. In addition, dependant on our skiing location for the day, we could end up at some amazing restaurant known only to the local population...(and Jason)
Staying at the Ryokan(Hotel ) Biyu was fantastic. Hot spas (Onsen) a must every day, the dinners arranged as part of your tour,
absolutely remarkable, and the culture shows in the hotel, my memories, "never to be forgotten"
From Geisha dancing and games, the karate exhibition, the drumming, ..and the invitation to be a part of these "shows"
all added to a totally amazing and memorable experience. and not forgetting the fun and recollection of Karaoke evenings.
ShigaKogen ski area is amazing ! There are 18 ski areas spread along a valley and Jason and his guides know every centimetre of that terrain. The best snow conditions for the weather on any day, the least crowds.
All that is necessary is to bring a positive attitude, an ability to take personalised instruction, and a desire to improve.
The guides are outstanding. Skiing in trees and powder needs a different mind set and if you want to improve, you can find no better instruction anywhere.
Will I return ?
Absolutely. Thanks Jase. 10/10

Boris Bank 32

Advanced Skier and Snowboarder – Canada – Feb 2023 – Legendary Roadie

An amazing experience with an amazing group!
Super grateful to everyone on the trip!
Jase and the team were all amazing! especially the Guides Naru and Rafal who were very knowledgeable and helpful, and always took us to the best runs with amazing snow even when much of the mountain got baked by the sun.
Extra grateful to Jase as well for helping me plan my itinerary outside the tour for the other time I spent in Japan - The suggestions of where to stay in Hokkaido and alternative places to visit outside of Tokyo (in my case Shimoda on the Isu Peninsula) were unforgettable!
On top of this, the cultural experiences were a great time.
I could not have asked for a better trip with a better group of people to ski with and guides!
Also extra grateful to Naru!
I had lost my ski in the deep powder, and even though we could not find it, he got me rentals very quickly for the rest of the tour and at a great price ! - now just recently I got an email saying that they were able to find the ski after more searching as the snow came down later in March.
They were super thoughtful and caring & even after the ski was lost for over 2 weeks, they took the time to keep an eye out and help me get it back!

alice rudaya 32

intermediate single skier - australia - dec/jan 2023 - Nagano Ski powder progression

Firstly, I would like to say a huge thank you to Jase and the team! I joined the tour for 10 or so days at the end of December start of January and every aspect was incredible.
Yudanaka was a quintessentially Japanese little town with narrow streets, temples, onsen and incredibly little eateries. The Japanese rooms at the Royakan are a paragon of practicality. Always warm and always welcoming, with warm green tea at the ready and a cute daily sweet. The staff were lovely and the onsen at the end of a day Japanese snow was just the best!
Each day was organised and brought with it an new adventure of snow, mountains, cultural immersion, quirky lunch places and amazing stories from the guides and guests.
The snow was incredible and I enjoyed skiing with different guides as each had their own style, wisdom and guidance to share.
It was a very rejuvenating trip and the perfect way to start the new year - already looking forward to the next one!

Tom Spalding 22

Beginner skier – Australia – Dec 2022– Nagano Beginner Package

I booked a 4 day/ 5 nights solo trip package with JPCT in mid-December 2022 and spent time in Tokyo either side of the dates I had booked as recommended by Jase. I would highly recommend doing this as it enables you to see multiple aspects of ‘winter in Japan’ as a first timer. This was my dream trip and JPCT was the best part.
After heading out to Nagano on a bullet train (an amazing experience in itself), I was met by Jase and his chipper team of ski instructors. The team are really easy to get on with and it was clear they would go the extra mile to make the trip special. They answered any questions I had and were extremely professional throughout the entire trip. I felt that my safety was prioritised as a beginner; this helped me form a really good relationship with the sport of skiing and has encouraged me to take it on in more trips. The age differential across the instructors means that there is always someone in the team you can get along with that has a similar age to you.
The accommodation was stellar and situated in a small town inhabited by only Japanese residents and tourists. It’s amazing that Jase has garnered a relationship with the locals, that enables only his guests to see ‘behind the curtain’ at some of the nicest and most private ski fields in Japan. Staying in a traditional-yet luxury hotel (Royokan Biyu), eating from traditional menus, and doing an Onsen (public hot water bath) each night formed the ultimate package, that felt exclusive to Japanese locals.
I was initially concerned that the 12th of December would be too early in the season, however the snow conditions prevailed, and I was welcomed with falling snow each morning as I walked out and sat in Jase’s van. The skiing was fantastic, and I was spoiled by virtually 1-1 teaching from people in the ski team, since it was earlier in the season. I picked up a multitude of skills and tools (at least 10 skills) that will forever be valuable in future skiing expeditions. I didn’t need to worry at all about logistics as Jase already had everything covered well in advance (he even had food recommendations at each restaurant we visited). Jase recommended I take 1 day out of the trip as a Japan culture day. I liked this experience as I was able to view some of the less known cultural hubs in the local towns. It’s also a great idea as I was able to rest and come back stronger on the next day. Each night Jase had organised cultural experiences, were local Japanese artists and cultural leaders would come and perform. These were extremely personalised to our small group and offered extensive interaction.
The overall theme of this tour was that I was being given access to the ‘real’ Japan, that is not overtly available to international tourists. This was emphasised in every aspect of the tour from the accommodation to the skiing to the cultural experience. It has reshaped my view of taking a holiday, and this will be a key criteria I use when booking future holidays in other countries. Would 10/10 recommend- you would be missing out if you went with any other tour group.

Ganesh Chandrasekkar 48

Intermediate Single Skier – Australia – March 2023 – Nagano Ski Powder Progression

An exhilarating and fun experience,
A really fantastic 10 days of skiing, cultural immersion, food and making new friends.
Jase and the team were fantastic, from planning our runs to suit the snow conditions and finding the best resorts, providing really valuable skiing tips and getting us to some amazing food on the mountain.

The groups were well matched in ability which made for fun days on the snow, and when the snow god was less benevolent, on piste lessons to help improve technique. Full days followed by fun cultural activities.
Finally, Nagano has some amazing tourism on offer, the snow monkeys, the Genko-Ji temple, Obuse town, Matsumoto castle. I only wish I had planned for more days off the snow too.

Thanks Jase and team, planning my next snow adventure in Nagano already.

Michael Imboden 36

Intermediate to Advanced Skier – USA – Dec 2022 - Nagano Powder Zone

Absolutely recommended!!

-Powder hounds find it everyday!

-Breakfast included every day

-Lunch at hidden gems every day

-Dinner recommendations and or reservations every day

-Temples walk throughs 

-Shrines visits 

-Village walk through Shibu Onsen town

-Ride to Snow monkey onsen 

-Bus ride to and from mountain everyday full of stories, history and music 

-All inclusive Gear and set up 

-Gear transport on and off mountain everyday

-Entertainment most evenings 

-Karaoke 

-Follow on tour and bookings 

-On and off pist Guided runs 

-On and Off pist powder seekers

-Communication and chat groups 

-Photos and videos 

-Biyu staff addressed me first by name bases

-Clean, neat, tidy and presentable location

John McDougall 36

Advanced Snowboarder – USA – Jan 2023 – Nagano Powder Chaser

My wife and I had 3 amazing days snowboarding In Nagano with Jase and the gang. This was our 4th time riding in Japan, but first time using a guide. We decided to turn it over to the pros at Japan Powder Culture Tours to make the trip as stress free and powder packed as possible.
Jase and his team really have their operation dialed in to make the most of a Japanese shred trip. Starting from our base in Yudanaka, you get a true cultural experience, not the overly commercialized or western experiences you might find in Niseko or Hakuba. The Ryokan Biyu was a delightful traditional hotel and Onsen that I’d highly recommend.
Once on the mountain, Riders are broken up by skill level, and the guides work to help folks progress quickly to maximize pow opportunities. In the advanced group, Even 2-3 days after a storm, we were getting consistent pow laps and stashes that I never would have discovered had I not been with a guide. On top of all the “secret” stashes that you’ll discover, The team of guides really worked hard to make terrain accessible to me on a snowboard by creating run outs in flat spots, giving me a tow in areas, and helping call out crucial terrain navigation.
We were traveling around other areas before our snowboard trip and decided to rent snowboards. We lucked out at the rental counter and got boards that worked well, but if you are particular about your gear, I’d recommend bringing your own board.
Two weeks after our trip, my mind is still taking pow laps through the forests of Nagano, if you are on the fence…do it!

Hannah Kang 36

Intermediate Snowboarder – USA – Jan 2023 – Nagano Powder Chaser

During our three days of guided snowboarding trip in Japan, we had a blast, enjoying getting to know other snowboarders and skiers in the group as well as all the staff from Japan Powder Culture Tour.
I mostly rode in the intermediate group under George and he gave the right amount of tips to improve my skill set without being too much or not enough, making it enjoyable for me to have fun riding but understanding what areas I could focus to improve at the same time. Everyone in my group was also all nice people, making it even more enjoyable experience.
Despite my husband and I weren’t in the same skill level, we had a lovely half day of riding together when Jase & George went to go find a path specifically for my husband for his advanced/expert skill level. Hearing from my husband’s experience on that day, he had a blast, tailored to his expert skill level. Then on our last day, we got to ride together again, a bit more challenging than my comfort level to help me improve but nothing beyond my capability.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time there, including the fellow riders in the group and highly recommend the experience. For us, it was the perfect mix of doing things as a groups (while on the runs) vs having the moment to ourselves to explore (post riding and sometimes during the riding).

Katie Webber 48

Intermediate to Advanced Skier Family – USA – Jan 2023 – Nagano Powder Zone

My family (husband and I, and our 2 boys of 14 and 18) just returned from a 5 night/4 day skiing package with Japan Powder Culture Tours. We had a great time! Jace's staff is knowledgeable and accommodating to all skiers, finding deep powder for the good skiers and working on skills for the rest (ie. me). They got us to the best snow each day and kept it lively and fun with stops for crumpets and tea, ramen, and even a moment to pay respects to the snow god when we needed fresh.
Ryokan Biyunoyado was wonderful as well. We stayed in 2 Japanese-style doubles: beautiful tatami mat floors, very comfortable futons, delicious meals, and nearly 24 hour access to the onsens. Too bad I didn't spend as much time in the pools as I did on the slopes. My legs are still recovering! For our last morning, the hotel drove us to the Snow Monkey park and 90 minutes later picked us up and delivered us and our luggage to the train station for our return to Tokyo. Perfect!

