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Ski more, logistics less.

Peace of mind COVID Policy: For our Indy Pass customers, reservations can be secured with a ¥40,000 (≈US$350) deposit, fully refundable until August 31, '22. For more details on our COVID policy see our terms and conditions page here

Ski Packages for Indy Pass Holders

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While the mainstream resorts on the "Japow" circuit are easy to find and filled with skiers jostling for fresh lines, the smaller independent resorts have classically been off limits to all but the most adventurous riders due to language and logistics barriers.

With the partnership of Indy and Japan Ski Tours however, skiers can now venture into the frontier of the Japanese ski scene with ease.

New for the '23 season, Japan Ski Tours now has self-guided packages and fully guided powder road trips custom built for Indy Pass holders. Self guided packages arrange all your logistics for you so that you can focus on what matters--skiing Japan's best independent resorts using your Indy Pass.

Take your Indy Pass and see Japan's Independent side.

  • 10-day Package
  • 7-day Package
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The 10-day Indy Pass Package

  • 16 meals, 9 nights, 6 ski resorts, all transfers and nine ski days covered by the Indy Pass
  • 5 nights of ski-in/out accommodation
  • Stay in a snowy mountain Ryokan--a traditional Japanese Inn
  • All door-to-door transportation is handled by private vehicle transfers shared only with other Indy Passers like you
  • Accommodation incorporates Japanese, Western and fusion stay experiences, all of which feature in-hotel hot springs and are the swankiest options around! (see Lodging tab for details)
  • Price from: ¥291,000+tax (≈ $2,600+tax) secure your spot with a ¥40,000 deposit (≈ $360)
The 10-day Package is an itinerary that handles all of your logistics so that you can use your Indy Pass at all six participating resorts. Just book your travel to HNA Airport or Morioka Bullet Train Station and our staff will pick you up and get your trip started.

This is a self-guided trip but you'll be well taken care of! A bilingual JST Host will ensure you're all settled on day one and you'll be sharing private vehicle transportation with other Indy Passers from all over the world. We handle the logistical outline and you'll fill in the content with the activities you choose for that day; whether its an action-packed day at the resort, a mellow day of ski touring, or a rest day to scope out the local attractions.

CHECK AVAILABILITY
  • Rough Outline
  • Itinerary
  • Included
  • Lodging
  • Logistics
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The rough outline:

9 nights of accommodation--5 of which are ski-in/out

Stay in a Ryokan--a traditional Japanese inn which is a MUST on your Japan travel experience

Use your Indy Pass to ski up to 9 days for free at 6 different ski resorts
16 authentic and delicious daily breakfasts and dinners provided by your accommodation which serves Japanese, Western and fusion menu items all with the attention to detail that Japan is so famous for
Door to door private vehicle transportation from the start and end points of the trip beginning with HNA Airport and ending at a major bullet train station with direct access to Tokyo or points north like Hokkaido
Transport provided by private vehicle, shared with other Indy Passers for major legs of the journey. Hotel shuttles are provided for the two non ski-in hotels
You're in good hands. Our guests receive a bilingual support number--if you run into a problem on your trip, our bilingual staff will be on call to help you out!
Day 1: Arriving Logistics. Pickup is either at Morioka Bullet Train Station or HNA Airport (more details in the Logistics tab)

Day 2-3

Ride Geto Kogen; Geto gets a massive amount of snow, sometimes outperforming all other resorts in the country. Geto offers marked side-country runs and unmarked backcountry for the adventurous, as well as standard groomers.

Day 3

After your day of skiing, pack up and head to Tazawako by private vehicle. Accommodation in Tazawako is located 5 minutes shuttle from the slopes--arrange ski resort pickups/drop offs at your preferred times with the hotel.

Day 4-5

Ski Tazawako Kogen. Site of the Annual FIS Freestyle Ski Worldcup Competition, Tazawako ski resort is located at the base of Mt. Komagatake and offers great vertical and great views of the deepest lake in Japan.
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See the full map on Google Maps here

Day 5

After your day of skiing, pack up and head to the Hachimantai Mountain Hotel which is the slope-side hotel for both Panorama and Shimokura ski resorts.

