Itinerary

This itinerary is a guide as the tour will ultimately be dictated by the weather each day; your guide will fit around where the best conditions are. This is a powder tour so wider skis are recommended to get the best out of your time. We have a ski rental shop with clothing, ski boots and carving and fat skis for hire and have access for rental of snow board equipment.

Day 1
Make your way to Yudanaka (home of the snow monkeys) on either the amazing rail system or a shuttle from Narita or Haneda airport. Get picked up at the station at Yudanaka and taken to your lodging at Ryokan Biyu or it's a short walk for those staying at Lodge Aibiya (further information on how to get to Yudanaka is contained in the pre trip instructions). The area has a history of over 1,300 years as a hot spring resort and more recently was put on the map due to the 1998 Nagano Olympic Winter Games. You are treated like a rock star at the Ryokan with exceptional service, immaculate surroundings and food to die for. Your first nights meal is at the Ryokan which is an experience in itself. Bring your camera. For those staying at Lodge Aibiya, enjoy the many eateries around Yudanaka.

Day 2
Made up of 18 resorts, Shiga Kogen is the largest ski area in Asia with the highest lift access in Japan (so the snow is drier). Because Shiga is so large and elevated, fresh lines can be found days after a snowfall. And because relatively few westerners have discovered this area the queues are almost non-existent and another bonus is that very few Japanese ski off-piste. After skiing, why not try an onsen to sooth any aches and pains followed by a local beer or wine from the lounge bar. Tonight we will travel into the town of Nakano to enjoy a meal at Kappa Sushi Train followed by the new signature event of karaoke at the purpose built bar at Ryokan Biyu. There is a one song minimum either as single, duet or group to ensure everyone can ski the next day.

Day 3
Madarao (Madapow) is another of the Japanese ski fields that does not attract the hoards of gaijins (foreigners). This field seems to have its own micro climate and when it snows here it can be very light and deep. If you are looking for a change from the Japanese fare, there is a restaurant on the mountain that makes the best burgers and pizzas. Tonight you will enjoy a meal at one of the many traditional Japanese restaurants in Yudanaka.

Day 4
After breakfast we will travel to Nozawa Onsen for some more action on the snow. Considered by some as the birthplace of skiing in Japan, its 300 hectares of terrain and 50km of slopes will not disappoint. If time permits at the end of the day we will take a walk through Nozawa Onsen township and enjoy the many shops and eating treats. For those at Ryokan Biyu while eating a dinner that is pure art you will be entertained by a traditional Geisha performance, being joined by those staying at Lodge Aibiya so bring your skills for the Geisha games..

Day 5
This is one of those days where you get to choose. For those that want to stay on the snow we will visit the resort of Togakushi. You will enjoy a totally western free resort with a wide range of runs with an awesome view of the Japanese Alps. Or this day can be used as a rest day. If the entire group collectively decides to take a break due to poor conditions, we have a backup plan. After breakfast we will visit Matsumoto Castle which is the oldest heritage 5 story, 6 layer castle tower in Japan. Get a photo with the Samurai, Ninja and Geisha who frequent the castle garden area. Roam around Nakamachi-dori street and Nawate-dori street to soak up the old time Matsumoto atmosphere. No visit to Nagano is complete without visiting the Zenkoji Temple with over 1400 years of history. Unique in the fact that the city of Nagano was built around the temple thus known as a temple city and that it houses the oldest Buddhist image in Japan. You can walk through the pitch-black corridors under the main hall and tradition has it that if you touch the key below the principle image, your entry into paradise is secured (apparently they have lots of powder snow there). If time permits we will also visit the Winter Olympic Museum and speed skating rink. Dining out comprises of one of the many fine restaurants in Yudanaka.

Day 6
Myoko Suginohara is the pick of the Myoko ski resorts, with nice long groomers (they boast the longest run in Japan at 8.5km), some nice tree skiing and super enjoyable sidecountry. For those at the Ryokan Biyu it is another exquisite meal in-house and those at Lodge Aibiya either eat out or cook in. For your night’s entertainment participate in a Karate performance and teaching session from one of Japan’s Grand Masters followed by a taiko drum, shamisen guitar and lion dance performance at the Ryokan Biyu.

Visit historic Shibu Onsen....

..Zenkoji Temple Nagano..