Hans Henrichson 62

advanced skier - norway - dec/jan 2020 - gREY sNOWMADS IN jAPAN

I spent 13 days on skis with Jase and his team New Year 2020. This is my second trip with Japan Powder Culture Tours and I can recommend this tour be it to beginners or experts.
Japan Powder Culture Tours is truly a boutique tour where Jase and his team tailors the guests’ day on skis/snowboard according to their individual ability and experience. I always skied with other guests that were at my own level, and we were always led by Jase and his team of guides that set safety first.
But what makes Jase and his crew really stand-out is the level of engagement with the guests both on and outside the slope. If you are an advanced skier, Jase and his team will make sure to find challenges wherever the snow conditions and powder is the best. And if you are novice skier you will also be in the best hands. I have never been on a tour where beginners, intermediates, advanced or even experts are so cared for and have access to full days of instructions (or tips for improvement) from guides that are also trained ski instructors!
For me, I will definitely be back next year.

trudi hammond 50

intermediate to advanced skiers - australia - feb 2020 - nagano ski POWDER progression

A bucket list extravaganza! But not one that can be ticked off...this one is worth repeating.
We were a party of six of similar standard that had varying needs which Jase, being the extraordinary man that he is, fulfilled all requirements. We all had so much fun and are getting together for "raves" about our adventures. (Actually everyone and anyone is getting an earful and being subjected to the massive photo gallery!).
It was non-stop adventure whether on piste or out pissed. Ever done karaoke? It's a hoot. (even for those of us that can't sing) Jase shares his love of the Japanese Culture like no other. (And he can hold a tune very nicely indeed). He provided a Geisha performance, Karate Master demonstration; including a lion dance, drumming, and instrument playing that was interactive which bonded the group, a cultural bus tour on a rainy day to see a castle, temple, museum, Olympic stadium, Mega sports store, quaint villages and shopping streets. Jase will go to any length to show you a good time. The daily bus rides were a riot of laughter with his "True Stories" and boom box music. Always an opportunity to get on the mic and share stories of your own. The crowd will let you know how effective you are at the telling! It can bring out another side of the ones you know that is very entertaining. We made some great new friends.
Jase has an amazing crew backing him up in John, George, Tyson and Yoshi. They all work so well together, putting in big days, yet make it look effortless. Four in our group needed skis and were even switched from all mountain to powder skis as required, as was everyone else on the tour. Upon arriving at each mountain we meandered into the resorts to put on our ski boots while they unpacked our skis and poles presenting them in an orderly Japanese fashion for us to take onto the slopes. The powder they found for us was incredible. In the peaceful environs of the trees we came upon "paddocks" of untouched powder to drift through to our hearts content. Then back on the lift for more. They cleverly "strip grazed" the area so that every time we skied in there were fresh tracks to be found. We received coaching on how to ski the powder and to improve our technique. We wore avalanche packs and beacons and had instruction on how to use them and why they were necessary. Safety is a very high priority of the company and Jase knows every inch of the mountains and can be on hand for any group needing support.
The banquet meals provided on two of our nights was sensational and the other nights gave us the opportunity to sample the local cuisine upon suggestion from the crew. Going out gave us the chance to meet up with new friends we had made during the day. And typically, it was no effort for Jase to drop us off if he was heading out. The breakfasts were delicious too and a great way to start the day.
The end of the ski day was a restorative soak in the onsen to revive our muscles. Devine.
We, the "Hammondbeinson's" , extend a humongous thank you to Jase and the crew for a terrific experience that has us planning a return adventure.

David Crawford 48

Advanced Skier – Australia – Feb 2020 – Nagano Powder Chaser

Really hard to review the time 7 days skiing I had with Japan Powder Culture Tours, because there was just so much action.
I joined Jase for the Powder Chaser Tour in mid-February, and whilst the season was a poor one by Japanese standards, Jase, John and George new where the goods were, consistently finding stashes 1-2 days after a dump. Out of the 7 days there was only really 1 day of poor skiing due to the conditions, and this was well beyond JPCT’s control. Additionally, due to the nature of the season, we didn’t have the luxury of visiting the other resorts around the area, however again beyond JPCT’s control.
Jase has a unique product, offering a number of different options. His flexibility to provide a start and end date that suited my travels was one of the main attractions when booking. Whilst I joined the Powder Chaser Tour with more of the advanced skiers, I witnessed Jase and his crew taking out beginners in small groups and they showed amazing improvement with such focused tuition.
I refer to the product as unique, as we were constantly finding lift accessed side country and secret stashes which I would never have found by myself, or game enough to ski without a guide who truly knew the terrain. By doing so, we were able to ski snow that was truly hidden. This type of skiing was opt-in by the more adventurous and whilst a mix of skiers and boarders, it was fairly even from an ability perspective.
The town of Yudakana had a plethora of restaurants and whilst not ski in/ski out, I’m glad I chose the option of such a lovely town, with dining options galore and comfortable bus ride. I stayed in the Ryokan and encourage anyone thinking of booking to do the same. The traditional Japanese accommodation has its quirks, however the onsen, breakfasts and dinners were truly amazing.
Summarising my time with Jase and his crew, whilst the skiing and accommodation were both great, my lasting memory was a lot of fun. Whilst it likely won’t be next year, I’m a big chance to return in the future. Only negative is having to put up with such a rubbish accent ;)

martin Cherk 45

beginner skiers - australia - december 2019 - nagano beginner package

We are a family of 2 adults and 2 children aged 12 and 15 who have never skied before hence joined the 'Nagano' Beginners package. We had a fantastic time with both Jase and John being excellent ski instructors. They were both kind, patient and had lots of funny stories to tell as well. We were picked up every day at 8am by personal shuttle bus from our very comfortable lodgings and taken to the ski fields, in our case Shiga Kogan which was only around a 20 minute ride away. This company is unique in that it is highly personalized and the ski instructors know the huge ski resorts and the different areas extremely well and therefore take you to areas suitable for your skill level and experience. It would be difficult to do these resorts by yourself if you are English speaking only as they are predominantly run and frequented by the local Japanese only. Not only was the skiing wonderful, but it was a complete cultural experience as well. Yudanaka which was our base for 4 days is a delightful quaint little old style Japanese town with wonderful little restaurants and atmosphere. The whole area is an Onsen area (hot natural spring bathing pools) which makes it very unique and a wonderful place to relax and recover after a day on the mountain. Shibu Onsen is another quaint and famous little town next to Yudanaka which is well within walking distance. The famous snow monkeys are also very close by and 15 minutes away by bus from Yudanaka and well worth visiting whilst there. Jase and his team provide all your gear, from boots, skis, goggles, jackets etc. The gear was all very high quality and Jason spent a significant amount of time the night before we hit the mountains kitting is up and making sure everthing fit and was comfortable. With regards to accommodation, the tour offers two options. Ryokan Biyu which has it's own Onsens or Aibiya Lodge. We ended up staying at both which were both excellent. Aibiya Lodge is listed as the more budget option however I must say the standard of the lodge is excellent and the hosts of the lodge Yoshi and Seongmi are both amazing.

Overall, I would highly recommend Jase and his company. The intention of our trip was for the kids to learn how to ski and that they certainly did plus more!

Joshua chapman 21

advanced snowboarder - Australia - january 2020 - nagano snowboard buffet

I'd been following powder hounds and their reviews for several years until I finally decided to see what a tour would be like.
I was not disappointed the tour was very well organised, the accomodation and guides excellent provided they had very tough conditions as the season 2020 was a low for Japan standards. Jase the tour leader is one of a kind with his humour and wittiness always keeping the laughs on the private minibus rides to the resorts. Yoshi and his lovely wife who own the Lodge Aibya where I stayed was excellent with their hospitality and cleanliness. This lodge is far from budget accommodation.
This tour definitely provides some cultural aspects too they keep you and the crew together after the slopes which really bonds the group together and I have made life long friends from this tour.
In terms of the snowboarding itself it was very much appreciated not having to worry about where to go as the guides were very experienced and explained the routes well! Having been to Japan before the snow (although poor this year) had its good days extremely deep dry powder that is better then anywhere else I've been. I wouldn't look anywhere else for a tour company that makes it so easy for you. All you have to worry about is which bit of powder your going to shred with a great big grin!! Being a young person it was slightly expensive for myself but only because everything is done for you. Would highly recommend this tour!!!

tim propeck 73

advanced skier - usa - february 2020 - nagano ski buffet

This was my first trip to Japan that was not for business and the best decision our group made was signing on with Jase and his team. They covered all the details that would have made the trip difficult had we been on our own: hotel, meals, transportation to the ski area, etc. In addition, our guides led us around a very large and potentially confusing ski area and showed us where to experience great powder off the groomed runs where I would not have ventured on my own. I got my first face shot in powder on one of those runs.
The Japan culture portion of the trip was also a lot of fun. I thoroughly enjoyed the one man show one night at the hotel that featured a former world champion Karate expert doing a demo, who also played the traditional 3 string Japanese guitar, beat the large drum, and did a lion’s dance with tremendous agility.
We also made a stop at a Buddhist Temple on the way back from the ski area one afternoon and everyone repeated a Japanese prayer for more powder. It snowed the next three and a half days.
On the day we departed we made the trek to the Snow Monkey preserve which was well worth the hike on a very slick trail. My favorite was a monkey sitting in a snow- covered tree above the trail who would shake the tree to dump snow on hikers passing underneath.
You never know quite what to expect from a trip like this, but I can honestly say it exceeded all my expectations and I will be back.

Andrea zanchetta 43

intermediate snowboarder - italy - december 2019 - nagano snowboard Progression

I took the powder chaser trip with Jase Caulton and his team back in December 2019. It was an excellent and well organized trip that delivered what had promised. Jase is an excellent ski guide knowing very well the Shiga Kogen area and how to move around quickly based on the snow condition, increasing the chances of fun and fresh snow everyday.
My snowboarding skills and techniques improved a lot, either on slopes and fresh snow, thanks to Jason's suggestions and I feel much more confident riding now.
The local culture is very authentic and deserves the trip itself, the food and the onsen were amazing.
I enjoyed a lot staying in AIBIYA lodge, a lovely and comfortable place to stay after a long day on the slopes.
All in all a great experience and I hope to be back next season!

christine Triska 60

intermediate skier - usa - january 2020 - nagano ski progression

A week after returning from Japan I still can't stop thinking about the terrific powder/culture tour Jase and his able crew gave us in Yudanaka and Shiga Kogen. I don't remember having so much fun with a group of skiers/snowboarders since high school! Though unusually warm for January, the conditions improved throughout the week to satisfy even our most hardcore powderhounds. I so appreciated the ski instruction I got every day -- I needed it! I also loved the field trips, or "hidden gems" Jase provided. He kept us busy from dawn to dusk, and if we needed anything he and his guides obliged. Culture, food, hot springs, karate and geisha demonstrations filled the non-mountain time. I left the tour exhausted but so wanted to stay another week. Highly recommend this trip!

