Japan Powder Culture Tours

The Legendary Roadie

Check out our Early Bird Special

Japan Powder Culture Tours

Japan

An Authentic Japanese Ski Experience

Japan Powder Culture Tours

Powder

An Authentic Japanese Ski Experience

Japan Powder Culture Tours

Culture

An Authentic Japanese Ski Experience

Japan Powder Culture Tours

Tours

An Authentic Japanese Ski Experience

A Total Legend

Early Bird Rates Apply

$

Early Bird Rates Apply $

The Legendary Roadie

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.

Keegan Rice (Advanced Skier) – USA– Feb 2024 – Legendary Roadie

“I'll make this short and sweet. It's 7 days after leaving Japan, and I am now fully functional. Not for any other reason than Jase and the boys finding us the freshness for 9 days. Mind you, we only had snowfall for 2 of the 9 days... The rest, bluebird. Their operation is efficient, absolutely hilarious, and the guides (and Jase) are world class. They care about skiing, laughing and having fun... Which is what our wide range of demographics that booked was looking for. We partook in the Legendary Roadie. I wish I knew how much fun it would be because I would have booked my wife (who stayed at home in the US) a proper holiday whilst I was away. Life is fine now, but the shit eating grin from perpetual POW persists. Honestly, if we went to Japan and did not have guides, we would have had 2 days of POW. Thankfully, we were exhausted each day because the boys found us the goods even when we thought it was going to be an off day. Untracked goods... All sorts of stars to you and the boys. Thanks for your hospitality, and so glad we got to enjoy the raw side of JaPOW vs the commercialized north island. Thank you for the time of our lives.”

tour info

11 days – 10 nights – 8 days skiing in three prefectures. Nagano, Niigata and Gunma.

The “Roadie.” Traditionally, it’s the person who sets the stage behind the scenes. On this tour, your ski guide plays a similar role — scouting terrain, managing logistics, and setting you up for unforgettable days on the mountain.

But we’ve redefined “Roadie” with two twisty interpretations:

A full-blown ski road trip with good mates or fellow powder lovers

That celebratory drink in the van after carving fresh lines all day

Whichever definition you vibe with, this is your chance to experience legendary snow across three Japanese prefectures, from the high powder bowls of Nagano to the quieter gems of Niigata and Gunma.

More Than Just a Ski Trip

This isn’t a cookie-cutter ski holiday. The Legendary Roadie blends adventure, culture, quality Japanese-run accommodations, and unforgettable personalities to deliver a truly immersive experience.

Included Highlights:

· Up-close visit to the world-famous snow monkeys

· Traditional Geisha performance

· Interactive Taiko drumming, Shamisen guitar, and Lion dance show

· Karate demonstration and guided participation

· Comedy and magic performance by Fred, a veteran with 30+ years of laugh-inducing sleight of hand

· Night out at a local sushi train, followed by an all-out karaoke session

· Onsen soaks, local sake and craft beers, plus time to explore the 1,300-year-old town of Shibu Onsen

· Self-guided cultural days if you need a pause from the powder

· Hidden local treasures we reveal along the way — at no extra charge

While other operators treat cultural activities as optional add-ons, we include them so you get a fully rounded and genuinely Japanese experience.

Powder, Not Crowds

We deliberately steer clear of the tourist trails. This tour is about chasing untouched snow where westerners are few and the mountain feels like yours alone. If you're here for deep lines, fast flow, and no lift queues — you're in the right place.

This trip sells out quickly, so if you’re ready for powder turns and cultural thrills wrapped in a legendary road trip, get in touch now to reserve your spot.

Rates and Inclusions

Transfers

Pickup and drop-off at Yudanaka Train Station or designated snow shuttle drop-off point (Hotel Omodaka guests only)

Accommodation

· 6 nights at Hotel Omodaka in twin-share Japanese-style rooms with private bathroom

· Option to stay at Snow Monkey Lodge (shared toilets, onsen bathing)

· 4 nights at Tenjin Lodge in twin-share Japanese or Western-style rooms with private bathroom

Meals

· Daily breakfasts

· 4 in-house dinners

Guiding & Instruction

· 6 days of guided skiing or snowboarding with JPC Tours (maximum 1:6 guide-to-guest ratio)

