Terrain, ability and group
Hodaigi gets massive snowfall (10-12m annually), offering frequent powder with good snow preservation thanks to its north-facing and sun-protected terrain.
Kijimadaira is a hidden gem known for its consistent snowfall and quiet slopes, making it easy to find fresh tracks throughout the day. With playful tree lines and soft, untouched stashes, it delivers a laidback powder experience without the crowds. It's also connected to Kijima Snow Park, which features a quality terrain park and a competition-ready halfpipe.
Togari Onsen Ski Resort is a classic Japanese powder hill known for its deep, consistent snowfall and quiet, uncrowded slopes. With mellow tree zones and a laid-back local vibe, it's the kind of place where fresh tracks stick around long after a storm.
Ryuo Ski Park, known for its high-altitude powder, wide-open terrain, and access to sidecountry.
Yakebitaiyama: known for its well-spaced tree runs, consistent snowfall, and a mix of fast groomers and hidden powder stashes.
As an unguided but facilitated group trip, how you choose to spend each day is up to you: ski, rest, sight see, get a massage.
- Sport
- Ski + Snowboard
- Guiding
- unguided but facilitated group trip; a dedicated JST host will travel along with and facilitate the trip from beginning to end
Package
Included
All lift tickets are included in the price of the trip! Indy Pass holders receive a discounted rate, as they will use their pass for free skiing at five participating Indy Pass resorts.
Accommodation includes two nights in a ski-in/ski-out hotel, three nights in comfortable Western-Japanese fusion hotels, and a final three-night stay at a traditional ryokan located in a historic hot spring town with over 1,300 years of history.
All of our accommodations include hot springs and are some of the swankiest options around!
All breakfasts and dinners are included in this trip. Eight dinners are provided with two off-site meals including a sushi course and Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ).
Experience traditional Japan with an intimate Maiko (similar to Geisha) performance while staying in a Ryokan located in a town with a 1,300-year history.
Door-to-door private vehicle transportation starting from Tokyo's HND Airport and ending with a drop-off at Nagano Bullet Train Station.
Privately chartered bus for the entire duration of the trip! Transfers between each ski region and daily shuttles to/from the ski resort are provided by our chartered bus shared with other trip members.
A JST host will join you for the entire duration of the trip, ensuring smooth transitions at each accommodation and ski resort.
Say "Hi" or "Ee-ee-ah-ah" to the snow monkeys of Jigokudani. Cost of admission to the park is not included (about US$5).
Not Included
- International flights to/from Japan, as well as any domestic travel to the pick-up/drop-off points
- 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 but can be arranged on your own on a daily basis
- Lunch, drinks, and snacks are at your own discretion for this trip.
- Travel insurance: we recommend travel insurance with World Nomads
- Cost of admission to the Jigokudani snow monkey park is not included (about US$5).
Accommodation, travel and itinerary
Accommodation
Accommodation includes two nights in a ski-in/ski-out hotel, three nights in comfortable Western-Japanese fusion hotels, and a final three-night stay at a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) located in a historic hot spring town with over 1,300 years of history.
All of our accommodation includes free access to hot springs. In-hotel Onsen hot springs are available every night!
Nights 1-3 - Minakami: Hotel Juraku
Nights 4-5 - Kijimadaira (ski in/out): SBC Resort Kijimadaira
Nights 6-8 - Shibu Onsen: Wafu No Yado Masuya
Pricing is based on shared twin rooms but we do have an upgrade option to a single room if available.
Each room has its own private toilet and shower. Daily buffet breakfasts featuring Western and Japanese options.
Spend your final three nights in Shibu Onsen - a charming, walkable town buzzing with tiny streets, local eateries, and lively evening experiences.
Getting There
Getting there - There are three options to meet the group:
Option 1: Meet at Tokyo's Haneda Airport (airport code HND) Terminal 3 / International Terminal at the 4th floor MOS BURGER & CAFE at 12:00pm (noon).
Option 2: Meet at Jomo Kogen Bullet Train Station, East Exit at 4:00pm.
Option 3: Meet in the lobby of the Minakami Hotel Juraku at 4:30pm.
