Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival

• Pickup is at Tokyo’s HND Airport at 12:00pm (noon), Jomo Kogen Station at 4:00pm, or Minakami Hotel Juraku at 4:30pm
• After pickup, transfer to the comfortable hotel located in the heart of Minakami town.
• Orientation will be provided by your JST host upon arrival, followed by a big welcome dinner to get things started.

Day 2

• From the hotel, the group will explore Indy Pass member Hodaigi, located just up the road. Hodaigi gets massive snowfall (10 to 12m annually), offering frequent powder with good snow preservation thanks to its north-facing and sun-protected terrain.

Day 3

• You'll head 30 minutes up the road to Indy Pass member Kandatsu Resort. For those looking for a “big resort” day, your host will also offer a second drop-off at Kagura (not an Indy Pass member), just 20 minutes further.
• The transport will depart at 3:40pm from Kagura, 4:00pm from Kandatsu, and be back at the hotel by 4:30--in time for an evening Onsen.
• For dinner, the group will take a break from the yummy hotel buffet and head to a locally-run excellent sushi restaurant in town.

Day 4

• Check out of the hotel and head 30 minutes up the road to Indy Pass member Maiko Snow Resort. Maiko Snow Resort sits in the heart of Niigata's famous snow country, where frequent winter storms deliver abundant snowfall and reliable powder conditions throughout the season.
• After the ski day you'll be transported to your next destination, located 2 hours away at the base of Kijimadaira, AKA "The Cupid of Romance"!

Day 5

• Today you'll ride Kijimadaira immediately outside of the hotel. This ski area is a hidden gem known for its consistent snowfall and quiet slopes, making it easy to find fresh tracks throughout the day. With playful tree lines and soft, untouched stashes, it delivers a laidback powder experience without the crowds. It’s also connected to Kijima Snow Park, which features a quality terrain park and a competition-ready halfpipe for anybody looking to mix in some freestyle!

Day 6

• Check out of the hotel in the morning and head 30 minutes down the road to Indy Pass member Togari Onsen. For those looking for a “big resort” day, we’ll also offer a second drop-off at Nozawa Onsen (not an Indy Pass member), just 20 minutes further. Togari Onsen Ski Resort is a classic Japanese powder hill known for its deep, consistent snowfall and quiet, uncrowded slopes. With mellow tree zones and a laid-back local vibe, it’s the kind of place where fresh tracks stick around long after a storm.
• The transport will depart at 3:30pm from Togari Onsen, 4:00pm from Nozawa Onsen, and head to the Ryokan in the historic hot springs town of Shibu Onsen. With over 1,300 years of history, Shibu Onsen is one of Japan’s most treasured hot spring destinations.

Day 7

• Head to Ryuo Ski Park (not an Indy Pass member), a local hidden gem just 20 minutes away. Known for its high-altitude powder, wide-open terrain, and access to sidecountry, Ryuo is capped by a spectacular ropeway that delivers you above the clouds.    
• In the evening the group will venture out of the Ryokan for an evening meal at a Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant. Yakiniku is a lively, social Japanese barbecue experience where bite-sized cuts of meat and vegetables are grilled right at your table and enjoyed fresh off the flame.

Day 8

• From the legendary Ryokan accommodation, you’ll travel 45 minutes by private chartered bus to Yakebitaiyama—arguably the best and least crowded of the “must-ride” resorts in Shigakogen. Known for its well-spaced tree runs, consistent snowfall, and a mix of fast groomers and hidden powder stashes, it delivers some of the best all-around skiing in the area.
• For those looking to hang out with the snow monkeys of Jigokudani, there will be a 1:00pm departure from the resort which will give you the afternoon to go say "Ee-ee-ah-ahh" to the bathing monkeys. From the parking lot, it's about a 45-minute walk on a well-maintained snowy path to get there.
• For those wanting to ski the full day, there will also be a 4:00pm departure back from the resort.
• In the evening, you'll experience a traditional Maiko (similar to Geisha) performance in the Ryokan. A Maiko performance is a graceful, intimate display of traditional Japanese dance, music, and refined hospitality, where every movement is precise, elegant, and steeped in centuries of culture. Not just something to be observed, it's also really fun to participate in!

Day 9

• Check out of the hotel in the morning, load up the bus and travel 70 minutes to ride Indy Pass member Togakushi Ski Resort. Togakushi is a hidden gem known for its deep, dry powder and beautifully-spaced tree runs set against a backdrop of ancient forests. Located in a historic mountain village famous for its centuries-old shrines and ninja heritage, it offers a unique blend of culture and uncrowded Japow.
• You’ll finish riding at 3:30pm and depart at 4:00pm for a 50-minute transfer to Nagano Station, the official drop-off point for the trip. From here, you can catch a bullet train to Tokyo (approximately 90 minutes) or continue on to the well-known Hakuba ski resort area via a 90-minute highway bus.

