What is your perfect idea of a ski trip to Japan this coming season? Well, read on we may have the perfect solution for you.

Cameron Gough 53 ( Intermediate and Advanced Skiers) – Australia – January 2024

If like me, you’ve spent years skiing at crowded resorts with limited runs and come to think of ‘powder’ as a mystical concept reserved for ‘gods’ and ‘fairy tales’ then read on, if not, then read on.
We were a group of 8 skiers of mixed abilities (intermediate through advanced) who had a fantastic time. For me it was a triple AAA experience. What resonated most was not having to do any ‘thinking’ or ‘planning.’ Jase had everything sorted from dawn to dusk to optimize our skiing experience. We just needed to turn up on time for the morning shuttle. From there Jase and the team took care of everything - determining which ski fields, which runs, which cafes and when to call it a day. The guides kept in contact via walkie talkies calling out the best slopes allowing groups to move around the mountain to optimize the skiing.
The gear was top notch. Jase and the team took time to kit us out properly, answer questions, and explain how to carry the skis etc. We were lucky to be fitted with brand new powder skis – that never happened before!!
The guides were an absolute highlight. Super friendly, unreasonably patient, and able tutors. Whether you are after some ‘basic tips’ or a detailed ‘how to’ lecture grounded in textbook theory the guides will oblige. While I had no favorites, Naru deserves special mention. An unassuming local Japanese man of modest stature, he exuded rare mana and gravitas. With years of back country experience and deep-set eyes of penetrating wisdom he’s a bloke I’d like at my back if something ever went wrong! The group concept was very flexible. Depending on the day, ability, and conditions it was easy to move between groups whilst also keeping with my son, which was important. Jase rotated the guides around too meaning we got to ski with a different guide each day adding to the experience.
I like food a lot and a lot of it. The on-field restaurants were superb with a ton of well-priced delicious options to choose from– they left the staple NZ Ski field ‘stale pie and soggy chip’ for dead. Jase helped us with some excellent restaurant recommendations in the evening. The Sushi-Train was a blast, and the 2 x in-house dinners were quite an event offering a banquet of traditional Japanese cuisine.
Another positive was the injection of Japanese culture. The only other time I’d skied Japan was at Niseko. Whilst the skiing was great, from a cultural perspective I might as well have been in downtown Melbourne. This time round Jason peppered the tour with narrative, a Karate & Taiko show, Magic & Geisha performances, traditional music, lion dancing, temples, shrines, forest walks etc. Do as little or as much of it as you like but be sure to at least soothe your muscles with a daily dose of hydrotherapy in the traditional Japanese ‘Onsen’!
As for Jase. Well, he’s quite the character. I think he starts every day with at least 5 cups of dark roasted coffee and a happy pill. I’ve never met anyone with quite the energy, exuberance, and enthusiasm as Jason. He’s well planned, organized, attentive to the group’s needs and adds real personality to the tour. A lot of fun to be around.
As for that elusive concept known as ‘Powder’? Well, I’m pleased to say the weather gods obliged and Jason’s team found plenty for us. It was weird at first, but Jason’s simple directive ‘attack it Campbell like you own it’ had me growing in powder confidence in no time.
Go ahead and book a tour with ‘Japan Powder Culture Tours’- There’s zero chance you’ll regret it.

Nagano powder zone

The Nagano Powder Zone is all about variety and this tour gives you a huge selection of resorts to visit in the Nagano prefecture over your six days of skiing and riding. The other two focuses are powder chasing and traditional cultural experiences, which are in abundance in this part of the world. There is also an amount of teaching intermediates and advanced who wish to become better and more confident at skiing and riding the world famous JAPOW and their on-piste improvement if there is interest to learn.  Groups are mixed in accordance to their ability level with our 10 day Nagano Powder Progression and Nagano Buffet tours to keep the group dynamic flow fluid. Much more than the usual ski holiday, the Nagano Powder Zone combines adventure, culture, quality Japanese run accommodation (which is vitally important to check the type of accommodation when booking any tour to make sure you are comparing apples with apples) and personalities to give you the complete Japanese experience. 