Day 6-7

Day 6-7: Ski Shimokura and Panorama ski hills. The Mountain Hotel is also close to Appi Kogen, a ski resort which isn't on the Indy Pass but could be a worthwhile option to ski as long as you're in the area. There is also a nearby Cat ski operation and backcountry touring area nearby.
Day 8
Day 8: Check out of Mountain Hotel in the morning and transfer to Okunakayama Kogen (OK) for a day of riding before completing the journey to Aomori Spring Resort where we stay at the slope-side Rock Wood hotel.
Day 9-10
Ski Aomori Spring Resort. This Resort is located at the base of the epic Mt. Iwaki and offers rowdy terrain for backcountry goers looking for a thrill. Guide recommended!
Day 10: After skiing, pack up and transfer to the drop off points of either AOJ Airport or Shin-Aomori Bullet Train Station (more details in the Logistics tab).
Included:
  • 9 nights of accommodation, 5 of which are located at ski-in/out hotels.
  • Use your Indy Pass for 9 free ski days at each of the six resorts
  • All transportation beginning with a pickup at either Morioka Bullet Train Station or HNA Airport and a drop off at Shin-Aomori Bullet Train Station or AOJ Airport
  • 16 authentic and delicious daily breakfasts and dinners provided by the some of the swankiest hotels in the region. The hotels serve Japanese, Western and fusion menu items.

Not included:
  • International flights to/from Japan
  • Transportation logistics to/from the pickup and drop off locations for this package
  • Any rentals of ski or snowboard gear 
  • Backcountry guiding or Cat skiing in the Hachimantai area (available for reservations separately)
  • Snacks, drinks and lunch
  • Travel insurance: we recommend travel insurance with World Nomads
The accommodation we experience on this trip is a combination of Western and Japanese experiences. All hotels feature in-hotel hot springs and two of them are ski in/out. All hotels are solidly in the three-star range and are very comfortable, clean and cater to skiers very well. Advertised prices are based on shared twin room accommodation.


Nights 1-2: Semi Onsen Ryokan @ Geto Kogen

Start your trip by staying in a Ryokan--a traditional Japanese Inn. This Ryokan boasts 3 different hot springs inside the hotel; each offering their own respective health benefits.

All food prepared at this Ryokan is locally sourced authentic Japanese cuisine with options for the less adventurously inclined!

Rooms have private toilets and sinks; bathing facilities are shared.

This Ryokan is located a 15 minute shuttle bus ride to Geto Kogen. The shuttle is free and runs a regular schedule.

All of our accommodation includes hot springs, Wi-Fi and en-suite restrooms.

Nights 3-4: Tazawako Resort New Sky @ Tazawako

Located a 5 minute shuttle ride from the Tazawako resort base, and offers a hybrid Japanese/Western fusion accommodation experience.

Rooms incorporate the best elements of both Western and Japanese sensibilities providing a soft landing into the local aesthetic for the uninitiated.

The shuttle to the ski hill is on an "on-demand" basis and is flexible.

All of our accommodation includes hot springs, Wi-Fi and en-suite restrooms.

Nights 5-7: Hachimantai Mountain Hotel

Nestled at the bottom of Mt. Iwate, this hotel is ski-out to Panorama resort and connected to Shimokura by a 10 minute free shuttle ride.

Located in the skier playground of Hachimantai, Indy Pass holders can ski at Panorama and Shimokura for free, as well as receive discounts on backcountry guiding, Cat skiing and even pop over to Appi Kogen Resort which is connected to this hotel by bus service.

All of our accommodation includes hot springs, Wi-Fi and en-suite restrooms.

Nights 8-9: Rockwood Hotel & Spa

The Rockwood Hotel at Aomori Spring Resort offers 3.5 star deluxe western style accommodation. The lovely hotel offers views to the Sea of Japan in one direction and up to Mount Iwaki and the national park in the other.

