Terrain, ability and group
As a journey through Tohoku's remote northern regions, this trip takes you far from the crowds and deep into authentic local culture. From quiet ski hills to regional cuisine and character-filled accommodations, don't just ride Japan--feel it.
Geto Kogen: with marked side-country, unmarked backcountry for the adventurous (guide recommended), and well-maintained groomers, Geto offers something for every style of rider. Guided experiences can be arranged directly through the resort.
Tazawako Kogen, host of the annual FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup. Set at the base of Mt. Komagatake, the resort offers solid vertical and sweeping views over Lake Tazawa.
We handle the structure, but each day is yours to shape--whether that means chasing turns at the resort, heading out for a mellow touring day, or taking a rest day to explore the local area.
By contrast, our unguided Hokkaido Indy Trips and Tohoku Indy trips accept anyone of any skill level and are a great fit for beginner or intermediate riders!
- Sport
- Ski + Snowboard
- Guiding
- unguided but fully facilitated group trip; a dedicated JST host travels with the group and manages every detail from start to finish
Package
Included
Seven nights of accommodation--three of which are ski-in/ski out!
All of our accommodations include in-hotel hot springs and are the swankiest options around!
Four resorts on this trip are part of the Indy Pass, giving you the option to ski up to seven days using your pass! Don't have one? No problem. Book as a Standard Guest and all lift tickets are included.
Stay in a Ryokan--a traditional Japanese inn which is a MUST on your Japan travel experience.
14 authentic and delicious daily breakfasts and dinners serve Japanese, Western and fusion menu items all with the attention to detail that Japan is so famous for.
Enjoy an off site Japanese barbecue with locally sourced meat including Wagyu!
Experience a traditional Japanese musical/dance performance at your Ryokan accommodation on the final night!
Station-to-station charter vehicle transportation from Morioka bullet train station and ending at Kitakami bullet train station.
All transfers between ski regions are handled by our privately chartered bus, shared with fellow Indy Trip guests. For stays at non ski-in/ski-out properties, JST provides a dedicated shuttle to and from the resort!
A dedicated JST host travels with the group and manages every detail from start to finish. They also organize optional game nights, happy hours, and casual get-togethers throughout.
Not Included
- International flights to/from Japan
- The Indy Pass is not included in the trip price and is not required to join this trip as a Standard Guest
- Any rentals of ski or snowboard gear
- Ski guiding is not included
- Transportation logistics to/from the pickup and drop off locations for this package
- Any snacks, drinks and lunches
- Travel insurance: we recommend travel insurance with World Nomads
Accommodation, travel and itinerary
Accommodation
Seven nights of accommodation--three of which are ski-in/ski out! All of our accommodations include in-hotel hot springs and are the swankiest options around!
We'll stay three nights in 4-star accommodation and four nights in accommodation solidly in the 3-star+ range.
Nights 1-3: Hachimantai Mountain Hotel (4-star)
Nights 4-5: Tazawako Lake Resort (3-star)
Nights 6-7: Semi Onsen Ryokan (3-star)
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 rooms are subject to availability and incur an additional 100,000 yen (approx US$620) cost per person.
Each room has its own private toilet and shower. Daily buffet breakfasts featuring western and Japanese options. All of our hotels feature in-hotel Onsen (hot springs)!
Getting There
Getting there - There are two options to meet the group:
Option 1: Meet at Morioka Bullet Train Station (South Exit) at 2:45pm.
Option 2: Meet in the lobby of the Hachimantai Mountain Hotel at 4:00pm.
Getting back - Note that the ending point is different from the starting point on this trip! Drop off at Kitakami Bullet Train Station at 4:00pm.
Rental skis - We recommend bringing your own skis or snowboard for the best experience. However, if you prefer to travel light, decent-quality rental equipment is available at each resort.
Itinerary
- Day 1Arrival Logistics: Pickup is at Morioka Station, followed by a transfer to Hachimantai Mountain Hotel--the slope-side base for both Panorama and Shimokura ski resorts. Your JST host will provide a trip orientation upon arrival.
- Day 2-3Ski Shimokura and Panorama ski areas, both easily accessed from your base at Hachimantai Mountain Hotel. Nearby Appi Kogen, while not on the Indy Pass, is also within reach and offers a worthwhile option if you're looking to mix things up.
- Day 4Check out of the Mountain Hotel in the morning and transfer to Okunakayama Kogen (OK) for a day on the slopes, before continuing on to Tazawako by chartered bus. Accommodation in Tazawako is located a 15-minute private shuttle ride from the ski resort.