· 2 days of guided exploration with Tenjin guides (maximum 1:6 ratio)

Lift Access & Transport

· 8 lift passes

· Daily transport to the best snow conditions based on weather and ability

· Transport to the Snow Monkey Park with early drop-off access

· Visit to the Tunnel of Light in Kiyotsu Gorge

· Visit to Takaragawa Onsen

· Guided walk through historic Shibu Onsen town (dating back over 1,300 years)

· Many hidden gems introduced throughout the tour

Cultural & Wellness Experiences

· Geisha performance (second-generation, interactive evening)

· Magic, comedy, and interactive show

· Karate demonstration

· Taiko drumming, Shamisen guitar, and Lion dance performance

· Daily onsen access and sauna at Hotel Omodaka

· Karaoke night

Optional rest day with access to self-guided cultural experiences:

Snow Monkey Park & Shibu Onsen
Obuse town & Hokusai Gallery
Zenkoji Temple & the 1998 Winter Olympic Museum

Optional Add-Ons

· Avalanche safety gear rental: ¥3,000/day (includes beacon, probe, shovel, and pack)

· Full ski & snowboard rental store available: skis, boards, boots, poles, helmets, goggles, gloves, and clothing (rates on request)

· Extra onsen visits in the Tenjin area

· Additional nights or custom guiding: inquire for details

Not Included

· Flights

· Travel to/from Yudanaka

· Travel insurance (recommended)

· Lunches, snacks, and alcoholic beverages

· Dinners not listed above

Resorts

This tour gives guests access to a curated selection of ski resorts across Nagano, Niigata, and Gunma Prefectures, chosen based on our signature “Three Q’s” criteria: Quality, Quantity, and Quietness.

Daily resort selection is based on snow and weather conditions. Because each location has its own microclimate, it's not uncommon to return to the same resort more than once if conditions prove exceptional.

Transportation

Nagano resorts are accessed via our dedicated buses or vans, with multiple groups combined to fill seats efficiently. The Niigata and Gunma segments operate with their own separate vehicle

Resorts We May Visit

Nagano:

· Shiga Kogen (18 interconnected resorts)

· Madarao

· Tangram

· Togakushi

· Nozawa Onsen

Niigata:

· Kagura

· Gunma:

· Tenjindaira

· Minakami Houdaigi

Travel Times Drive times to resorts range from 5 to 50 minutes under normal road conditions.

Travel Luggage

As we transition to the Niigata and Gunma portion of the tour, please note that luggage space in the van is limited. To keep things streamlined and comfortable for everyone:

· Pack your ski or snowboard gear in a dedicated bag and wrap your clothing around your equipment to save space

· Bring one additional bag only — either a backpack or a small suitcase comparable to carry-on size for air travel

· Skis, boards, and clothing bags will be stored securely on the roof

· Ski boots will be placed in the van’s luggage compartment

· If your gear can fit inside your AVI pack, it will help maximize interior space for the group

The drive from Yudanaka to Tenjin Lodge takes approximately 2.5 hours, so we appreciate your cooperation in packing efficiently.

At the end of the tour, you’ll have the option to either:

Depart via train from the Tenjin area, or

Return to Yudanaka in Nagano by van transport

Accommodation

Hotel Omodaka (Premium)

Perched in the heart of Yudanaka Onsen, Hotel Omodaka has long been cherished for its tranquil atmosphere, stunning views of the Five Mountains of Hokushin, and genuine hospitality. Run by a wonderful local family, the hotel offers guests an authentic, relaxing Japanese hot spring experience that feels like home.

Rooms & Amenities

The rooms at Omodaka are more spacious than most in the area and lean toward traditional Japanese style. Twin, triple, and quad-share rooms feature tatami flooring, futon bedding, and a private ensuite bathroom. Single supplement rooms include a private toilet, with bathing available in the shared onsen facilities. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, mini fridge, and kettle, as well as a traditional yukata robe—not required, but perfect for lounging after a day in the snow.

Looking for extra space? The Deluxe Western Rooms are nearly double the size of our standard rooms, featuring two Western beds plus two futons to comfortably accommodate up to four people (available at an additional cost).

