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Come along with JMGA-certified guide Tadashi on a backcountry powder skiing adventure in Honshu, Japan and experience some of the best powder in the world.
Private
Japan Alps
+1 Day
Jan - Mar, Dec
Intermediate
All levels
In recent years, skiing in Japan has gained worldwide attention—and for good reason. Ski areas across Japan benefit from highly favorable weather patterns, resulting in abundant, high-quality snowfall and some of the finest powder skiing conditions in the world.
A ski trip to Japan offers more than just exceptional snow. It is also an opportunity to enjoy outstanding cuisine, warm hospitality, and the depth of Japanese culture, making the experience truly unique.
This tour takes place on Honshu, Japan’s main island. In addition to major cities and cultural destinations such as Tokyo, Honshu is home to a wide variety of ski resorts, ranging from small local areas to large international resorts. Key regions include Hakuba, Myoko, Uonuma, and the Tohoku area, allowing us to choose destinations based on the best snow conditions at the time.
Each tour is carefully tailored to your experience level and group composition. Whether you are an experienced backcountry skier or new to resort skiing, I will design an itinerary that matches your ability and goals.
The primary areas we guide in are Hakuba and the Myoko–Joetsu region, both offering terrain suitable for all levels. Hakuba provides a wide range of options, from alpine terrain to high-quality tree runs. The Joetsu region is known for its exceptionally heavy snowfall and features easily accessible glade skiing.
Day trips can be arranged to more than 20 ski areas—often referred to collectively as the Hokushin region—including Myoko, Hakuba, Otari, Hiuchi, Umidani, Madarao, and Nozawa Onsen. Destinations are selected based on current snow conditions to ensure safe and enjoyable powder skiing.
For those who wish to spend more time in the mountains, multi-day tours are available. Compared to single-day outings, 2–3 day itineraries allow for better pacing and access to a wider range of terrain. Personally, I highly recommend multi-day tours for the most rewarding experience.
Please feel free to send a booking request at any time. I look forward to guiding you to the best powder snow Japan has to offer.
For dedicated backcountry skiing enthusiasts, a 10-day backcountry and powder skiing tour through the Nagano and Niigata regions is also highly recommended
Meeting point
What backcountry skiing experience and fitness level do I need to join this tour?
You should have intermediate to advanced skiing skills and be comfortable skiing off-piste. No prior ski touring experience is necessary, but a good level of fitness is required to handle uphill climbs and deep powder conditions.
Will we be using lifts to access the backcountry, and do I need to buy a lift pass?
Yes, we will be using lifts to access the backcountry. Lift passes are not included in the tour cost, and it is recommended to buy them when we are together to ensure you get the correct pass.
What ski equipment and safety gear do I need?, and is it possible to rent equipment?
You should bring your own skiing gear, including clothing suitable for backcountry conditions. You will need skis with touring bindings, skins, avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel. A backpack of about 20-30 liters should be sufficient to carry your gear. Most of this equipment is available for rent locally in the Hakuba area. A detailed checklist can be provided upon request.
How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?
Accommodation and meals are not included in the tour price. There are various lodging options available in the Hakuba area, including hotels and guesthouses. Meals can be purchased locally, and it is advisable to carry some snacks and water for the day.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
In the event of bad weather, the tour plan may be adjusted to ensure safety. Alternative activities or routes may be considered depending on the conditions.
What is the guide-to-client ratio for this ski program?
The guide-to-client ratio is typically 1:6, ensuring personalized attention and safety.
What is the best time of the year for this tour?
The best time for this tour is from January to March when snow conditions are ideal for backcountry skiing.
Is this program suitable for both skiers and snowboarders, including splitboarders?
Yes, the program is suitable for both skiers and snowboarders. Splitboarders are welcome to join.
How can I get to the meeting point, and is public transportation an option?
The meeting point is in the Hakuba area, which is accessible by train and bus from Tokyo and other major cities. Public transportation is a viable option to reach the meeting point.
Do I need insurance to join this trip?
Yes, you should have travel insurance that covers backcountry skiing and emergency rescue. It is advisable to confirm with your insurance provider that you are covered for such activities.
Are kids allowed, and from what age?
The tour is generally suitable for adults and older teens. Please inquire directly for specific age requirements and suitability for younger participants.
What’s the timing of a typical day on this tour?
The day typically starts early in the morning around 8:00 AM and finishes by late afternoon. Skiing duration will depend on the conditions and the group's pace but generally includes several hours of skiing with breaks for rest and lunch.
What level of backcountry skiing experience and fitness is required to join this tour?
