​The Tohoku Storm Chaser
​The Guided and Hosted Ski and Snowboard Trip Operating in the Tohoku region

• ​8-days, 7 nights, 6 hills, 2 bases, 1 CAT, 1-to-4 client ratio
• Best for Strong Intermediate to Advanced level riders/skiers
• 2 days of tram-accessed backcountry riding at the legendary Hakkoda Ropeway in Aomori
• Price: ¥379,000 (≈ $2,600) + 13% tax/fees
• Secure your spot with a 50% deposit

100+ five-star reviews on Facebook and Powder Hounds

TRIP CALENDAR

This video is made of scenes from the Tohoku Storm Chaser (the scene of the Cat is from our Hachimantai Cat Ski trip)

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.

Japan Ski Tours 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.

​We ski 6 different hills and base out of two main cities in the snowy frontier of Tohoku, Japan. Where we ski each day depends on where has the best snow.

​Could it get any better? Yes, because we've also thrown in a day of Cat skiing into the mix for the most epic ski trip cocktail you could get. 

Staying true to our mission of incorporating cultural experiences, authentic restaurants, and trip-hosting by capable staff, this is the next level tour for finding that hidden side of Japow you know exists, but can't seem to find.

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• Itinerary
• Inclusions
• Lodging
• Logistics
• Food

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Day 1: Meet and Greet
There are three options of where to meet the group. 
​

1. Meet at Hanamaki Airport "Hana Shop and Cafe" on the first floor at 5:30pm
2. Meet at Morioka Station South Exit by 6:45pm on day-one of your tour
3. Meet at our hotel in Morioka by 7:30pm on day-one of your tour

​Day 2-5: Storm Chase the Morioka Area
We spend 4 ski-days storm chasing in this region. Depending on the conditions, we choose from the powder buffet of Geto Kogen, Tazawako, Hachimantai Panorama, Shizukuishi, Appi Kogen or one of the smaller Shimokura, Amihari or Iwate Snowpark ski hills. On day 5 we'll transfer bases from Morioka to Aomori, which is about a 2.5 hour drive

Day 6-8: Ride the slack-country gem of Hakkoda

Hakkoda is one of best undiscovered gems left to be found in the Japow universe. Hakkoda is a single tram that opens up incredible backcountry terrain. Our Hakkoda experience is "slack-country" or "side-country", 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. 

Don't have touring gear? No problem, we've got snow shoes for you (although touring gear is much more fun!).
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Day 8: Drop off day
On the final day of this tour, guests are dropped off at the local bullet train station where most of our guests take a 3.5 hour high-speed train back to Tokyo. 

more on the itinerary

Included

All lodging. Our lodging is based on shared twin rooms

Daily breakfast featuring western and Japanese options 

All lift tickets at 6 different resorts for each of the 6 ski days

Our English speaking guides will navigate you to the best off-piste/side-country powder possible on any given day

Half day of Cat Skiing. Yes, fulfill your Cat fantasy as we hire out a Cat and ski down an abandoned ski hill (one of many in this region!). Cat skiing in Japan is different from North America--check out what to expect here. 

All transportation beginning with a pickup at Morioka Station, a stop on the bullet train line OR a pickup at Hanamaki Airport (HNA)

Daily dinner reservations at restaurants that serve different types of Japanese cuisine (participation optional but highly recommended!)

Not Included

International flights to/from Japan

Any rentals of ski, snowboard gear or avalanche safety equipment ​

Avalanche safety sets are required for any type of off piste guiding and are available to rent for an additional ¥15,000. Rental avalanche safety set includes backpack, beacon, shovel and probe.​​

Lunch, dinner, drinks and snacks are at your own discretion for this trip

Travel insurance: we recommend travel insurance with World Nomads

Lodging

​On the Tohoku Storm Chaser you'll stay in western-style, modern, clean accommodation which is centrally located and walking distance to downtown amenities. This makes a quick nightcap on the town or a local karaoke session a breeze. The daily buffet style breakfasts feature some local specialties with both Japanese and western options. 

• Pricing and occupancy are based on shared twin rooms 
• If you'd prefer to have your own room, please select this option during checkout. Single room occupancy is subject to availability and comes with a ¥4,000 per night surcharge. 
• Each room has its own private toilet and shower 
• Our hotels offer both Japanese and western options for breakfast every morning in a buffet style and also feature a lounge for a laid back après-ski
  

more on Lodging

Getting there
There are Three options of where to meet the group. 
​

1. Meet at Hanamaki Airport "Hana Shop and Cafe" on the first floor at 5:30pm
2. Meet at Morioka Station South Exit by 6:45pm on day-one of your tour
3. Meet at our hotel in Morioka by 7:30pm on day-one of your tour

​Getting back
On the last day of the tour, guests are put on the 10:39 bullet train bound for Tokyo with a connection to NRT airport, arriving there by 15:27. 

more on logistics

At Japan Ski Tours, we think that skiing is about more than just skiing--especially when you're in a country famous for its culinary delights. As a guide company run and operated by guides who have decades of experience living in Japan, we're excited to guide you to the best possible food in the evenings. 

Our criteria for selecting restaurants are: ​​

• We choose restaurants based on what food is regionally famous in the area and personally tested for authenticity by locals and our guides.
• We understand that not everyone has $70+ to spend on a meal--that's why we choose restaurants which meet a variety of price points, usually between $10-$40 per dinner not including drinks. ​​

more on food

more on inclusions

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​Hachimantai Cat Skiing
2 night/3 day trip, 2 Cat ski days

Introducing the most exciting new entrant to the Japow scene, the Hachimantai Cat. Hachimantai is a region of Tohoku known for getting loads of high quality powder. It also has famous hot springs, local food, and a rich history of hospitality.

Much of the terrain accessed from the Hachimantai Cat is alpine ridges and bowls with sections of nicely spaced trees. Depending on conditions, a 5-20 minute traverse or boot pack may be needed to get the best pow.

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