All rooms feature en-suite bathrooms and showers. Breakfast is a variety buffet featuring both Western and Japanese options.

All of our accommodation includes hot springs, Wi-Fi and en-suite restrooms.
Getting to the pickup location
There are two options of where you can start your trip. 
​
  1. Meet at Morioka Bullet Train Station South Exit by 4:30pm on day 1 of your trip
  2. Meet at Hanamaki Airport "Hana Shop and Cafe" on the first floor at 5:30pm. This airport is tiny so the meeting area will be easy to find.

Getting back at the end of your trip

This itinerary ends with a drop off at either AOJ Airport at 5:30pm or Shin-Aomori Bullet Train Station at 6:15pm.
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Meet up location in HNA Airport
CHECK AVAILABILITY

The 7-day Indy Pass Package

  • 11 meals, 6 nights, 3 ski resorts, all transfers and six ski days on the Indy Pass
  • 4 nights of ski-in/out accommodation
  • All door-to-door transportation is handled by private vehicle transfers
  • Accommodation incorporates Western, Japanese and fusion stay experiences, all of which feature in-hotel hot springs and are the swankiest options around! (see Lodging tab for details)
  • Price: ¥230,000+tax (≈ $2,080+tax), secure your spot with a ¥40,000 deposit (≈ $360)

The 7-day Package is an itinerary that handles all of your logistics so that you can use your Indy Pass at three of the four participating resorts. Just book your travel to HNA airport and our staff will pick you up and get your trip started.

As a self-guided trip, we'll handle the logistical outline and you fill in the content with the activities you choose for that day; whether its an action-packed day at the resort, a mellow day of ski touring, or a rest day to scope out the local attractions.

CHECK AVAILABILITY
  • Rough Outline
  • Itinerary
  • Included
  • Lodging
  • Logistics
<
>

The rough outline:

  • 6 nights of accommodation--4 of which are ski-in/out (the other two are a 5 minute drive)
  • Use your Indy Pass to ski 6 days for free.
  • 11 authentic and delicious daily breakfasts and dinners provided by your accommodation which serves Japanese, Western and fusion menu items all with the attention to detail that Japan is so famous for
  • Door to door private vehicle transportation from the start and end points of the trip beginning with HNA Airport and ending at a major bullet train station with direct access to Tokyo or points north like Hokkaido
  • All private transportation via private vehicle for every leg of your trip
  • You're in good hands. Our customers receive a bilingual support number--if you run into a problem on your trip, our bilingual staff will be on call to help you out!



  • Day 1: This trip starts at HNA airport at 5:30pm. From there we transfer to Geto Kogen via private vehicle. Slope-side accommodation at Geto is Western style and will be a comfortable first foray into Japan. A hot spring with both indoor and outdoor bathing options is available for all guests.

  • Day 2-3: Ride Geto Kogen; Geto gets a massive amount of snow, sometimes outperforming all other resorts in the country. Geto offers marked side-country runs and unmarked backcountry for the adventurous, as well as standard groomers.

Picture
See the full map on Google Maps here
  • Day 3: After your day of skiing, pack up and head to Tazawako by private vehicle. Accommodation in Tazawako is located 5 minutes drive from the slopes--the hotel will arrange ski resort pickups/drop offs at your preferred times.

  • Day 4-5: Ski Tazawako Kogen. Site of the Annual FIS Freestyle Ski Worldcup Competition, Tazawako ski resort is located at the base of Mt. Komagatake and offers great vertical and great views of the deepest lake in Japan.
 
  • Day 5: After your day of skiing, pack up and head to the Hachimantai Mountain Hotel which is the slope-side hotel for both Panorama and Shimokura ski resorts.
 
  • Day 6-7: Ski Shimokura and Panorama ski hills. The Mountain Hotel is also close to Appi Kogen, a ski resort which isn't on the Indy Pass but could be a worthwhile option to consider as long as you're in the area. There is also a nearby Cat ski operation and backcountry touring area. Special deals are available for backcountry and Cat skiing for Indy Pass holders.
 
