Itinerary
This itinerary is just a guide as the plan will vary slightly between the 2 tour dates to catch the Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival.
Day 1 (Arrival Day) Ilyama Station:
Make your way from Tokyo via Shinkansen from Ueno to Ilyama Station and be picked up by your guide in the 4wd van to go to Zen Hostel in Yudanaka. Check in and meet the lovely Maya.
Please plan to arrive after 2pm but before 6pm (if not possible please let us know in advance). Settle in organise your gear and be ready for the next days ahead. Grab a quick bite downtown or catch up on some rest.
Day 2 (Shiga Kogen-Warm -up day)
Breakfast will be at 7am sharp. Head up to the mountain at 730am and you will be shown around Okushiga Kogen, the upper mountain areas. Grab some lunch on the mountain and make your way around the best runs whilst getting the body and mind right for the days ahead. Continue skiing and riding in the afternoon with your guide for more adventure or head down for onsens in the village of Yudanaka. Meet up at the hostel for welcome drinks at 6pm.
Day 3 (Yakebitaiyama)
Breakfast will be at 7am sharp and then the group will head to Okushiga Kogen or Yakebitaiyama.
Depending on the snow quality, the group will explore the backside of the mountain. Lunch on the mountain. A visit to the famous snow monkeys will be in the afternoon's plan. Bring your camera and your warm walking shoes.
Day 4 (Madarao - MADPOW)
You are up early and in the van for the drive over to Madarao to tear up the fresh powder of Madapow and visit Tangram Circus on the backside where there is plentiful tree skiing and riding to be enjoyed. Lunch on the hill then more powder in the afternoon.
Day 5 (Lotte Arai)
Experience the epicness of this mountain and wonderful onsen experience after your day’s riding. Head into Nozawa Onsen and check into the comfortable pension accommodation.
Day 6 (Nozawa Onsen)
Head down to Winterland for breakfast then head up to the Nagasaka Gondola for some side country adventures and plentiful powder runs. Lunch on the mountain and in the afternoon you can go and enjoy the public baths.
Day 7 (Myoko)
Early start for the drive to Myoko Kogen, explore the terrain and the different feel of one of Japan’s
best resorts.
Day 8 (Nozawa Onsen) Fire Festival- Dosojin Matsuri
You will enjoy a big day of riding on the mountain and then follow it up with one of the most famous
winter festivals in Japan. Dosojin Matsuri is a great way to round out your time on the Fire & Snow Tour.
Day 9 (DEPARTURE DAY - Time to pack-up -Sad Face)
Check out by 10am. Your trusty guide will load you teary eyed into the van and escort you to Ilyama Station for your Shinkansen back to Tokyo.