Getting back - The drop-off at the end of this trip is at Nagano Bullet Train Station at 5:00pm. From here, there are bullet train departures every 20-30 minutes to Tokyo (approximately 90 minutes). Alternatively you can continue on to the well-known Hakuba ski resort area via a 90-minute highway bus.
Itinerary
- Day 1Arrival Logistics day! Pickup is at Tokyo's HND Airport at 12:00pm (noon), Jomo Kogen Station at 4:00pm, or Minakami Hotel Juraku at 4:30pm. After pickup, transfer to our comfortable hotel located in the heart of Minakami town, followed by a big welcome dinner to get things started!
- Day 2From our hotel, we'll explore Indy Pass member Hodaigi, located just up the road. Hodaigi gets massive snowfall (10-12m annually), offering frequent powder with good snow preservation thanks to its north-facing and sun-protected terrain.
- Day 3We'll head 30 minutes up the road to Indy Pass member Kandatsu Resort. For those looking for a "big resort" day, we'll also offer a second drop-off at Kagura (not an Indy Pass member), just 20 minutes further.
- Day 4We check out of our hotel and head 30 minutes up the road to Indy Pass member Maiko Snow Resort. After our ski day we'll continue on to our next destination, located 2 hours away at the base of Kijimadaira.
- Day 5Today we'll ride Kijimadaira, immediately outside of our hotel. With playful tree lines and soft, untouched stashes, it delivers a laidback powder experience without the crowds. It's also connected to Kijima Snow Park, which features a quality terrain park and a competition-ready halfpipe.
- Day 6We check out of our hotel in the morning and head 30 minutes down the road to Indy Pass member Togari Onsen. For those looking for a "big resort" day, we'll also offer a second drop-off at Nozawa Onsen. We then head to our Ryokan in the historic hot springs town of Shibu Onsen.
- Day 7Today we head to Ryuo Ski Park, a local hidden gem just 20 minutes away. Known for its high-altitude powder, wide-open terrain, and access to sidecountry, Ryuo is capped by a spectacular ropeway. In the evening we'll venture out of our Ryokan for an evening meal at a Yakiniku restaurant.
- Day 8We'll travel 45 minutes by private chartered bus to Yakebitaiyama--arguably the best and least crowded of the "must-ride" resorts in Shigakogen. For those looking to hang out with the snow monkeys of Jigokudani, there will be a 1:00pm departure from the resort. In the evening, we'll experience a traditional Maiko performance in our Ryokan.
- Day 9We check out of our hotel in the morning, load up the bus and travel 70 minutes to ride Indy Pass member Togakushi Ski Resort. We'll finish riding at 3:30pm and depart at 4:00pm for a 50-minute transfer to Nagano Station, the official drop-off point for the trip.
Dates and prices
| Dates | Season | Duration | From | Availability | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 12 – Jan 20, 20272027 Trips list entry "January 12 - 20" carries no sold-out marker; 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 | 9 days | 515,000 JPY515,000 yen per person for an Indy Pass Member; 560,000 yen per person for a Standard Guest, whose lift tickets are all included; shared twin room; all prices include 13% taxes and fees | Available | Book on company website |
| Jan 22 – Jan 30, 20272027 Trips list entry "January 22 - 30" marked "SOLD OUT". 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 | 9 days | 515,000 JPY515,000 yen per person for an Indy Pass Member; 560,000 yen per person for a Standard Guest, whose lift tickets are all included; shared twin room; all prices include 13% taxes and fees | Sold Out | Book on company website |
| Feb 1 – Feb 9, 20272027 Trips list entry "February 1 - 9" carries no sold-out marker; 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 | 9 days | 515,000 JPY515,000 yen per person for an Indy Pass Member; 560,000 yen per person for a Standard Guest, whose lift tickets are all included; shared twin room; all prices include 13% taxes and fees | Available | Book on company website |
| Feb 16 – Feb 24, 20272027 Trips list entry "February 16 - 24" carries no sold-out marker; 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 | 9 days | 515,000 JPY515,000 yen per person for an Indy Pass Member; 560,000 yen per person for a Standard Guest, whose lift tickets are all included; shared twin room; all prices include 13% taxes and fees | 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!