We really enjoyed our few days at Tokachidake, although as we visited in the peak of winter, we had to play cat and mouse with the weather (similar to Asahidake). As to be expected all that abundant snow comes from storms, yet a big storm had made touring challenging. The ferocious winds were also crusting up the snow in the alpine, so we largely stuck to the trees and had plenty of fun there.

We were impressed with the varied terrain which included moderately pitched tree runs as well as cliff bands and rock features. We were guided by Hokkaido Powder Guides who did a great job of finding good terrain, especially considering the stormy conditions.

We stayed at the lovely Kamihoro Ryokan which is close to the top of the road. This was a great Japanese cultural experience (not just because the staff only spoke Japanese) with futons on the floor, set Japanese meals, and there was even some karaoke when we visited. The onsen at the ryokan was beautiful and we also visited the red-brown onsen at the inn at the top of the road. The views were very peaceful. The only minor downside was that it took a few minutes to scrub the red-brown dirt off my skin.

The little “village” doesn’t consist of much and there was nothing to do outside of the skiing and the onsens. Of course the serenity is one of the primary reasons for heading to Tokachidake, but during January I wouldn’t recommend a stay of longer than a few days in case the weather windows don’t appear.

We can’t wait to get back to Tokachidake and explore some more.
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Tokachidake is just amazing for freeriding. I stayed there for 4 days. We found good steep runs to ride, full of light snow.

We stayed at the pension Ryounkaku. The place not good at all. The pension was not clean at all. The toillet were never cleaned. The food was not fresh and taste not good. I will definitly not recommend this place.
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Who needs lifts, piste trails, child friendliness and nightlife when you have skiing nirvana. For me this place and nearby cable car accessed Asahidake are the ultimate powder destinations - few people, cold temperatures, low humidity (snow has less than 4% moisture content!), as much if not more snow than Niseko and earning your turns mean that resort skiers are nowhere to be seen.

As a Telemark skier and Ski touring aficionado it just doesn't get any better - zen philosophy, climbing on skis and the deepest powder turns are intimately entwined setting you on the path to skiing enlightenment.

The avalanche danger is on a par with Australia (very low) as the temperatures never get above zero and the low moisture content of the snow doesn't allow windslabs to accumulate. All the really deep powder (over the head) is in the trees but exposed areas can still have very deep snow.

Tokachidake and Sandamyama are active volcanoes requiring long climbs with amazing views from the top into bubbling and steaming lava. Great powder can be found in the descents but you need to understand the high alpine and prevailing winds to get the goods.

Furanodake is powder heaven. A one hour climb gets you to the top of the treeline with a 300-400 metre chest to head deep powder descent. Typically three runs can be managed in a long day with the final descent down to the valley in EVEN DEEPER SNOW !. Other people are rarely seen.

Accomodation can be found at Barden Kamifurano, Kamihoroso and Ryounkaku. Ryounkaku, the highest drivable point in Hokkaido is where we stay - often we are the only guests. The onsen has amazing views up the valley to Tokachidake. Soaking here instantly transforms you into a meditative state resulting in a rarely experienced inner calmness (see my photograph on the main Tokachidake page).

Hiring guides is essential. Hokkaido Powder Guides offer backcountry lodge trips to the area. We first went with them, based both out of Furano and Ryounkaku the first year. Now we hire our own car and have an intimate knowledge of the area.

If you are prepared to earn your turns and open to absorb what real skiing is all about, this place will absolutely blow you away and skiing anywhere else will just not compare.
See our video here