Nagano Ski Buffet

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: 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. Check in to your traditional ryokan-style accommodation. While we don’t include a group dinner on this night (to accommodate varied arrivals), we’ll head out to a local sushi train restaurant or one of Yudanaka’s standout eateries for a relaxed first night.

Day 2: Welcome to Shiga Kogen, the birthplace of skiing in Japan and Asia’s largest ski area, offering 18 interlinked resorts and Japan’s highest lift access at 2,307m. After your first epic day, soothe your legs in an onsen and unwind with a drink. Tonight's dinner is in-house, followed by an unforgettable performance by a second-generation Geisha.

Day 3: Today we head to Madarao, a hidden gem with its own snow-laden microclimate. Known for its accessible tree lines and playful terrain, it delivers in both powder and personality. On the way home, we’ll stop at a local Okonomiyaki restaurant—a savoury pancake specialty from Osaka and Hiroshima—for a well-earned meal.

Day 4: If conditions align, we visit Nozawa Onsen, a resort steeped in charm and tradition with 50km of skiable terrain and a lively town full of shops and snacks. Not feeling up for riding? Today is also a great day to take a cultural rest day—with self-guided options that include the Snow Monkey Park, historic Shibu Onsen, and more.

Day 5: Back to “Old Faithful”—Shiga Kogen—for deeper exploration of its vast terrain. Tonight, we dine out locally, then settle in for a hilarious and mind-bending magic and comedy show by Fred, a 30+ year veteran magician.

Day 6: Today we ride at Togakushi, home to towering cedar trees and the legendary Okusha Shrine. After riding, take a peaceful walk to the shrine nestled at the base of Mt. Togakushi. Dinner tonight is at your leisure with new friends.

Day 7: One last return to Shiga—this time to Yokoteyama, the highest lift-served peak in Japan. Tonight’s in-house dinner is followed by a full cultural finale: an interactive karate session with a Grand Master, plus a live Taiko drum, shamisen, and lion dance performance.

Day 8: We head back to Madarao, and if conditions allow, link across to the adjoining Tangram resort for fresh terrain and deep snow. After dinner, it’s time to go out in style with our legendary karaoke night.

Day 9: Like déjà vu in the best way: we chase the best snow at one of the resorts you've come to know and love. Whether it’s Shiga, Madarao, Nozawa, or Togakushi, we’ll pick the place where conditions are prime and end on a high.

Day 10: Time to say goodbye to your hosts and newfound mountain family. But before you leave, there’s one last treat: a visit to the iconic Snow Monkey Park, where wild macaques bathe in natural onsens. Our properties offer early drop-offs to beat the tourist rush.