Far North Akita - The Last Powder Frontier
Akita is the last powder frontier and it's wild, remote and real. The Akita Prefecture is one of Japan’s least touristed regions and it's a place where the powder is deep, crowds are rare, and the pace of life is slow. The Far North Akita Tour takes you beyond the lifts into the untouched snowfields of Akita’s ski-area-based backcountry. Guided by certified locals, you’ll explore pristine terrain accessed by skins and local knowledge. In addition to taking you to the best powder stashes, the Japanese guides will ensure that you get a great Japanese experience including local ski-jos, nice Japanese food, onsen, and you can stay in a ryokan (Japanese inn) if you wish for the full cultural immersion.
One of the potential reasons that skiing and snowboarding in Akita is untapped is that it requires a lot of commitment to go there. The best ski areas are very spaced out and not connected by public transport, and booking lodging can be challenging if you don't speak Japanese. Thankfully your guide will do all the driving and organise your lodging, and assist with other logistics. The weather in Akita can be brutal, which is why it's renowned for receiving large volumes of snow, and your guide will have the local intel on how and where to navigate the best conditions.
This is a private bespoke tour that can be customised to your small group of up to 4 people. You can't join a mixed group. Solos and couples are welcome to participate, although the per person rate will be higher than if you have 3 or 4 people in your group.
Highlights
- This tour is operated & guided by knowledgeable and qualified English-speaking Japanese guides
- Head off the beaten path to lesser known ski areas and backcountry zones
- Backcountry ski touring or splitboarding in very snowy zones
- Stay at a ryokan in the city of Kakunodate, known for its Edo-period architecture and samurai district
- Soak in onsen after a rewarding day on the slopes
- Boutique trip for your small group so very personalised service
If you want to check availability or have other questions,
please make contact.
Ski Areas
This is primarily a backcountry trip where lifts at ski areas will be used for initial approach whilst much of the ascent will be via ski touring or splitboarding.
Tazawako is one potential ski area visited on this tour. Whilst the ski area itself is starting to gain some notoriety amongst powder hounds, the backcountry remains untapped and includes a range of mellow and steep, and alpine and below treeline terrain.
Ani is a fave of the Powderhounds. Using a gondola for initial access, short skins away from the ski area can take you to delicious steep lines in widely spaced trees, with easy egress back to the ski area. Or your group can explore further afield in the sub-alpine and/or head to a former ski resort.
The Hachimantai area is a geothermal hot-spot that is ideal for those with an adventurous spirit and backcountry skills, who want to travel on a path less trodden in an onsen kingdom. Ski touring can start from trailheads or from the Akita Hachimantai Ski Area when it's open.
Group Type
These tours are for private groups only i.e. you cannot join a group as a solo traveller. You can
make a booking request to get a quote for your desired trip duration and group size.
Lodging & Meals
You have some flexibility with your lodging choice, although the preferred lodging is a ryokan with twin-share rooms in the city of Kakunodate. Kakunodate Machi has a rich history as a castle town, and even though the castle no longer exists, there is plenty of samurai culture and Edo-period architecture that remains. Another benefit of staying in this city is that you'll have lots of options for evening dining, and your guide will be happy to recommend some excellent restaurants based on their local knowledge.