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Ski more, Logistics less.
Customized hassle-free ski trips built with Indy Pass holders in mind

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The 8-Day Tohoku Indy Trip

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All of the skiing, none of the hassle.

Ride four Indy Pass member resorts on one epic road trip through Japan’s last ski frontier. No Indy Pass? No problem, this experience is open to all riders exploring the remote and uncrowded Tohoku region!
Includes 14 meals, 7 nights of great accommodation, all transfers to 4 different ski resorts and a JST trip facilitator joining you for the duration of the trip. Indy Pass members can use their pass for up to 7 days for free at partner ski resorts. 
Accommodation blends Japanese, Western, and fusion-style stays, each featuring in-house hot springs and representing some of the most refined and sought-after properties in the region.
As a journey through Tohoku’s remote northern regions, this trip takes you far from the crowds and deep into authentic local culture. From quiet ski hills to regional cuisine and character-filled accommodations, don't just ride Japan--feel it.
All lift tickets are included in the price of the trip. Indy Pass holders receive a discounted rate, as they will use their pass for free skiing at participating Indy Pass resorts.
As an unguided but fully facilitated group trip, each day is yours to design: ski, rest, explore, or unwind with a massage. While you’ll be traveling with a group, you’re free to engage as much or as little as you like.
You’re in good hands. A dedicated JST host travels with the group and manages every detail from start to finish, ensuring a smooth, seamless experience throughout the journey. They also organize optional game nights, happy hours, and casual get-togethers throughout!
Meet like-minded people: those who travel to Japan for great snow tend to have a lot in common. Connect with others who approach skiing and travel in a similar way, and you're likely to find yourself in good company on the slopes, over a beverage or possibly even at karaoke!
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View trip Dates
2027 Trip Dates 
January Dates
February Dates
8 - 15
5 - 12
14 - 21
8 - 15
17 - 24
11 - 18
20 - 27
20 - 27
23 - 30
23 - Mar 2
26 - Feb 2
  
View pricing
 
Price per Person
After Sept 1 (JPY)

Early-Bird Price per Person Book Before Sept 1 (JPY)
Early-Bird Price per Person
(USD)

Indy Pass Member
¥410,000
¥370,000
≈ $2,300
Standard
Guest
¥460,000
¥420,000
≈ $2,600
Prices go up on September 1, book before then to get the best rate on this trip!

  • Secure your spot with a 50% deposit; the remaining balance is due on December 1
  • All prices include 13% taxes and fees
  • What's included in this price? A lot! Check out all inclusions below.
cancellation policy
  • Up to 4 months before your trip date: 25% cancellation fee of entire trip price
  • 2-4 months before your trip date: 50% cancellation fee of entire trip price
  • Less than 2 months before your trip date: Cancellations made with less than two months of advanced notice will not be refunded. Unfortunately, due to the time-sensitive nature of our business, and the difficulty in re-booking a trip close to the departure date, we cannot make exceptions to this policy.
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Shopping by date? See calendar for all trips here

The Deets

The 8-day Tohoku Indy Trip is a seamless, logistics-first itinerary that lets you focus on exploring and skiing across four of Tohoku’s Indy partner resorts. Just make your way to the closest Bullet Train station and we’ll take it from there.

A dedicated JST Host travels with the group throughout, ensuring smooth transitions between accommodations and ski areas, while also helping you navigate the nuances of traveling and being a great guest in Japan.

We handle the structure, but each day is yours to shape—whether that means chasing turns at the resort, heading out for a mellow touring day, or taking a rest day to explore the local area.

Join with a group of like-minded riders as you road-trip through some of northern Japan’s best ski destinations. 
  • Included
  • Itinerary
  • Lodging
  • Logistics
  • Food
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Included

Seven nights of accommodation--three of which are ski-in/ski out!

​​All of our accommodations include in-hotel hot springs and are the swankiest options around! (see Lodging tab for details)
Four resorts on this trip are part of the Indy Pass, giving you the option to ski up to seven days using your pass! Don’t have one? No problem. Book as a Standard Guest and all lift tickets are included.

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

​14 authentic and delicious daily breakfasts and dinners serve Japanese, Western and fusion menu items all with the attention to detail that Japan is so famous for. 

​Enjoy an off site Japanese barbecue with locally sourced meat including Wagyu! 

​Experience a traditional Japanese musical/dance performance at your Ryokan accommodation on the final night!
Station-to-station charter vehicle transportation from Morioka bullet train station and ending at Kitakami bullet train station. From these locations, its just one easy (and fast) bullet train to Tokyo or points north like Hokkaido (more on this in the Logistics tab). 
All transfers between ski regions are handled by our privately chartered bus, shared with fellow Indy Trip guests. For stays at non ski-in/ski-out properties, JST provides a dedicated shuttle to and from the resort!
You’re in good hands. A dedicated JST host travels with the group and manages every detail from start to finish, ensuring a smooth, seamless experience throughout the journey. They also organize optional game nights, happy hours, and casual get-togethers throughout. 
Not Included

International flights to/from Japan

The Indy Pass is not included in the trip price and is not required to join this trip as a Standard Guest

Any rentals of ski or snowboard gear 

​Ski guiding is not included

Transportation logistics to/from the pickup and drop off locations for this package (more on this in the Logistics page)