Your Japanese ski adventure is not complete without being immersed in a culture that has to be experienced to be appreciated.  Visit the world-famous snow monkeys up close, be entertained by a traditional Geisha performance, enjoy the interactive Taiko Drum, Shamisen Guitar and Lion Dance show and participate in a Karate performance.  The interactive magic and comedy performance hosted by Fred a 30+ year veteran magician will work on those laughing belly muscles like you will not believe.  Why not soak in the rejuvenating Onsens, taste the local sake and beer recipes and visit historic Shibu Onsen Town.  And let’s not forget the night where we all eat together at the Sushi train followed by an epic night in the karaoke bar. We also have a raft of self-guided cultural days if you need to rest those weary muscles.  Where other companies may talk up the culture of Japan and include the experiences as an add on option at an extra cost, we include them so you get a totally authentic Japanese ski and snowboard experience, and the list doesn’t include the hidden gems we have up our sleeve that will amaze you and surprise you along the way.  It is important to note that this tour focuses on finding powder where there are few westerners, so if you like skiing powder ALL day and not having to fight with the masses then read on.  This is a trip not to be missed so enquire now as this trip sells out fast.    For those who have time constraints visit the Nagano Powder Chasers.

Rates and Inclusions

• 7 x nights accommodation in twin, triple or quad share Japanese style room (single supplement available plus the ability to upgrade to the deluxe room at Hotel Omodaka)

• Complimentary pickup and drop off at Yudanaka train station

• Daily breakfasts

• 2 x inhouse dinners

• Full day Guide/Instructor (max 1:6 instructor to guest ratio)

• 6 x days of skiing or snowboarding

• 6 x Daily lift passes

• Mountain transportation to best snow location each day

• Transport to the world-famous snow monkey park Both accommodation properties drop you up early to the snow monkey walking track, so you have the luxury of the viewing to yourself for a period of time

• An interactive evening with a second generation Geisha performance

• A magic/comedy/interactive show performance

• An interactive Karate performance and Taiko Drum/Shimansen guitar/Lion dance performance

• Free rejuvenating daily Onsens (sauna at Hotel Omodaka)

• Karaoke evening

• Ability to have a rest day if you wish and you can experience one of our three self-guided cultural days as outlined in the tour itinerary (includes activities like snow monkeys, walk through ancient Shibu Onsen town, visit to Obuse town the home of the Hokusai Gallery, Zenkoji temple and the 1998 winter Olympic Museum)

Plus, many more hidden gems...

Add ons:

• AVI gear rental ¥3000 yen per day and includes beacon, probe, shovel and pack

• We have a full ski and snowboard rental store which includes clothing, helmet, goggles, gloves, ski boots, poles, carving skis and boards and powder skis and boards.  Ask for rate.

• Single supplement Ryokan Yumoto ¥49000 and Hotel Omodaka  ¥35000

• Deluxe Western room upgrade Hotel Omodaka ¥56000 pp

• Please enquire for extra nights and guiding

Not included:

• Travel Insurance

• Flights

• Travel to and from Yudanaka

• Dinners except for those specified

• Lunches, snacks and alcohol

Resorts

This tour has the ability to visit a number of resorts in the Nagano prefecture.  The resorts have been hand-picked based around our three Q’s criteria – quality, quantity and quietness.  The resorts we visit are dictated by the conditions on any given day and each area has its own individual microclimate so don’t be surprised if we visit the same resort a number of times.  Transport to these mountains is either by our buses or vans and different groups are mixed together to fill the seats.  The resorts we can access for our clients include:  Oku Shiga Kogen and Yakebitaiyama, Ichinose and Giant, Yokote and Kumanoyu (all part Asia’s largest ski resort Shiga Kogen), Madarao, Tangram, Togakushi and Nozawa Onsen.  Drive times to these resorts vary from 25 minutes to 50 minutes in good road conditions.

 Accommodation

Ryokan Yumoto (Deluxe)

We are extremely privileged to being working with the oldest Ryokans in the area at over 300 years and has just passed down to the 13th generation of family ownership. Dating back to the Edo period the area of Yudanaka has a history of over 1300 years and is where the Samurai came to bath after their battles and the pilgrims, artists and priests would visit on their way to Nagano.