Lodging

• Pricing is based on shared twin rooms but you can upgrade to a single room (subject to availability).
• Each guest room has its own private toilet and shower.
• Daily breakfasts are provided
• Six hotel-provided meals include a variety of Western and Japanese cuisine with Ryokan-based meals featuring lovely Japanese traditional fare. Two meals will be at off-site restaurants for authentic sushi and Japanese BBQ.
• All of the lodgings include a big breakfast, fast Wi-Fi, Onsen (hot springs).

Nights 1-3: Stay in the heart of Minakami town at the Juraku Hotel

Nestled in the mountains of Minakami, Juraku Hotel offers the perfect blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern comfort. Guests can unwind in natural hot springs, enjoy generous buffet-style meals featuring local specialties, and take in snowy landscape from the windows.

Conveniently located in the heart of the town of Minakami and within walking distance to plenty of bars and restaurants, Juraku Hotel is an ideal base for skiing in the region. The Western/Japanese combo rooms (ie western beds, tatami flooring and other Japanese decor) feature en-suite bathrooms and showers as well as having a public spa-style hot springs.

Nights 4-5: Ski-in/out at the SBC Resort Kijimadaira

SBC Resort Kijimadaira offers a relaxed, slope-side stay at the base of Kijimadaira Ski Area, with easy access to quiet runs and fresh powder just outside your door. This quirky hotel right at the base of the resort, dubbed the “Cupid of Romance” thanks to its ownership by a cosmetics company, features comfortable rooms, in-house onsen, hearty meals, all-you-can-eat crab, all-you-can-drink adult beverages, a small gym, and even a pool, delivering a uniquely Japanese ski lodge experience.

All rooms feature en-suite bathrooms and showers as well as having a public spa-style hot springs. On-site laundry facility is provided.

Nights 6-8: Masuya Ryokan (Japanese traditional inn) at Shibu Onsen

Wafu no Yado Masuya offers a refined stay in the historic hot springs town of Shibu Onsen, where people have been coming to rest and recover for over 1,300 years. With attentive staff dressed in kimono, beautifully-prepared multi-course meals, and easy walking access to the old-Japan-style onsen village, it delivers an immersive cultural experience, complete with the option to enjoy a traditional Maiko (similar to Geisha) performance.

Personalized, attentive service is at the heart of an authentic experience and there are not enough rooms here for the whole group to have the same room type and will be split between rooms with Western-style beds and those offering a traditional Japanese setup. In traditional Ryokan fashion, the beds (known as "futons") are laid out on the straw tatami mat floors. If you have a strong preference for either a Western or traditional Japanese bed, please make this known when making a booking request. Availability is limited and it may not be possible to accommodate all requests.

2027 Rates, Inclusions & Add-Ons

Rates Per Person

Days	Price After Sept 1	Early Bird
Indy Pass Member	¥515,000	¥475,000
Standard Guest	¥560,000	¥520,000

• Based on twin share
• Base / invoice price is in Japanese Yen
• Price includes 13% local tax
• If you have any questions please get in contact

Inclusions

• 8 nights twin-share accommodation inc 3 nights at a Japanese ryokan, all lodging has in-hotel hot springs
• 8 dinners including 2 off-site meals with sushi course & Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ). Hotel-provided meals include a variety of Western and Japanese cuisine with Ryokan-based meals featuring great Japanese traditional fare
• Lifts passes or Indy Pass holders can use their pass to ski up to 5 days (out of 8) at partner ski resorts
• Door-to-door private vehicle transportation starting from Tokyo's HND Airport & ending with a drop-off at Nagano bullet train station
• Privately chartered bus for the entire duration of the trip! Transfers between each ski region and daily shuttles to/from the ski resort are provided by the chartered bus, shared with other trip members
• You're in good hands. A JST host will join you for the entire duration of the trip, ensuring smooth transitions at each accommodation and ski resort as well as orienting you on how to be a great guest during your stay in Japan
• Daily breakfast
• Experience traditional Japan with an intimate Maiko (similar to Geisha) performance while staying in a Ryokan (Japanese inn) located in a town with a 1,300-year history.
• Visit the snow monkeys of Jigokudani, where wild monkeys soak in natural hot springs surrounded by a stunning alpine landscape

Add-ons

• Single rooms for solo travellers

Not Included

• ​International flights to/from Japan and any domestic travel to/from the pick-up/drop-off points
• Travel insurance is required to join this trip - buy online here
• Ski or snowboard equipment rentals
• Lunch, snacks, drinks
• Ski/snowboard guiding
• On days where there is an option to ride Indy vs non-Indy resorts, only the cost of riding the Indy Resort is included. On the Kandatsu or Kagura day for example, riding at Kandatsu (Indy Member) is included but riding at Kagura (non-Indy Member) is not.

Japan Ski Tours (also known as JST) Terms & Conditions

Payments

A 50% deposit will secure your reservation. Once the deposit is received, the remaining balance must be paid within two months of the trip departure date. Once we receive your full payment, we will email you a copy of the receipt.