- Day 5Ski Tazawako Kogen, host of the annual FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup. Set at the base of Mt. Komagatake, the resort offers solid vertical and sweeping views over Lake Tazawa--the deepest lake in Japan.
- Day 6After another full day at Tazawako, continue on to Geto Kogen, one of the snowiest resorts in Tohoku. For the final two nights, stay at a traditional Ryokan (Japanese traditional Inn) at the base area, with a 15-minute shuttle to the ski resort.
- Day 7Ride Geto Kogen Ski Resort--one of the snowiest resorts in Tohoku, often outperforming others across Japan. With marked side-country, unmarked backcountry for the adventurous (guide recommended), and well-maintained groomers, Geto offers something for every style of rider.
- Day 8After your final day at Geto, pack up and transfer to Kitakami Station for drop-off.
Dates and prices
| Dates | Season | Duration | From | Availability | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 8 – Jan 15, 20272027 Trip Dates table row "8 - 15"; no sold-out marker and the page's call to action is "BOOK NOW". Booking note: Some source details were inconsistent or incomplete when last reviewed. Confirm current pricing, availability, itinerary, and package inclusions with the operator before booking. | 2026/27 | 8 days | 410,000 JPY410,000 yen per person for an Indy Pass Member; 460,000 yen per person for a Standard Guest, whose lift tickets are all included; shared twin room; all prices include 13% taxes and fees; single room subject to availability at an additional 100,000 yen (approx US$620) per person | Available | Book on company website |
| Jan 14 – Jan 21, 20272027 Trip Dates table row "14 - 21"; no sold-out marker and the page's call to action is "BOOK NOW". Booking note: Some source details were inconsistent or incomplete when last reviewed. Confirm current pricing, availability, itinerary, and package inclusions with the operator before booking. | 2026/27 | 8 days | 410,000 JPY410,000 yen per person for an Indy Pass Member; 460,000 yen per person for a Standard Guest, whose lift tickets are all included; shared twin room; all prices include 13% taxes and fees; single room subject to availability at an additional 100,000 yen (approx US$620) per person | Available | Book on company website |
| Jan 17 – Jan 24, 20272027 Trip Dates table row "17 - 24"; no sold-out marker and the page's call to action is "BOOK NOW". Booking note: Some source details were inconsistent or incomplete when last reviewed. Confirm current pricing, availability, itinerary, and package inclusions with the operator before booking. | 2026/27 | 8 days | 410,000 JPY410,000 yen per person for an Indy Pass Member; 460,000 yen per person for a Standard Guest, whose lift tickets are all included; shared twin room; all prices include 13% taxes and fees; single room subject to availability at an additional 100,000 yen (approx US$620) per person | Available | Book on company website |
| Jan 20 – Jan 27, 20272027 Trip Dates table row "20 - 27"; no sold-out marker and the page's call to action is "BOOK NOW". Booking note: Some source details were inconsistent or incomplete when last reviewed. Confirm current pricing, availability, itinerary, and package inclusions with the operator before booking. | 2026/27 | 8 days | 410,000 JPY410,000 yen per person for an Indy Pass Member; 460,000 yen per person for a Standard Guest, whose lift tickets are all included; shared twin room; all prices include 13% taxes and fees; single room subject to availability at an additional 100,000 yen (approx US$620) per person | Available | Book on company website |
| Jan 23 – Jan 30, 20272027 Trip Dates table row "23 - 30"; no sold-out marker and the page's call to action is "BOOK NOW". Booking note: Some source details were inconsistent or incomplete when last reviewed. Confirm current pricing, availability, itinerary, and package inclusions with the operator before booking. | 2026/27 | 8 days | 410,000 JPY410,000 yen per person for an Indy Pass Member; 460,000 yen per person for a Standard Guest, whose lift tickets are all included; shared twin room; all prices include 13% taxes and fees; single room subject to availability at an additional 100,000 yen (approx US$620) per person | Available | Book on company website |
| Jan 26 – Feb 2, 20272027 Trip Dates table row "26 - 2"; no sold-out marker and the page's call to action is "BOOK NOW". Booking note: Some source details were inconsistent or incomplete when last reviewed. Confirm current pricing, availability, itinerary, and package inclusions with the operator before booking. | 2026/27 | 8 days | 410,000 JPY410,000 yen per person for an Indy Pass Member; 460,000 yen per person for a Standard Guest, whose lift tickets are all included; shared twin room; all prices include 13% taxes and fees; single room subject to availability at an additional 100,000 yen (approx US$620) per person | Available | Book on company website |
