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Outback Tohoku

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Myoko Kogen Powder Packages
Outback Tohoku Enquire
Price p/p Sample price is based on 7-night package for 2025 assuming 4 in group.
Base/invoice currency is JPY
Displayed price might vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 3,386

GUIDED RESORT ROAD TRIP
Customisable, Private Groups Only

Location: Japan | Tour Focus: Guided | Terrain Focus: Off-Piste, On-Piste, Backcountry, Sidecountry
Ability: Intermediate to Advanced
Price p/p Sample price is based on 7-night package for 2025 assuming 4 in group.
Base/invoice currency is JPY
Displayed price might vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 3,386
This private road tripping tour heads to the lesser known ski resorts in Tohoku in Akita, Aomori & Yamagata Prefecture. You will be guided & hosted by local English speaking Japanese guides who will provide an authentic cultural experience.
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Custom Booking Period: Jan 01 - Mar 15, 2025
Min Days: From 7
Price: Enquire
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Outback Tohoku Tour

The Outback Tohoku Powder Tour heads to lesser known ski areas in Tohoku. In addition to the Aomori Prefecture, the Akita and Yamagata Prefectures have a nice rural atmosphere and are less developed as tourist destinations compared to Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures on the Pacific Ocean side. This tour is also aptly called "Outback Tohoku" because the Japan Sea side of Japan is sometimes called "Ura Nippon" (literally "Back Japan").

Ideal for those with a true sense of adventure that want to see untrodden parts of Japan, this tour explores some "off-grid" ski areas in Aomori, Akita, and Yamagata. Surrounded by pristine snow-covered mountains, indulgent moments in hot springs, and savoring local delicacies, this journey promises plenty of unique winter experiences.

This is a private bespoke tour that can be customised to your small group of up to 4 people. You can't join a mixed group. Couples are welcome to participate, although the per person rate will be higher than if you have 3 or 4 people in your group. This tour has sample pricing and an itinerary for 7 days, although you can customise the trip to your desired duration.

Highlights

  • This tour is operated & guided by knowledgeable and qualified English-speaking Japanese guides
  • Head way off the beaten path to ski areas that foreigners typically don't go to
  • Stay in Hirosaki City in Aomori for 2 nights, Lake Tazawa in Akita for 2 nights, and then in Yamagata for 3 nights     
  • Soak in onsen along the way
  • Your Japanese host will ensure you get to experience plenty of the culture & will drive you each night to restaurants to savour local cuisine
  • Boutique trip for your small group so very personalised service
This is an outline of the sample itinerary and you can customise it somewhat to suit your needs. Start up in the northern part of Tohoku in the Aomori Prefecture and visit Iwakisan Ski Area on the backside of Aomori Spring Resort and also the ropeway assisted backcountry of Hakkoda.

Your guide will drive you south to the Akita Prefecture to the Lake Tazawa area which is stunning, although it's often dumping with snow so you don't always get beautiful views of the lake and mountains. You will visit the gem of Tazawako Ski Resort and also Jeunesse if you want lift-accessed skiing or snowboarding, or if lift-assisted backcountry is more your thing, you can visit Ani

Then your guide will drive you further south to the Yamagata Prefecture where you can choose to stay in remote lodging near the mighty Mt Gassan or at the Zao Onsen village. You'll enjoy a day of guided skiing or riding around Zao Onsen and also visit the local gem of Jangle Jungle

Terrain Focus

The terrain focus for the trip and also any given day is totally up to you and the equipment, wishes and skills of your group. You could have an in-resort focus or off-piste plus sidecountry (lift-accessed backcountry) or if your group has backcountry equipment and familiarity, the tour can be more centred around backcountry skiing and touring up Mt Gassan could even be on the cards. At Hakkoda, for those without touring gear, the guides can organise snowshoe rentals. 

Group Type

These tours are for private groups only i.e. you cannot join a group as a solo traveller. You can make a booking request to get a quote for your desired trip duration, group size

Sample Itinerary

The following is a sample itinerary which can be customised. The itinerary will also be somewhat flexible to take weather and snow conditions into account.