Hot Springs & Facilities

The hotel boasts both an indoor Japanese bathhouse (onsen) and a scenic outdoor hot spring (rotenburo), plus an on-site sauna—a rare luxury in Yudanaka. While there are no laundry facilities on-site, a public laundromat is conveniently located just a short walk away.

Dining

Dinner is a highlight at Omodaka, with a multi-course traditional Japanese meal served in the dining room. Breakfast is also included and features a buffet-style spread with a mix of Western and Japanese options.

Extras

· Free Wi-Fi throughout the property

· Massage services nearby

· Karaoke bar and a table tennis room for evening entertainment

· River Cafe serving what many call the best burgers in Japan—ideal if you’re craving a break from Japanese cuisine

· Vending machines and a souvenir shop on-site

Getting Around

Hotel Omodaka provides complimentary pickup and drop-off at Yudanaka Station. They also offer early-morning shuttle service to the Snow Monkey Park—a 20-minute head start on the crowds, giving you a quieter, more immersive experience before the rush begins.

Snow Monkey Lodge (Economy)

Just 200 metres from Yudanaka Station, Snow Monkey Lodge has become something of a local icon. With its vibrant murals and eclectic artwork adorning the walls, the lodge radiates personality and creativity, offering travellers a unique, budget-friendly base without compromising on atmosphere or comfort.

Recently renovated, the property blends traditional ryokan-style accommodation with modern conveniences. Rooms feature tatami mat flooring, Western-style beds, and traditional yukata robes—perfect for throwing on after a day in the snow.

Facilities & Experience

· Separate gendered onsens for men and women offer a classic Japanese bathing experience

· Downstairs Bar (The Bunker)

· For something more private, book our outdoor onsen and sauna retreat, located just 50 metres from the main building—great for couples or small groups. Enquire at reception.

· A fully equipped communal kitchen and dining space for those who prefer to self-cater

· Continental breakfast included daily (cereals, fresh fruit, toast, hot and cold drinks)

Dining

The included dinners are hosted at Hotel Omodaka, where you’ll enjoy an elegant multi-course Japanese meal, served in the hotel’s dining room. Breakfast is continental style, toast, cereal, coffee and tea.

Additional Perks

· Free Wi-Fi throughout the lodge

· Access to nearby massage services

· Close to restaurants, convenience stores, and public laundry

While we don’t offer a pickup service, the lodge is just a short walk from the station and we’re happy to help arrange a taxi if needed

Snow Monkey Lodge isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a place to connect, unwind, and immerse yourself in the quirky, welcoming energy of Yudanaka.

Tenjin Lodge (Adventure Base)

Nestled in the heart of Joetsu National Park in Minakami, Tenjin Lodge is a cozy, family-run mountain retreat just steps from the Tanigawadake Ropeway and JR Doai Station. Known for its laid-back vibe, welcoming hosts, and proximity to some of Japan’s deepest powder, it’s a favorite among skiers, snowboarders, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic alpine experience.

Rooms & Amenities

Tenjin Lodge offers a mix of Japanese and Western-style rooms, all with private bathrooms (except for dormitory and group rooms, which share facilities). Twin, triple, and family rooms feature either tatami flooring with futons or carpeted layouts with Western beds. Many rooms offer scenic views of the river or surrounding mountains.

Each room includes a refrigerator, kettle, heating, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The lodge also provides a drying room, ski tuning area, and secure gear storage—ideal for multi-day adventures.

Hot Springs & Facilities

While Tenjin Lodge doesn’t have its own onsen, it’s within walking distance of several renowned hot spring facilities, including the famous Takaragawa Onsen. A Finnish-style outdoor sauna is also in development, adding a unique wellness touch to the property.

Dining

The on-site Restaurant serves hearty meals with international flair—think Italian pastas, Korean hot pots, and roast dinners. Breakfasts range from Western-style spreads to Japanese comfort dishes. Barbecue dinners can be arranged with advance notice, and the Bar offers a relaxed space to unwind with drinks after a day on the mountain.

