Autumn
Customizable
Japan Ski Package
Tohoku Storm Chaser
Tour Code: JS-074G
8
Days
7
Nights
winterChase Japan’s Deepest Powder in Tohoku: Untouched Slopes, Unforgettable Adventure.
Tohoku is Japan’s latest ski frontier—reminiscent of Niseko 15 years ago, with deep powder and barely a crowd in sight. Japan Ski Tours has handpicked the region’s most untouched slopes for the 8-day Tohoku Storm Chaser, including a half-day of Cat skiing in a private zone.
This tour is for advanced skiers and riders with 10+ days on AT gear. Touring setups (AT skis/splitboards) are required—rentals available at checkout.
Itinerary
8
Days
7
Nights
We ski six resorts, basing out of two cities in snowy Tohoku. Each day’s destination depends on where the snow is best. While lift-accessed powder is ideal, we’ll hike for fresh tracks if needed.
And yes—it gets even better: the tour includes a half-day of Cat skiing for the ultimate Japow experience.
With cultural experiences, local food, and expert hosts, this is the tour for skiers chasing Japan’s hidden powder paradise.
*SKI Touring experience required? Yes--at least 10 days on ski touring equipment is required before showing up!
Morioka Station
There are two options to meet the group:
Meet at Morioka Station South Exit by 2:45pm on day-one of your tour
Meet in the lobby of the Hachimantai Mountain Hotel (near Appi Kogen) at 4:00pm
Breakfast
The Hachimantai Mountain Hotel or similar
We spend 4 ski-days storm chasing in this region. Depending on the conditions, we choose from the powder buffet of Geto Kogen, Tazawako, Hachimantai Panorama, Shizukuishi, Appi Kogen or one of the smaller Shimokura, Amihari or Iwate Snowpark ski hills.
Our aim is to ski the best, easiest access powder. If conditions warrant, we'll switch into touring mode and tour here and there to access the best possible powder.
BreakfastThe Hachimantai Mountain Hotel or similar
Hakkoda is one of best undiscovered gems left to be found in the Japow universe. Hakkoda is a single tram that opens up incredible backcountry terrain. Our Hakkoda experience is "slack-country" or "side-country", that means that, while the tram takes care of 90% of elevation gain, we'll still be hiking anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes per run on terrain that varies from flat traverses to moderate climbs. Since we'll be doing 2 runs per day, that means we'll be touring for between 1-2 hours per day.
BreakfastThe Hachimantai Mountain Hotel or similar
Depending on the conditions, we choose from the powder buffet of Geto Kogen, Tazawako, Hachimantai Panorama, Shizukuishi, Appi Kogen or one of the smaller Shimokura, Amihari or Iwate Snowpark ski hills.
Our aim is to ski the best, easiest access powder. If conditions warrant, we'll switch into touring mode and tour here and there to access the best possible powder.
BreakfastThe Hachimantai Mountain Hotel or similar
On day 5 we'll transfer bases from Hachimantai to Aomori, which is about a 2.5 hour drive.
BreakfastTBA
Hakkoda is one of best undiscovered gems left to be found in the Japow universe. Hakkoda is a single tram that opens up incredible backcountry terrain. Our Hakkoda experience is "slack-country" or "side-country", that means that, while the tram takes care of 90% of elevation gain, we'll still be hiking anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes per run on terrain that varies from flat traverses to moderate climbs. Since we'll be doing 2 runs per day, that means we'll be touring for between 1-2 hours per day.
Don't have touring gear? No problem, we've got rental options for both AT skis and Splitboards during the checkout process. Ability level note: guests need to have logged 10 days on AT equipment before showing up!
BreakfastTBA
For the second part of the trip, you'll stay in a centrally located hotel which is walking distance to downtown amenities. This makes a quick nightcap on the town or a local karaoke session a breeze.
BreakfastTBA
Drop off day
We drop off the group at Shin-Aomori bullet train station at 10am
On the final day of this tour, guests are dropped off at the local bullet train station where most of our guests take a 3.5 hour high-speed train back to Tokyo.
