Multi-day Backcountry powder skiing on Honshu, Japan
5.0
(1)
Follow Tadashi, a JMGA certified guide, to the wonderful powder snow of Honshu, Japan for a perfect one or more days backcountry adventure.
Private
Japan Alps
+1 Days
Jan - Mar, Dec
Intermediate
All levels
Highlights
- Join a fully customized multi-day tour tailored to your goals, preferences, and experience
- Enjoy backcountry off-piste skiing in Japan’s legendary powder snow
- Explore some of Honshu’s premier ski resort and backcountry areas, including Hakuba, Myoko, Joetsu, and the Uonuma region
- Multi-day itineraries allow us to match the pace of the group, providing deeper and broader access to Japan’s finest powder snow
- Even first-time backcountry skiers are welcome on multi-day programs, with full support including avalanche safety training—experience backcountry skiing in Japan for the first time
- Splitboarders are welcome
Description
Would you like to experience firsthand why Japan’s powder snow is talked about all over the world?
This tour is a special, tailor-made backcountry skiing experience designed exclusively for you, set on Japan’s main island of Honshu. The quality of the snow, terrain variety, and overall experience are sure to exceed your expectations.
Honshu is the heart of Japan, home to major cities such as Tokyo, Mount Fuji, and countless cultural and historical landmarks. At the same time, it offers an exceptional concentration of world-class ski resorts and backcountry terrain.
My favorite areas include Hakuba, Myoko, Madarao, Joetsu, the Tohoku region, and Hirayu. Based on weather conditions, snowpack, your experience level, group preferences, and length of stay, I carefully select the most suitable locations. Along the way, you will also enjoy Japan’s warm hospitality and outstanding local cuisine.
Personally, I highly recommend a three-day itinerary, as it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. That said, the duration of the tour is completely flexible—from a single day to multiple days—and I will ensure a rewarding experience regardless of your chosen schedule.
For example:
Day 1: Warm up in easily accessible terrain near ski resorts in the Hakuba area
Day 2: Following heavy snowfall, focus on safer tree skiing, repeating short ascents and powder runs
Day 3: If weather and snow conditions allow, move to higher elevations and enjoy dynamic alpine powder skiing
So, are you ready?
Send your booking request now and prepare to experience the incredible powder snow that Japan is famous for.
For those seeking a longer adventure, I also recommend a 10-day backcountry skiing tour through the Nagano and Niigata regions.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Mountain guide expenses
Price details
- Price Included:
- Guiding fee
- Mountain guide-related expenses
- Not Included:
- Personal travel insurance
- International flights from your country of departure
- Departure transfers (arrangements and instructions will be provided)
- Lift passes
- The guide’s lift pass
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1 to 3: Backcountry powder skiing in Honshu
Choosing the perfect location for our backcountry tour depends on what you're looking for! Here are some of my favorites:
- Hakuba,
- Myoko,
- Madarao,
- Joetsu,
- Tohoku,
- and Hirayu.
Each with its own distinctive, stunning scenery.
To find the ideal fit, we'll consider factors like weather, your skiing experience, what you hope to get out of the trip, and how long you want to stay. On top of the incredible skiing, you'll also be treated to legendary Japanese hospitality and delicious local cuisine!
To truly soak it all in, I recommend staying for 3 days, but the ultimate trip length is entirely up to you. We can shred the slopes for a day or explore for longer – I'm here to ensure you have an unforgettable experience, no matter what you choose.
FAQs
Which ski resorts can we visit in Honshu?
Honshu offers a variety of ski resorts including Hakuba, Myoko, Madarao, Joetsu, Tohoku, and Hirayu. The specific resort will be chosen based on weather conditions, your skiing ability, preferences, and duration of stay.
What is the duration of this Honshu skiing trip?
While a 3-day stay is recommended to fully enjoy the experience, the duration is flexible. Whether you prefer a single day or longer stay, the itinerary will be tailored to make sure you have a memorable trip.
Do you also offer longer backcountry skiing trips in Japan?
Yes, if you're interested in a more extensive adventure, consider our 10-day backcountry skiing trip in Nagano and Niigata. Explore further details and options to extend your skiing journey in Japan.
What should I bring for the backcountry skiing tour?
Consider bringing appropriate skiing gear including layers for varying weather conditions and sunscreen. You should bring your own ski equipment, including skis, boots, and poles. Safety gear such as avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel is also necessary. Equipment rental is possible, and I can recommend rental shops where you can get the required gear. The cost varies depending on the equipment.
What's included in the cost of the tour?
The price includes the guiding fee and the mountain guide's expenses
What is NOT included?
The following are not included in the price: Personal Travel Insurance, Flights from your country, Departure transfer (though arrangements and instructions will be provided), Multi-day lift passes, Twin-share accommodation for overnight stays, Meals, snacks, alcohol, and dinners outside of the hotel. Single room occupancy upgrades are available for an additional cost.
What backcountry skiing experience, and how fit, do I need to be to join this tour?
To join this tour, you need to have previous off-piste and ski touring experience. You should be comfortable skiing on advanced resort slopes and in various snow conditions. Good physical fitness is required as we may do several hundred meters of uphill skiing per day.
Is this program suitable for both skiers and snowboarders? I’m a splitboarder, can I make it?
This program is suitable for both skiers and snowboarders, including splitboarders. Ensure you have the necessary backcountry equipment for your preferred mode of descent.
Do I need any insurance to join this trip? Do I need rescue insurance?
Yes, you need travel insurance that includes coverage for backcountry skiing and rescue operations.
What’s the timing of a day? When do we start? When do we finish? For how long are we going to ski?
We typically start our day early in the morning and ski for about 6-8 hours, depending on conditions and group preferences. The exact timing will be provided each day based on weather and snow conditions.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Tadashi
5.0
(21)
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
What people are saying about this trip
Kate
Tadashi was professional, thorough, and thoughtful. He did a fantastic job of ensuring that we had a very special experience during our few days skiing in Hakuba, and blended a mix of culture, backcountry experience, along with a willingness to adjust to our own group's dynamics and complexities.
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!
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