.....Yudanaka is central home base

Day 7
After breakfast we will further explore Shiga Kogen. The great thing about the 18 connecting resorts at Shiga is that we may ski one area for the morning then after lunch relocate to another part of the mountain for more powder action. Your pass gives you access to the whole of Shiga and your guide knows where those private stashes are located. If time allows we will visit the local sake museum and taste up to 10 different sakes that are made on site. Enjoy another meal in the township of Yudanaka.

Day 8
Because Madarao is just that good we will check it out again but also include the adjoining resort of Tangram. After a big day at Madarao/Tangram many guests require a “roadie” from the Lawson store at the bottom of the mountain to celebrate their epic day. After dinner in Yudanaka you will be heading to Mt Yokoteyama (Japan’s highest lift access 2307m) and boarding a pistenbully snow cat to drive to the peak to enjoy the snow monster trees followed by a hot drink and some homemade baking.

Day 9
Finish your last day on the snow as a powder day. Using the many resorts we have already skied we will choose the one with the best snow and go there. After dinner enjoy your last night socialising and re living your adventure with your new found friends and the guides at the Ryokan Biyu lounge bar which overlooks the township of Yudanaka.

Day 10
It is time to bid farewell to our fabulous hosts at the Ryokan Biyu and Lodge Aibiya. No visit is complete to Yudanaka without some interaction with the famous snow monkeys. This is the only place in the world you can see the snow monkey soaking in natural hot pools up close and personal.

Oh and don't forget to write a review of your tour on Powderhounds.com.

NB The evening performances of the Geisha, Taiko Drum and Karate demonstrations may vary on which night they fall on the 10 day tour due to overlap in bookings.

Accommodation Options & Meals

This tour is based in the township of Yudanaka located near the Shiga Kogen ski areas. It is ideally located for visiting many of Nagano's great ski areas.

The area is well known for its onsens (hot springs) and it is said that over 1300 years ago a monk who visited the area discovered the healing quality of the water and the popularity of the region grew so much that the Samurai would come to repair their bodies in the rejuvenating waters.

The other attraction to the area is the world renowned snow monkeys who have learnt to keep themselves warm in the natural onsen water. Although the town is visited by foreigners to visit the snow monkeys you will find the town relatively free of westerners when you eat out in the evenings as many just come on day journeys. There is a wide array of traditional eating houses in Yudanaka which serve fresh local and regional produce. In the past few years the restaurant scene has expanded to include a number of new eateries which have a mix of Japanese and Western food to suit every palette. A walk through historic Shibu town is also a must with its quaint shops, temples, shrines, foot onsens and authentic architecture.

Indulge in Japanese cuisine...

...check out the local Sushi Train...

...fun social group meals

There are 2 accommodation options; Ryokan Biyu no Yado (deluxe) and Lodge Aibiya.....

Deluxe Option - Ryokan Biyo no Yado

Ryokan Biyu no Yado is a 3.5 star Ryokan (Japanese Inn) and is ranked #1 by Trip Advisor, scoring an average of 5 out of 5 from over 160 reviews!

Rooms all come with private ensuite/bathroom and are Japanese-style with woven tatami floors and futon beds. All rooms have a flat screen TV, small fridge & kettle. Your room also has a traditional Japanese wardrobe (Yakata) which is not mandatory to wear at this Ryokan, although it is definitely comfortable attire after a day on the slopes.

The Ryokan also has some western rooms which are double the size of the Japanese rooms available as an up-grade for an additional cost.

There is a spectacular an indoor Japanese bathhouse (onsen) and outdoor hot spring (rotenburo) and there is also a private onsen available for rent for an additional fee.

The 3 night-time meals included in the Tyokan Biyu package are traditional multi-course Japanese cuisine served by your own private waiter in the hotel dining area. Breakfast (also included) is either Japanese or Western-style. For the remaining night-time meals you have the choice of many authentic Japanese restaurants in down-town Yudanaka or Nakano or you can buy additional meals at the Ryokan.

There are massage services available, free wi-fi in the common lounge area, a luxurious lounge bar and common seating area, drinks vending machines, grand piano, large screen TV, karaoke and a souvenir shop.

The Ryokan does not have clothes washing facilities however there is a public laundry a short walk away.

Deluxe Ryokan Biyu..

...traditional Japanese tatami rooms...