Credit card payments may be made through our secure website via Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Cancellation

Once we receive written notification that you are canceling your trip the following fees will apply.

• Of the total price of the reservation, a fee of 25% will be charged for all cancellations made more than 4 months before the start of your trip.
• Cancellations made between 2 and 4 months prior to the start of your program will be charged a 50% fee.
• Cancellations made with less than two months of advanced notice will not be refunded.

Unfortunately, due to the time sensitive nature of our business, and the difficulty in re-booking a trip close to the departure date, we cannot make exceptions to this policy.

Responsibility and dependence on suppliers

Japan Ski Tours cannot be held responsible for snow conditions. Trips cannot be cancelled or amended on the basis of snow conditions. No refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave a trip for any reason after the trip has begun. Refunds will be at the discretion of JST if you are involuntarily forced to leave a trip for any reason. No refunds will be given for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals, services, lift tickets or any component of the trip not utilized. JST acts only as an agent for the other companies providing or offering accommodation, lift tickets and other services and as such has no control over any services or products provided by these supplying companies.

All bookings made are subject to the booking terms and conditions under which these services are provided. JST and its suppliers reserve the right, without liability or right of compensation, to prohibit or restrict any activity, or cancel or alter any service or itinerary component, without notice.

JST will not be held responsible for the inability of the suppliers to comply with any special request relating to age, medical conditions, physical ability or disability, dietary requirements, allergic conditions, smoking or non-smoking accommodation.

Cancellation by JST

JST reserves the right to cancel any trip prior to departure, including a confirmed trip, due to circumstances beyond our control. If this occurs you will be given the option of changing to another trip or receiving a full refund. JST is not responsible for any incidental expense you have incurred as a result of your booking (i.e., airline tickets, equipment purchase or third party equipment rentals, hotel reservations, etc). If you choose an alternative trip and it is at a lower value than your original trip you will be refunded the difference. If the alternative trip is of a higher value then you will pay the difference in price.

If Japan Ski Tours cancels a trip due to an act of God such as a natural disaster, volcanic eruption, or other unforeseeable naturally occurring event which impedes the safety of our program, the terms under the section, “In the event of an act of God such as a natural disaster, or any other unforeseeable naturally occurring event that destabilizes or otherwise makes skiing unsafe” will apply.

What Storm Chasing means

While we do "storm chase" as much as possible, we are constrained by the limitations of our itinerary and hotel reservations. There may be instances where we have to leave our base accommodation and move to the next area as soon as a storm is coming in. If you're not willing to run the risk that the timing of the itinerary might not work with the storm systems during your trip, your best bet is to rent a Camper Van and travel around in real-time with the storms. Since our trips aren't Camper Van based, we'll be following our itinerary as described on our website and storm chasing within those limitations.

Change of Date

Date changes are subject to availability. Date changes may be requested at anytime up to 2 months prior to your departure date. Date changes made between 2-3 months prior to the trip will be charged a ¥15,000 fee per person. A ¥10,000 fee will be charged per person for all date changes made more than 3 months prior to the trip.

Medical and Emergency Evacuation Insurance

Due to the inherent risk involved in alpine pursuits, and in the interest of your safety, Japan Ski Tours strongly recommends all participants to bring insurance that provides full medical and emergency evacuation coverage. Japan Ski Tours will NOT provide insurance for participants on any JST trip. If a participant does not have proper insurance documentation he/she will be liable for her own medical and emergency evacuation expenses and will receive no refund, date change, or any kind of compensation from Japan Ski Tours. Please take this seriously and lean on the side of caution.

Hazard Management and Skier Responsibilities

Managing risk is JST’s number one priority. Our guides manage significant hazards inherent to sidecountry pursuits (e.g. avalanche, inclement weather, tee-accidents, rock fall, and high winds) but they cannot eliminate them. Please clearly understand that skiing in bounds and out of bounds is an inherently hazardous sport and both actions are only undertaken with the full knowledge and consent from the participant that these are inherently dangerous activities. You are choosing to engage in an activity in which skiers have been injured and worse. While these accidents are indeed infrequent, they may occur at any time and be out of our control. We ask that participants acknowledge that risk, and make their own choices about whether or not to engage in this activity. We ask that each participant is physically and mentally fit, is properly attired and equipped, and continues to assess him/her-self throughout the trip to ensure as safe a time as possible. We ask that participants honestly and accurately describe themselves, in terms of fitness, health and skills, and their equipment to their guides, and that they adhere to the advice of their guide.

In the event of an act of God such as a natural disaster, or any other unforeseeable naturally occurring event that destabilizes or otherwise makes skiing unsafe

Other natural disasters or naturally occurring disruptive events: In the event of any other natural disaster or unforeseeable act of God which makes skiing in Japan unsafe, impedes or cancels transportation or route infrastructure on, to, or from partner ski resorts or Japan, all cancelled clients will receive a 50% refund or a 75% credit towards a future trip when skiing in Japan is made safe again.