3-day backcountry skiing in Tohoku, northern Honshu

Tohoku, on the northernmost part of Honshu island, is known as the last frontier for backcountry skiing in Japan. Join Kenichi, a local JMGA mountain guide for 3 days of BC skiing in this remote location.

3 Days

Jan - Apr

Intermediate

Description

Welcome to the remote ski fields of Japan's Tohoku region and enjoy a wonderful backcountry skiing experience!

Tohoku lies at the northeastern end of the main island of Honshu and it's only 2 hours away from Tokyo by bullet train.

The starting point for our 3-day trip will be Morioka city. From there, I'll take you to enjoy the mountains of the Iwate and Akita prefectures, both famous for their heavy snow.

I'll choose the best location for each day depending on weather and snow conditions.

Besides, there are several historical and famous Onsen (hot springs) in these mountains, such as Matsukawa Onsen and Nyuto Onsen. Relaxing in this onsen every night after skiing will be an added bonus!

In addition, Morioka City has a variety of restaurants including traditional options and many other options, including religious and vegan options.

Some details about skiing in Tohoku

In Iwate prefecture we will ski mainly in the Hachimantai and Geto Kogen ski resorts. Geto Kogen is particularly famous for its deep and heavy snow!

Hachimantai area: 1 hr drive from Morioka city. We will hike up to the summit of Mt. Chausu (1578 m) and do some freeride skiing.
Geto Kogen ski resort: 1.5 hour drive from Morioka City. Hike up 20-30 mins from top of ski area for backcountry ski. This course includes tree runs. Skiers have to hike up again for 1 hr to go back to the start.
If the weather is not good, we will go ski in Shimokura Ski resort, Nawabari Ski resort and use the lifts and ski in the tree areas instead.
In Akita prefecture, we will go to the Mt. Akita Komagatake and Lake Tazawa ski resorts.
Mt. Akita Komagatake: 1 hr drive from Morioka City. Ascend using a caterpillar (3600 yen 1 person) to the top of the mountain and then hike up to the summit. Clear weather is rare in winter. So, if you are lucky, you can stand on the summit and enjoy the stunning views below.

Are you ready to explore these remote area in an exciting backcountry ski trip? Please contact me, I will be very happy to be your guide!

For other ski trips in Japan, you should also take a look at this freeride skiing in Gunma & Nigata programme.

Price includes

Guiding fee
Transportation start and back

Price details

Not included:
Transport during tour (12000jpy)
Road tolls (1500 jpy per day if applicable)
Accommodation
Lift tickets or snowcat(if applicable)
Guide expenses (accommodation , lift ticket or snow cat)

Details

More info

Required level: able to ski in deep powder snow Fitness level: able to skin up for 2 hours Equipment: avalanche and touring gear (skis with ski touring bindings, skins) You can rent: avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel) Excluded: Accommodation costs for ski tourists and guide. ski lift, caterpillar tracked vehicle fee (if we use) Price for weekends: group of 1~5 JPY 50000 per day, 6 people JPY 60000 per day

Meeting point

Your hotel in Morioka City on the night prior to the ski tour next day for group briefing (if possible) or Morioka Station

FAQs

Can I rent skis with touring bindings and boots ?

It’s not available now. If you need them, contact us.

Can I rent the avalanche gears?

Yes, you can. I rent you avalanche transceivers and probes and shovels.

Can you pick up at the train station or airport?

I will pick you up at Morioka station. You can access by SHINKANSEN.

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration

Dormy Inn Hirosaki Hirosaki Japan

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Hotel Route Inn Hirosaki Jo Honkan Hirosaki Japan

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Hotel Select Inn Hirosaki Hirosaki Japan

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About the guide

Kenichi

5.0

(9)

Mountain Guide

I'm a ski and mountain guide from the Japanese Mountain Guide Association (JMGA). I guide backcountry skiing, mountaineering, hiking and canyon climbing (Sawanobori) mainly on Honshu, the main island of Japan.
When I was younger, I spent a couple of years in Canada and in Salt Lake City skiing and working as a rafting guide, as well as spent 2 summer seasons in Switzerland as a hiking guide.

I started backcountry ski guiding when I based myself in Minakami and started one of the first backcountry ski guide companies in the area in 2002. I'm travelling every year to Europe and North America for ski trip with my clients.

Please contact me if you wish to come to Japan and would like to enjoy our beautiful environment while doing an exciting outdoor activity.

Certificates

JMGA

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What people are saying about this trip

Conor

Great trip! Kenichi was an amazing guide — both in the backcountry and as a local guide suggesting restaurants, onsens, etc. Highly recommend!

Robert

Kenichi is an incredible guide. Despite less than ideal conditions he found us fresh snow and great runs. He also helped with logistical glitches that cropped up and made sure we ate great food as well. He’s a great guy and we look forward to planning more adventures! We are extremely grateful for the time we had with him.

Anonymous

Keni was an unbelievable guide, not only on the mountain but also in town during the night. An additional comment was he supported us post tour as he was still in the area. Much appreciated everything he did.

Guillaume