Extras

Free Wi-Fi throughout the lodge

Shuttle service from JR Minakami Station (with advance booking)

Ski and snowboard rental shop on-site

Guided backcountry tours and snowshoe excursions available

Lounge with stereo, TV, and board games

Access to multiple ski resorts including Tenjindaira, Houdaigi, and Okutone

Yudanaka Township and Restaurants

Sitting 600 metres above sea level, Yudanaka is a central hub for exploring many of Nagano’s surrounding ski resorts. But this mountain town offers much more than just snow access—it’s steeped in centuries of culture and wellness.

With a history stretching back over 1,300 years, Yudanaka is famous for its healing onsen (natural hot springs). Legend has it that a monk first discovered the therapeutic waters here, drawing samurai warriors to the region to recover after battle. That spirit of restoration still lives on in the town’s steaming baths and peaceful atmosphere.

One of Yudanaka’s most iconic residents? The world-famous snow monkeys of Jigokudani, who have learned to soak in the warm onsen pools through the cold winter months. While the monkeys draw crowds by day, the evenings are quiet—many visitors come just for a day trip, so when the sun sets, you’ll often have the town’s restaurants and streets largely to yourself.

Food lovers are in for a treat. Yudanaka boasts a broad selection of traditional eateries serving local and seasonal produce. In recent years, the dining scene has expanded to include more variety, with new spots blending Japanese and Western flavours to suit every palate.

Just a short stroll away is historic Shibu Onsen, a beautifully preserved district said to have inspired the setting for Spirited Away. With its narrow alleys, quaint shops, temples, foot baths, and authentic wooden architecture, a walk through this timeless village is like stepping into a different era.

Terrain and Safety

Skiing and snowboarding in Japan can be a very different experience compared to Western resorts—especially when it comes to riding off the marked trails. At many Japanese resorts, trail skiing is the norm, and anything beyond the designated runs is considered out of bounds.

These areas are not patrolled, and resorts take a hands-off approach—meaning if you venture beyond the ropes, you’re doing so entirely at your own risk.

The off-piste terrain we explore is often referred to by visiting Westerners as “slack country” or “side country.” Typically, these zones sit between two marked trails, and your run will usually end by linking back up with a groomed course that returns you to the lifts—hence the term “slack country.”

That said, rules vary widely between resorts. Some are more relaxed, posting signs like “Ski at your own risk,” while others are far stricter and may prohibit off-piste riding altogether. Regardless of resort policy, we treat any terrain outside the marked trails as out of bounds, and that means:

You must be a competent, confident rider able to handle ungroomed conditions

You must carry appropriate avalanche safety equipment

If you don’t have your own gear, we offer rental kits—including beacon, shovel, probe, and pack—for ¥3,000 per day.

Before heading out, all guests riding off-piste will receive an intro to avalanche gear usage.

Our approach is built around three core principles:

· Safety first

· Fun second

· Improvement third

And make no mistake—safety is non-negotiable.

Itinerary

Please Note: This itinerary serves as a flexible guide. Each day’s schedule is shaped by the weather and snow conditions, with your guide selecting the best resort or terrain to match the forecast. As this is a powder-focused tour, we highly recommend bringing wider skis to optimize your experience.

A full equipment checklist is available in our FAQs and Tour Essentials PDF.

Your guide is not only there to lead the way, but to enhance your skills in deep snow and introduce you to terrain and lines you might not find on your own. One of the key strengths of Japan Powder Culture Tours is our independence from fixed resort partnerships—we prioritize adaptability, allowing us to chase the best conditions and tailor each day to meet your personal goals.

Please note that the timing of evening performances (Geisha, Taiko Drums, Karate, and Magic/Comedy) may vary during the 11-day tour, depending on overlapping bookings and seasonal availability. We’ll confirm specific dates as your travel window approaches.

Day 1 – Arrival in Yudanaka Travel to Yudanaka via Japan’s world-class rail network or a shuttle from Narita or Haneda airports. Let us know your arrival time at least one day in advance so we can arrange your pick-up at the train station or shuttle drop-off.

Yudanaka, with its 1,300-year history as a hot spring resort and legacy from the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, offers an unforgettable welcome. You’ll settle into the ryokan, where the service is impeccable and the setting serene.

Dinner is not included tonight due to varied arrival times and gear setup, but we’ll head out together to a sushi train or one of Yudanaka’s excellent restaurants.

