Tohoku Outback Powder Expedition
The Tohoku Outback Powder Expedition heads to lesser known ski areas in Tohoku. In addition to the Aomori Prefecture, the Akita and Yamagata Prefectures have a nice rural atmosphere and are not particularly developed as tourist destinations. This tour is also aptly called "Tohoku Outback" because the Japan Sea side of Japan is sometimes called "Ura Nippon" (literally "Back Japan").
Ideal for those with a true sense of adventure that want to see untrodden parts of Japan, this tour explores some "off-grid" ski areas in Aomori, Akita, and Yamagata, and depending on snow conditions may visit the Iwate Prefecture. Surrounded by pristine snow-covered mountains, indulgent moments in hot springs, and savoring local delicacies, this journey promises plenty of unique winter experiences.
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. Couples are welcome to participate, although the per person rate will be higher than if you have 3 or 4 people in your group. This tour has sample pricing and an itinerary for 7 days, although you can customise the trip to your desired duration.
Highlights
- This tour is operated & guided by knowledgeable and qualified English-speaking Japanese guides
- Head off the beaten path to ski areas that foreigners typically don't go to
- Stay in western style lodging and/or hot spring ryokan - a degree of flexibility can be built into your trip
- Soak in onsen along the way and/or at your lodging
- Your Japanese host will ensure you get to experience plenty of the culture & will drive you each night to restaurants to savour local cuisine
- Boutique trip for your small group so very personalised service
This is an outline of the sample itinerary and you can customise it somewhat to suit your needs.
Start in the Yamagata Prefecture where you can choose to stay in remote lodging near the mighty Mt Gassan or at the Zao Onsen village. You'll enjoy a day of guided skiing or riding around
Zao Onsen and also visit the local gem of
Jangle Jungle or one of a few other small ski areas with a nice locals ski-jo vibe.
Your guide will drive you north to the Akita Prefecture to the Lake Tazawa area which is stunning, although it's often dumping with snow so you don't always get beautiful views of the lake and mountains. You will visit the gem of
Tazawako Ski Resort and also Jeunesse if you want lift-accessed skiing or snowboarding, or if lift-assisted backcountry is more your thing, you can visit
Ani. Or depending on snow conditions your guide might take you to the city of
Morioka in the Iwate Prefecture and visit the more known ski areas of Geto Kogen, Appi and Shimokura in the Iwate Prefecture.
You guide will then take you further north in Tohoku to the Aomori Prefecture and visit Aomori Spring Resort and also the ropeway assisted backcountry of
Hakkoda.
Terrain Focus
The terrain focus for the trip and also any given day is totally up to you and the equipment, wishes and skills of your group. You could have an in-resort focus or off-piste plus sidecountry (lift-accessed backcountry) or if your group has backcountry equipment and familiarity, the tour can be more centred around backcountry skiing and touring up
Mt Gassan could even be on the cards. At Hakkoda, for those without touring gear, the guides can organise snowshoe rentals.
Group Type
These tours are for private groups only, with a maximum of 4 guests 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 other requirements.