BreakfastAccommodations
Tohoku Storm Chaser Lodging
This tour includes two unique Japanese-style stays. First, enjoy a peaceful hot springs hotel at the base of Mt. Iwate. Later, stay in a centrally located hotel within walking distance of downtown, perfect for exploring nightlife or enjoying karaoke.
Both hotels offer daily buffet breakfasts with local specialties and both Japanese and Western options.
Pricing is based on twin-room sharing. Single rooms are available for solo travelers or odd-numbered groups at checkout, subject to availability, with a supplement of ¥100,000 (≈US$700) for all seven nights.
Hachimantai (Appi Kogen) Area
The Hachimantai Mountain Hotel or similar
Enjoy an Active Vacation Surrounded by Beautiful Nature!
Welcome to the Hachimantai Mountain Hotel, offering stunning views of two scenic mountains listed in the One Hundred Mountains of Japan, Mt. Iwate and Mt. Hachimantai.
Surrounded by breathtaking scenery across all four seasons, visitors can enjoy a variety of dynamic activities, including trekking, walking, skiing, snowboarding, and more.
Hakkoda Area
TBA
We stay in the heart of Northern Tohoku--Aomori. Isolated from mainstream Japan for most of its existence, the people of Aomori have their own deep traditions, dialect and let's not forget about the food!
Notes
Ability level note: guests need to have logged 10 days on AT equipment before showing up
Accommodations
7 nights lodging. The lodging is based on shared twin rooms
Meals
Daily breakfasts featuring western and Japanese cuisine
All seven dinners are included in the price of this trip! Dinners are a special part of this trip--check out full details on what's on the menu here!
Tickets
All lift tickets at 6 resorts for each of the 6 ski days
Guide
Our English speaking guides will navigate you to the best off-piste/side-country powder possible every day
Half day of Cat Skiing. We hire out a Cat and ski down an abandoned ski hill!. Cat skiing in Japan is different from North America--check out what to expect here.
Transportation
All transportation beginning with a pickup at Morioka station and drop off at Shin Aomori station.
Airfares
International Airfares
Meals
Meals that are not included in the itinerary
Note that drinks are not included
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Others
Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
Private tour can be arranged for 4 people or more. (Up to 8 people)
High quality Voile Touring Skis and Splitboards are available to rent for the 8-day Tohoku Storm Chaser. See information below and reserve your sweet sticks!
Note that touring gear is required for the Tohoku Storm Chaser trip! While lift-access powder is the goal, we'll put in some work to get those freshies if we need to. Touring rigs (AT skis/split boards) can be rented below.
Voile Rental Skis (with AT setup) 8-day rental : 37,000JPY
Voile Rental Splitboards 8-day rental : 37,000JPYJapan Ski Tours reserves the right to direct guests to on-piste terrain if your guide determines that a guests skill level is insufficient to safely navigate off piste terrain and natural hazards on any group trip. JST guides will not provide on-piste guiding (on groomers and in-bounds runs) for the weaker skier/rider but rather focus on skiing more challenging off-piste terrain with those who are capable. Refunds will not be offered in the event of this occurrence.
Your guide is not a ski instructor and will not be providing instruction on how to improve form, etc aside from perhaps a few anecdotal tips here and there.
Neither of our Storm Chaser trips include a "mountain host". The JST guides are there to provide guiding on lift-accessed, off-piste terrain, not to guide on groomers.
If you're planning on going into the side country (which is the same as backcountry terrain, just accessed by a lift), you'll need to know how to use an Avalanche Safety Set before you show up, since it takes about 2 days to get fully acquainted with it. While your guide isn't an avalanche instructor, he'll be glad to provide refreshers and pointers on how to use the devices.
In general, we expect guests to be fairly proficient in off piste terrain - you don't necessarily have to have the best form or style but need to be capable of making your way down safely before you come on any of our trips.
Craft Your Unforgettable Japan Ski Adventure
Off-piste thrills, deep powder, and cozy retreats await. Contact us for a custom ski adventure.
