8-Day Tohoku Indy Trip Itinerary
This shows the flow of the trip; at a high level we start north and work our way south! Click on the image to view in google maps.
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Day 1: Arriving Logistics, Meet & Greet
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Arrive at Morioka Station at 2:45pm, meeting at the South Exit. After pickup, transfer to the Hachimantai Mountain hotel.
This group trip is facilitated by a dedicated JST Host who ensures everything runs smoothly from the very beginning. Upon arrival at Hachimantai Mountain Hotel, your Host will lead a trip orientation, setting expectations, outlining the flow of the journey, and offering guidance on how to be a respectful guest during your time in Japan. Your host will travel with the group for the full duration of the trip, coordinating logistics and ensuring seamless transitions between accommodations and ski resorts. You can see more on the Logistics page about the processes of arriving and departing on this trip. |
Day 2-3: Ski Shimokura and Panorama
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Shimokura is a local gem of the Hachimantai powder belt. This protected, east-facing bowl is known for consistent storms delivering light, high-quality snow. While the resort itself is small—with just three lifts—the tree skiing and accessible backcountry options offer more than enough terrain to keep you exploring all day. Your lift ticket also provides access to the beginner-friendly Panorama area, which is ski-in/ski-out from Hachimantai Mountain Hotel. From the hotel, guests can also take a 30-minute shuttle to ski at Appi Kogen (not on the Indy Pass). As one of Japan’s premier resorts, Appi is known for its dry powder, wide groomers, and long, sheltered tree-lined runs that ski exceptionally well in a variety of conditions. Lift ticket inclusion is for the Indy Pass resort Shimokura and Panorama. |
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Day 4: A quick ski day at Okunakayama Kogen on the way to Tazawako
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On the morning of Day 4, we check out of Hachimantai Mountain Hotel and make our way to Okunakayama Kogen for a ski session that breaks up the journey to Tazawako.
Okunakayama is a town-owned resort that often feels like a private mountain on weekdays, with little to no competition for fresh snow. Set on a protected east-facing slope, the resort features four lifts, quality snow, and a relaxed, local atmosphere. At the base, you’ll find traditional onsen hot springs and simple facilities serving classic Japanese fare. If you wrap up early, the gelato shop near the onsen parking area is well worth a stop! After skiing, we continue on to Tazawako—approximately a two-hour transfer. |
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Day 5-6: Ski Tazawako
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Host of the annual FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup, Tazawako offers a well-rounded experience with fast lifts, solid groomed runs, and a variety of terrain suited to all ability levels. Located on the western side of the range, it benefits from storms rolling in off the Sea of Japan, delivering consistent snowfall. Set above the stunning Lake Tazawa, the resort pairs great skiing with incredible views. After a second day on the slopes at Tazawako, we pack up and transfer approximately two hours to the “King of Snow,” Geto Kogen Ski Resort. |
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Day 7-8: Ski at Geto Kogen
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Geto Kogen consistently ranks among Japan’s snowiest resorts, with an average of around 50 feet of snowfall each season. Still relatively under the radar in the Japow scene, it offers an authentic, no-frills experience with frequent powder resets and minimal competition for fresh tracks.
Side-country / tree skiing: Excellent marked and maintained side-country terrain is available. For those looking to venture further, backcountry guiding can be arranged directly through the resort. After your final day of skiing (Day 8), we pack up and transfer to Kitakami Station for drop-off |
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Day 8: Drop off day
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On the final day, after skiing until 2:30pm, we pack up and head to Kitakami bullet train station for a 4:00pm drop off.
For more information on logistics, see the Logistics page. |
