Tenjindaira Backcountry Tours
Kieren (owner and operator of Tenjin Lodge) has skied in this region for several years making him a local expert on where to find the secret stashes and how to do it safely. Tenjindaira ski resort is a small ski area located just a couple of minutes drive from Tenjin Lodge. Whilst the small in-bounds terrain can be a little fun (particularly just after a fresh dump of snow), the sidecountry and backcountry is phenomenal! Whilst the majority of skiing and riding will take place in and around the Tenjindaira, there are some other awesome ski areas nearby such as Kagura, Hakkai-san, Houdaigi and Hotaka-san. Kieren may elect to take you to one or more of these other areas subject to conditions.
Ability Level & Terrain
This tour is specifically aimed at advanced to expert skiers and boarders who are wanting to ski some of Japan's steepest terrain. You will have your own qualified guide (max group 6 guests per guide) who will take you into lift-accessed side-country and backcountry terrain that is steep and can be dangerous for those without local knowledge.
Terrain is lift accessed as much as possible to maximise the downhill but we will be hiking and possibly touring. Participants who don't have touring gear will be provided with snowshoes.
Tour Duration
These packages are for a minimum of 3 nights + 3 days and can be customised beyond that with as many days/nights/guiding/meals as you require.
Please make a booking request to get an accurate quote for your group size & custom requirements.
Solos and Groups
You can join a group as a solo traveler or book as a private group. The maximum group size with a guide is 6.
Pricing
The "from price" is a guide based on twin share occupancy in a tatami room on a 3-day / 3-night package.
Please see other room options under rates & inclusions and make a booking request for a quote for your group size and duration.
Typical Itinerary
One of the staff will greet you and pick you up from the Minikami station.
The official check-in time for the hotel is 3:00 pm. After check-in you can relax with a drink from the bar and catch up on how the conditions are looking for the following day.
You will be provided with a cooked meal in the evening at the lodge.
Day 1
After breakfast, your guide will take you and your group by van up to the Tenjindaira Ropeway where you will be issued with lift passes and head skywards.
A couple of warm-up runs inside the resort boundaries and then it's off to hunt for the steep & deep. How far you enter into the side and backcountry will be determined by the snow conditions and stability of the snowpack each day.
In the afternoon, subject to group consensus your guide might take you to the famous Takaragawa Onsen (which is a mixed onsen right on a river...this is a must do!!)
In the evening you will head back to the lodge where you can sit and have drink and upload brag photos to share with your friends back home at work.
Dinner will be served in the lodge dining area.
Day 2+
This package is general based around skiing around Tenjindaira ski area, however depending on weather and snow conditions, your guide might elect to take you to a different ski area (within an hour drive). There are a few great options for advanced skiers and riders including Kagura, Hakkai-san and Hotaka-san.
On check-out day you can have your bags stored at the lodge until you finish your day of skiing where you will then be dropped back at the station.
If you require a shower before heading onwards (after a day on the slopes), you are welcome to use the hotel's bathroom before departure.
Tenjin Lodge
Tenjin Lodge is family and owner operated by Bo, Kieren and daughter Hana (and Lucky the dog) and is located about 2 minutes drive (or a 10 minute walk) from the bottom of the Tenjindaira ropeway.
There are basically 4 room types:
- Twin western rooms (up to 2 guests)
- Twin tatami rooms (up to 3 guests)
- Bunk room (single bed in a dorm room)
- Family rooms (4-6 guests)
The twin western rooms can also be booked as a private room for an additional cost.
Most rooms have a private ensuite (apart from the bunk room) There is also shared bathroom facilities with a hot Japanese-style bath.
Facilities of the lodge include free wifi, a cosy lounge with a bar and large TV, plus a communal dining area.
Included in the package is a cooked breakfast and dinner for each night you stay.
Bo and Kieren are wonderful hosts and you can't help but feel like you are at home!
Rates, Add-Ons & Inclusions
2025 Rates
| Package price in Japanese Yen (per person) |
|
|
| Room Type |
# Days / Nights in Jan/Feb |
# Days/Nights in March |
| |
3 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
| Twin Tatami |
140,000 |
233,000 |
128,000 |
213,000 |
| Twin Western |
140,000 |
233,000 |
128,000 |
213,000 |
| Single Occupancy Western |
151,000 |
261,000 |
138,000 |
229,000 |
| Bed in Bunk Room |
122,000 |
200,000 |
112,000 |
186,000 |
Rates Notes:
- Rates are based on minimum group of 3 guests being guided. Please make a booking request if you are a solo or group of 2 for accurate pricing or to ask about availability.
- Subject to room types being available
Inclusions
-
3/5 nights accommodation at Tenjin Lodge
-
3/5 breakfasts, dinners (includes one dinner in town)
-
3/5 days guiding at Tenjindaira (or other ski areas nearby)
-
3/5 days lift passes
-
A visit to Takaragawa Onsen plus down-day activities such as: snowshoe trekking to Ichinokura, Tanigawadake sake brewery tour, visit to Takuminosato craft village
-
Use of snowshoes if required
-
Arrival/departure transfer to/from Minakami train station
-
Van transport to ski areas etc
Add-ons
-
Additional nights/days
-
Kaiseki Ryori dinner at Hayashi Ryokan
-
Dinner at Daruma
Not Included
Tenjin Guides Booking Conditions
DEPOSIT & FULL PAYMENT
- Deposit is 25% 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 TENJIN LODGE
Tenjin Lodge 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.