Overall Rating

Tenjin Guides Learn To Ski

Tenjin Guides Learn To Ski5/52
Tenjin Guides Learn To Ski5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews
  • Recommend
    100%
  • Would Reuse
    100%
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Tenjin Guides Learn To Ski Enquire
Price p/p From price based on 2 nights/days; quad-share tatami room for travel all season (group 4) including lessons, lift tickets, breakfast, dinner & transfers to ski areas.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 389

LEARN TO SKI PACKAGES
from 2 days/nights

Location: Japan | Tour Focus: Instruction | Terrain Focus: On-Piste
Ability: Beginner to Intermediate
Price p/p From price based on 2 nights/days; quad-share tatami room for travel all season (group 4) including lessons, lift tickets, breakfast, dinner & transfers to ski areas.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 389
This package is ideal for those wanting to learn to ski or snowboard away from the masses and at the same time not having to break the piggy bank. Packages are CUSTOMISABLE from 2 days including instruction, lift tickets, lodging, breakfast, dinner, transport & can be optioned up with rental equipment and clothing too.
View inclusions & Add-ons
Click here for rates, dates & availability
Future rates & dates are currently not yet available for this operator. Click here to enquire.
Custom Booking Period
Min Days
Price
Availability
Custom Booking Period: Jan 01 - Mar 30, 2024
Min Days: From 2
Price: Enquire
Availability: Enquire
Enquire

Minakami Beginner Package

Tenjin Guides' team of qualified English speaking ski and snowboard instructors aim to get you skiing or boarding in a fun and relaxed setting with the option of a sprinkle of local Japanese culture.

Staying at Tenjin Lodge you'll be surrounded by a diverse and eclectic mix of powder hounds, families, weekend warriors from Tokyo, and people from all over the world making the most of the plentiful snowfall winter brings.

As a beginner, your first day will be spent at Hodaigi Ski Resort which offers a playful mix of beginner to intermediate, to advanced runs. One of the beginner runs in particular is noteworthy for its 1km long, 50+ metre wide course with a gentle incline to coax turns out of any level skier or boarder. Depending on the level of progression, the group may elect to continue at Hodaigi on subsequent days, visit one of a dozen other resorts in the Minakami area, or step up to Tenjindaira Ski Resort which boasts one of Japan's highest snowfalls and steeper, more challenging terrain. The Tenjin Guides love it when clients learn to ski but they also love it when you learn to ski powder!

The extensive rental selection means no need to line up at resorts each morning.

Two defining features of Minakami as a ski town are the lack of foreigners and lighter crowds in comparison to many other resort destinations in Japan. The primary reason, in our humble opinion, is due to difficulties in getting around with resorts, onsens and the town, all separate from each other. Tenjin Guides take care of transport by shuttling clients to the best spots on any given day. Meals at the lodge are healthy and hearty, and dinner is served buffet style right by the full service bar.

Also included is an evening dinner at Daruma Restaurant, an excellent local izakaya operated by Sato-san, the Master and a one man show for over 35 years. This little Japanese restaurant is famous for sashimi, served with freshly ground wasabi, and Nikku Jagga (slow cooked pork belly with potatoes).

You can rejuvenate after your day on the slopes. Minakami was traditionally an onsen town and there are over 100 onsen to choose from. The tour takes in Takaragawa Onsen, Japan's largest outdoor hot spring, set in a private valley. You can also visit Yuterume Onsen, another of Minakami's finest bathing establishments. 

Ability Level & Terrain

This package tour is specifically aimed at beginner to intermediate skiers and boarders who are wanting to learn to ski or snowboard either from scratch or who want to take their ability to the next level, for example learning to ride Japan's deep powder. You will have your own QUALIFIED instructor (max group 6 guests per instructor) who will take you to the ski areas each day and work with you on your technique.

Tour Duration

These packages are for a minimum of 2 nights/2 days and can commence on any day of the week.

Solos and Groups

You can join these learn to ski package tours as a solo traveler or as a private group. 

Typical Itinerary

Arrival Day
A Tenjin Lodge representative will greet you and pick you up from the Minikami or Doai station.

