Overall Rating

Tenjindaira Backcountry Tours

Tenjindaira Backcountry Tours4.5/525
Tenjindaira Backcountry Tours4.5 out of 5 based on 25 reviews
  • Recommend
    96%
  • Would Revisit
    96%
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Tenjindaira Backcountry Tours - Reviews

Tenjindaira Backcountry Tours - Reviews

Tenjin-wow

james lusa
13/03/2024
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    51-70
  • Ability
    Expert
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    United States
  • Month:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    4

Tenjin-wow

james lusa
13/03/2024
During my three-week stay in Japan, I encountered unanticipated weather conditions, with record warmth leading to bulletproof snow. Initially, I felt somewhat disheartened about the trip, especially considering the less-than-promising weather forecast for my last week. However, my perspective shifted when Kieren, our guide, came through with an unexpected adventure.

Despite the challenging conditions, Kieren managed to find a resort where we could ski side country powder—a thrilling experience that revitalized my enthusiasm for the trip. We explored several other resorts before venturing into the backcountry, where Kieren's expertise led us to untouched snow, creating unforgettable memories that salvaged my vacation.

I want to express my gratitude to Kieren for his exceptional skills in locating great powder and for his ability to find pristine, untouched snow that truly enhanced our skiing experience. Moreover, Kieren went above and beyond by providing transportation services, picking up from the bus station and dropping me off at the train station, as well as guiding us to different onsens each night—an added touch that contributed to the overall enjoyment and relaxation of the trip.

Kieren's dedication, resourcefulness, and hospitality made a significant difference in my Japan experience, turning what could have been a disappointing vacation into a memorable and fulfilling adventure. His efforts, knowledge and attentiveness created an exceptional vacation experience.
See our video here

I'll Be Back

08/03/2024

Godric

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy

Godric

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    36-50
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Country
    China
  • Month:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    4

I'll Be Back

08/03/2024
I knew Tenjindaira from PowderHounds for years. I always wanted to be there. I finally booked this backcountry tour and went there in mid Feb 2024.

I stayed in Tenjin Lodge for 4 days. Kieren was a professional guide. He was very familiar with not only Tenjindaira but also places nearby, like Kagura and Hondai. Kieren was so energetic and passionate. You would surely be motivated. Kieren was also a very responsible guide. You would feel your safety was secured in the snow mountains.

Tenjin Lodge was wonderful place to stay. It’s very close to Tenjindaira. It’s clean and warm. I enjoyed the bath, bar and food during my stay. I really need to emphasize that food prepared by the staff was amazing which was far beyond my expectation. Last but not least, you would meet a lot of friends there.

I stayed less than a week in Japan. Most of the day was crazy warm. Temperature was above 0 from the morning and could reach 10 degree centigrade at noon. So you can imagine what I would encounter… But Kieren did his best to find some untouched snow for us. I still had some good laps and a good vacation. I would not blame anyone for the temperature. No one can control the nature. Only together we can make a change. So I wouldn’t comment on the powder this time. And I have decided to come back in a good season to see the real Tenjindaira. Then I would add another review for that tour.

By the way, I used PowerHounds as reference for years. This was the 1st time I book tour from PowerHounds. Due to some email problem, I lost contact with Kieren for a while. Greg proactively asked and helped us to reconnect. I really appreciated that. Thanks for your help. I would highly recommend PowerHounds to everyone.
See our video here

Great introduction to the backcountry!

David King
11/02/2024
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    36-50
  • Ability
    Intermediate
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Australia
  • Month:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    2

Great introduction to the backcountry!

David King
11/02/2024
Kieren & the crew at Tenjin Lodge openned my eyes to where the really awesome snowboarding is in Japan. The guides were very professional and welcoming with a focus on being safe in the mountains. Exceeded my expectations, looking forward to returning to Tenjindaira.
See our video here

Paradise for Powerhounds

Joachim
03/12/2023
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    36-50
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Australia
  • Month:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    4

Paradise for Powerhounds

Joachim
03/12/2023
I’ve ridden a lot of mountains and there’s no better place for powerhounds. Massive long runs, epic powder, very few/well spaced trees. There is awesome snow everywhere in Japan but I’ve never seen runs as long or as untouched as Tenjin.

I’d give the fun factor and guiding 6 stars if I could.

Kieren is a fantastic guide with invaluable experience. We had a pro snowboarder in our group one day. Even boarders or skiers who are experts can still benefit from knowing where it’s safe and where it’s not when you’re ridding a big mountain like Tenjin.

All of the runs (except the summit) involve a 2-20 minute walk. This is a small price to pay for runs you would normally have to take a helicopter to.