  • Day 7: After your day of skiing, pack up and transfer to Iwate-Numakunai Station which is a bullet train station with high speed access to Tokyo and points northward including Hokkaido
Included:
  • 6 nights of accommodation, 4 of which are located at ski-in/out hotels.
  • Use your Indy Pass for 6 free ski days at each of the three resorts
  • All transportation beginning with an airport pick up at HNA Airport at the beginning of the trip and a drop off at Iwate-Numakunai Bullet Train Station at the end of the trip
  • 11 authentic and delicious daily breakfasts and dinners provided our swanky(ish) hotels. The hotels serve both Japanese and Western food options.

Not included:
  • International flights to/from Japan
  • Transportation logistics to/from the pickup and drop off locations for this package
  • Any rentals of ski or snowboard gear 
  • Backcountry guiding or Cat skiing in the Hachimantai area (available for reservations separately)
  • Snacks, drinks and lunch
  • Travel insurance: we recommend travel insurance with World Nomads


Nights 1-2: Gou Premium Stay @ Geto Kogen

Premium Stay Gou is an amazing accommodation with slope views right in front of you! If you open the curtains, the slope is right there!!

The rooms are located in the Geto Centre Dome where you can use the Onsen facility located at the Geto Camp 88.

Dining options include a Japanese restaurant located in the same building and a shared kitchen and dining area for guest use.



Nights 3-4: Tazawako Resort New Sky @ Tazawako

Located a 5 minute shuttle ride from the Tazawako resort base, New Sky offers a hybrid Japanese/Western fusion accommodation experience.

Rooms incorporate the best elements of both western and Japanese sensibilities providing a soft landing into the local aesthetic for the uninitiated.

All of our accommodation includes hot springs, Wi-Fi and en-suite restrooms.

This is the only accommodation that's not ski-in/out. The shuttle to the ski hill is on an "on-demand" basis and is flexible.


Nights 5-6: Hachimantai Mountain Hotel

Nestled at the base of the elegant Mt. Iwate, this hotel is ski-out to Panorama resort and connected to Shimokura by a 10 minute free shuttle ride.

Located in the skier playground of Hachimantai, Indy Pass holders can ski at Panorama and Shimokura for free, as well as receive discounts on backcountry guiding, Cat skiing and even pop over to Appi Kogen Resort which is connected to this hotel by bus service.

All of our accommodation includes hot springs, Wi-Fi and en-suite restrooms.
The Getting to the pickup location
There are two options of where you can start your trip. 
​
  1. Meet at Hanamaki Airport "Hana Shop and Cafe" on the first floor at 5:30pm. This airport is tiny so the meeting area will be easy to find.
  2. Meet at Morioka Station South Exit by 6:45pm on day 1 of your trip

Getting back at the end of your trip

This itinerary ends with a drop off at Iwate-Numakunai Station, which is a bullet train station with direct access to Tokyo and points north including Hokkaido. The exact time of the drop off can be coordinated with the driver, but it ranges from afternoon to evening.
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Japan Ski Tours is an ANTA certified and licensed Japanese travel agency, registered in Tokyo, Japan
Travel Agency License No. 2-6983
Japan Ski Tours, Japan Guides Group Copyright 2019 - ​株式会社 ​
  • Trips
    • 7-Day Hokkaido Storm Chaser
    • 8-Day Tohoku Storm Chaser
    • Indy Packages
    • Private Guiding in Tohoku
    • Skier ability level
  • Cat Skiing
    • Hachimantai CAT Skiing
    • Shizukuishi CAT Skiing
  • Ski Japan
    • Ski Tohoku Region
    • Ski Hokkaido
    • Ski Nagano/Niigata
    • When and where to ski Japow
    • Japow Weather Patterns >
      • Japan Powder and La Nina
      • Japan Powder and El Nino
  • About
    • Japan Ski Tours
    • Our Team
    • In the Press
    • Reviews
  • COVID-19
  • Contact Us