The official check-in time for the hotel is 3:00 pm. Dinner at the lodge at 6:30pm. Select and fit any rental gear required at some point during the afternoon or evening.

Day 1
Breakfast, shuttle to Hodaigi ski area departing 9:00 am
- 2 hour morning lesson
- Lunch break
- 2 hour afternoon lesson.

Following the afternoon lesson, you have the option to ski on till day end or return to the lodge. The group can also, by unanimous decision, elect to visit Takaragawa Onsen, Japan's largest, outdoor, onsen (hot spring) set in a stunning private valley.

Dinner can be back at the lodge, in Minakami Town at Daruma, a traditional Izakaya, or nearby in Yubiso village at Hayashi Ryokan for an even more traditional, Kaiseki Ryori meal.

Day 2+
Breakfast, check-out, store luggage for the day, 9am resort shuttle
- 2 hour morning lesson
- Lunch break
- 2 hour afternoon lesson
- Option to ski till day end or return to the lodge.

Tenjin staff will then provide a shuttle to Minakami or Doai station.

Bathing facilities are available at the lodge prior to departure for the train.

Tenjin Lodge

Tenjin Lodge is family and owner operated by Bo, Kieren and daughter Hana (and Lucky the dog) and is located about 2 minutes drive (or a 10 minute walk) from the bottom of the Tenjindaira ropeway. 

There are basically 4 room types:

  • Twin western rooms
  • Twin tatami rooms (3 guests possible)
  • Bunk room
  • Family room (4-6 guests)

The twin rooms can also be booked as a private room for an additional cost.

All rooms have a private toilet & basin (apart from the bunk room) with cold water and bathroom facilities with hot water (including a bath) are shared.

Facilities include free wifi, a cozy lounge with a bar and large TV, plus a communal dining area.

Included in the package is a cooked breakfast and dinner for each night you stay.

Bo and Kieren are wonderful hosts and you can't help but feel like you are at home!


Tenjin Lodge..

...western-style rooms...

.....cozy communal living area

Rates, Add-Ons & Inclusions

2024 Rates

 Package price in Japanese Yen (per person)  
 Room Type  Min 2 nights - rates below are per day/night  
  Minakami
Beginner Package
 Each Additional Day
 Twin Tatami (2-3 guests) 33,000 31,000 
 Twin Western (2 guests)  34,000 31,500 
 Family Room (4-6 guests)  29,000 27,000
 Bed in bunk room (per bed)  31,000 29,000 

About Rates:

  • base rates/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
  • rates are based on minimum group of 3 guests in group. Please enquirefor a price for smaller groups.
  • Convert to your currency here>>

Enquire here for an exact quote for your specific requirements.

Inclusions
  • 2 or more nights accommodation at Tenjin Lodge
  • Daily breakfasts & dinners at Tenjin Lodge
  • Daily lessons with qualified instructor (max 1:6 ratio)
  • Daily lift pass
  • Train station transfers & daily shuttle to/from ski areas
  • Equipment rental: skis, boots, poles or snowboard and boots
  • Trip to a renowned Minakami onsen
  • Dinner at Daruma Restaurant, an excellent local izakaya
Add-ons
  • Additional nights/days
  • Ski wear, goggles, gloves, helmet (+Y3500/day, Y2000/day for kids under 12)
  • Kaiseki Ryori dinner at Hayashi Ryokan (¥7000/adult or ¥3,000/child)
Not Included

Tenjin Guides Booking Conditions

DEPOSIT & FULL PAYMENT

  • Deposit is 25% of full tour price per person.
  • All deposits are non-refundable.
  • Final balance due: 30 days prior to departure.
  • All payments are in Japanese Yen (JPY) 

CANCELLATION BY YOU

  • more than 30 days prior to departure, full deposit forfeited.
  • Less than 30 days 100% forfeited.
  • Tour operator highly recommends you take out travel insurance at time of sending your deposit. 

CANCELLATION BY TENJIN LODGE

Tenjin Lodge reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure. In this case you will receive a full refund. You will not be entitled to make any further claim for compensation, damages, expenses, loss of time or inconvenience.