| Feb 5 – Feb 12, 20272027 Trip Dates table row "5 - 12"; no sold-out marker and the page's call to action is "BOOK NOW". Booking note: Some source details were inconsistent or incomplete when last reviewed. Confirm current pricing, availability, itinerary, and package inclusions with the operator before booking. | 2026/27 | 8 days | 410,000 JPY410,000 yen per person for an Indy Pass Member; 460,000 yen per person for a Standard Guest, whose lift tickets are all included; shared twin room; all prices include 13% taxes and fees; single room subject to availability at an additional 100,000 yen (approx US$620) per person | Available | Book on company website |
| Feb 8 – Feb 15, 20272027 Trip Dates table row "8 - 15"; no sold-out marker and the page's call to action is "BOOK NOW". Booking note: Some source details were inconsistent or incomplete when last reviewed. Confirm current pricing, availability, itinerary, and package inclusions with the operator before booking. | 2026/27 | 8 days | 410,000 JPY410,000 yen per person for an Indy Pass Member; 460,000 yen per person for a Standard Guest, whose lift tickets are all included; shared twin room; all prices include 13% taxes and fees; single room subject to availability at an additional 100,000 yen (approx US$620) per person | Available | Book on company website |
| Feb 11 – Feb 18, 20272027 Trip Dates table row "11 - 18"; no sold-out marker and the page's call to action is "BOOK NOW". Booking note: Some source details were inconsistent or incomplete when last reviewed. Confirm current pricing, availability, itinerary, and package inclusions with the operator before booking. | 2026/27 | 8 days | 410,000 JPY410,000 yen per person for an Indy Pass Member; 460,000 yen per person for a Standard Guest, whose lift tickets are all included; shared twin room; all prices include 13% taxes and fees; single room subject to availability at an additional 100,000 yen (approx US$620) per person | Available | Book on company website |
| Feb 20 – Feb 27, 20272027 Trip Dates table row "20 - 27"; no sold-out marker and the page's call to action is "BOOK NOW". Booking note: Some source details were inconsistent or incomplete when last reviewed. Confirm current pricing, availability, itinerary, and package inclusions with the operator before booking. | 2026/27 | 8 days | 410,000 JPY410,000 yen per person for an Indy Pass Member; 460,000 yen per person for a Standard Guest, whose lift tickets are all included; shared twin room; all prices include 13% taxes and fees; single room subject to availability at an additional 100,000 yen (approx US$620) per person | Available | Book on company website |
| Feb 23 – Mar 2, 20272027 Trip Dates table row "23 - 2"; no sold-out marker and the page's call to action is "BOOK NOW". Booking note: Some source details were inconsistent or incomplete when last reviewed. Confirm current pricing, availability, itinerary, and package inclusions with the operator before booking. | 2026/27 | 8 days | 410,000 JPY410,000 yen per person for an Indy Pass Member; 460,000 yen per person for a Standard Guest, whose lift tickets are all included; shared twin room; all prices include 13% taxes and fees; single room subject to availability at an additional 100,000 yen (approx US$620) per person | Available | Book on company website |
Prices, taxes and fees, required extras, inclusions, availability, and booking terms can change. Confirm the current price and trip details on the company website; source last reviewed September 3, 2026.
Good To Know
Secure your spot with a 50% deposit; the remaining balance is due on December 1.
All prices include 13% taxes and fees.
The Indy Pass is not included in the trip price and is not required to join this trip as a Standard Guest.
Indy Pass holders receive a discounted rate, as they will use their pass for free skiing at participating Indy Pass resorts.
Pricing and occupancy are based on shared twin rooms.
Note that dietary constraints such as vegan or gluten-free are notoriously difficult to cater to in Japan and culinary options (especially off-site meals) will be quite limited for such dietary constraints.
Travel insurance: we recommend travel insurance with World Nomads.
Cancellation policy - Up to 4 months before your trip date: 25% cancellation fee of entire trip price. 2-4 months before your trip date: 50% cancellation fee of entire trip price. Less than 2 months before your trip date: cancellations made with less than two months of advanced notice will not be refunded.
By contrast, our unguided Hokkaido Indy Trips and Tohoku Indy trips accept anyone of any skill level and are a great fit for beginner or intermediate riders!