Nagano Powder Zone

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.

Arrive via Japan’s world-class train system or pre-arranged shuttles from Narita or Haneda airports. We’ll pick you up at Yudanaka Station or your designated shuttle drop-off (please let us know your arrival details at least one day in advance).

Ryokan Yumoto provides free pickup and drop-off at the train station, and early shuttle service to the Snow Monkey Park. Hotel Omodaka provides complimentary pickup and drop-off at Yudanaka Station. They also offer early-morning shuttle service to the Snow Monkey Park.

Snow Monkey Lodge: while we don’t offer a pickup service, the lodge is just a short walk from the station and we’re happy to help arrange a taxi if needed.

Not included: Flights. Travel to/from Yudanaka.

Sitting 600 metres above sea level, Yudanaka is a central hub for exploring many of Nagano’s surrounding ski resorts. Drive times to the resorts range from 25 to 50 minutes.

While this itinerary offers a general outline, we remain fully adaptable throughout the tour. Each day is shaped by weather, snow conditions, and where the powder is falling best. Evening highlights—such as Geisha performances, Taiko drumming, Karate demonstrations, and magic shows—are included, however the exact nights these occur may shift slightly depending on availability and scheduling.

Day 1: Travel to Yudanaka, renowned both for its historic hot springs (over 1,300 years) and its proximity to the Snow Monkey Park. Whether you arrive via Japan’s world-class rail system or shuttle from Narita or Haneda airports, we'll coordinate pickup from your designated drop-off point. Due to varying arrival schedules and gear setup, the first evening meal is not included. Instead, we take the group to a local sushi train or one of Yudanaka’s excellent restaurants for a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Ski the legendary Shiga Kogen — Japan’s oldest ski region and Asia’s largest, boasting 18 interlinked resorts and lift access up to 2,307 meters. After riding, unwind in an onsen, then enjoy drinks in the lounge bar. Dinner is in-house tonight, followed by an interactive performance by a second-generation Geisha from the local area.

Day 3: We head to Madarao (nicknamed “Madapow”), a lesser-known gem with its own magical microclimate. It sees minimal foreign traffic and delivers incredible snow. On the way back, enjoy the chance to dine at one of Nagano’s few Okonomiyaki restaurants.

Day 4: Depending on snow conditions, today’s destination is Nozawa Onsen — Japan’s second-largest resort on our itinerary with 300 hectares and over 50km of runs. Note: fatigue often peaks here after two full days of skiing. Feel free to take a rest day and enjoy optional cultural experiences.

Day 5: We return to Shiga Kogen to explore more terrain. After dinner at one of Yudanaka’s outstanding eateries, enjoy a lively performance by Fred — a local magician with more than 30 years of international experience.

Day 6: Today’s destination is Togakushi Ski Resort, known not only for great skiing but also its cultural significance. After skiing, we’ll visit Okusha Shrine and walk beneath towering cedar trees. Dinner is free choice in Yudanaka with your fellow guests.

Day 7: We return once more to Shiga Kogen, venturing to Yokoteyama for the highest lift-accessed skiing in Japan. Tonight’s final dinner is in-house, followed by a Karate demonstration and lesson by a Japanese Grand Master, and Taiko drumming, shamisen guitar, and lion dance.

Day 8: Before departing, experience one of Japan’s most iconic sights — the famous Snow Monkeys bathing in natural hot springs. To avoid crowds, we’ll drop you off early at the trailhead.