Tenjin Backcountry Tours
Kieren and the team at Tenjin Lodge have skied in the region for many years and are local experts on where to find the secret stashes and how to do it safely. Mt T, formerly 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 just after a fresh dump of snow, the sidecountry and backcountry zones are phenomenal! Whilst the majority of skiing and riding takes place in and around Mt T, there are some other ski areas nearby such as Kagura, Hakkai-san, and Houdaigi that offer some awesome lift accessed and lift assisted backcountry. Kieren may elect to take you to one or more of these other areas subject to conditions.
Ability Level & Terrain
The Tenjin Backcountry guided tours are specifically aimed at advanced to expert skiers and boarders who want 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.
The terrain is lift accessed as much as possible to maximise the downhill but there will also be hiking and possibly touring. Participants who don't have touring gear will be provided with snowshoes.
Tour Duration
These guiding 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.
If you want to check availability or have any other questions, please get in contact.
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 the Rates & Inclusions tab 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 Minakami train station.
After check-in at the lodge 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 Mt T 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 and 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 the river.
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 guiding package is general based around skiing around the Mt T/Tenjindaira ski area, however depending on weather and snow conditions, your guide may 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 Houdaigi.
On check-out day you can store your bags 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 after skiing, you are welcome to use the lodge's bathroom before departure.
Tenjin Lodge
Tenjin Lodge is family owned and operated and is located about 2 minutes drive or a 10 minute walk from the bottom of Mt T Ski Area and the Tanigawadake Ropeway ie cable car.
Room types:
- Twin western rooms (up to 2 guests) with ensuite
- Double western rooms (up to 2 guests) with ensuite
- Tatami rooms with futons (up to 4 guests) with ensuite
- 6 bed mixed dormitory, 3 single bunk beds, utilises shared bathroom (showers and bath are just down the hall)
- 2 bedroom suite sleeps 4 to 6 in 2 adjoining rooms, 2 king size single beds plus tatami room with futons, ensuite bathroom
The twin western rooms can be booked as a single occupancy room for an additional cost (see Rates & Inclusions tab).
Most of the rooms have a private ensuite (apart from the bunk room) and there are 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.
The Tenjin Lodge team are wonderful hosts and you can't help but feel like you are at home!
Rates, Add-Ons & Inclusions
2027 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 |
174,000 |
290,000 |
162,000 |
270,000 |
| Twin Western |
174,000 |
290,000 |
162,000 |
270,000 |
| Single Occupancy Western |
194,000 |
323,000 |
180,000 |
300,000 |
| Bed in Bunk Room |
150,000 |
250,000 |
138,000 |
230,000 |
Rates Notes:
- Rates are per person in Japanese yen
- Rates are based on minimum group of 3 guests being guided.
- Subject to room types being available
- To check availability or any other questions, please get in touch
Inclusions
-
3/5 nights accommodation at Tenjin Lodge
-
3/5 breakfasts & dinners
-
3/5 days guiding at Mt T (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.