All our guests fall in love with Yasuyo your host instantly and her lovely presence puts that icing on the cake for your tour. The property oozes charm and although not luxuriously built using precious woods, the pure Japanese-style guest rooms are spacious, and from the windows you can see the garden next to the hot springs.

Yumoto has a total of 5 rooms. The Japanese-Western rooms have 2 beds plus 8 tatami matts. The Japanese rooms have 4.5 tatami plus 10 tatami. The larger family Japanese room has 6 tatami plus 12 tatami. Each room has a toilet and bathing is done in the traditional onsen house.  All rooms have a flat screen TV, small fridge & kettle and Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.  Your room also has a traditional Japanese wardrobe (Yakata), which is not mandatory to wear at this Ryokan, although it is definitely comfortable attire after a day on the slopes.

Night-time meals are traditional multi-course Japanese cuisine served by your own private waiter in the ryokan dining area. Breakfasts (also included) are another highlight of your experience at Yumoto and need to be experienced as words are hard to describe.

Ryokan Yumoto is close to a wide array of quality restaurants in Yudanaka and a short distance from the local Lawsons and the train station.

Yumoto has a complimentary pickup and drop-off to and from the train station and they offer a free drop off at the snow monkey park 20 minutes earlier than the other accommodation in town so that you get the luxury of arriving at the park early, so you have the place to yourself for a length of time (it is a tourist attraction so gets busy).

Hotel Omodaka (Premium)

Hotel Omodaka, located in Yudanaka Onsen , has been loved by everyone as an inn with an open-air bath overlooking the Five Mountains of Hokushin . They offer a relaxing and peaceful time filled with the atmosphere of a hot spring . Owned and operated by an amazing family who make your time there a true authentic Japanese experience.

Rooms are larger than most in Yudanaka and predominately Japanese style. All twin/triple/quad share rooms come with private ensuite/bathroom and are Japanese-style with woven tatami floors and futon beds. The single supplement rooms come with toilets only and bathing is in the onsen complex.   All rooms have a flat screen TV, small fridge & kettle.  Your room also has a traditional Japanese wardrobe (Yakata), which is not mandatory to wear at this Hotel, although it is definitely comfortable attire after a day on the slopes.

Omodaka has a deluxe western room which are double the size of the Japanese style rooms at an extra cost and can house a maximum 4 people (2 x western beds and 2 x Japanese beds).   The Hotel has an indoor Japanese bathhouse (onsen) and outdoor hot spring (rotenburo) and there is also a sauna on sight which is rare in Yudanaka. The Hotel does not have clothes washing facilities however there is a public laundry a short walk away. 

Night-time meals are traditional multi-course Japanese cuisine served by your own private waiter in the hotel dining area. Breakfast (also included) is a buffet style mix of Japanese and Western dishes.  There are massage services available, free wi-fi throughout the Hotel, a bar and separate River Cafe that serves the best burgers in Japan (for those hankering for a non-Japanese meal), drinks vending machines, table tennis room and a souvenir shop.

Omodaka has a complimentary pickup and drop-off to and from the train station and they offer a free drop off at the snow monkey park 20 minutes earlier than the other accommodation in town so that you get the luxury of arriving at the park early, so you have the place to yourself for a length of time (it is a tourist attraction so gets busy).

Snow Monkey Guest House (Economy)

Coming soon is our new economy property called Snow Monkey Guest House which will cater for our more economy focused guests set in the heart of Yudanaka after renovation and due to be open mid November 2024.  We will be taking bookings for this property later in the year once we are certain of the opening date.

