Wakatsuki (Waka) Yu is the best guide ever! If you're ever in Zao Onsen or in the Yamagata area, Zao Guided Day Tours is a must. You will find powder paradise. We were blessed with a bluebird powder day to snowboard among the snow monsters. Although he said it wasn't a good season for snow, we found some freshies. And, there was good coverage. Waka used his phone and a go-pro to video my rides, which were well filmed. We went through some trees and found some Ja-pow. Waka carried a tea and a hot snack drink, oshiruko or zenzai. He set up his skis in the powder for a mid-morning break among the trees. It was the most amazing guided experience I've ever had, and I've gone heli-boarding with a guide in Whistler and Teluride, had a guide through back country Jackson Hole, and also Asahidake (no trails). Waka stands out as best of them all!

Being a very fast telemark skier, Waka could get through flats easily and would always give me a push or pull (as a snowboarder).

We found some nice trees and the steepest slope, Yokokura Wall 38 degrees, at the end of the day.
After riding, we found a local fish shop that also cooked and served the freshest seafood for lunch! It stood in the shadow of the Kaminoyama Castle and a lovely bakery with mochi. We visited both.

Waka had some Japanese glove tips that the guides use, and we went looking for the special 850 yen riding gloves. Then we visited a local farmer's market and a beautiful onsen on the way back to Zao.

This was a magical day with the knowledge, skill, expertise, kindness and generosity of Wakatsuki Yu of the Zao Guided Day Tours! I recommend them highly!!! Five stars *****!!! Domo arigato!!!!
See our video here