For dinner, the guide will take you to restaurants based on your budget and preferences.

Day 0: Arrival Day

  • At the start of the trip you may choose to stay at an Aomori Hotel or the Hirosaki hotel or you can get picked up from Aomori Airport.
  • Check-in to hotel

Day 1: Aomori – Mt. Iwaki Yakeyama Ski Resort

  • In the morning, depart for Mt. Iwaki Yakeyama Ski Resort in Aomori Prefecture.
  • Ascend to the summit with a lift, soaking in the panoramic views of majestic Mt. Iwaki.
  • Evening indulgence awaits with local gastronomy, followed by a restful night at comfortable accommodation in Hirosaki.

Day 2: Aomori – Hakkoda Ski Resort

  • Spend a leisurely day skiing or snowboarding at Hakkoda Ski Area. If you don't have touring gear, the guides can organise snowshoe rentals.
  • Relax in the evening with a soak in the hot springs, rejuvenating both body and mind, and relish the flavors of local cuisine.
  • Your guide will drive you to Lake Tazawa in Akita to check-in to the hotel

Day 3: Akita – Tazawako Ski Resort

  • Head to Tazawako Ski Resort for breathtaking snowscapes.
  • After a day of skiing and snowboarding, unwind with a dip in the local hot springs.
  • Head back to the hotel in Lake Tazawa and enjoy a delightful evening meal nearby.     

Day 4: Akita – Jeunesse Ski Resort

  • Embark on a new adventure at Jyunesu Kizuna Ski Resort aka Jeunesse Kurikoma.
  • Or if you have touring gear the other alternative is to head to a Powderhounds' face, Ani, which offers lots of lift-assisted backcountry.
  • After a day of exploration, savor Akita’s local dishes at a restaurant near your hotel in Lake Tazawa.

Day 5: Yamagata – Zao Onsen Ski Resort

  • In the morning, journey to Yamagata and experience the stunning Zao Onsen Ski Resort.
  • Enjoy delectable local cuisine and relax in the hot springs, creating a luxurious evening at your accommodation at Zao or near Gassan.

Day 6: Yamagata – Jangle Jungle 

  • Tickle your sense of adventure at Jangle Jungle and revel in the breathtaking slopes of Jangle Jungle or other local ski resorts.
  • In the evening, enjoy local cuisine and unwind with a soak in the hot springs at your accommodation.

Day 7: Return Journey

  • Check out from your hotel, taking with you wonderful memories as you embark on your return journey.
  • Your guide will drop you off at the Yamagata train station or the Yamagata Airport for your onward journey.

Lodging

The sample itinerary includes 3 accommodation changes.
  • Hirosaki - 2 nights
  • Lake Tazawa - 2 nights
  • Yamagata - 3 nights
Accommodation will be in comfortable western style rooms with ensuite bathroom and western beds. Of course, if you want the full traditional Japanese experience with sleeping on a futon on the tatami flooring, that's possible too.

In Yamagata you have a couple of choices for location. You can stay at Gassan Pole Pole Farm near Gassan which has villas/cottages. The villas have plenty of western comforts and there is also a communal lodge where you can have dinner. Here is more information on Pole Pole including our review. Or alternatively you can stay in a hotel or inn at Zao Onsen.

Rates, Inclusions & Add-Ons

2025 Rates

 Room Type  Guests   Price per person
 Twin room  1  enquire
 Twin Room  2  ¥568,000
 Triple Room  3  ¥508,000
 Quad Room  4  ¥450,000

Notes about prices:
  • sample prices above are based on 7-night package
  • prices are per person in Japanese Yen
  • please make a booking request for a quote for your group size, trip duration and other requirements
  • 10% tax is included in price
Inclusions
  • 7 nights lodging & daily breakfast
  • Private transport to/from resorts
  • Guiding by qualified Japanese (English speaking) guides
  • Lift tickets to all resorts
  • Airport or train station pick up/drop-off
Add-ons
  • Avi gear rental - JPY 8,000 per day
  • Snow shoe rental - JPY 4,000 per day
Not Included
  • Flights
  • Travel & medical insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Lunches & dinners