9-Day Nagano Indy Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Logistics, Meet & Greet
There are three options to meet the group:
(You can see more on the Logistics page about where and how to meet up!)
Trip orientation will be provided by your JST host upon arrival at Maiko Kogen Hotel. This trip is led by a JST host who will facilitate and ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish. Your host will be with the group throughout the trip, coordinating logistics and ensuring smooth transitions between each accommodation and ski resort. |
You can see the trip flow in Google Maps here.
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Day 2-4: Ride Maiko Kogen, Kagura, and Kandatsu resorts from our slope-side hotel
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From our ski-in/out base at Maiko Kogen Hotel, we’ll explore Indy Pass member Maiko Kogen Snow Resort. Known for its consistent snowfall and wide-open terrain, it’s a great place to hunt for soft snow and rack up fresh tracks, with playful off-piste options alongside nicely groomed runs, and with true ski-in/ski-out access, it’s an ideal mellow start to the trip.
The following day, we travel 45 minutes down the road to Kagura Ski Resort. Known for its reliable snowfall and expansive, interconnected terrain, Kagura is a powder magnet offering wide-open bowls, tree skiing, and easy sidecountry access, making it one of the most consistently deep and snow-sure resorts in the region. For dinner on Day 3, we'll take a break from our yummy hotel buffet and head to a locally-run excellent sushi restaurant in town! On Day 4, we check out of our hotel in the morning and head to Kandatsu Snow Resort, a much-loved local hill known for its lively atmosphere, well-groomed runs, terrain parks, and modern facilities. We’ll depart at 3:00pm for a two-hour transfer to our next ski-in/out accommodation at the base of Indy Pass member Kijimadaira, officially known as “The Cupid of Romance” (you can’t make this stuff up!). |
Day 5-6: Ski Kijimadaira (a.k.a. “The Cupid of Romance”) and the interconnected Kijima Snow Park, with an additional day at Togari Onsen or Nozawa Onsen—all from our slope-side hotel
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From our ski-in/ski-out base we'll ride Kijimadaira, immediately outside of our 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 laid-back powder experience without the crowds.
It’s also connected to Kijima Snow Park, which features a quality terrain park and a competition-ready half pipe for anybody looking to mix in some freestyle! After two nights at our quirky and fun hotel, we check out 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 farther. 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 laidback local vibe, it’s the kind of place where fresh tracks stick around long after a storm. We'll depart at 3:30pm from Togari Onsen, 4:00pm from Nozawa Onsen, and head to our 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 7-9: Ski out of Shibu Onsen, a hot springs village with a 1,300-year history.
Experience a Maiko performance, eat Japanese BBQ, and say hi to hot springs monkeys
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On Day 7, we'll travel 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 tram that delivers you above the clouds and can't be missed if you're in the region!
In the evening we'll venture out of our 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. On Day 8, we’ll travel 45 minutes by private chartered bus to Yakebitaiyama, arguably the best and least crowded of the “must-ride” resorts in Shiga Kogen. 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, we'll experience a traditional Maiko (similar to Geisha) performance in our 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!
In the evening, we'll experience a traditional Maiko (similar to Geisha) performance in our 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: Ski Togakushi, Drop-off Logistics
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On our final day, we check out of our 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.
We’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. For more information on logistics, see the Logistics page. |