Any snacks, drinks and lunches

Travel insurance: we recommend travel insurance with World Nomads
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day
1
Arrival Logistics: Pickup is at Morioka Station, followed by a transfer to Hachimantai Mountain Hotel—the slope-side base for both Panorama and Shimokura ski resorts. Your JST host will provide a trip orientation upon arrival.
Day
2-3
Ski Shimokura and Panorama ski areas, both easily accessed from your base at Hachimantai Mountain Hotel. Nearby Appi Kogen, while not on the Indy Pass, is also within reach and offers a worthwhile option if you’re looking to mix things up.
Day
4
Check out of the Mountain Hotel in the morning and transfer to Okunakayama Kogen (OK) for a day on the slopes, before continuing on to Tazawako by chartered bus. Accommodation in Tazawako is located a 15-minute private shuttle ride from the ski resort.
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See the full route on Google Maps here
Day
5
Ski Tazawako Kogen, host of the annual FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup. Set at the base of Mt. Komagatake, the resort offers solid vertical and sweeping views over Lake Tazawa—the deepest lake in Japan.
Day
6
After another full day at Tazawako, continue on to Geto Kogen, one of the snowiest resorts in Tohoku. For the final two nights, stay at a traditional Ryokan (Japanese traditional Inn) at the base area, with a 15-minute shuttle to the ski resort.
Day
7
Ride Geto Kogen Ski Resort—one of the snowiest resorts in Tohoku, often outperforming others across Japan. With marked side-country, unmarked backcountry for the adventurous (guide recommended), and well-maintained groomers, Geto offers something for every style of rider. Guided experiences can be arranged directly through the resort.
Day
8
After your final day at Geto, pack up and transfer to Kitakami Station for drop-off (see Logistics tab for full details).
DETAILED ITINERARY
MORE ON LODGING
All of our accommodations include in-hotel hot springs and WiFi; most have laundry facilities
The accommodation on this trip is a combination of Western and Japanese stay experiences. We'll stay three nights in 4-star accommodation and four nights in accommodation solidly in the 3-star+ range. Three nights are spent in ski in/ski out accommodation!

The hotel rooms are quite spacious by Japanese standards and are very comfortable, clean and cater to skiers very well. All hotels feature in-hotel hot springs, perfect for recovering after a full day of skiing! 

Nights 1-3: Hachimantai Mountain Hotel (4-star)
Nights 4-5: Tazawako Lake Resort (3-star)
Nights 6-7: Semi Onsen Ryokan (3-star)

  • Pricing and occupancy are based on shared twin rooms. This means that you will be sharing your room with another person in the group and yes, you will have separate beds! 
  • If you'd prefer to have your own room, please select this option during checkout. Single rooms are subject to availability and incur an additional ¥100,000 (≈US$620) cost per person. 
  • Each room has its own private toilet and shower 
  • Daily buffet breakfasts featuring western and Japanese options 
  • All of our hotels feature in-hotel Onsen (hot springs)!
​
MORE ON LODGING
For more on logistics including some great money saving tips, check out the button below!
MORE ON LOGISTICS
Getting there
​There are two options to meet the group:
Option 1: Meet at Morioka Bullet Train Station (South Exit) at 2:45pm; more on the Logistics page.
Option 2: Meet in the lobby of the Hachimantai Mountain Hotel at 4:00pm 

Getting back

Note that the ending point is different from the starting point on this trip!
Drop off at Kitakami Bullet Train Station at 4:00pm; more on the Logistics page.
Rental skis

We recommend bringing your own skis or snowboard for the best experience. However, if you prefer to travel light, decent-quality rental equipment is available at each resort.
MORE ON LOGISTICS
This trip includes daily breakfast and dinner, served at your accommodation. Each property takes pride in the quality and authenticity of its cuisine, offering a consistently high standard throughout your stay.
While some familiar Western options are typically available, the focus is on a wide variety of healthy Japanese dishes—such as sushi, rice-based donburi, seasonal mountain vegetables, assorted miso soups, and pork shabu-shabu, among others.

JST will also host a group dinner at a local Japanese barbecue restaurant during your stay in Hachimantai. The meal features a spread of locally sourced pork, chicken, vegetables, and of course, Wagyu, Japan’s famed melt-in-your-mouth beef. Vegetarian and seafood options are available for those who prefer an alternative.

During the final two nights of your stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan, both breakfast and dinner will feature locally sourced, authentic Japanese cuisine prepared with care and attention to detail.

The meals are not only satisfying, but also nourishing—designed to leave you feeling well taken care of throughout your stay.
Please note that dietary requirements such as vegan or gluten-free are difficult to accommodate in Japan, and options may be especially limited during the ryokan portion of the trip.

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JAPAN SKI TOURS IS FEATURED IN
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​Unofficial Networks | July 6, 2023
Condé Nast Traveler | March 29, 2023
Vail Daily | February 2, 2023
Ski Asia Magazine | April, 2024

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Tohoku Storm Chaser
8-Days, up to 6 ski hills including 1 Cat Ski day
Tohoku is the most recent discovery in the Japan ski scene. Reminiscent of now famous resort areas like Niseko 15 years ago, the Tohoku region has lots of pow and no lines.

8 years ago we went out and found the most untracked, uncrowded and unknown ski hills in the Tohoku region and put them on a platter right here, on the 8-day Tohoku Storm Chaser Trip.

Staying true to our mission of incorporating cultural experiences, authentic restaurants, and trip-hosting, this is the next level trip for finding that hidden side of Japow you know exists, but can't seem to find.
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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 2025 - ​株式会社 ​
  • Private Trips
    • Niseko Area Guiding & Instructing
    • Private Hokkaido Storm Chaser 7-Day
    • Tohoku Guiding (Ani Backcountry)
    • Hakkoda Guiding Packages
  • Group Trips
    • Hokkaido Storm Chaser 7-Day
    • Hokkaido Indy Trip 9-Day
    • Tohoku Indy Trip 10 Day
    • Tohoku Indy Trip 8 Day
  • Anaba Lodge
  • 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
    • The Guides
    • In the Press
    • Reviews
    • Skier ability level
  • Contact Us