Japan Ski and Culture for Beginners and Novices

Ryokan Yumoto (Deluxe): We’re incredibly honoured to work with Ryokan Yumoto, the oldest inn in the region, with a heritage stretching back over 300 years. Yumoto offers just five rooms, keeping the atmosphere intimate and quiet: Japanese-Western Room: 2 Western beds + 8 tatami mats; Standard Japanese Rooms: 14.5 tatami mats; Family Japanese Room: 18 tatami mats. Each room includes a private toilet, with bathing enjoyed in the traditional shared onsen house. You'll enjoy a multi-course traditional Japanese dinner, thoughtfully prepared and served in the ryokan’s dining room by your private waiter. Breakfasts, also included, are equally memorable.

Hotel Omodaka (Premium): Perched in the heart of Yudanaka Onsen, Hotel Omodaka has long been cherished for its tranquil atmosphere, stunning views of the Five Mountains of Hokushin, and genuine hospitality. Twin, triple, and quad-share rooms feature tatami flooring, futon bedding, and a private ensuite bathroom. The Deluxe Western Rooms are nearly double the size of our standard rooms, featuring two Western beds plus two futons to comfortably accommodate up to four people (available at an additional cost). The hotel boasts both an indoor Japanese bathhouse (onsen) and a scenic outdoor hot spring (rotenburo), plus an on-site sauna—a rare luxury in Yudanaka. Dinner is a highlight at Omodaka, with a multi-course traditional Japanese meal served in the dining room. Breakfast is also included and features a buffet-style spread with a mix of Western and Japanese options.

Snow Monkey Lodge (Economy): Just 200 metres from Yudanaka Station, Snow Monkey Lodge has become something of a local icon. Rooms feature tatami mat flooring, Western-style beds, and traditional yukata robes. Separate gendered onsens for men and women offer a classic Japanese bathing experience. Continental breakfast included daily (cereals, fresh fruit, toast, hot and cold drinks). The included dinners are hosted at Hotel Omodaka, where you’ll enjoy an elegant multi-course Japanese meal, served in the hotel’s dining room.

Transfers: Pickup and drop-off from Yudanaka Train Station or snow shuttle drop-off point (available for Yumoto and Omodaka guests only).

Travel to Yudanaka, home to the famous snow monkeys, via Japan’s exceptional rail system or shuttle from Narita/Haneda. We kindly ask for arrival times at least 24 hours in advance to coordinate pickup from the train station or shuttle drop-off.

Not included: Flights. Travel to/from Yudanaka.

This itinerary is a guide. Each day is shaped by snow conditions and weather, allowing your instructor to choose the resort that offers the best experience. Evening performances—including the Geisha, Taiko Drums, Karate, and Magic Show—may vary depending on scheduling and group availability.

Day 1: Arrival in Yudanaka — Travel to Yudanaka, home to the famous snow monkeys, via Japan’s exceptional rail system or shuttle from Narita/Haneda. We kindly ask for arrival times at least 24 hours in advance to coordinate pickup from the train station or shuttle drop-off. Tonight’s dinner isn’t provided due to varied arrival times, but we’ll head out together to a local sushi train or one of the excellent eateries in town.

Day 2: Shiga Kogen & Geisha Evening — Kick off the tour at Shiga Kogen, Japan’s largest ski area and the birthplace of Japanese skiing. With 18 interconnected resorts and lift access to 2,307 meters, fresh tracks linger thanks to its elevation and modest crowds. After skiing, soak in the onsen, relax with a local drink, and enjoy an in-house dinner followed by an interactive Geisha performance led by a second-generation performer from the region.

Day 3: Nozawa Onsen Adventure — Today we chase powder to Nozawa Onsen (conditions permitting), a vibrant resort with 300 hectares and 50 km of terrain. We time our visit to avoid crowds and long lift lines for a more relaxed experience. Post-ride, stroll through Nozawa’s charming township, sampling local treats and exploring its unique storefronts.

Day 4: Rest & Culture Day — If your legs are asking for mercy, today’s the perfect time to recharge. For those opting out of skiing, we offer a variety of self-guided cultural excursions: explore Shibu Onsen, visit the Hokusai Gallery in Obuse, or discover Zenkoji Temple and the 1998 Olympic Museum.

Day 5: Return to Shiga & Magic Night — We return to “Old Faithful” Shiga Kogen for another shot at powder perfection. After dining out in Yudanaka, we gather for a whimsical and hilarious magic and comedy show by Fred—an expat magician with over 30 years of global performance experience.

Day 6: Togakushi & Shrine Walk — Next up is Togakushi Ski Resort, a hidden gem rich in natural beauty and spiritual significance. After skiing, we take a cultural walk to Okusha Shrine, tucked behind towering cedar trees. Dinner is at your leisure, and it’s a great chance to bond with your fellow snow seekers.

Day 7: Summit Views & Cultural Finale — We head to Yokoteyama, the highest lift-access point in Japan. If skies are clear, expect 360-degree views of Nagano—and on rare perfect days, a sighting of Mt. Fuji. Tonight, enjoy a final in-house dinner followed by a Karate showcase and lesson from a Japanese Grand Master, then revel in our Taiko drumming, Shamisen guitar, and Lion Dance performance.

Day 8: Snow Monkeys & Farewell — Before departure, we make a sunrise visit to the Snow Monkey Park for crowd-free views of Japan’s famous macaques soaking in natural hot springs—a fitting final chapter to your mountain adventure.