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Japan - Honshu Powder little places that rock

We’ve been vising Honshu, the largest and most populous island of Japan, with our ski since 2004. Each year we’ve tailored this trip to our ever-growing specialist knowledge of this region – we’re proud to say that we’re connoisseurs of this area.

Price: 2700 EUR

Dates & booking

Please select a date for your favourite trip.

One of the snowiest regions known to man

Twenty-two metres of snow cover the heart of the Japanese Alps each winter, making it one of the snowiest regions known to man. Several small skiing resorts are situated near our chosen accommodation that offer superb opportunities for skiing. Should it snow, the magical forests here offer cover from both wind and weather. Even shorter runs in this area are so much fun thanks to the legendary japow. On days with good visibility we can put on our ski skins and take advantage of the higher areas above treeline and be wowed by the stunning views of the surrounding mountainous landscape.

We’ll be dependent on both modern and old lifts to help us reach our points of descent. Our exact skiing locations will be decided each day and will be dependent on weather and snow conditions. Here, we’re able to exploit our expertise and knowledge of the area to help provide you with the best experience. The drive to our skiing locations will generally be between 15 and 60 minutes. Upon returning to our hotel, we will be able to sooth our weary muscles in the hot onsen (a Japanese hot spring) and close the day with a Japanese-style dinner. This trip offers the perfect gel of sport and culture. There is nowhere quite like Honshu if you are looking for a deeper insight into the Japanese freeride scene.

Arrival

After arriving in Tokyo you will travel two hours with the Shinkansen express train to Jomokogen. Don’t worry – we will give you information in advance regarding the route and timetable. You will be met in Jomokogen by your assigned mountain guide and travel a short distance to the accommodation in Minakami.

On the first evening we will have a briefing about all of the need-to-knows about the Japanese Alps and its backcountry and discuss plans for the following day. This will be followed by a Japanese buffet dinner – you will be amazed by the diversity of the Japanese cuisine.

Sushi Powder

Itinerary

The next six days will be all yours to explore this beautiful region on ski and to dive into its ‘japow’. Should we see continuous dumps of snow during our trip, we generally won’t be needing our skins. However, should the conditions allow it, we may wish to explore and reach higher terrain - make sure that you’re fit for on-ski ascents. We will generally be outside of popular skiing areas, giving us the chance to really dig into the Japanese powder. On Saturday your return journey will commence and your guide will say his goodbyes at Jomokogen Station.

We would recommend spending one last night in Tokyo. This amazing city is truly worth seeing. We’re happy to provide assistance with accommodation and travel tips. Return flights to central Europe tend to leave in the mornings, meaning that return flights are generally more convenient on Sunday mornings. Due to the time difference, you’ll reach your destination in central Europe around the same time in the afternoon on the same day.

Our Hotel

Hotel Matsunoi has a fantastic location as well as great Japanese-style accommodation and meals. All rooms are non-smoking and kitted out with European-style beds. You can, however, request to sleep Japanese-style on a ‘Tatami’, a traditional bed on the floor.

The hotel offers three clean and beautiful onsen (indoor and outdoor). WIFI is available throughout the hotel. Breakfast and dinner are part of the package, however, we have the option of visiting other restaurants should this be wished for. The buffet offers a great range of food. Take a look at their homepage.

The Most Important Details at a Glance

Requirements and Skiing Equipment

  • This trip is intended for advanced skiers with at least several years’ experience of deep snow skiing. A good skiing technique in all types of terrain, including treeskiing, is necessary. 
  • Good physical fitness and endurance for ski touring ascents with skins and ski crampons (up to two hours).
  • Freeride skiing equipment that is compatible with skins and crampons.

Outward Journey

  • You will make your own way to Tokyo airport and then travel by train to Jomo-Kogen. Don’t worry - we’re happy to provide assistance with your bookings and will inform you in advance about the train route and timetable. 

Number of Participants

To ensure flexibility and to use our time efficiently on this trip, we’ve limited the number of participants in a group to 6 per mountain guide. The minimum number of participants is 5.

Included in the Price of 2700 EUR

  • 7 Nights at the Hotel Matsunoi in a double room, half board
  • All transfers to/from Jomokogen
  • All transfers between skiing areas via minivan
  • 8 days accompanied by a UIAGM certified mountain guide (including transfer days)
  • 6 days of skiing with a UIAGM certified mountain guide
  • The hire of safety equipment (avalanche beacon, shovel, probe) – N.B. please let us know 30 days in advance if safety equipment is required.

Not Included

  • Flight from Europe to Tokyo (from 600 EUR)
  • 6 day lift-pass for skiing resort(s) (day ticket between 25 and 40 EUR) 
  • Lunch and beverages
  • Optional evening meals in restaurants 
  • Single room surcharge 60 EUR per night
  • Transfers with public transport to/from Jomokogen (approximately 70 EUR including seat reservation)
  • Hotel stay in Tokyo (from 50 EUR)
  • Travel or cancellation insurance 

Travel Preparations

Meeting Requirements and Fitness Level

A realistic self-assessment and an appropriate fitness level is required to join our trips. In order to enjoy a long day of skiing and to reduce the risk of injury, it is important to get in shape and possess a good level of fitness.

Travel Requirements

Germans, Austrian and Swiss citizens only require a valid passport for the duration of the trip. A visa is not required.

Current Country-Specific Information, Vaccines and Health

Please contact your own ministry of foreign affairs for current information about your destination.

 

Travel Insurance

Please note that there is a potential risk of injury on skiing trips. In addition to travel cancellation insurance, comprehensive medical and accident insurance that cover the costs of search and rescue, as well as transport costs, are imperative. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you are insured before departure.

Comprehensive medical and accident insurance that covers potential costs of search and rescue operations as well as any medical costs is mandatory for all of our trips abroad.

It is required that you state this information during registration in our registration form in order to ensure 24h emergency assistance. 

Links to Insurance Companies:

Please also check your credit card policies as it is possible that these already include insurance.

Booking

To sign up for a trip, please click on your preferred date and fill out the booking form carefully.

Please also note our terms and conditions .

Any Questions?