Mick Caspaney 58

intermediate skier - australia - december 2019 - nagano ski progression

My needs were that I was travelling solo and I needed instruction on my own skiing technique. Huge tick for the social interaction with other solo travellers and couples and families alike who all had a great time. We all went out for dinner together most nights after indulging in the great choice of Onsens available close by. We also experienced local culture which is great as you learn about the way the locals have lived in Yudanaka which has not yet been clinically anglicised like Tokyo. It is still old Japan which is a great thing to experience.
Huge tick also for the instruction on how to negotiate the powder and how to ski generally. The instructors all know what they are doing (all brilliant skiers) and the delivery is great because of the relaxed and laid back approach. You don't actually feel like you are being instructed by a ski resort robot because every day is just fun and they know how to find the snow, wherever it fell overnight. You are with the group for the whole day so it's not like being in ski school for an hour or two and then told you can leave. In fact, for the first time visitor, it would be impossible to replicate the choice of where to ski for the day as in the time I was there we discovered three different mountains and had access to JPCT's local knowledge of which slopes were best to suit the ability of whoever was in the group.
Jason's "true" stories are remarkable. The truth is always stranger than fiction but he does push the envelope in a way that calls out the quiet ones for a contribution to the banter on the bus trips. It also challenges the ones who ask too many questions! If you want to know what that means, just ask him a question........

John Parker 30

advanced snowboarder - united kingdom - february 2020 - legendary roadie

I went on the tour solo and was a bit apprehensive beforehand but that quickly changed as I met Jase, his team and all other people in the group. Everybody was keen to get along and Jase made sure there was plenty of opportunity for the group dynamic to grow. Also, there were a handful of other people who were on the tour solo which was great to see. We all felt like good friends by the end.
This year was one of the worst in terms of snowfall and temperatures for Japan in many years, but we still had enough powder days to keep me very happy with the tour. While the snow god was kind to us, it was also a testament to Jase and his team finding us untouched powder for days after a dump. I have no doubt that without these guides I would have never found any of the amazing spots they showed us. There is a reason why Jase calls Shiga Kogen "Old Faithful", the highest altitude ski resort in Japan is why we were able to have powder days.
Towards the end of the tour I had an accident on the slopes and injured my leg badly enough to need to cut the tour short and fly home. Jase and co were very professional in getting me off the mountain and to hospital. What I was really grateful for was the care they provided in the following days. They got me checked in to a hotel for 3 nights to give me time to sort out my insurance and flights home and they were checking in on me multiple times a day to make sure I had food and that everything was okay. Without their help it would have made the ordeal extremely difficult. Thank you all!
I will definitely be back.

Wai Quen chan 47 and hugo 9

beginner skiers - hong kong - january 2020 - nagano beginner package

What a fantastic week of excellent snow / powder, no crowds, blue sky and sunny days, great company and excellent instruction and guiding! My son and I have skiied a little before and significantly improved our confidence, skills and control over 4 days skiing with Jase, John, Tyson and George. I'm amazed at the quality of skiing and absence of crowds in the Shiga Kogen area. We also enjoyed the traditional ryokan and onsen experience in Yudanaka, a lovely little town with awesome local restaurants, as well as cultural performances and side trips to various "hidden gems" such as the Tokagushi shrine. Truly an end to end local cultural experience - Jase and the team could not have been more helpful with every aspect of our trip. Highly recommend!

kim cotton 53 & Eavan 13

advanced skiers - australia - january 2020 - nagano ski buffet

The best thing about the Nagano ski buffet is the direct access we had to authentic Japanese culture in a ski resort. Where we stayed in the small town of Yudanaka - in lodgings that were clean, modern, friendy and run by Japanese local people, was simply beautiful. I couldn't have asked for better. I'd skied Niseko and Nozawa a number of years ago and was seeking that sense of exhilaration and freshness that you get when you feel you are truly away from your own culture. Through the ski buffet we were given this in spades. We (my daughter and I) met lovely like-minded people from around the world to ski with in our group. Over a few days we became friends and had a lot of those laughs that are generated through familiar banter. This was all encouraged by our organiser Jase and the guides, who gave fabulous tips on making the most of the small town, after spending a full day on the slopes. Handmade sushi in tiny restaurants, no problem. Homemade plum wine - easy. Onsens - gorgeous. The skiing tuition was sensational. Value for money having an all-day ski guide /instructor for the entire tour, remarkable. The groups were small and run on good timing; it was all very enjoyable, and easy. I have nothing but lovely memories, and much more beauty than I had anticipated. For me, the icing was the cake and the big birthday Kareoke song organised by Jase, for my daughter's 15th birthday. It was kind and personal, and I guess, a metaphor for the whole trip. Thoroughly recommended.

David mcintyre 45

expert snowboarder -new zealand - january 2020 - nagano group guided day

Japan this year in Jan 2020 has had lower than normal snow amounts which has made finding fresh powder a bit of a mission. In saying that it's all still there if you know where to look.
My mates and I have just finished riding Habuka, Myoko and ShigaKogen.
We decided to book a guided tour with Jason at Japan Powder Culture tours for our ShigaKogen leg.
We are advanced boarders and have over 20 years of riding, with multiple seasons spent travelling looking for snow.
Jason is the first guide that has been able to really understand what it is you are looking for in a guided tour, he took the thinking out of finding lines and freshies which made our day magic. He is very knowledgeable of the area and history of the place. The whole operational was a well oiled machine and provided a professional service at a reasonable price.
Our guide although on skis ripped and we were very happy at the skill and pace he operated at, he was safe and had good gear to hire.
I would and will be recommending these guys to our friends as on Shiga Kogen it is a huge and confusing area a guide is worth it to increase your fun days. Cheers Powder culture.

justin brown 45

advanced snowboarder - vietnam - january 2020 - nagano powder Zone

I highly recommend this tour. Jase and his guides were incredibly knowledgeable about the area and showed us great off piste sites that we would have never been able to find on our own. He also arranged fun cultural detours and performances at the hotel. His pre-trip guidance was very comprehensive. The ryokan in Yudanaka was perfect. All in all, a great experience and I’m looking forward to going back.

roger Simons 37

intermediate snowboarder - singapore - january 2020 - tailor made package

The Japan Powder Culture Team are a brilliant bunch to tour with, based in a quaint, as yet unspoilt town in shooting distance of over 18 resorts it's an ideal base to combine culture (monkeys, temples, castles, onsens etc) with world class powder and some of the highest resorts in Asia. The expert team take all levels & all ages out onto the slopes wherever is best on any given day for the conditions, so you aren't confined to a single location. Highly recommended!

shelton fernando 42

INTERMEDIATE snowboarder - australia - february 2020 - nagano powder chaser

As Japan was having such a bad season and i was hearing stories about I was really worried that there wouldn't be any snow or that it would be really poor quality. Jase assured me there was powder to be had when arrived on my first night and he was right. On day 1 we were riding knee deep powder even though it hadn't snowed in over a week. This is because they know the terrain so well and are able to take you off piste and they know where the powder stashes are! They also have access to highest lifts in Japan so while it was raining on other places it was snowing in Shiga Kogen!!! When it did snow on the second night thew third day was just amazing. It snowed about 40cm's and to my amazement there were still no lift lines and hardly anyone on the mountain. We were still doing powder runs at 2.30 in afternoon on marked runs. no going off piste!!!! Never have I seen fresh powder remain un-tracked for that long! The Ryokan was awesome and worth the extra $$. Breakfasts and dinners as part of the package were amazing. The best part was having an onsen in the hotel, its truly is amazing after a long day on the mountain. Certainly recommend and would will return in the future.
Well done JPCT!!!

Robert niles 64

INTERMEDIATE skier - usa - january 2020 - nagano powder chaser

I recently took the powder chaser trip with Jase Caulton and company. It was an excellent trip and I plan to take it again. Jase took our tour group to the best snow available and he always found it. The one bad weather day we had ,we still managed to ski in the morning and visited local historical sites in the afternoon. The local culture is amazing and deserves a trip in itself. On the mountain, the instruction team of John, Fraser,and Tyson were invaluable. I’m 64 years old and just started skiing 4 years ago. The whole team helped me correct bad habits I tend to fall into if left alone.
The accommodations were excellent and the night life quite fun. Especially the karaoke. I recommend it highly. The overall trip was amazing. The local people are very friendly and helpful. I plan to return next year

Paul Murray 53

beginner & INTERMEDIATE skiers - australia - january 2020 - tailor made package

In early January 2020 my family of three including son, 20 years and daughter, 17 years enjoyed a brilliant and very special return trip of 5 nights/4 skiing days with Jase and his incredible team (gidday John, Fraser and Tyson) at Shiga Kogen / Japan Powder Culture Tours. We first enjoyed this trip with Jase in December 2017 so expectations ran high for a repeat of the perfect conditions and incredible cultural experience we enjoyed the first time around - and we were not disappointed. A highlight of both trips is the attention Jase and team gives to each of us in development of our skiing abilities. I’m a beginner and on both trips to Shiga Kogen the conditions were so great, I actually didn’t mind at all falling into the soft powder snow. Meanwhile my kids, both at intermediate level, greatly advanced in their abilities under the excellent tutelage of the team all of whom ably rotate through all skill levels and provide excellent skills development. The team go all out to make sure we always have the best conditions to ski, and have an enormous body of knowledge about where to go on any one day in search of bountiful powder and perfect conditions. On both trips we have found the accommodation at Hotel Biyu to be excellent, from the incredible culinary delights through to the magnificent on-site onsen, all of which provide an amazing and authentic Japanese cultural experience. Jase added a lot into the mix on each of the tours we’ve done making us feel at ease and most of all having a huge amount of fun and relaxation - the tour is truly great value in this regard without any worries at all from ski passes, to gear and equipment right through to restaurant recommendations and even karaoke. A very special delight for us is visiting the snow monkeys. Another highlight of our second trip was returning to favourite restaurants which we had been pining for since 2017 all of which were recommended by Jase. The tours are very special and I would highly recommend to any family or group of friends to enjoy the delights of Shiga Kogen, Yudanaka and Japan with Japan Powder Culture Tours. We will certainly be back and are making plans for next season on a third tour and extending to a bigger group by introducing some family friends to their first time skiing in Japan. I can’t wait to see what Jase and team will have in store for us next time.

