Minakami Beginner Package
Tenjin Guides' team of qualified English speaking ski and snowboard instructors aim to get you skiing or boarding in a fun and relaxed setting with the option of a sprinkle of local Japanese culture.
Staying at Tenjin Lodge you'll be surrounded by a diverse and eclectic mix of powder hounds, families, weekend warriors from Tokyo, and people from all over the world making the most of the plentiful snowfall winter brings.
As a beginner, your first day will be spent at Hodaigi Ski Resort which offers a playful mix of beginner to intermediate, to advanced runs. One of the beginner runs in particular is noteworthy for its 1km long, 50+ metre wide course with a gentle incline to coax turns out of any level skier or boarder. Depending on the level of progression, the group may elect to continue at Hodaigi on subsequent days, visit one of a dozen other resorts in the Minakami area, or step up to Tenjindaira Ski Resort which boasts one of Japan's highest snowfalls and steeper, more challenging terrain. The Tenjin Guides love it when clients learn to ski but they also love it when you learn to ski powder!
The extensive rental selection means no need to line up at resorts each morning.
Two defining features of Minakami as a ski town are the lack of foreigners and lighter crowds in comparison to many other resort destinations in Japan. The primary reason, in our humble opinion, is due to difficulties in getting around with resorts, onsens and the town, all separate from each other. Tenjin Guides take care of transport by shuttling clients to the best spots on any given day. Meals at the lodge are healthy and hearty, and dinner is served buffet style right by the full service bar.
Also included is an evening dinner at Daruma Restaurant, an excellent local izakaya operated by Sato-san, the Master and a one man show for over 35 years. This little Japanese restaurant is famous for sashimi, served with freshly ground wasabi, and Nikku Jagga (slow cooked pork belly with potatoes).
You can rejuvenate after your day on the slopes. Minakami was traditionally an onsen town and there are over 100 onsen to choose from. The tour takes in Takaragawa Onsen, Japan's largest outdoor hot spring, set in a private valley. You can also visit Yuterume Onsen, another of Minakami's finest bathing establishments.
Ability Level & Terrain
This package tour is specifically aimed at beginner to intermediate skiers and boarders who are wanting to learn to ski or snowboard either from scratch or who want to take their ability to the next level, for example learning to ride Japan's deep powder. You will have your own QUALIFIED instructor (max group 6 guests per instructor) who will take you to the ski areas each day and work with you on your technique.
Tour Duration
These packages are for a minimum of 2 nights/2 days and can commence on any day of the week.
Solos and Groups
You can join these learn to ski package tours as a solo traveler or as a private group.