Participants should have intermediate to advanced skiing skills and be comfortable skiing off-piste (ungroomed terrain).
Previous ski touring experience is not mandatory, but a good level of physical fitness is required to handle uphill travel and deep powder conditions.
Will lifts be used to access the backcountry? Do I need to purchase a lift pass?
Yes, lifts will be used to access the backcountry areas.
Lift passes are not included in the tour price. To ensure the correct pass is purchased, we recommend buying lift tickets together on site.
Please note that the guide’s lift ticket must also be covered by the participants.
What ski equipment and safety gear do I need? Is rental equipment available?
You are required to bring your own ski equipment and clothing suitable for backcountry conditions.
Required equipment includes:
Most of this equipment is available for rental in the Hakuba area.
A detailed equipment checklist can be provided upon request.
How are accommodation and meals handled?
Accommodation and meals are not included in the tour price.
There are various lodging options in the Hakuba area, including hotels and guesthouses.
Meals can be purchased locally, but we recommend bringing snacks and water for the day.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
In case of poor weather conditions, the itinerary may be adjusted with safety as the top priority.
Depending on conditions, alternative routes or plans may be considered.
What is the guide-to-client ratio for this ski program?
The standard ratio is one guide per a maximum of six participants (1:6), ensuring safety and appropriate support.
When is the best time of year for this tour?
The best season for this tour is January through March, when snow quality and coverage are ideal for backcountry skiing.
Is this program suitable for both skiers and snowboarders, including splitboarders?
Yes, this program is suitable for both skiers and snowboarders.
Splitboarders are also welcome to join.
How do I get to the meeting point? Is public transportation an option?
The meeting point is in the Hakuba area.
Before and after the tour, transportation to and from your hotel in Hakuba Village is provided.
Hakuba is accessible from Tokyo and other major cities by train and bus, and public transportation is a viable option.
Do I need insurance to join this tour?
Yes, participants are required to have travel insurance that covers backcountry skiing and emergency rescue.
Please confirm with your insurance provider in advance that these activities are covered.
Are children allowed? From what age?
This tour is primarily intended for adults and older teenagers.
Please contact us directly to discuss age requirements and suitability for younger participants.
What does a typical day look like on this tour?
A typical day starts around 8:00 a.m. and finishes in the late afternoon.
Skiing time varies depending on conditions and the group’s pace, but generally includes several hours of skiing with breaks for rest and lunch.
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Mountain Guide
I am a JMGA mountain guide based in the seaside town of Miura in Kanagawa prefecture, offering a mix of outdoors guiding activities in both the mountains and the sea. What I value the most in guiding is to of course guide my clients safely but also for my clients to spend a quality time in the rich nature. Exposing yourself in the rich nature by taking part in outdoor activities, and by removing everything in between you and the nature, I believe that you’ll be able to experience the extraordinary. It could be the overwhelming feel from witnessing the change in landscapes through seasons, or that you learnt to speak to your own body and heart, or that you deepened the understanding of the local area, and of course it could be that precious moment where you can experience this together with other people!
I am also certified in Japan Avalanche Network (JAN) at Level 2.
In the summer, I guide in the mountains, mainly in the North Japan Alps, and sea kayak, and in the winter I take clients backcountry skiing.
Whatever the discipline, my focus is always for my clients to be able to “feel” and to be one with the nature. The integral part of the fun is to interact with the locals, to meet the local culture, and to breathe in the air there as a total package!
So, in the summer I like to take clients deep into the mountains accessed by using both the sea kayak and your climbing / hiking skills, as well as staying in tents at night. I think it is a pity if you only spend time in the mountains or only in the sea!
And in the winter, I’d like to show my clients that backcountry skiing is not all about chasing powder but it is about getting joy from the mountains in totality.
I am looking forward to meeting you and sharing a quality time in the land of varying seasonal beauties!
Languages
Japanese | English
Certificates
JMGA
Aidan
Mark
Anna
Excellent trip, I recommend it!
Kirsty
Tadashi is a knowledgeable guide who knows how to plan a great backcountry tour to find great snow, gorgeous views and stay safe throughout the day. I had an awesome trip!
Stephen
Tadashi Terada is an excellent guide. I asked him to take me up Mount Fuji by the Subashiri Trail in early May 2024, when there was still 1000 meters of snow and ice on the mountain and the trail ropes were buried. Tadashi was patient, professional, careful, loyal, funny, and excellent at route-finding (we descended through the snowfield and bush zone after dark because of my slow pace). The travel, food and lodging arrangements which Tadashi made after picking me up in Tokyo were also first rate. I very highly recommend him as a guide and person.
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