Maggie Nel 33

beginner skier - south africa - december 2019 - Nagano beginner package

A “South Effriken” skis for the first time: 5 days of fun in Shiga Kogen You have to understand, skiing is not a big pastime in South Africa. We’re a summer country and can boast about winning the Rugby World Cup, but not about sending pro ski-racers to the Winter Olympics. I’m not even an athletic person and don’t do any kind of sport.  However, I had one ski lesson while on holiday in New Zealand at Coronet Peak (or Concrete Peak, as our instructor described it) and actually liked learning it in combination with the cold weather. I’ve also always wanted to visit Japan, and after Binging “beginner ski package Japan”, found “Japan Powder Culture Tours.” And so, with nothing but blind faith and sheer determination, I signed up for Jase’s beginner package. Skiing for five days was exhausting and challenged me both physically and mentally. I fell, a lot, and cried, fell again, cried and got up again. Here, strength training before going definitely helped. However, under Jase, John and Fraser’s guidance, the five of us in our group progressed from absolute beginners to just about ready to do slightly more perfect parallel turns. I am not quite intermediate but almost there. In late December, the weather was unpredictable, but this actually helped condition us. We skied in perfect weather on Christmas, but also in very cold, windy and snowy weather on other days, where visibility was low. We learned to walk in different kinds of terrain on our ski boots and how to carry our ski equipment like pros. In between, there were great conversations on the bus up and down the mountain every day (which ranged from the insightful to the hilarious) and, oh, kick-ass music to keep us going.  Importantly, I’d like to mention here how important it is to have an instructor who helps you choose and fit the correct ski boots. I did not have a great time skiing in NZ, largely as the rental shop did not provide me with the correct boots. Jase offered great practical advice in choosing and fitting the correct ski boot, which meant I had a pain-free five days of skiing and this greatly contributed to my enjoyment of this ski holiday. The muscles that hurt the most after the first day was, surprisingly, my arms, as I relied a lot on my ski poles for balance and thrust.  Finally, I do need to mention what a wonderful town Yudanaka is as a base for skiing Shiga Kogen. I stayed in a wonderful hostel (Lodge Aibiya), as part of the package. I had some great Udon and enjoyed the wonderful onsens after a long tiring day on the slopes.  Any feedback for Jase? More female-friendly activities. It did feel a little like a boy’s club at times. It would be great if you could bring along one or two female instructors next time... Overall a mostly great experience that I would recommend to any new beginner skier who wants to build their confidence.

andrew garland 56

Intermediate skier - Australia - January 2019 - Nagano Powder Zone Tour

The short review is, my first tour was the Epic Honshu Progression Jan. 2017, my second tour was the Nagano Powder Zone Jan. 2019 and I have just booked to go on the Nagano Ski Progression Feb. 2020. Why would anyone go with Japan Powder Culture Tours a second and third time if their tours weren’t fantastic?
The long review is, for myself as a solo traveller the comradery of the tour chief (Jase) and the guides is infectious and rubs off on all the guests. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends, you are made to feel right at home and relaxed, ready for great times, both on and off the slopes. I feel I can say this as I have enjoyed great groups on both previous occasions. While the atmosphere is relaxed with plenty of good humour the guides still take safety seriously and give terrific instruction on technique as well as on assessing the terrain and conditions. I always come away a better skier full of confidence. The guides never seem to have any trouble finding the best runs and POW regardless of what mother nature might be dishing up. Japan Powder Culture Tours operate in a region where the resorts are not overrun with westerners and there is plenty of opportunity after a day skiing to experience traditional Japanese culture at its best. I also appreciate the opportunity to select the type of accommodation from a number of options. I always enjoy great food and once you have treated the tired muscles to an Onsen, you are hooked on them for life.

nicolas

Beginner Skiers - Singapore - February 2019 - Nagano Beginner Tour

We signed up for Nagano Beginner Packages and it was one of the highlights of our Japan holiday.
Night before 1st ski, Jase meticulously ensured that each of us were fitted properly. Some of the gears were even brand new.
He coached us personally on day 1, Tom on day 2 & Gus on day 3. For newbies like us, you can’t get any better care & attention than with Jase & team. When on the slopes, each of them were super patient, totally “with you”, coached us according to our levels & very encouraging. They were skiing with us, watching out and giving pointers throughout the whole day – literally from start till end of each day. Can tell that they thoroughly enjoy skiing and sharing what they know. This package is one of the best ways to get started (& hooked) on skiing. BTW, the “variety” of coaches was a bonus for me cos I got extra insights & pointers.
Jase got the 4 of us a family room at Hostel Aibiya which made us feel like we were in a hotel –

spacious, private bath, quiet and clean. Yoshi & Seongmi were great hosts, and always helpful with advise and tips on where to eat & what to do.
Other bonuses included the stories from Jase during the bus ride, beer stop at one of the convenience stores, visit to one of the towns, getting Jase’s teenager son to accompany my son, getting to try different slopes & going to the slopes with the best snow each day.
Jase is very responsive to all emails, despite being on the slopes the whole day - very reassuring & shows how committed he is to making sure everything is AOK. Regretfully, we could not ski more days as my knees could not take it.
Thank you very much, Jase! Hopefully we can ski with you again soon!

Cooper Born

Advanced Boarder - australia - February 2019 - Legendary Roadie Tour

If you want the best powder, best guides, most laughs and a true Japanese cultural experience, then Japan Powder culture tours (JPCT) is the best operation in Japan.
I have done several tours and just keep coming back!
Imagine waking up after a great sleep in your amazing Ryokan, having a morning Onsen that has inside and outside options, then enjoying your choice of Japanese or western breakfast, while your guides are scoping the weather and picking the best mountain to venture to for the day.
Your boards/skis are loaded onto the bus and then it’s off to the mountain with great music and laughs on the way. The focus is on finding the best powder and having fun! Riders are allocated into intermediate, beginner or advanced so you are always riding with similar ability people. If your legs are spent, you can just drop down a group in the afternoon and take it easy. There is some amazing off piste riding and Jason and his team are master’s at finding untracked powder, even after many days without snow. Riding through fresh powder in the Japanese forests is an ethereal experience. The guides are amazing. Everyone stays together, it is very safe and caters to all abilities of riders.
When the day is done, it is back to the Ryokan for another amazing Onsen and then onto the night’s activities. There are many group cultural nights where we will do Geisha nights, Japanese drums, karate displays and go to great local restaurants in the area.
I attended the tour the first time as a solo rider and have made some amazing lifelong friends, and we all now catchup with JPCT and enjoy the amazing Powder Jason and his team find us.

I was fortunate enough to do the legendary Roadie tour with Jason, plus some other little adventures into some new prefectures in Japan. Jason is so good at what he does, we call him the Snowlord. The pricing is amazing for all that you get in the tours but most importantly, you are getting expert local knowledge and access to the best powder japan has to offer. I could not recommend JPCT highly enough and I will be a customer of theirs for life.

brad clarke

ADVANCED SKIER - USA - JANUARY 2019 - tailor made tour

Jase and his team at Japan Powder Culture Tours were absolutely amazing hosts for our group of 12 advanced/expert skiers for 9 days (8 days of skiing)! We were promised powder snow and were not disappointed at all. Even after 3 - 4 days Jase, Gus, Tom, John and Tyson were able to sniff out private powder stashes for us! The last day the powder was hip deep in places and was amazing. A number of our group brought sons in the 20 year range, many who are amazing skiers and the guides were very strong skiers and showed the lads an amazing time. Jase was cautious on offering ski advise but asked for permission from the tip to give out ski tips if he had any suggestions for experience. The cultural experience was also unbelievable with Geisha nights and Lion dances and drumming and entertainment and Jases "hidden gems" which were surprises along the way (which I will not divulge here but were lots of fun), honestly there was not a lot of idle time and all was done very professionally! The hotel Ryokan Biyu was very good, clean and very professional staff. The Onsens (natural hot springs) in that hotel were marvellous and most of our group enjoyed them daily after skiing, fantastic! The snow monkey park near by was also a highlight which we very much enjoyed on our only day off from skiing. Jase was on top of our every need including arranging private massages for our tired muscles and checking in every day regarding dinner preferences and then booking the restaurant for us and either joining us or walking us to the restaurant to make sure we arrived there and also to assist on ordering. Jases new ski bus was fantastic and we felt pampered with his great music and many fantastic Stories (true Story!). If you want to experience an amazing ski trip and cultural experience, I don't think to may companies could match what this company does. Every one of his team are professionals, amazing skiers/boarders and look after your every whim. I will recommend this company to a number of friends who are considering a ski trip to Japan next year. There were numerous couples on this trip apart from our group plus a few families and all seemed to be having a great time. The guides are all certified instructors so if you want to improve your technique. they can help you. Will take my wife back in the next year or two to share this amazing experience with her. Thanks Jase, Tom, Gus, John and Tyson for an unbelievably great experience, which I know my sons will remember for a lifetime!

Stuart & Lindy Fischer

Intermediate Skier – New Zealand – March 2019 – Nagano Ski Progression

Our initial motivation to join this tour was to:
1. Experience the famous Japan powder.
2. Pick up some appropriate technical tips.
3. Stay safe.
4. Minimise the navigation, transport and language challenges.
5. Enjoy the scenery.
6. Enjoy the company of likeminded enthusiasts.
7. Embrace a different culture.
8. Have a holiday and relax.
Happy to report that all 8 expectations were met, and we had a great time.
Our priorities did seem to reverse order when on the spot cruising around enjoying the scenery from 9am-3.30 through Shiga Kogen’s 19 resorts. Our preference was to keep mostly to marked trails of varying slope and terrain with forays into the trees and fresh powder following a 250mm dump on day 6. Still the best snow on Honshu for the time of year and our guides knew where to find it.
Helpful pointers were offered with encouragement and enthusiasm in abundance.
Perhaps our exertion was not up to spec...ha ha, but we did not get tired or muscle sore much to everyone’s surprise, given we are well into the silver hair phase!
The guiding was relaxed but professional and sensitive to individual’s preferences. A deep passion for, and knowledge of the area was very apparent and worth heaps to us all.
“ We go up!” – “ We go down!” - “Just follow the guide!”
Completely stress free but maybe a glimpse into the secret agenda of routes planned for the day would have heightened our sense of anticipation/trepidation! There’s a challenge for the master!
The infrastructure of the resort is understated but efficient and very under utilised... hense never any queue dramas for lifts , coffees or food.
Transport was modern and efficient ....door to door! With stories unavoidable! Ha ha.
Accommodation at Aibiya Hostel was wonderfully comfortable, spacious and authentic with a perfect balance of friendly inclusion, service and privacy...like a lodge in New Zealand.
The jumbling, old retro town of Yudanaka had an endless variety of “ Ma and Pa” dining rooms serving fantastic, authentic Japanese cuisine at minimal prices... gorgeous!
Our cultural evening was a treat to remember too!
Over all a great experience for a couple of Intermediate level, globe-skiing Kiwis!!
Just Do It!!