Day 2 – Shiga Kogen & Geisha Performance We head to Shiga Kogen, Japan’s birthplace of skiing and Asia’s largest ski area, with 18 interconnected resorts and the country’s highest lift access at 2,307 meters. Fresh tracks can linger for days, thanks to elevation and low traffic.

After riding, relax in an onsen, then enjoy an in-house dinner followed by a captivating and interactive performance by a second-generation Geisha.

Day 3 – Madarao Magic & Okonomiyaki Dinner Today’s destination is Madarao (aka “Madapow”), a resort known for its unique microclimate and deep snow. It remains off the radar for most visitors, which means quiet slopes and memorable powder.

On the return, we’ll stop for okonomiyaki — a savory Japanese pancake — at one of Nagano’s few specialty restaurants.

Day 4 – Nozawa Onsen & Cultural Options Conditions permitting, we ride Nozawa Onsen, the second-largest resort on our itinerary with 300 hectares of terrain and 50 km of runs. It's popular, so we time our visit strategically to avoid crowds.

If the legs are weary after back-to-back powder days, take a rest and explore our curated cultural experiences. Those who ride will enjoy a walk through the town post-skiing, sampling snacks and visiting local shops.

Day 5 – Shiga Encore & Magic Show We return to Shiga Kogen, aiming for Yokoteyama—the highest lift-accessed peak in Japan. On clear days, enjoy panoramic views across Nagano and even Mt. Fuji.

After dinner in town, it’s showtime with Fred, a charismatic magician with over 30 years of international experience. Expect illusions, laughs, and plenty of surprises.

Day 6 – Togakushi & Cultural Finale Togakushi offers great skiing with spiritual depth. After carving lines, we’ll walk beneath ancient cedar trees to visit Okusha Shrine.

Back at the lodge, we wrap up the cultural experience with a performance that includes Karate, Taiko drumming, Shamisen guitar, and a Lion dance—an extraordinary closing night in Yudanaka.

Day 7 – Transfer to Tenjin via Snow Monkeys & Scenic Stops Pack light—just a small carry-on-style bag—as we shift to road trip mode. We bid farewell to Hotel Omodaka and start the day with a peaceful visit to the Snow Monkey Park before the crowds arrive.

After exploring Shibu Onsen town, we drive to Tenjin Lodge (approx. 2.5 hours). En route, we stop at Kiyotsu Gorge’s Tunnel of Light and soak in the legendary Takaragawa Onsen.

Dinner at Tenjin Lodge, followed by a trip briefing with your guide.

Day 8 – Tenjindaira Steep & Deep If the snow delivers, we head to Tenjindaira—an expert-level zone known for steep terrain, deep snow, and dramatic alpine features. Led by Kieran and supported by a tail guide, the day will be focused, immersive, and high-energy.

Dinner tonight is at Daruma, a local favourite in Minakami.

Day 9 – Backup Plan: Minakami Houdaigi When Tenjin is snowed in, we pivot to Minakami Houdaigi. This quiet, north-facing resort offers excellent snow quality and a distinctly local vibe—no crowds, just pure turns.

Dinner is out and about in Minakami township.

Day 10 – Kagura Adventure We travel to Kagura, part of the expansive Mt. Naeba ski area interconnected via the Dragondola. With access to Kagura, Mitsumata, and Tashiro, this zone offers exceptional terrain and, with luck, the lightest powder of the trip.

Dinner is either on the Kagura side or back in Minakami, where we’ll celebrate and swap stories from the past ten days.

Day 11 – Departure Options It’s time to wrap up. You can depart via train from Minakami for a direct route to Tokyo, or return to Yudanaka if you wish to extend your tour for more skiing, riding, or soaking up Japan’s mountain charm.

Self-Guided Cultural Excursions

Whether you’ve got a scheduled rest day or your legs are telling you it’s time to take it easy, there’s no shortage of meaningful ways to explore our region beyond the slopes. The Yudanaka area is steeped in culture, history, and charm—offering a side of Japan that’s as enriching as the snow is deep.

At Japan Powder Culture Tours, we believe these experiences are one-of-a-kind and can’t be replicated at other ski destinations. We’ll provide you with maps, train timetables, and guidance to make these adventures easy and stress-free. Each option below is a full-day outing, but you’re welcome to mix and match the timing to suit your pace.