Yudanaka Township and Restaurants

Yudanaka sits at 600 metres above sea level and is a central hub for many ski resorts to be visited from. The area is well known for its onsens (hot springs) and it is said that over 1300 years ago a monk who visited the area discovered the healing quality of the water and the popularity of the region grew so much that the Samurai would come to repair their bodies in the rejuvenating waters.  The other attraction to the area is the world-renowned snow monkeys who have learnt to keep themselves warm in the natural onsen water. Although the town is visited by foreigners to visit the snow monkeys you will find the town relatively free of westerners when you eat out in the evenings during the week as many just come on day journeys.  And let’s not forget the wide array of traditional eating houses in Yudanaka which serve fresh local and regional produce.  In the past few years, the restaurant scene has expanded to include a number of new eateries which have a mix of Japanese and Western food to suit every palette.  A walk through historic Shibu Onsen town (where the popular Japanese movie Spirited Away was based) is also a must with its quaint shops, temples, shrines, foot onsens and authentic architecture.

Terrain and Safety

The rules when skiing at resorts in Japan can be a lot different to what is experienced in Western resorts around the world.  At a high percentage of the resorts in Japan trail skiing is the norm and anything off the main marked trails is deemed out of bounds.  The out of bounds is not patrolled so as far as the resort is concerned skiing there is at your own risk.  The out of bounds skiing we provide is deemed what has been termed in Japan by westerners “slack country” or “side country”.  Many times, these out of bounds areas are in between two marked courses so at the bottom of the run you meet up on a marked course to take you back to the lifts, hence the term “slack country”.  Some resorts are more lenient with out of bounds skiing and others very strict.  Some will have signs that state ski at your own risk where others may not.  We consider everything that is not on a marked trail to be out of bounds so any clients who wish to experience the out of bounds need to have the appropriate avalanche equipment and be able to ski at a high enough level to manage the conditions.  We have rental avalanche equipment available for those that do not at a rate of ¥3000 yen per day (beacon, shovel, probe and pack).  Anyone who wishes to ski off the main marked trails will be given instructions on the use of their avalanche equipment and will need to sign the release of liability agreement.  Our three pillars are safety first, fun second and improvement third and safety is the clear winner. 

Exclusion of Liability and Assumption of Risks

Adventure sports activities involve many risks, dangers and hazards.  These risks and hazards are outlined in our release of liability, waiver of claims, assumptions of risks and indemnity agreement which all participants are required to read and sign before participating in adventure sports activities.  This agreement will affect your legal rights should you be involved in an accident.

Flexible Itinerary

This itinerary is a guide, and we have the flexibility to adjust activities as situations arise. The tour is dictated by the weather each day and your instructor will fit around where the best conditions are to which ski resort we go to.  The beauty of a Japan Powder Culture Tours guided tour is that we are not constrained by relationships with resorts, our aim is to be flexible and follow the weather to allow all our customers goals to be met.  The set dinners and evening performances of the Geisha, Taiko Drum, Karate and Magic performances may vary on which night they fall on the 8-day tour due to overlap in bookings or other circumstances.

Day 1

Make your way to Yudanaka (home of the snow monkeys) on either the amazing rail system or a shuttle from Narita or Haneda airport and be picked up at the drop off points.  We need to know a minimum of one day in advance what time your shuttle arrives and what time you arrive to the Yudanaka train station so the Ryokan can have a shuttle van to pick you up.  The area has a history of over 1,300 years as a hot spring resort and more recently was put on the map due to the 1998 Nagano Olympic Winter Games.  You are treated like a rock star at the Ryokan with exceptional service, immaculate surroundings and food to die for.  We do not have the first night’s complimentary meal due to different arrival times and setup of gear for guests, so instead we take the group to the sushi train restaurant or one of the many fine eating establishments in Yudanaka.

Day 2

Known as the birthplace of skiing in Japan in 1911, Shiga Kogen is the largest ski area in Asia with the highest lift access in Japan 2307 metres and has 18 interconnecting resorts.  Because Shiga is so large and elevated, fresh lines can be found days after a snowfall.  And because relatively few westerners have discovered this area the queues are almost non-existent, and another bonus is that very few Japanese ski off-piste.  After skiing and riding, why not try an onsen to sooth any aches and pains followed by a local beer or wine from the lounge bar.  Tonight, we will eat in house so bring your camera and this is followed by an amazing interactive Geisha performance by a second generation Geisha to the area.