Benito Drovandi

Advanced snowBoarder – AUSTRALIA – February 2019 – The Legendary Roadietour

I’m not one to write reviews but every so often a product is so good it deserves to be shared with other like-minded people. I have been lucky enough to share such an experience with Jason and his crew at JPCT on the roadie tour. Twice actually..

Beyond his ability to always find snow days even after it snowed, it’s the lengths he and his team go to off mountain that makes him the best operator in Japan. The activities and amenities provided are top class. The Ryokan Biyu is amazing and its onsen truly become a way of life. Activities like the lion dance help build a great group dynamic, not to mention the obligatory karaoke session. Despite being a solo traveler, I have made amazing friendships that last well after the snow melts.

And then there’s Tenjin. This place is nuts!! Best snow of my life but be warned, it’s not for the keyboard warrior. It’s the real deal so be honest with your ability.

I cannot recommend his tours highly enough!! If the snow lord ever starts tours in the Southern Hemisphere, I’ll be sure to book those as well

Gwene

beginner skier - australia - April 2019 - Nagano Beginner Tour

Jase and Tyson did a fantastic job of taking me from zero to hero for skiing. I can, at the very least, get on the beginner slopes on my own after 3 days of lessons. They were good company and they know Shigakogen area well. It's a lovely ski area not overrun by tourists. Yudanaka is also a quaint little village that feels serene. I enjoyed my time there thoroughly and feel happy I was able to pick up skiing. I'll be back! The plus of this package is that everything is taken care of from the day I arrive Yudanaka and which puts me at ease. Hostel Aibiya is a warm, clean and friendly place to stay in. Thank you all so very much!

Darren Edlund

advanced snowboarder - canada - February 2019 - The Legendary Roadie tour

This is the second consecutive year with Jason and his team. We recently finished the Ultimate Roadie with the addition of a new area Aizu. What an epic adventure!
First I'd have to say how well organized these tours are. The JPCT team is extremely good at what they do. From avalanche safety gear and training to finding the best snow and terrain every run of the day. There is no other resort area in the world I've snowboarded where the last run of the day is the best run of the day other than in Japan. What is also great is the group size usually maxing out at six guests per guide and all with similar experience levels. This makes for plenty of runs per day. On average I tracked us doing 5000 vertical meters (16000+ feet) and our best day we rode just over 7000 vertical meters (23000 feet)!!! This is much more than I have ever seen cat boarding.
Not only does the JPCT team provide the best possible snow conditions, terrain and lack of crowds but the accommodations and cultural evenings are also an awesome experience. From soaking up the onsen after a great day of riding to sushi train to karate night to geisha games the crew will keep you well entertained! The food at both the hotel and in town at local restaurants is amazing. If you experience a down day or have a rest day you must check out the snow monkeys it really is worth the visit, just make sure you go early before the crowds show up.
To sum it up not only does Jason and the crew provide the best powder riding experience but with the great accommodation, variety of food, cultural events and value for $$$ it's really a no brainer. If you have been looking for a guided pow riding trip to Japan I suggest you give this one some serious thought. I also suggest you check out the "Week With JPCT" video on the website. It should give you a good idea what to expect.
o Jason, Gus, Tyson, and George thank you for another amazing adventure!!!

BRIAN STERN

ADVANCED SKIER - USA - JANUARY 2019 - NAGANO SKI BUFFET tour

I have been home a couple of weeks now and this trip is still fresh in my mind. Jason Caulton and his team of high energy and highly skilled band of skier/snowboarders blew me away. they provided an experience second to none. They not only knew the mountains, the people and the culture but provided this experience at a level of 10 on a daily basis. I went to Japan with no expectations other than enjoy the skiing and my friends and left with something more towards a life changing experience. The impact this trip had on me will leave me thinking about it the rest of my life. in addition to that Jason was able to take my skiing ability to another level. The evenings at dinner were quite eventful and who can ever forget Karaoke night with way too many Chu Hi's. Hugging it out with a great Japanese Group and singing let it be. Oh my !! if you can get the chance and book this trip, DO IT NOW !!!!

Elyta Koh

Intermediate Snowboarder – USA - March 2018 - Nagano Ski Progression

This was my first time boarding in Japan. I was looking forward to gaining experience in powder, but the weather wasn't on our side. Despite two days off the slopes (one due to high winds and one day of non-stop rain) and no fresh snow, I had a fantastic time and improved my skills. We were able to go into the trees with some powder twice, and they were great learning experiences.
Jase did his best putting people together and matching skill levels, and his job would have been easier if people were realistic/honest about their ski/board abilities before joining the tour. Overall, he kept up the pace and challenge to make sure things were fun (definitely a lot of laughs). Jase is a conscientious guide and you can trust his judgement to keep everyone happy and safe. And his choice of lunch spots on the mountain were top notch.

The Hostel Aibiya is very comfortable and the hosts are kind and helpful. The hostel set-up made it easy to meet other guests. Yudanaka is a charming town and the restaurants are solid. The onsen experience is not to be missed.
All in all, the tour was a unbelievable experience and a fabulous way to board in Japan – especially if you are a single traveller and new to Japan. I enjoyed my tour-mates and Jase's team, and I hope to go back again sometime soon.

Carlo

Advanced Snowboarder – UNITED KINGDOM - February 2019 – the Legendary Roadie tour

I’ve been on this tour twice now and despite mother nature not being on our side, Jason and the crew managed to get us some sick lines in powder that nobody knew about. Thing is we can do nothing about mother nature, and had we not been on the tour this year we probably would of had the most awful time looking for snow but we got the goods. This of course is all down to the knowledge and the experience of Jason and his crew despite mother nature not being on our side. Jason and the crew managed to get us some sick lines in powder that nobody knew about.
There is simply no better way to experience Japan and doing this tour you will get to experience not only the best snow but the best time. Jason runs a tight ship and I laugh this year as I did last with my crew on the no dickhead‘s policy... lol .... though this is always quite funny to hear it’s actually such a great part of the trip because even the rowdiest bunch will be tamed in the interest of safety and enjoyment for the rest of the group and other groups which also are on the tour.
The bus is full every night taking us to various places and even on our nights off we will teamed up. The atmosphere was great, and everybody seems to join in. I can’t recommend this tour highly enough.
I’ve been snowboarding all over the world for the last 25 years-ish. I’ve been with other companies and they were okay but there is nothing better than a tour like this and with the type of guys hosting .....
The other thing more than anything else is the share value for money. The accommodations are spot-on, lift passes included, and all your transportation... insane !!!!!!! ENJOY !!!!
And thanks again to Jason ..... when you get on the bus tell Jason Carlo sent you and there will be a gift waiting

Julie spencer

advanced skier - USA - january 2018 - Nagano ski buffet tour

The number one reason is you will have a truly unique experience. I enjoyed every minute of the whole trip. The views, the powder, the food, the Onsens, the culture events, the drives, the amazing guides and the snow monkeys are all memories I will cherish from this trip, this adventure.
Nagano Ski Buffet combines a ski adventure that will leave you begging for more.
Jason has spent years perfecting the art of a seamless ski vacation in Japan. He knows the area back to front and is determined to make sure you get the best snow the area has to offer each day. He takes everyone’s skiing skills into account and assigns you to a group with an experienced guide that will gladly coach you and push you to ski harder then you have ever skied before. The guide’s personalities and fun banter is the extra plus that helps give you the complete Japanese Ski experience. The guide’s did an excellent job making everyone experience the true wonders of Japan, both on and off the mountain.
I came on this trip with very simple goals, to ski hard and fast, steep and deep. In reality I have come away with much more; good friends, local knowledge, new backcountry skills, and maybe most importantly some new perspectives on life. They really did everything possible to make this the trip of a lifetime.

middleton family

beginner to advanced skiers - United kingdom - january 2018 - Tailor made tour

We skied with Japan Powder Culture Tours as a family in Japan this Jan (2018) and had the most amazing experience. The whole booking process was very simple and we immediately felt like we were in good hands. Jason responded to questions about our whole trip and helped us with advice for the parts before we skied with him. Arriving in Yudanaka, we felt comfortable and loved the village. The Aibiya was a brilliant place to stay and we would definitely recommend it for anyone travelling with Jason. Jason’s tour was really well organised, he catered for us as more advanced skiers and our children as beginner/intermediate skiers and we all had the most amazing week. Everything ran like clockwork, evening entertainments added to our cultural programme and there isn’t anything that we would change if we were to return. The other aspect which we thoroughly enjoyed was meeting other people in Jason’s groups and socialising with them off the slopes. All round Epic ski (Jason) made our holiday amazing and we would definitely recommend him and are hoping to go back.

Nicky Graham

advanced snowboarder - canada - February 2018 - Three Q's in nagano tour

From the seemingly endless power and skilled guides, to the quaint town of Yudanaka with its amazing food, culture and onsens - this tour really was more than we could have asked for.

No matter what age you are, your skill level or whether you're traveling in a group or alone, Jason and his guides will ensure that you're totally taken care of! The tour really turns into one big group of friends and by the end of the trip everyone had sang a few karaoke songs and drank more than a few apre ski beers together.

The 3Q's tour takes you to and allows you to experience skiing/snowboarding resorts where you are the only non-local riders on the hill, while having the advantage of a guide that knows all the runs and lines to hit. The guides were great at splitting the guests into groups by rising ability so that you were always riding within your capabilities, while also having the opportunity to become a better skier/ snowboarder. The guides also offered tips to help you manage in the deep Japanese powder!

The accommodation was unreal - Hostel Ayabia is up there with the nicest and most welcoming hostels I've ever stayed at, with the most lovely owners. The cultural experiences incorporated into the tour were enjoyed by everyone and the nearby snow monkeys were an added highlight!