Option 1: Snow Monkeys – Shibu Onsen – Obuse Town

8:30 AM – Depart from accommodation via complimentary shuttle to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Take a serene forest walk to the viewing area, then stop at Enza Café for a warm drink and snack.

Stroll downhill through Shibu Onsen, a 1,300-year-old hot spring town once visited by samurai for post-battle healing. Explore its narrow lanes, the Sake Museum, and the nearby world’s tallest bronze Buddha statue.

12:31 PM – Catch the local train to Obuse (arrives 12:53), then take a short walk into the historic town centre. Visit the renowned Hokusai Museum and enjoy the peaceful, artistic vibe of this beautifully preserved town.

5:11 PM – Return to Yudanaka Station via train (arrive 5:33 PM).

Option 2: Snow Monkeys – Obuse Town – Zenkoji Temple (Nagano)

8:30 AM – Shuttle from accommodation to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. After your visit, enjoy a coffee break at Enza Café.

10:20 AM – Pickup from the park trailhead and transfer to the station. 10:50 AM – Take the train to Obuse (arrive 11:12 AM), explore the town, visit the Hokusai Museum, and enjoy lunch at one of its many excellent restaurants.

1:55 PM – Take the train to Nagano Station (arrive 2:30 PM). From the west exit, catch the Zenkoji bus to the iconic Zenkoji Temple—one of Japan’s most sacred sites. Do the underground chamber walk to find the "gate to eternity" and reflect in the mirror as part of the spiritual tradition.

Walk back toward the station through streets lined with charming shops and cafés.

Choose your return:

6:00 PM express train to Yudanaka

Or stay for dinner in Nagano and return on the 7:40 PM train

Option 3: Obuse Town – Zenkoji Temple & Olympic Museum (Nagano)

8:39 AM – Depart Yudanaka by train, arriving in Obuse at 9:14 AM. Visit the Hokusai Museum, stroll through the old streets, and enjoy the morning at your own pace.

11:12 AM or 11:56 AM – Take the express train to Nagano (arrive either 11:36 AM or 12:30 PM). Lunch options include the Midori food complex inside the station or nearby local restaurants.

From the west exit, catch the bus to Zenkoji Temple. Explore the grounds, tour the underground chamber, and visit the Zenkoji Museum tucked behind the main temple.

If time allows, grab a taxi to M-Wave Arena, home of the 1998 Winter Olympic speed skating venue. The Olympic Museum inside is a must for sports history fans—and the arena’s suspended timber ceiling is the largest of its kind in the world.

Return options: 6:00 PM express train to Yudanaka

Or have dinner in Nagano and return on the 7:40 PM train (arrives 8:29 PM)

Reviews

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 Jase 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 Jase and his team find us.

I was fortunate enough to do the legendary Roadie tour with Jase, plus some other little adventures into some new prefectures in Japan. Jase 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.

Cooper Born (Advanced Boarder) – AUSTRALIA – Feb 2019 – Legendary Roadie

I’m not one to write reviews but every so often a product is so good it deserves to be shared with other likeminded 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 traveller, 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.

Benito Drovandi (Advanced Boarder) – AUSTRALIA – Feb 2019 – Legendary Roadie

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.
To Jason, Gus, Tyson, and George thank you for another amazing adventure!!!

Daisy (Advanced Snowboarder) – CANADA - February 2019 – The Legendary Roadie

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE 2019/2020 SEASON

The 2019/2020 was a fairly poor season for many of the resorts in Japan due to it being very warm season with lower snowfall than usual. However, we did not experience this in our area as we have set up our ski business at the base of Japan’s highest and largest ski resort, Shiga Kogen with a 6-month season.

Because of this elevation the snow we got we kept as our temperatures were almost always below 0 centigrade, whereas the rest of the more westernised resorts that get much media attention were above freezing level a good part of the season. This is the first time we have has to use this trump card of the highest lift elevation resort in 8 years of operating in our area as the seasons are usually very good in Japan, but it was definitely good to have that card. We did not experience any of the cancellations due to poor snow coverage that the more high-profile western type resort did in Japan.

So, it is very important when booking a snow holiday, you look at the elevation of the resorts you are going to. It is totally essential as it will make the difference between a very average ski trip and an awesome one.