Day 3

Madarao (Madapow) is another of the Japanese ski fields that does not attract the hordes of gaijin’s (foreigners).  This field seems to have its own microclimate and when it snows here it can be very magical.  On the way home we have the option to eat at one of the few Okonomiyaki restaurants in Nagano, which is a specialty from Osaka and Hiroshima. 

Day 4

After breakfast we will travel to Nozawa Onsen if the conditions are favourable for some more action on the snow.  With its 300 hectares of terrain and 50km means it the second largest resort on our itinerary next to Shiga Kogen.  Nozawa Onsen does get a lot of profile so can be much busier than the other resorts we go to so we try to time our visit when there will not be long lift lines or to many people on our precious powder.   If time permits at the end of the day, we will take a walk through Nozawa Onsen township and enjoy the many shops and eating treats.  After two days on the snow the new muscles you have used are fatigued and, in our experience, this is the day when there is a higher potential of injuries occur so you may decide to rest so that you will be strong to finish the rest of the tour in style.  You may just decide to chill for the day; however, we have a series of cultural side treats that will blow your mind.  These are outlined at the end of this flexible itinerary.

Day 5

After breakfast we will travel to old faithful and further explore Shiga Kogen.  After you dine out at one of the many outstanding restaurants around Yudanaka we have Magic show from Fred who is a "local foreigner" and performed magic for 30+years around the world.  The performance is something between great magic, fun comedy and silly stuff.  The show will make you laugh and amaze you as well. The audience participation adds a bit of improvisation that brings a lot of surprise ! A truly enjoyable experience!

Day 6

Togakushi ski resort is on the menu today. This area is highly significant to the Japanese as it is the home of towering cedar trees and the Okusha Shrine sits at the base of Mt. Togakushi so some good walking shoes are required for our cultural side stash walk after the skiing.  Dinning is at your leisure around Yudanaka with your new ski/snowboard buddies.

Day 7

Old Faithfull as we affectionally know Shiga Kogen is back on the ski menu and if the conditions are right we will head to the highest lift elevation in a ski resort in Japan called Yokoteyama.  The 360 degree views from the top are the best you will find anywhere in the world looking over the Nagano prefecture and if it is clear enough you can also view Mt Fuji which is Japan’s highest peak at 3776 metres.  Another amazing in house dinner and for your final night’s scheduled entertainment you can participate in a Karate performance and teaching session from one of Japan’s Grand Masters champions followed by a taiko drum, shamisen guitar and lion dance performance which is world class.

Day 8

It is time to bid farewell to our fabulous hosts at your accommodation.  No visit is complete to Yudanaka without some interaction with the famous “Snow Monkey’s” for those that have not experienced the attraction.  This is the only place in the world you can see the snow monkey soaking in natural hot pools up close and personal.  All our properties have a service to drop you at the start of the snow monkey EARLY so that you get the park to yourself before the tourist masses arrive

Self-Guided Cultural Excursions

Here are a number of options for those that either have a scheduled rest day or for those that have ascertained they need to rest to lower the probability of injury.  We have a very rich cultural area with so many options that will give you that truly authentic Japanese ski experience that we at JPC Tours know are unique to this area and in our opinion cannot be replicated at any other ski resorts around Japan.  Maps and train schedules are all provided for these cool adventures.  Please Note: these are all achievable daily excursions; however you can chop and change them to suit how much time you would like to stay at each venue.

Option 1 (Snow Monkey – Shibu Onsen – Obuse Town)

8.30am leave from Biyu to snow monkey park on complimentary shuttle.  Walk to park through national forest.  Stop at Enza café at the start of the track after viewing monkeys for a hot drink and snack.  Walk to the Sake Museum then down through Shibu Onsen town (this area is over 1300 years old and is where the Samurai used to bath to rejuvenate and where the famous Japanese movie “Spirited Away” was based) then to the worlds tallest bronze Buddhist statue. Take the 12.31pm train to Obuse that arrives at 12.53 and a short walk to Obuse Town.  Visit the Hokusai Museum and explore this wonderful little town. Take the 17.11 train to arrive back at Yudanaka train station at 17.33.

