Overall Rating

Japow Experience

Japow Experience5/53
Japow Experience5 out of 5 based on 3 reviews
  • Recommend
    100%
  • Would Revisit
    100%
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GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY & LIFT ACCESS
9 Nights | 10 Days | 8 Skiing/Riding | 7 Resorts

Location: Japan | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Off-Piste, Backcountry, Sidecountry
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Price p/p
USD 3,140
If you are an advanced skier or snowboarder & don't mind a bit of hiking & are looking to experience deep, deep powder in & around Myoko Kogen then this tour could be for you.
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Fixed Date(s)
Days
Price
Availability
Fixed Date(s): Jan 19 - Jan 28, 2025
Days: 10
Price: USD 3,140
Availability: Sold Out
Fixed Date(s): Jan 29 - Feb 07, 2025
Days: 10
Price: USD 3,140
Availability: Available
Fixed Date(s): Feb 08 - Feb 17, 2025
Days: 10
Price: USD 3,140
Availability: Sold Out
Fixed Date(s): Feb 18 - Feb 27, 2025
Days: 10
Price: USD 3,140
Availability: Sold Out
Fixed Date(s): Feb 28 - Mar 09, 2025
Days: 10
Price: USD 3,140
Availability: Sold Out
Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
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Japow Experience

The Japow Experience tour is based in Myoko Kogen which is just 3 hours from Tokyo. Whilst much of the skiing & riding will use lifts to access the goods, the Japow Experience is designed for those who aren't shy to hike to get to the best snow in the best terrain. 

The Japow Experience tour visits up to 7 ski areas including the Myoko ski areas of Akakura Kanko, Suginohara and Seki Onsen, Nozawa Onsen (rich in culture and great terrain), Shiga Kogen (19 inter-connected ski areas), Madarao/Tangram (some of the best tree skiing in Japan) and Arai (a recently re-opened 5-star resort).

There are several FIXED DATE tours listed where you can join as a solo, couple or small group or you can also book your own PRIVATE GROUP. In each case, a minimum of 4 guests (max 6) of similar ability and all participants must be aged 21 or above to operate.

Throughout the Japow Experience trip the group will adapt its activities with respect to local customs, and navigate various routes along the sulphur volcanoes and beautiful birch forests. 

Join Japow Experience and learn about the local customs and traditions in the land of the rising sun. 

If you like Japanese culture and want to ski the world’s best snow, this ski trip is definitely for you.

Ability

As this tour ventures into the back country, it is expected you will be an advanced skier/rider who can ski/ride steep terrain through trees and chutes in deep powder. You should also have some backcountry touring experience.

Equipment Required

it is highly recommended that you bring your own gear with you, as there is no guarantee you will be able to rent the required equipment when you arrive. 
  • Beacon, probe, shovel
  • Touring skis (minimum 100 under foot) or split board
  • Helmet
  • Skins in good condition
  • Ski touring poles
  • Two pairs of gloves
  • Two pairs of goggles
  • Two beanies
  • Neck warmer
  • Backpack (minimum 30L)
  • Warm under clothes
  • Waterproof ski pants and jacket
  • Soft shell
  • Sunglasses
  • Survival blanket

Itinerary

The following itinerary may be subject to change based on snow & weather conditions. The aim will be to ski the best possible conditions on the day.

Day 1

Arrival at MYOKO train station. Meet with your guide, followed by a bus transfer to Akakura Kanko and to your hotel. Once set up and settled in, your guide will talk about the program ahead.

Day 2

AKAKURA KANKO is a ski resort with runs for all levels and is ideal for checking your safety skills (beacon/arva search, nivology, off-piste knowledge). We will then ski the north face and the corridors which will take us into the beautiful and charming forests of Kanko.

Day 3

MADARAO and TANGRAM are two ski resorts that are not to be missed, particularly if you love forest skiing. This terrain is wild and a huge amount of fun. A hike to the top of the Madarao Mountain will take you to a place where the runs are long and steep.

Day 4

SUGINOHARA also known as SUGI, offers incredibly beautiful landscapes and immaculate terrain to ride on. Skiing and hiking Mount Akakura will open a door to an incredible journey in the backcountry. We strongly recommend that you have some previous backcountry experience. This will ensure everyone is safe throughout your trip. It is essential to discuss your off-piste skiing experience levels prior the trip to ensure it suits everyone.

Day 5

SEKI, the freerider paradise! This small resort with just two ski lifts has huge potential. Only the best skiers go to SEKI. Seki Onsen experiences exceptional snowfall. One single chair lift will give us access to excellent off-piste terrain. A hike to Mount SEKIYAMA provides access to expansive backcountry terrain.

Day 6

ARAI was a forgotten resort and reopened just 3 years ago. This unknown spot is relatively quiet. The amount of snow is ridiculous because of its location (Arai is only a couple of kilometres away from the sea). A good place to burn your legs on really long, fun and committed terrain.

Day 7

NOZAWA ONSEN has huge ski potential and vast off-piste terrain. The village, with its public Onsens and traditional architecture, is rich of temples and quaint shrines. This environment delivers us into the heart of local culture.

Day 8

SHIGAKOGEN is a large ski resort with a skiing area that ranges enormously in altitude: from 1,340 to 2,307 metres. A place where the snow stays cold and where the skiing is incredible no matter the conditions.

Day 9

Back to AKAKURA KANKO. A hike to conquer Mount MAEYAMA will bring us to what we love most in Japan: narrow corridors; tree skiing; and long vertical drops with deep snow. The way down will give you access to an abandoned village, with a nice surprise…!

DAY 10

End of the ski trip. Transfer to Nagano Station with fond memories of a unique and unforgettable experience.

Lodging

Japow Experience normally stays at Hotel Taiko subject to availability at the time of booking.

The hotel is a beautiful but older Japanese style hotel located in the upper village of Akakura Onsen within easy walking distance of the slopes. It offers large Japanese or western style rooms (with Japanese décor), all with ensuite bathrooms. The onsens are gorgeous and the outdoor onsens offer particularly lovely views.

Hotel Taiko is well positioned in the Akakura Onsen village (the main village) of Myoko Kogen and is a 400m walk to Akakura Onsen Ski Resort (and experienced riders can ski part of the way home) which is interconnected with the Akakura Kanko Ski Resort, or it’s a 200m walk to the bus stop for the Kanko ski area. It is only 140 metres from the main street of Akakura Onsen where there are lots of restaurants.


Rates, Inclusions & Add-Ons

Rates 2025

Euro 2,860 per person

  • Base/invoice currency is in Euro
  • Price is per person based on min group of 4
Inclusions
  • 8 days of skiing with ski Instructor (Proietti Anthony, Japan specialist) and/or Japanese U.I.A.G.M mountain guide (Atsushi Yamada).
  • 9 nights in a traditional hotel in Akakura Kanko Resort
  • Lift passes for 7 ski resorts
  • Daily transport to ski areas
  • Daily breakfast
Add-ons
  • Single room (from €100 per night) for additional comfort
Not Included
  • Air travel
  • Return travel from Tokyo Airport to Myoko
  • Mountain Rescue Insurance - this is mandatory (insurance covering extreme sports is highly recommended).
  • Lunch and Dinner

Japow Experience Booking Terms

A deposit of 40 000 yen per person is required to secure a tour. 

Final balance due 60 days before the program.

Cancellation by Guest

  • More than 60 days prior to departure full deposit back.
  • 60 to 30 days prior departure, 50 % of the trip is charged.
  • Less than 30 days 100% charged.