Outback Tohoku Tour
The Outback Tohoku Powder Tour heads to lesser known ski areas in Tohoku. In addition to the Aomori Prefecture, the Akita and Yamagata Prefectures have a nice rural atmosphere and are less developed as tourist destinations compared to Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures on the Pacific Ocean side. This tour is also aptly called "Outback Tohoku" because the Japan Sea side of Japan is sometimes called "Ura Nippon" (literally "Back Japan").
Ideal for those with a true sense of adventure that want to see untrodden parts of Japan, this tour explores some "off-grid" ski areas in Aomori, Akita, and Yamagata. Surrounded by pristine snow-covered mountains, indulgent moments in hot springs, and savoring local delicacies, this journey promises plenty of unique winter experiences.
This is a private bespoke tour that can be customised to your small group of up to 4 people. You can't join a mixed group. Couples are welcome to participate, although the per person rate will be higher than if you have 3 or 4 people in your group. This tour has sample pricing and an itinerary for 7 days, although you can customise the trip to your desired duration.
Highlights
- This tour is operated & guided by knowledgeable and qualified English-speaking Japanese guides
- Head way off the beaten path to ski areas that foreigners typically don't go to
- Stay in Hirosaki City in Aomori for 2 nights, Lake Tazawa in Akita for 2 nights, and then in Yamagata for 3 nights
- Soak in onsen along the way
- Your Japanese host will ensure you get to experience plenty of the culture & will drive you each night to restaurants to savour local cuisine
- Boutique trip for your small group so very personalised service
This is an outline of the sample itinerary and you can customise it somewhat to suit your needs. Start up in the northern part of Tohoku in the Aomori Prefecture and visit
Iwakisan Ski Area on the backside of Aomori Spring Resort and also the ropeway assisted backcountry of
Hakkoda.
Your guide will drive you south to the Akita Prefecture to the Lake Tazawa area which is stunning, although it's often dumping with snow so you don't always get beautiful views of the lake and mountains. You will visit the gem of
Tazawako Ski Resort and also Jeunesse if you want lift-accessed skiing or snowboarding, or if lift-assisted backcountry is more your thing, you can visit
Ani.
Then your guide will drive you further south to the Yamagata Prefecture where you can choose to stay in remote lodging near the mighty Mt Gassan or at the Zao Onsen village. You'll enjoy a day of guided skiing or riding around
Zao Onsen and also visit the local gem of
Jangle Jungle.
Terrain Focus
The terrain focus for the trip and also any given day is totally up to you and the equipment, wishes and skills of your group. You could have an in-resort focus or off-piste plus sidecountry (lift-accessed backcountry) or if your group has backcountry equipment and familiarity, the tour can be more centred around backcountry skiing and touring up Mt Gassan could even be on the cards. At Hakkoda, for those without touring gear, the guides can organise snowshoe rentals.
Group Type
These tours are for private groups only i.e. you cannot join a group as a solo traveller. You can
make a booking request to get a quote for your desired trip duration, group size