Option 2 (Snow Monkey – Obuse Town – Zenkoji Temple in Nagano)

8.30 leave from Biyu to snow monkey park on complimentary shuttle.  Walk to park through national forest.  Stop at Enza café at the start of the track after viewing monkeys for a hot drink and snack.  Pickup at 10.20 from start of monkey park to be transported to train station to take the 10.50 train to Obuse that arrives 11.12 for a short walk to Obuse Town.  Visit the Hokusai Museum and explore this wonderful little town and have lunch at the many quality restaurants. Take the local 13.55 train from Obuse to arrive at Nagano 14.30.  Exit the train and make way your way to ground level on the west exit of station.  Take the Zenkoji bus to the temple.  Nagano is the only temple city in Japan which means the temple was built first and the city afterwards.  Purchase a ticket in the temple to do the underground chamber tour under the temple to find the gate to eternity and make sure you look in the large mirror when you exit to be born again.  Take the walk from the Zenkoji Temple to the train station (Many cool shops and restaurants along the way) and either travel back to Yudanaka on the 18.00 express train or dine in Nagano and take the 19.40 express train. 

Option 3 (Obuse Town - Zenkoji Temple and Olympic Museum in Nagano)

Take the 8.39 train from Yudanaka to arrive at Obuse at 9.14 for a short walk to Obuse Town.  Visit the Hokusai Museum and explore this wonderful little town.  Take the 11.12 or 11.56 express train from Obuse to arrive at Nagano either 11.36 or 12.30.  Exit the Yudanaka express train and make way to ground level on the west exit of station.  Time for lunch either at the Midori train complex or at the many street restaurants close to train station.  Take the Zenkoji bus to the temple from the west exit.  Nagano is the only temple city in Japan which means the temple was built first and the city afterwards.  Purchase a ticket in the temple to do the underground chamber tour under the temple to find the gate to eternity and also the ticket for the Zenkoji Museum which is behind the Zenkoji Temple.  Take the walk from the Zenkoji Temple to the train station (many cool shops and restaurants along the way).  Another great place to visit is the M-Wave which is where the Olympic Museum is and the long course speed skating facility which is still in operation.  An amazing building with the largest wood suspended ceiling in the world.  Would need to get a taxi from train station to this venue.  Option to take the 18.00 express train back to Yudanaka or stay for dinner in Nagano and get the 19.40 train from Nagano which arrives in Yudanaka at 20.29.   

Our authentic Japanese ski tours from the guests perspective 

7 night - 6 day guided ski & snowboard tour in Nagano

high intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders

5% Off tours booked before 31st July 2024

guided Tour Cost

Deluxe Ryokan Yumoto

¥409,000 pp twin share

¥399,000 pp triple/quad share

(Single occupancy upgrade ¥49,000)

Premium Hotel Omodaka

¥379,000 pp twin share

¥369,000 pp triple/quad share

(Single occupancy upgrade ¥35,000. Upgrade to single deluxe western room ¥56,000 per person)

Economy Snow Monkey Guest House (Pending opening late November 2024)

¥359,000 pp twin share

¥349,000 pp triple/quad share

(Single occupancy upgrade ¥28,000)

guided Tour Dates

19th to 26th Dec 2024 AVAILABLE

27th Dec to 3rd Jan 2025 (holiday rates apply) AVAILABLE

4th to 11th Jan 2025 AVAILABLE

14th to 21st Jan 2025 AVAILABLE

24th to 31st Jan 2025 AVAILABLE

3rd to 10th Feb 2025 AVAILABLE

13th to 20th Feb 2025 AVAILABLE

23rd Feb to 2nd March 2025 AVAILALBE

5th to 12th March 2025 AVAILABLE

(please enquire for tours between 13th March and 15th April 2025 and over this period the cultural evenings are based around a minimum of 8 guests so if we do not attain that number the events do not proceed and the cost is refunded to guests)  . 

Please ask for a full pdf pack which includes tour details, FAQ's, pre trip information, reviews, terms and conditions and customer information spreadsheet.

Old Faithful POW Day

From a guest perspective