If I could summarize the tour in one word it would be that it was "MEAN". True story!

Rick Lanyi

advanced snowboarder - united kingdom - january 2018 - Three Q's in nagano tour

These guys take their guiding seriously, and it really shows. The professionalism is on point with great knowledge of the mountains they visit, the bus in the morning is always on time, and no time wasted - meaning very very tired and satisfied legs at the end of every day. We didn't have the best luck with fresh snowfalls during the week, but even several days after a dump, the guides found us fresh lines!

They have more than one group going at a time and are very used to individuals joining their tours, so no problems there, in fact I met and made some good friends in my week, who I hope I will get a chance again to ski with.

We had a few organised evenings which were generally great fun, different, memorable and certainly not to be missed, which really loosened the groups up.

The whole week was well planned, the accommodation excellent (the "cheaper" hostel I stayed in was fantastic!!) the town was nice, very authentic, and not even remotely westernised.

Big thumbs up from me, on my first trip to Japan.

lee & helen patterson

advanced Skiers - new zealand - january 2018 - nagano ski progression tour

Having quality guides was never something I had done before, but the difference it makes to getting the best snow, and constant advice on how to improve technique and ski-brain...
honestly, my skiing stepped up significantly on this holiday.
no time to pause on any of the runs... and no repeats if there was any doubt about the powder...
just keep it moving!

Plus, the whole team are caring and knowledgeable about ski skills, and their mountains.
We felt safe, and challenged, which is a cracking mix.
I completely recommend...

Charles & Lorna Donelly

advanced Skiers - United Kingdom - january 2018 - nagano ski buffet tour

A big thank you to Jason and Jack, our guides, for such a fantastic ski trip. Fresh tracks every day, pretty much all day (unlike the Alps where almost everything is skied out by lunchtime). It was definitely worth the long flight just for the skiing but Japan gave us so much more on top of that; a great group of people, amazing food, historic temples and other cultural experiences. With seamless back up from Mike and Gus, the team put together a truly memorable 10 days which we highly recommend (as long as you can concentrate on the gaps not the trees)!

vince coleman

advanced boarder - usa - February 2017 - nagano powder chaser urto

If you're looking for an authentic experience, great people and snow like you've only dreamt about then this is the trip for you.  I have been researching a trip like this for a while and didn't really know what I was in for.  I travel a lot for skiing but nothing ever this far.  The train system is so simple in Japan and it was such an easy trip to get to the hotel.  Once we got to the hotel we met some of the other group as we got checked in.  This was just the beginning of a great group. The hotel was perfect.  To me it was the authentic hotel experience I was looking for. Private onsen or the hotels, unbelievable food, karaoke, list goes on.  We met Jase that night and I could tell this was going to be great.  That night it snowed 90cm!  And it kept snowing for the rest of the trip.  I have never imagined snow like this in my life.  Three days of champagne powder. I didn't want to leave but I had to get to Verbier to ski next.  Trust me Japan was so much better.  In summary, the people, the hotel, the snow, everything was one of the best skiing trips I have been on.  Do yourself a favour and go on this trip.

Gary walker

Advanced Skier - Australia - February 2017 - Nagano Guided Days

While skiing in Shiga Kogan early February I met Jase and the team.  Jase introduced me to some of the best skiing of my life.  He and his ski guide Jack, who both had a thorough knowledge of the area, showed me what real skiing was in the area.
They were both very careful and showed in great detail how to react in an avalanche and how to use the equipment that we carried in our back pack.  The other people in our group were great always willing to help if anyone fell in the very deep powder that we were skiing in.  I wish to thank them both for this wonderful experience and very much look forward to returning next year to do it again.

liz copeland

Intermediate Skier - Australia - January 2017 - Nagano Ski and Snowboard Progression

Thanks Jase, Tom and Jack for a fantastic week full of great snow and cultural events.  I really appreciate all you ski tips and hope to return next year to take on some powder.  It was great to experience so many different Japanese resorts.  The hotel was great loved the onsen and the food. The staff couldn't have been more helpful.  The cultural events really added to the whole experience. It was great to experience the Japanese snow dumping first hand too.

Jim and Denna Fryer

Beginner Skiers - Australia - January 2017 - Nagano Lesson Days

These guys were absolutely brilliant. We got onto them from a local Ryokan owner cause we really hadn’t organised anything for our ski holiday.  Jason and his team took care of ski gear hire and transport for us.  They were really reasonably priced, especially given the high level of service they provided.  As I had never skied before, I had two days tuition with a private instructor and my partner hitched a ride with us for a small fee.  The instructor was an exceptionally gifted skier, but more importantly an amazingly patient and talented trainer.  I would recommend Tom as an instructor for anyone of any age.  By the end of day one I was starting to do parallel turns and was able to do whole runs by the end of day two.  They were also running group ski and cultural tours at the time and they integrated us into a bunch of the cultural experiences as well – like the Taiko drumming, dance performances and Geisha.  Being integrated with the tour group was great fun and Jason and his team maintain a rollicking good time throughout the 10 day ski tour package offered. The tour group was made up of advanced, intermediate and beginner skiers, but they managed to find great slopes and keep everyone happy at their own ski level. We will definitely make use of Jason’s tour company next time we come back to Yudanaka or Shiga Kogen again.  They are flexible, hassle free, and good blokes to deal with.  I would happily recommend anyone, of any ski level to use these guys. They have great local contacts, so you can ensure that you will be skiing on the best slope there is on each day you ski."

Say hi to Jack and Tom for us! Hit us up if you're ever in Oz.  Chur bro!

Hans and Stin henrichsen

Advanced skiers - Norway - Dec to Jan 2017 - Nagano Ski Buffet

We had a great time skiing with Jason and his guides during the start of 2017 season.  It was really an awesome Buffet experience that offered the best of skiing at a variety of different resorts, combined with the excellent Japanese food and cultural deep dives.  What stood out on this trip was Jason, Jack and Tom's strive to give their guests the best powder experience, in safe settings and tailored to individual abilities. We have never enjoyed such a varied ski experience that also challenged our own level, that these guys were able to give us.  We can warmly recommend.

tyson Lebsack

Advanced Snowboarder - Canada - January 2017 - Three Q's in Nagano

I stayed at the Hostel Aibiya during my powder tour.  Absolutely wonderful place, it was very clean, very quiet, and had the nicest owners.  They would suggest the best places to eat and I would always have engaging conversations with them.  Thanks Yoshi and Seongmi!!!  I don't even know where to start with mountains. Out of my top 3 days of riding ever in my life, 2 of those days were on this tour.  I couldn't believe the amount of powder. It was great we went to a different resort almost every day.  If we didn't get any fresh snow for our day, the team would always be able to take us somewhere on the hill where we could find some freshies.  I found the staff to be very personable, relatable, all while remaining professional, and keeping mountain safety a factor.  They would always listen to where or what kind of riding the group wanted to do and provided that.  Also great at suggesting what food to try at lunch or what beer would go great.  I found their time management of the group was awesome to allow us the most riding while we were there.  They took us to some awesome restaurants and we had a wild Karaoke night.
I was there for a week and it was not long enough. I can't wait for an opportunity to head back that way !!

Keith Bryne

Expert Skier - Switzerland - Dec -to Jan 2017 - Three Q's in Nagano

Skiing in Japan at Christmas is a bit of a gamble as you have a 50/50 chance of hitting the jackpot with the famous Japanese Powder. (Having previously been to Japan in February then I know when the optimum time to go really is).  Checking through the Powderhounds options told me that there were no Backcountry options for Christmas but I stumbled across the Three Qs tour and thought I would give it a try as I had previously only skied in Hokkaido.  So whilst the snow could have been better (we still managed to ski fresh lines most days) the team of Jason, Jack and Tom were awesome in delivering on their promise of exciting side-country.  We hit several locations throughout my 9 days skiing in Japan and the guys certainly knew the area very well and where were the best locations to get the untracked snow.  The hotel in Yudanaka was a great basecamp for the trip and the daily onsen is a Japanese skiing ritual that is well catered for in this package.  So I would definitely recommend this trip especially for those skiers or snowboarders that are looking for a Japanese experience without too many westerners and for those looking to extend their experience of riding in powder.

Andrew Garland

intermediate skier - australia - February 2017 - nagano ski and snowboard progression

“I am 55 yr old husband and father of 3 who didn't have anyone to ski with this season for various reasons.  I've skied Oz, NZ, Nth America & Europe.  Always had a hankering for Japan but a bit nervous about taking the plunge on my own.  The tour overview seemed to suit my desire for a priority on skiing (as opposed to partying) and exposure to true Japanese cultural experiences.  Following initial enquiry the promptly delivered tour overview and FAQ's reinforced my impression of what could be a great tour and I can confirm all information provided was honest & accurate.  The tour guides are the key.  They quickly assessed my abilities and structured my program for progression in powder conditions.  They remained patient for the entire 10 days and while instruction is not a conventional ski school structure, it matched the conditions at hand and my goals.  The team are guides and guide they did.  We had favourable conditions and our group did not go wanting for fresh untracked powder in a variety of terrain.  There were secret stashes that I would never have found or tried on my own.  The resorts were great in terms of small or no lift lines and few westerners to beat us to the virgin POW.  The regular cultural events were structured for fun. I certainly struck it lucky with my group and we all got on like a house on fire. The tone throughout was laid back and easy going but skier safety and attention to detail remained at the fore.  The food was great and plentiful.  I went for Japanese style lodging with no regrets and the Onsen was a definite bonus.  If time and finances permit, I will be back for more.”

Dulce Ramos

Intermediate Boarder - USA - March 2017 - Nagano Snowboarder Buffet

It was my first time to Japan and what an amazing adventure!  From being picked up at the train station by Jason, the Ryokan accommodations, the food, the entertainment, the snowboarding, the Nagano city tour, the Snow Monkeys, and the new friends from New Zealand, Australia, and Seattle, it was a trip that exceeded my expectations.  The first day was the deepest powder, off piste craziness I’ve ever experienced but Jason was so helpful and patient.  I wanted to give up and join the skiers but he convinced me to give it one more day on my snowboard which I’m glad I did.  With Jason’s help, I built more confidence and the next day I loved snowboarding again.  The hotel was awesome and the customer service was amazing. The daily onsen and cute little town of Yudanaka made it feel like an authentic Japanese experience. I would highly recommend this package.
Thanks Jason and Jack, I had an epic time.