.....outdoor hot springs

Budget Option - Lodge Aibiya

Lodge Aibiya is located in Yudanaka township the perfect place to relax after a day on the slopes. Yoshi and Seongmi provide a high level of Japanese service backed up with western insights gained by working overseas. English speaking with a wealth of knowledge of the Nagano area, Yoshi and Seongmi will look after all your needs.

The Lodge has an option of quad share single western bed dorm rooms for group bookings and twin share rooms with shared bathroom. They have a twin room with double bed which is ideal for couples or for those that want to upgrade to the single supplement and there is the option to upgrade to the deluxe rooms with private bathrooms which can sleep up to four people.

There is a well equipped kitchen for those who would like to cook themselves (a supermarket shuttle is provided) or you can enjoy the many traditional Japanese restaurants only a short walk away. There are two different types of lounge rooms and a separate cinema room. There are separate male and female shared shower rooms.

A free continental breakfast is provided each day with breads, cereal, fruits, yoghurt, coffee, tea and fruit juices.

Free WI-FI is available throughout the lodge. A gift shop with crafts made locally and beverages, local Shiga Kogen beer and snacks are available for sale. Experience the tradition at a local ryokan onsens for a small fee.

The lodge is only a 3 minute walk from the train station with local convenience stores nearby.

There is an in house laundry service available at an extra cost.

Lodge Abiya..

...comfy western-style beds...

.....shared cooking facilities

Rates, Inclusions & Add-Ons

2022/23 Tour Prices

Prices are Per Person in Japanese Yen
Accommodation		Room Type	Price  Per  Person	Single  Room  Upgrade
Ryokan Biyu (Deluxe)		Twin room private bathroom	399,000	63,000
Lodge Abiya (Standard)		Single Share Room - shared bathroom (limited availability)	369,000	n/a
Lodge Abiya (Standard)		Twin share room with shared bathroom	329,000	n/a
Lodge Abiya (Standard)		Twin room private bathroom	369,000	n/a
Lodge Abiya (Standard)		Triple/quad room for groups	Enquire

• Groups made up of advanced skiers may be mixed with snowboarders if numbers do not make the minimum of 4 people (1:6 guide to client ratio), although most of the time there are separate skier and snowboarder tours.
• In addition to dates listed, private tours can be arranged between 19th March and 30th April (based around a minimum of 4 people).
• Extra holiday rates apply at Ryokan Biyu for the Dec 28 to Jan 6 tour

Inclusions

• 9 nights quality twin share accommodation (various options available)
• Daily breakfasts (& 2 dinners for guests staying at Ryokan Biyu)
• Free pickup and drop off at Yudanaka station for Ryokan Biyu guests and a short walk from the train station for those staying at Lodge Aibiya
• 8 days of lift passes plus daily mountain transfers
• 8 full days of guiding/instruction 1:6 guide to guest ratio
• Free transport to the signature night of Sushi train followed by a karaoke evening with the locals of Yudanaka (does not include meal and karaoke cost)
• Transport to the world-famous snow monkey park (Ryokan Biyu has a complimentary drop-off and pickup shuttle and clients of Lodge Aibiya can use the bus from Yudanaka station, admission to monkeys not included in tour cost)
• Interactive Geisha Performance
• Interactive taiko drum, shamisen guitar and lion dance performance, karate performance
• Interactive Karate performance from a Grand Master champion of Japan
• Evening tour in a Pistenbully snowcat to see the snow monster trees, includes hot drinks & homemade breads
• Option to have a rest day or bad weather day to visit Matsumoto Castle and Nagano to visit the Zenkoji Temple and 1998 Winter Olympic Museum plus some other hidden gems
• Rejuvenating Onsens visits
• Walk around 1300 year old historic Shibu town
• Local sake factory sampling tour

Add-ons

• Avo safety pack (transponder, shovel & probe) - 2,000 yen/day; requirement for all guests riding off-piste
• Single supplement at Ryokan Biyu - JPY64,000
• Western room upgrade at Ryokan Biyu
• Traditional Thai massage at ¥5000 yen per hour for full body
• Full ski rental store which includes clothing, helmet, goggles, gloves, ski boots, poles, carving skis & fat skis
• Extra nights & guiding

Not Included

• Travel to/from Yudanaka
• Flights - search for cheapest flights here
• Ski travel insurance - buy ski travel insurance online here
• Lunches, snacks, alcohol, dinners (apart from those advertised above)

Corona Virus Update as of 25th April 2020 – Message From JPCT

Japan Powder Culture Tours understand that due to the ongoing developments of the Coronavirus situation that you may be having some anxiety and doubts with regards to your winter travel plans to Japan this season. Rest assured JPCTs are full steam ahead this season with guides and instructors on the ground so they will be operating tours as usual this season.