Not for beginners. Paradise for powerhounds. Highly recommend the guiding.
See our video here

Tenjin Guides a must do

19/03/2023

Ryan

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy

Ryan

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    36-50
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Australia
  • Month:
    March
  • Admin Rating
    2

Tenjin Guides a must do

19/03/2023
Had a couple of days guiding with Kieren.
First day was perfect sunny weather which we used to get to the peak which I recommend. Although snow was a bit slushy especially down low, Kieren still managed to find the best spots and his experience of the mountain and guiding itself is top notch.
Second day weather was a bit hit n miss but tried to make the most of it anyway and finished off with a trip to the local outdoor Onsen.
Can’t recommend Kieren and Tenjin highly enough, but come prepared in skill level and equipment.
See our video here

For the lines.

Greg
24/02/2023
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    36-50
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Australia
  • Month:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    3

For the lines.

Greg
24/02/2023
This is one for those who want to have a chance to get the amazing lines.

Dinner at the lodge is not why you stay there.

Coffee at the lodge is not why you stay there.

Slack country runs that blow your mind are why you stay there.

The people involved also make it a fantastic journey.
See our video here

Epic tours at Tenjin!

Josh
15/02/2020
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    36-50
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Australia
  • Month:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    2

Epic tours at Tenjin!

Josh
15/02/2020
Kieran and his guides provided for an epic 3 days guiding around Tenjin. Highlight was summiting and scoring epic lines on Tanigawadake! Fantastic rooms, food, staff and service at his lodge also.
Highly recommend for experienced boarders.
Can’t wait to visit again next year!
See our video here

epic late season day

Alex
19/03/2019
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    36-50
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Russia
  • Month:
    March
  • Admin Rating
    3

epic late season day

Alex
19/03/2019
I am a regular visitor - this is not my first time at Tenjin, and it won't be my last. I've seen Tenjin on snowier days, but despite the warm weather and the relative lack of fresh snow (by Tenjin standards), we found pockets of great untouched powder, all within easy access from the backcountry gate. Tanigawadake is a dangerous mountain, but Kieren knows the area extremely well and plans his routes in great detail, with lots of attention given to safety. Every tour I've ever been at in Tenjin was safe, enjoyanble, and fascinating enough to want to come back. I certainly will, and I can't recommend this place enough.
See our video here

Brilliant guide, amazing tour, great lodge!

Jack Blatter
03/03/2019
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    36-50
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Country
    USA
  • Month:
    July
  • Admin Rating
    4

Brilliant guide, amazing tour, great lodge!

Jack Blatter
03/03/2019
We had 3 days of this....
Kieren was an excellent guide, very patient, safety was his top priority while trying to get us the best lines with the deepest pow. He has a great knowledge of the area and I will be coming back to test it some more.

The lodge is a comfortable, relaxed, social environment that has everything that you need. It isn't luxurious but has everything that you need.

I definitely recommend Kieren's guiding and the lodge. I will be back!
See our video here

Late Feb/Early Mar 2019 trip

Steve
03/03/2019
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    36-50
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Country
    Australia
  • Month:
    March
  • Admin Rating
    4

Late Feb/Early Mar 2019 trip

Steve
03/03/2019
We booked a week of private guiding with Kieren and stayed at Tenjin Lodge. We were a group of 4 experienced skiers.

We were hoping for epic pow, but unfortunately got epic sunshine and bluebird the whole week. Of some comfort, albeit little, the whole of Japan was the same and no new snow fell anywhere this same week. So just unlucky.

Despite this, Kieren was excellent as a guide and proactively looking to find us the best conditions. Each night and morning he presented various options for us to choose. He was/is extremely knowledgeable about the area surrounding Tenjin Lodge and this made our stay and the lack of pow still a fantastic trip.

As Tenjin is reknown for it’s steep terrain (which is very true!) and tendency to avalanche, it was very important to us that Kieren’s knowledge of the mountains and his mountain safety were up to scratch. From the initial contact to enquire about the trip through to the daily guiding and in situ activity, we thought Kieren was excellent. He’s a safe and diligent operator who also has a great sense of humour and great guy/guide to have with us. We were very appreciative by his manner even in less than ideal conditions (read ice, crud, slush etc) as he never showed any lack of enthusiasm and was always willing to ‘go’.

Having been a Japanese snow guide myself in previous years, I know first hand when lack of motivation hits in poor conditions and after weeks on the snow guiding various people, it can be very hard to get up and out every day especially when it’s sun and icy. Kieren looked at every day optimistically and never pressured or tried to steer us in a direction that would make his life easier.

All up, I can highly recommend Kieren and his team at Tenjin Lodge for their professionalism, commitment, value and all round good attitude/vibes.

Looking forward to getting back.....with some deep deep pow!
See our video here
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