Ange rogers

Beginner Skier - Australia - December 2016 - Tailor Made Individual Package

What an incredible experience with these guys!  I had only skied once before in New Zealand and over 3 days doing group lessons there I wasn't entirely comfortable on the skis and hadn't even been on a chair lift.  I chose this beginner package with private instruction to try and get more comfortable on the skis and also get to experience some Japanese culture and what a great investment! I booked a 5 night package which incl 3 days skiing, private instruction and all my gear hire.  Midway through my first day, I went on my first chairlift and on my 2nd day I was taken down a red run, unbeknownst to me...it was amazing.  The instruction was first class and I improved so much faster than I thought I would.  I now feel comfortable to go skiing by myself on beginner runs which is a great feeling. Both Jason and his son are so patient and correct your errors really quickly and give great tips to get you skiing better and more comfortably quickly.  Add to that a great group of other skiers, staying in an amazing Ryokan, sleeping in a traditional tatami room, eating multi-course Japanese meals and soaking in an onsen each day after skiing.  I also had a chance to visit the Snow Monkeys and Matsumoto Castle and try some great local restaurants with the group.  If you want great skiing, a traditional Japanese cultural experience, great food and amazing people, this is your tour!
I really hope I can get back and ski with these guys again next year.

Sridhar Ramaswamy

Beginner Skiers - Singapore - December 2016 - nagano beginner package

We selected the Shiga Kogen Beginner Package with Jason in Dec 2016.  We did 3 days of skiing.  The experience was great, far exceeded our expectations.  Jason was very responsive before the trip, giving us detailed information and we were fully prepared.  Upon reaching Yudanaka he met us promptly and took us through the whole process of getting our equipment sorted out so that we were fully ready for 3 full days of skiing.  Jason and his team of qualified instructors were endlessly patient and always on hand to help us through the tough first 2 days, so that we progressed well onto day #3.  All told, we got great value and had a great experience. Highly recommended, both for beginners and for more experienced skiers.

Duncan and Family

Beginner Snowboarders - Australia - March 2016 - Nagano Beginner Package

This was our first time in the snow and first time attempting to snowboard.  I had read that Japan had the best snow in the world so I sent off a few emails and chased up a few prices and found the package from Powderhounds looked to be the best value for money. Jason from Japan Powder Culture tours, sent me an information package that was clear and concise and answered most of my questions straight away, it covered everything...transport options once in Japan all the way through to cost of ski equipment hire etc.  We were met at the Train Station by the friendly staff from the hotel and it was a 5 minute drive to the hotel.  Jason met us on arrival and made us feel very welcome and gave us a run down on what to expect during our stay.  The hotel was great, very comfortable and clean as you would expect.  The service, food and environment at the hotel is first rate and the staff cannot do enough for you.  We had traditional Japanese meals for breakfast and dinner and were over fed with perfectly cooked and presented meals every day.  The next day after our arrival Jason gave clear instructions as to what each day held for us and then took us up to Shiga Kogen to get our hire gear and start our lessons.  Considering there had been less snow than is usual for this time of year, you could not tell once we arrived at the main ski areas, there was good soft snow as far as the eye could see, and the place was brimming with skiers and snowboarders, but in saying that, it never seemed too busy at any point. The whole time we were there, there was less than a handful of foreigners including us.  During our time snowboarding Jason was incredibly patient, he put up with all of our clumsiness and complaining and was always positive and smiling and he didn't quit on us until we were all sliding down the mountain (standing up) by ourselves.  I cannot recommend the Shiga Kogen package enough, the price is great, the hotel was great and the people were great. And the scenery...WOW!  We met a couple of guys that had skied plenty of times before in Australia etc and they also spoke highly of Jason and the area. We are already planning next years trip back to Shiga Kogen.
Thank you again Jason and thanks to the Staff.  See you next year!

Nick and Clare Simcock

Expert Skiers - New Zealand - February 2017 - Nagano Ski Buffet

We had an awesome 10 day trip with Jason and Team. We are a couple of advanced skiers who love side/back country, and wanted an authentic Japanese experience away from the hoards of other foreign skiers in Japan.  We travelled to Yudanaka from Tokyo and were met by the welcoming people form the Ryokan Biyu. Transport was easy and all the instructions and info Jason provided was spot on. The staff were awesome and a mix of Japanese and foreigners. There was a ‘great go” to concierge from Australian called Mitch. If you need anything Mitch sorted it.  The accommodation was excellent. We decided to take the traditional Japanese room with futon beds. The room was quiet and very comfortable. We used the Onsen (hot springs) daily before and after skiing. These were a highlight. The food in Yudanaka is well priced, varied, and high quality. We ate in the hotel 3 nights and the remainder in different local restaurants. The sushi train was fun and the craft beer on tap in the hotel was heavily sampled!  The cultural aspect of the trip was a real bonus with a visit on a non skiing day to Nagano to visit the famous Zenkoji temple, Nagano Olympic centre and a massive ski shop with great sales. Other activities after skiing included a sake tasting at the local sake producer. Jason also organised traditional Japanese Taiko drums, Geisha show and a karate demonstration on a couple of evenings in the hotel.  They were all really authentic and interactive.
And now to the skiing………..There are lots of options from Yudanaka and we mostly skied all the fields of Shiga Kogen – the largest in Asia.  Our first day was a 70 cm powder day at Madarao ski field and it was an epic introduction to Japanese powder.  We had a good group of 6 who were very well matched in terms of ability and had some wicked skiing.  Jason and his guide Jack were heavily focused on safety with good briefings, and packs with probes, shovels and all skiers wearing beepers.  The guiding was very thorough and skier instructions well communicated.  We felt that they were being cautious but were also incredibly focused on always trying to find us the best line and best snow available, even on non powder days.  While we were advanced skiers the trip would also be great for beginners and intermediates too. There are excellent options for all levels and with Jason and his team of qualified instructors we saw other groups significantly improve over the week.  Overall the trip was fun and well run, provided excellent value, and a really authentic Japanese experience.  One other last tip……….Get a Japan Wireless wifi dongle (0n line)with unlimited high speed wifi across Japan – 7000 yen for 2 weeks. Pick up and drop off at Narita airport.

Gerald Grammig

Advanced Skier - Switzerland - February 2017 - Nagano Powder Chaser

First time for me joining guided tours - and this in Japan which was also new to me.  Best decision I could draw after a biz trip enjoying 3 epic days over the week-end in Yudanaka.  The Ryokan is cozy - yet equipped with all amenities Westerners are used to.  The Onsen is a daily must (even if you just intend to wash yourself thoroughly).  And the evenings packed with cultural highlights, Taiko, Karate Show - and do not miss Karaoke! Food is awesome and authentic.  Jason does a great job, same as Jack, our tour guides (and both are crazy Kiwis I can tell - on the other hand serious when it comes to safety and tour rules/schedule).  I went there for myself - and never felt alone.  Will definitely return - probably in exactly the same period next year.  Just to make benefit what I will have had practised in Europe by then to survive (and of course enjoy!) the powder... slalom around trees, the natural half pipes.
Thanks guys, see u again!

Per Fanden and Family

Advanced Skiers - Sweden - January 2017 - Tailor made family package

Shiga Kogen, first week in January.  Early on the season and not so much snow as we desired but the guides made the best of the situation and took us to ski areas where we had the possibility to taste the Japanese powder.  Out of a trip of total ten day's in Yudanaka we skied six.  For the two last days the weather had added a 30 + 30 cm with fresh POW and the trip was blessed. We had four to one ratio with the guides that made it really easy on the mountain.  If you like to try skiing in Japan we honestly can recommend Jason and crew.

James patterson

Advanced Skier - New Zealand - February 2017 - Nagano Ski Buffet

Words can’t describe the time we had in Japan this season.  But I will give it a go anyway.  From the time we arrived at the train station at Yudanaka my friend and I knew that we were in for an adventure.  The town sits at 600 metres and was covered in snow, an experience we do not get in New Zealand as the snow level sits a lot higher.  We were driven to our very nice accommodation and had a catch up with Jase and Jack in the afternoon.  They gave us a breakdown of what was happening with the weather and what to expect with our time with them.  The first day was off the charts and I have not seen this depth of snow anywhere before in my life. The guys set us up with avalanche gear and taught us how to use it and then we got stuck in. There was so much snow that we didn’t even ski in the off piste on day one as the on piste was just that good.  Great to have the appropriate safety gear as I can see how you could get into trouble in deep snow even in the in-bounds of a resort in Japan. It amazed me that even on the days that we did not have any new snow the guys took us to places that had not been touched – that stuff just does not happen back home.  We thought they were kidding in their tour description that we would ski at resorts where there was not competition for the POW but they were spot on.  The trip just got better and better.  We had an awesome group of skiers and snowboarders and everyone got on like a house on fire.  Not just a skiing trip the guides introduced us to a real life Geisha performance, an interactive Karate performance and a Taiko Drum, Japanese guitar and lion dance which really topped off our amazing days on the snow.  We elected to have a day off and go and check out Nagano and the Zenkoji temple on our own which was way cool and the other little things we did on the way back from skiing each day like having a local ale at the Teppa Room, a walk through Shibu town and some sake tasting really gave us an all round authentic experience.  We had a wicked night of Karaoke with a group of elderly Japanese and it was pretty special interacting with them all, and the New Zealand Haka went down really well.  We elected to onsen everyday which is a fantastic way of bathing and was well needed after the third day of skiing.  What really impressed me about the skiing is that the guides would evaluate where the best place was to ski via the snow reports, make a few calls then get every in the wagons and take us there.  They have no special relationships with any one resort so they are not inclined to promote one over the other just focussed on giving us the best POW each day.  The food at our lodging and at the town of Yudanaka was outstanding and it was great to have the guides eat with us at times.  The guides day did not just start when we headed up the mountain and finish when we were dropped off at the accommodation, they interacted with us every day and night and although we saw a lot of them it did not feel like they encroached on our territory.  All and all this was a very well run tour without feeling like it was to contrived, the guides were obviously passionate about what they did and really made our time there an amazing experience.  Just can’t wait to get back to Japan and do it all again.  Thanks Jack and Jase, see you on the slopes in NZ.