However, we are under no illusions that there will not be ongoing problems with this situation which may include your ability to get to Japan. Bearing this in mind we are easing our cancellation policy for bookings made for the 2020/2021 season to assist skiers, borders and telemark skiers and give you the peace of mind that your deposit will not be forfeited if you are unable to join us.

So, for the 2020/2021 season, the following will apply: We have a 20% deposit which is payable within 7 days of invoice to secure your spot on the tour. You can cancel by 30th September 2020 with no penalty. To then confirm your booking a further 20% will be charged on the 1st October 2020 and the remainder is due 40 days prior to your tour.

If you must cancel your 2020/2021 tour your 20% deposit can then be used for a credit for later in the season, bearing in mind we operate right into May, or the deposit can be used for the following season.

In the past we have not ever cancelled a trip due to tour group size and we hope to continue this tradition. We run our beginner programs with a minimum of 2 people and our longer 8 and 10 day tours with a minimum of 4 people, and our policy of running our tours regardless will remain.

So we hope our new policy puts your mind at ease and we wish everyone of you the best through these trying times. We would love to see you in the future and share with you our little piece of utopia here in Japan with a truly authentic Japanese ski and riding experience next to none.

Japan Powder Culture Touts (JPCT) Booking Conditions

DEPOSIT & FULL PAYMENT

• Deposit is 20% of full tour price per person.
• All deposits are non-refundable.
• Final balance due: 30 days prior to departure.
• All payments are in Japanese Yen (JPY) 

CANCELLATION BY YOU

• more than 30 days prior to departure, full deposit forfeited.
• Less than 30 days 100% forfeited.
• Tour operator highly recommends you take out travel insurance at time of sending your deposit. 

CANCELLATION BY JPCT

JPCT reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure. In this case you will receive a full refund. You will not be entitled to make any further claim for compensation, damages, expenses, loss of time or inconvenience.

All bookings are subject to JPCTs terms and conditions and subject to availability at time of booking.

Other Important Information

Terrain & Safety

The rules when skiing at resorts in Japan can be a lot different to what is experienced in Western resorts around the world. At a high percentage of the resorts in Japan, trail skiing is the norm and anything off the main marked trails is deemed "out-of-bounds". The out of bounds is not patrolled so as far as the resort is concerned; skiing there is at your own risk. The out of bounds skiing provided by ESA is deemed (what has been termed in Japan by westerners) “slack country” or “side country”. Many times these out of bounds areas are in between two marked courses so at the bottom of the run you meet up on a marked course to take you back to the lifts, hence the term “slack country”.

Some resorts are more lenient with "out-of-bounds" skiing and others very strict. Some will have signs that state "ski at your own risk" where others may not. JPCT consider everything that is not on a marked trail to be out of bounds.

If you wish to experience the "out-of-bounds" (skiing off any of the marked trails) areas:

1. You must carry the essential avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe & backpack to carry such gear)
2. You must be able to ski at a sufficient ability / level to manage the conditions on the day for any out-of-bounds runs
3. You will need to undertake an safety instruction session on the use of your avalanche equipment (even if you already know how to use it)
4. You will be required to sign a release of liability agreement prior to undertaking any out-of-bounds skiing with ESA

The JPCT team have the following credentials:

• knowledge and experience at skiing the various resorts they visit in the Nagano and Niigata areas
• accreditation and different combinations of instructors, ski patrol, avalanche awareness and first aid
• ski instructors have a minimum of level 2 NZIAS certification

Exclusion of Liability & Risk
Adventure sports activities involve many risks, dangers and hazards. These risks and hazards are outlined in the JPCT release of liability, waiver of claims, assumptions of risks and indemnity agreement which all participants are required to read and sign before participating in adventure sports activities. This agreement will affect your legal rights should you be involved in an accident.