Japan
Japan
Tohoku Storm Chaser Tour
On the first leg of the trip from Tokyo, we start with a comfortable journey east to Yusawa in Niigata province on the famous Shinkansen train. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
We try to be flexible as snowfall can be very localized. We chase powder every day and find different ski resorts: typically within a driving distance of 30-60 minutes. You can expect very little competition for the fresh powder snow. The first 3 days and nights we have the same base in the Yusawa area and head out from there to the places where it is most optimal after snowfall. It’s amazing how different the outcome of snowfall can sometimes be just within a local region.
After enjoying the snow in the Yusawa area, we head to the Gunma region a little closer to Tokyo, where we are based for the last 3 days. Here there is easy access to the snow after a fresh dump and the place ranks high on the snow statistics in Japan.
At the end of the day, after a great day of freeriding in the snow, we often relax in a traditional hot spring bath (onsen), enjoy the delicious and exciting Japanese cuisine and reflect on whether you could have a much better ski vacation. And if you’re active on social media, there’s more than enough to do on your account.
Eastern Snow has explored the freeride opportunities in Japan on the two main islands four times. We have concluded that this route is best suited for a 6-day ski vacation if you want to experience the soul of Japan with good chances of the famous Japow.
After a heavy snowfall, in some places you can experience off-piste skiing on the slopes for most of the day.
The trip ends with a 3-4 hour drive to Tokyo after skiing, where you can either fly directly home late or choose to stay in Tokyo and explore the city for a few days.
- Daily chase of snow storms and the best powder conditions.
- Accommodation in 2-4 star hotels in authentic Japanese cities with few western tourists
- In some cases it can be simpler, such as a ‘Farmer Stay’ with a family
- Onsen, natural hot springs, to soothe sore and tired muscles
- Après-ski the Japanese way? Here we can try out the nightlife with izakayas and local brews for those who have the energy
- Japanese food is world-class and we’ll try different places
- Optimizing skiing and snowboarding with a Danish guide to the right places snow conditions and orientation at the different ski resorts
- Experiencing some ski resorts that few westerners find their way to (which usually means lots of powder for ourselves)
Ideally, the tour is suitable for skiers and snowboarders at a more advanced level, i.e. with some previous deep snow/off-piste experience. You don’t need to have top tour experience, but a reasonable level of physical fitness if you want to move away from the lift. In general, we only use touring or splitboard equipment for short trips up if conditions dictate it as the most optimal for the powder experience. On our trips, this has rarely been necessary due to frequent snowfall and easy access to the terrain. There will also be plenty of challenges in the forest areas.
On the whole, the focus of such a trip is not the usual comfort conditions that you know from a classic ski vacation. It’s a road trip in cozy company where flexibility is key as we chase the snow. On our last trip, the Gunma region wasn’t part of the plan at all, but this is where we had some of the best and most unforgettable powder days.
Japan
More about the trip
Program of the trip
We recommend arriving in Tokyo by Friday evening at the latest.
Saturday noon: train to Yuzawa. Saturday afternoon: Hotel accommodation in Yuzawa area and introduction
Sunday to Tuesday skiing/snowboarding in the Yazawa area. Tuesday after skiing we drive to Gunma region and check in.
Wednesday to Friday skiing/snowboarding in the Gunma area.
Friday evening we drive approximately 4 hours to Tokyo airport or downtown depending on guests’ travel plans.
Both areas have many little overlooked gems with great snow, good off-piste options and few people in January.
Your legs will be sore when you get on the plane.
PASSPORT and visa
It is very important that the information in your passport matches what is on your ticket. No visa is required to enter the country.
Ekstra info
Depending on your origin, you will need a travel adapter for the sockets. Japan uses the voltage of 100-110 volts and uses Type A and B plugs.
Japan
Prices and weeks
€ 3.350
Per. PERSON
- 2026
Calculate price
2026
- week 2
3. Jan. – 10. Jan 2026
- week 3
10. Jan. – 17. Jan. 2026
- week 4
17. Jan. – 24. Jan. 2026
Included:
- Hotel
- 1/2 board accommodation
- Lift pass
- Bus transportation between locations
- English speaking guide during the whole trip
- Shinkansen (Bullet train)
- Safety equipment loan options
For further info contact Morten Due:
Mail: [email protected]
Mobile: 0045 27224002
Pricing:
Shared double room – 3.337 €
Single room – 3.606 €
Flights are not included in the above price.
A ski trip to Japan is nice. But did you know that we specialize in other unique locations?
Check out our ski trips to Georgia or North Macedonia.
