Off-Piste in Japan | Powder Roadtrip | Tohoku Region
Ready for deep powder and a truly authentic Japanese experience? Join us on an 8-day road trip through Japan’s hidden gem: The Tohoku Region – including two epic days of tram-accessed backcountry riding at the legendary Hakkoda Ropeway.
Book nowThis adventure is built for those who want to discover the lesser-known side of Japow – far from the lift lines and tourist crowds. Over eight days (seven nights), we’ll explore the snowy frontier of northern Japan, skiing or riding six full days from two comfortable base locations. Travel is seamless in private minibuses, with extra time set aside for cultural immersion, hot spring visits, and local food experiences.
With the help of local guides, we’ll chase the best snow across six different resorts – including two unforgettable days at Hakkoda’s untouched backcountry terrain. Our riding blends lift-access powder, cat skiing, and touring when needed – all to give us the best shot at finding what we came for: deep, untracked snow.
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Accommodation for all nights split between two carefully selected hotels
Daily breakfast buffet featuring local specialties with both Japanese and Western options
Dinner every evening at handpicked local restaurants chosen by our guides
Lift passes for all ski days (at six different ski areas)
Six days of guided off-piste skiing or snowboarding with professional local guides (2 guides per group of 8 – one lead and one tail guide)
Half-day of Cat skiing in an abandoned ski area
Two full days of guided backcountry riding at Hakkoda, led by a local guide who’ll take us to untouched powder zones
All ground transportation from Morioka Station to Shin-Aomori Bullet Train Station (see details further down)
Price guarantee
Membership in the Danish Travel Guarantee Fund
Flights to/from Japan
Transportation to Morioka Station at the beginning of the trip and from Shin-Aomori Station at the end
Touring gear (mandatory)
Avalanche safety gear (mandatory)
Lunches, drinks, and snacks
Rental of ski/snowboard or safety gear
Single room
Travel insurance
Note: This itinerary is subject to change based on weather and snow conditions.
Day 1: Arrival in Japan
You’ll have two options for meeting up with your guide and the rest of the group:
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Option 1: Meet at the South Exit of Morioka Station at 2:45 PM
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Option 2: Meet in the lobby of Hachimantai Mountain Hotel (near Appi Kogen) at 4:00 PM
In the evening, we’ll gather for our first group dinner and trip briefing.
Days 2-5: Chasing Powder in the Iwate Region
The next few days are all about hunting for the best snow in the mountains of Iwate. Our local guides will choose each day’s destination based on snow and weather conditions. Possible ski areas include:
- Geto Kogen
- Tazawako
- Hachimantai Panorama
- Shizukuishi
- Appi Kogen
- Shimokura
- Amihari
- Iwate Snowpark ski hills
On one of these days, we’ll also enjoy a half-day of Cat skiing at an abandoned resort – a true powder adventure.
After each ski day, we return to our hotel to relax and recharge. Two of the evenings we’ll dine at the hotel buffet, while the other two nights we’ll head out to local, guide-recommended restaurants for a more authentic culinary experience.
On the afternoon of Day 5, we pack up and head two hours north to our second base for the rest of the trip.
Days 6-7: Hakkoda
Hakkoda is home to a single tram that unlocks vast, untouched backcountry terrain. Depending on the route, one run can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, which is why we dedicate two full days to this legendary mountain.
While the tram takes care of about 90% of the vertical gain, each run will still involve 30 to 60 minutes of skinning, from mellow traverses to moderate climbs. Expect two runs per day, with 1-2 hours of touring total.
But Hakkoda is more than just snow. The Aomori region has a distinct cultural identity with its own dialect, traditions, and food. While here, we’ll enjoy fresh sushi, take in two live performances of traditional Japanese music, and even have the chance to learn some local dances (optional, but fun!).
Day 8: Departure Day
- We’ll drop you off at Shin-Aomori Shinkansen Station by 10:00 AM, just in time for the 10:39 bullet train. This will get you back to Tokyo by 2:00 PM, or to Narita International Airport (NRT) by around 3:30 PM.
Pro tip: If you’re planning to spend a few extra days in Tokyo, consider shipping your ski bag directly to the airport for around ¥4,000 (~$25 USD). That way, you can explore the city without dragging gear around.
This adventure takes you deep into snow-covered Tohoku – a region known for its untouched powder, hot springs, and rich culture far from the tourist trail.
Over eight days, we’ll explore six different ski areas, including two full days in the legendary backcountry terrain of Hakkoda. The focus is on lift-accessed off-piste, cat skiing, and ski touring when conditions call for it. Led by local guides, each day wraps up with great food and cultural experiences – all enjoyed with a small group.
You’ll stay at two different hotels: four nights at the four-star Hachimantai Mountain Hotel and three nights at the three-star Dormy Inn.
Breakfast and dinner are included every day, and you’ll stay in a shared twin room (with the option to upgrade to a single room).