Suzzanah delahaye

Advanced Boarder - United Kingdom - January 2015 - Nagano Snowboard Buffet

This was a terrific holiday and I would totally recommend it. We were spoilt with fresh snow nearly every day, deserted slopes and fabulous tree runs. Highlights of the tour (in addition to the stunning ski conditions) were getting to experience Japanese culture and food, the onsens which we all became rapidly addicted to, and the hotel.  You definitely need to come with an open mind - Japan is a world apart from places like Colorado or Europe but that was a big part of the appeal for me. Things like sleeping on the floor (futons were comfier than you would expect), padding around the hotel in slippers and the hotel-issue dressing gown (not mandatory but saves on laundry...) and eating the elaborate and sometimes mysterious (but generally very delicious) food were all part of the fun...  The hotel staff were delightful, super-helpful and spoke good or fluent English. We also met some great people from all over the world on the tour and found everyone on the Jason's team both knowledgable and a lot of fun.  If you are after brilliant skiing/boarding and a genuinely fascinating cultural experience then I imagine that this tour would be hard to beat.

rodney dyson

Intermediate Skier - Australia - Feb to mar 2017 - Three q's in Nagano

Just back from a fantastic week with Jason and his crew and they make sure everyone has a great time.  They expertly determine your ability and group you with skiers/boarders with similar abilities.  Being an intermediate skier Jason spent a lot of time improving my skiing skills.  Going to Japan on my own this year I decided to join a guided group.  It was a great decision!  Jason found great powder runs within our ability when it was available and called it when it was just not worth it or too dangerous to ski.  But it didn't end there. Instead we all went on a cultural tour of Nagano!  All the time making sure the group was having a great Japanese experience.  Safety of the skiers was always considered and we were provided with the right equipment and training in case.  I can’t wait for our ski season to apply all I have learnt from Jason and I hope to be back next year to put it into practice.
BTW I never thought anyone could get me up at karaoke!!

paul olofson

intermediate skier - USA - December 2015 - nagano ski and snowboarder Progression

Had a great time in Japan with the crew.  We didn’t get the snow Japan is known for but the guides/instructors/comedians made the effort and we did our fair share of powder skiing.  Anxious to give us the best experience, there were several days when we skied an area a little and hopped back in the van in search of a better snow.  Try that with the local bus service!  There was a good mixture of Japanese culture too. The Ryokan provided authentic Japanese breakfasts and dinners, the onsen experience, a Taiko drum performance and some good holiday music.  Additionally, we got out to Nagano for a night to check out the Olympic venue as well as a couple other nights out for group dinners.  And, of course, there were the snow monkeys.  The group dynamic worked out.  Skiers from around the world assembled and all got along and had a good time.  The trip had a lot going on and there is no way I could have navigated all of that without the local knowledge of Japan and the surrounding ski areas.  Lastly, the tour was a little short for such a long trip, so I added a few days on to either end and Jason handled the accomodations and rides which I greatly appreciated.

nadine leblanc

intermediate skier - ecuador - February 2016 - Nagano Powder Chaser

This trip and tour was excellent. Jason and his team were hard working and very professional.  They did everything they could to make my trip amazing and it was.  I learned a lot in the lesson and the team has great instructors.  After I had such a great time I was not ready to go home so I extended my trip. Jason went out of his way to help me plan the rest of my trip.  I had such I good trip that I will definitely go back again and use them again.

Blackadder

intermediate skier - Ukraine - Dec 2015 - Nagano Ski and Snowboard Progression

This was my 3rd tour with Jason (so call me addicted :-).  And yet again we had fantastic time on and off the slopes.  And again Jason proved himself to be a true powderhound and despite very late season start he somehow managed to find fresh powder almost every day so we could enjoy ourselves in a knee deep snow.  Highly recommended.

Mark Lahood

intermediate skier - new zealand - february 2017 - nagano ski and snowboard progression

Skiing for many years in New Zealand I thought I could handle any type of conditions – wrong.  Nothing can prepare you for waist deep powder (and sometimes chest to neck deep).  The first day on our ski trip with the crew from Japan Powder Culture Tours really blew my mind (and I’m a pharmacist).  It was a real adjustment, but with the right tuition from our guides things started to come together as the trip progressed.  One thing that happens when you get outside your comfort zone is you just start using way too much energy as everything tenses up.  Jack and Jase taught me a whole lot of things which put me in the right head space to learn that powder is your friend. They even got me on some fatter skis to try which made life a lot easier.  Being fitted up with safety gear was a new experience and getting a safety briefing of how to use it is a real eye opener to the many dangers that exist on and off piste at resorts.  Felt the guides did a great job of keeping things fun but were very no nonsense when it came to safety to a point where they had to stand down a client who would not stay within their safety umbrella.  We had an awesome group to ski with immense hilarity on the way to the mountains and back (usually with a roadie in your hand) and thanks to the whole group for a new repertoire of jokes, which none can be repeated here.  All the side adventures we went on outside the skiing really made the trip feel like you were with a bunch of mates going on a weekend ski trip not a pre arranged group tour as there were so many spontaneous things that just happened.  The accommodation was superb and the communal onsening is a must.  All the cultural activities we got involved in were a real bonus and we got to know a number of the locals and sharing whiskeys and songs with a group of Japanese visitor at the Karaoke night was a hoot!  I like my food and man did we eat while in Yudanaka, usually with the group we skied with and sometimes with our guides.  Sushi, Yakatori, chibu chibu, Izakaya and a few restaurants that had mixed Japanese/Western were out of this world and the food up at the mountains was not only great but very reasonably priced.  Would I go again? Hell yeah, this was a fantastic trip and am already planning on taking the whole family next time.

june eade family tour

Beginner Skiers - Australia - dec 2016 - Tailor made family package

Due to we are a family of different combination of ski levels and plus a 3 yr old child, we required a guide / trainer who understands the dynamics. Our guide / trainer, Jason,is very attentive and patient with our 3 yr old and leveraged any possible tools to train her and make it a fun thing to do rather pushing too hard on her.  We enjoyed the accommodation as well as the culture tour. We loved the entire package and would recommend to anyone who is interested in skiing sport regardless any level of skills.
Thank you, Jason. BTW, my daughter still thinks and talks about you all the time.

eleana chan

beginner skiers - singapore - february 2017 - nagano beginner package

The trip was nothing short of awesome. Snow was superb and we all felt we made some improvements on our ability level by the end of the trip. We signed up for 3 full days of ski with Jason and his team. On the 3rd day, all of the lifts around the area were shut. Quick arrangements were made to bring the group out to a different spot some 50mins away (something we would not have been able to figure out if on our own). You’re in good hands with Jason; no spoilers for what else he has in store for you! I would suggest staying at the ryokan to get the full Jap experience. Definitely hope to be back again!

meera samanther

beginner skiers - malaysia - December 2015 - nagano beginner package

My family of 6 never skied before & neither had we ever done any snowboarding. With the privilege of some personal tutoring from Jason, Keith, Aaron & Yuki my family were actually in disbelief that we could ski & snow board within 2 days. Their patience with us paid off. My kids & my husband skied & went snowboarding down the hill after getting onto the chair lift. Jason & his team made it a fun holiday for us & I also credit it to their fun loving personalities.  Jason had organized my transport to Shiga Kogen with an independent company. Although there was a slight hiccup (no fault of travel company nor Jason & his team) but Jason followed through via email communication. To that I would say makes the holiday sweeter.
A big thank you to Jason, his team & Paulette. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

Josh robins

Advanced snowboarder - Australia - march 2016 - nagano snowboard buffet

The arrival:
So we arrive at Yudanaka (although forever more it will be known as Nude-anaka) alighting the snow monkey express with a spring in our step. It's quite pretty and Japanesey.  And there are plenty of Japanese things going on like persimmon trees treeing, cranes craning, crows crowing, and Japanese businessmen smoking in designated areas being polite.
But there's one thing missing.  The snow.  So I ask a local Yudanakan lady if there is usually snow on the ground at this time year and she replies, "Un. Tawagoto ga rōdo sa remasu." Roughly translated "Yep. Shit loads." Apparently it's the worst season in 17 years. Just our freaken luck.  Next thing Mitch the Aussie from Briso picks us up.  Bloody hell, this Japanese snow adventure is suddenly looking like a trip to the Gold Coast.

The Ryokan Biyunoyado Yudanaka:
So, Mitch takes us to the Ryokan Biyunoyado Yudanaka. The first thing that struck me was its gaudy, pulsating, lime green exterior. But don't let this put you off. Inside, the Ryokan Biyu is beautiful. And we discovered that at night the same gaudy, pulsating, lime green, exterior has a beacon like quality that guides you home from any misadventures that may occur in the wee hours.  Our rooms were awesome.  Traditional Japanese tatami matting and futons, along with those cute sliding screens with little squares of paper on them.  The other main feature of the Ryokan Biyu is the amazing outdoor onsen. Complete with Japanese garden setting. Onsening is a must after a hard day on the slopes. I didn’t envisage spending so much time naked with my mate, (hence the name Nude-anaka) but it was enjoyable non the less.  The food at the Ryokan Biyu is truly spectacular. You’ll eat with your eyes as much as you will with your mouth (obviously that’s not true but you what I mean).

The Shiga Kogen:
The first morning arrives and we’re keen to hit the mountain, I wheel back the cute sliding screens with little squares of paper on them to reveal Heavenly white powder falling like so many angels. It’s an early Easter miracle. Praise be to Buddha. Let the powder runs flow like wine. With fresh snow falling for the next two days the worst season in 17 years was looking pretty bloody good.  Shiga Kogen is awesome, and massive, with about 19 individual resorts all interlinked. So there’s always something new and untouched to find. The terrain itself isn’t crazy steep anywhere but when you’re hitting it through the trees in knee deep or deeper that’s probably not a bad thing. The other great thing is because of its size there’s basically no waiting in lift lines and on the odd occasion you are on the groomers you’re pretty much alone.  The food on the mountain is pretty good too. We even went to a French restaurant that specialized in Italian and Japanese food.

The Jason:
Not only was Jase a great guide and host but he’s a genuine, good, honest Kiwi bloke.  He has a great knowledge of Shiga Kogen and a drug dog like quality for sniffing out the powder stashes in the trees or under the lift lines. He spread our days around the many resorts well, the only runs we hit twice were the runs with the deepest powder. And even then, we were picking fresh new lines.
When he’s not guiding you through the powder or stage invading at the Snow Monkey Beer Live festival, he’s giving you a run down of the local history, showing you the many cultural sights of Yudanaka and Nagano or serenading you with ‘You are so beautiful’ at the local Karaoke bar (if he’s allowed in).

We had a top notch trip and I’ll definitely (if my wife says it’s ok) be back to do another Japan Powder Culture tour in Nude-anaka with Jase and his team.