Tohoku Powder Tour

HOTEL GRAND ANNEX MORIOKA

Located right in the centre of town 10 minutes walk from the train station. This hotel is the perfect base in which to explore the city of Morioka as well as having easy access to the surrounding ski areas. You’ll love being in the centre of town with all the great restaurants and bars within walking distance. Each room is comfortably appointed with twin beds and all that you’d expect from a 4 star hotel.

AZUMASHIYA RYOKAN

A lovely accommodation run by a friendly and welcoming family. You’ll feel right at home at this hotel overlooking the river and onsen town of Kuroishi. We have chosen this spot for not only the great food and lovely hosts but also it’s perfect location between Hakkoda and Aomori Springs ski resorts. It boasts a large outdoor onsen relaxing lounge space and large Japanese ensuited rooms with optional western bedding.

Day 1 (arrival and check-in day): Upon landing in Tokyo we recommend you take the Shinkansen for a true Japanese travel experience up to Morioka, where you will be welcomed by your guides. We’ll then check in to the Hotel Grand Annex where you’ll get to know your fellow tourers over dinner and drinks. Your guide will also will run you through the tour, current conditions and prevailing weather and answer any questions you may have. (NOTE: If you need to hire equipment please let your consultant know as there are no suitable rental shops in Tohoku.)

Day 2 (first snow day): Time to check out one of the snowiest resorts in Tohoku, Geto Kogen! As we drive up the road to Geto and see snow banks towering over the van you’ll know you are in for a great day. Whilst it is relatively a small resort there are endless lines off the top lifts with plenty of terrain on offer and just yourselves to enjoy it as the locals stay stoically on piste. After skiing we may enjoy a onsen before the drive home and the tour welcome dinner.

Day 3–6: The beauty of staying in the city of Morioka is not only you will be able to enjoy the nightlife of a Japanese city but you will also be able to access multiple resorts, each affected by slightly different weather patterns. Every day your guide will be checking the forecast to see which resort has the best powder conditions. We will be able to choose from Appi Kogen, Hachimantai Shimokura, Tazawako, and Shizukushi. Each resort brings something different to your experience with wide-open bowls, chutes, gladded trees, pillows and all-around fun-filled days. There are some great cultural sites and onsens on the way back to Morioka which we may stop at to soak our muscles ready for the next days’ adventure. Each night your guides will take you out to sample the delicious local cuisine and hang at some cool bars.

Day 7 (Morioka to Hakkoda): Transfer day – It’s time to say goodbye to the Morioka region and head north to Hakkoda. On our way we may detour to a fun ski area few know about, boasting epic tree lines and road drops off the back. Hakkoda is famous for the epic amounts of snow that blanket the mountain. The terrain is epic and one of our favourites in Japan. The powder is ridiculously deep and as it is further north is dryer too. For the next four nights we will be staying in the family run Hotel Azumashiya, a ryokan style guesthouse with lovely hosts, regenerative onsens, delicious food and the powder of Hakkoda and Aomori Springs a short drive away.

Day 8–10 (Hakkoda and Aomori Springs): Hakkoda like many Japanese resorts is pretty simple. One double chair down low for the beginners and one Ropeway (Cable Car) taking you right to the top. It was mainly built for sightseeing and hiking in summer but stories of epic pow, snow-monsters and endless terrain made it a (quiet) mecca for powderhounds and backcountry skiers. Aomori Springs is little known about but has some fun powder filled terrain. The lifted terrain of the back lift is Japanese tree skiing at its finest. If you have skins the terrain above it extends the fun even further! Each night in Azumashiya you will enjoy a variety of local cuisine, and the final night includes a farewell dinner and Shamisen cultural performance.

Day 11 (check-out and departure day): All good things must come to an end. It’s time to check out and say goodbye to your new friends. After one last onsen you will check out by 10am and be transferred to either Shin-Aomori Station for your Shinkansen back Tokyo or to Aomori Airport for your flight home. Sayonara! Hope to see you again soon!