Tohoku Storm Chaser Itinerary
Days 1-4 base in the Morioka Area
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Days 5-8 base in Hakkoda Area
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Day 1: Meet the group!
Three options to meet up with the group
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Option 1: Meet at Hanamaki Airport (HNA) "Hana Shop and Cafe" on the first floor at 5:30pm
Option 2: Meet at Morioka Station South Exit by 6:45pm Morioka Station is a bullet train station located just over 2 hours from Tokyo. To get there by 6:45pm, we recommend catching the 4:20pm bullet train from Tokyo Station. Option 3: Meet the tour at the Daiwa Roynet Morioka Hotel at 7:30pm. How do you get there? See our Logistics page for more information. |
Days 2-5: Storm Chase in the Iwate region
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The area surrounding Morioka is exploding with ski hills in every direction. Depending on the conditions, we'll hit Geto Kogen, Tazawako, Hachimantai Panorama, Shizukuishi, Appi Kogen or one of the smaller Shimokura, Amihari or Iwate Snowpark ski hills. With so many options sometimes it can be hard to choose!
One of the days we'll hire out a CAT and ski down an abandoned ski hill. More info about what to expect from the CAT here. |
This section of the trip does involve a fair amount of driving. Every day you can expect to travel 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to a ski hill in one of our 4x4 Adventure Vans.
Each night we'll be heading back to the vibrant city of Morioka where we'll have reservations to the best local cuisine (see our food page here) and have an abundance of nightlife options, if that's what you're into.
On the evening of day 5 we'll pack up our things and head 2 hours north to Aomori--where the next destination of Hakkoda is located.
Days 6-7: Ski Hakkoda in Aomori
Hakkoda is one of best undiscovered gems left to be found in the Japow universe. In the same fashion as Asahidake in Hokkaido, Hakkoda is a single tram that opens up incredible backcountry terrain. Depending on where we want to go, one run can take 30 minutes or 3 hours, which is why we spend two days at this incredible hill. At Hakkoda, it's all about the quality of a run, not the quantity.
Our two days in Hakkoda are backcountry days which are accessed by a tram. 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 1-3 hours per day.
If you have your own touring equipment, you will definitely want to bring it for these two days. If you don't have your own gear we'll have snowshoes available for you to use along with an avalanche safety set which are available to rent at checkout.
More than just skiing, Aomori is a unique and interesting culture with its own traditions, dialect and yes--amazing local food. In this town we'll be eating sushi, seeing two musical performances and can even learn some traditional dances (participation optional!).
Our two days in Hakkoda are backcountry days which are accessed by a tram. 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 1-3 hours per day.
If you have your own touring equipment, you will definitely want to bring it for these two days. If you don't have your own gear we'll have snowshoes available for you to use along with an avalanche safety set which are available to rent at checkout.
More than just skiing, Aomori is a unique and interesting culture with its own traditions, dialect and yes--amazing local food. In this town we'll be eating sushi, seeing two musical performances and can even learn some traditional dances (participation optional!).
Day 8: The end of the tour
If you opt to buy the Tohoku JR East Rail Pass (which is the recommended option as see in Logistics), you can take the bullet train on the morning of the last day and be back at Tokyo by noon or Narita Airport (NRT) by 3:30pm.
Thinking of other endings? See advanced options here (i.e. Extend your ski holiday; take bullet train from Aomori to Hokkaido and ski Niseko, Furano, Sapporo Teine etc.)
Pro tip: If you're planning on staying in Tokyo for a few days at the end of the trip, note that you can mail your ski bag for about 2,000yen straight to the NRT or HND airports. That way you won't have to lug your bags around! More information on this is in the Logistics section.
Thinking of other endings? See advanced options here (i.e. Extend your ski holiday; take bullet train from Aomori to Hokkaido and ski Niseko, Furano, Sapporo Teine etc.)
Pro tip: If you're planning on staying in Tokyo for a few days at the end of the trip, note that you can mail your ski bag for about 2,000yen straight to the NRT or HND airports. That way you won't have to lug your bags around! More information on this is in the Logistics section.
