Sample Itinerary

This itinerary is a sample of how a 7-night/8-day tour would operate however it is customisable and may also alter at the time subject to accessing the best weather & snow conditions.

Day 1 (Arrival Day)

Staff will pick you up from Joetsu-Myoko train station and take you to a beautiful ryokan in Arai where you will spend your first 4 nights. If any rental gear is needed, staff will help get you kitted out.

In the evening, your host will take you to a favorite local restaurant (this is where having a Japanese speaking host is very handy!!). Over dinner you will be able to meet with the staff and discuss options for skiing/boarding for the next few days. PowPow prides itself in tailoring its trips based on your groups ability, the likely snow conditions and weather forecast, as well as any interest you have in Japanese culture and events.

Day 2 & 3 (Ski Days)

After breakfast you will be driven to your ski area of choice (which could be one of the Myoko Kogen ski areas including Seki Onsen, Lotte Arai & Tangram/Madarao) by your host.

You will have the whole day to explore the ski area, have lunch at your own leisure, and in the afternoon your host will pick you up at the agreed time.

En-route back to the hotel, your host will take you to Takada city so you can enjoy dinner, drinks and karaoke.

Again your host will organise a restaurant for you (or you can do your own thing) and the following day's destination will be discussed & decided.

Day 4 (Snowmobile Tour)

In the morning we will head to Suginohara Ski area for a Snowmobile tour (this is optional and an additional cost to the prices shown). Here you will have lessons on how to ride a snowmobile, and then get to have a jaunt through a tree course.

After your snowmobile tour you will be free to explore the Suginohara ski area.

Day 5 (Cultural Day)

Your group will have the option to relax in Joetsu city for the day where you can go shopping and take part in cultural experiences such as calligraphy painting, kimono, or tea ceremony. Depending on the date of booking your host may be able to take you on a tour of a local sake brewery.

Day 6 (Travel to Itoigawa City & Ski/Board)

Today you will head from your hotel in Arai to Itoigawa city; the city of jade, sea and snow. The city is small with only 45,000 residents and is located right on the Sea of Japan coast and is famous for its jade which can be found on its beaches & its primary industry is fishing. Not much English is spoken in this town so having a Japanese host is a real benefit!!

After settling into your hotel in Itoigawa city (where you will stay for the next 2 nights) and renting gear if required, you will be driven to Charmant Hiuchi ski area (or Seaside Valley ski area which is more suited to on-piste skiers & boarders).

After skiing you will be able to explore Itoigawa city. While not as big as Takada, Itoigawa has many interesting bars and it is famous for is crab dishes and local sake!

Day 7 (Ski / Snowboard OR Road trip to Kanazawa)

Your last day could be spent as a full day hitting the snow at Charmant Hiuchi ski area (or one of the other nearby ski areas). Or your host can take you down south to Kanazawa city. Like a mini Kyoto, Kanazawa is a wonderful mesh of Japanese traditions, with deep history of samurai and ninja occupation, yet seamlessly intertwined with a modern bustling city.

Day 8 (Departure Day)

Your host will help you return any rented gear and take you to Itoigawa train station where you will head home or onwards to your next adventure.

Accommodation

Arai - Ryokan

Come relax for the week in a 4.5 star ryokan with personal transport to the slopes, local festivals and city center. Removed from the oversaturated westernized areas of Myoko, located between the mountains and the city, you will be able to visit both while enjoying a truly Japanese experience. The ryokan's two onsens are some of the best in Japan.

Ryokan

Japanese tatami rooms

Traditional Japanese cuisine

Both are believed to hold high healing properties, improving skin condition as well as helping internal blood circulation. So it’s a great place to soak after a hard day in the snow. After an onsen, you can then unwind under the hands of a professional masseuse or party it up in the onsite karaoke room.

The ryokan provides Japanese style tatami rooms, all with ensuite and equipped with TV, fridge and free WiFi. With PowPow Japan you will be able to stay here for a significantly discounted price than if reserved elsewhere.

If you have any questions about the lodging, please make a booking request.

Ryokan lobby

Outdoor onsen

Relaxing sauna

2025 Rates, Inclusions & Add-Ons

Rates

Group Size	Price (JPY)
4	348,440
5	330,770
6	317,760
7	290,090
8	272,430
9	264,750

• base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
• displayed prices are per person twin-share rooms
• based on 8-day sample itinerary (request a quote for your specific requirements)

Inclusions

• 7 nights accommodation
• Daily breakfast
• 5 days lift tickets for each person
• Hosting & interpreting
• Transport to/from ski areas & cultural activities each day
• Transport to/from train station

Add-ons

• Ski & snowboard rentals
• Backcountry guiding (full day)
• Sidecountry guide
• Tea ceremony
• Ski park guide
• Calligraphy experience
• Kimono experience
• Sushi making experience
• Knife making workshop
• Snowmobile tour (5km course - 30 mins)

Not Included

• Flights - search for cheapest flights here
• Travel insurance - buy travel insurance online here
• Ski & snowboard rentals
• On-snow guiding
• Snowmobile tour
• Meals apart from those detailed in the itinerary / inclusions

Terms & Conditions

Booking Process

• 25% deposit is required to secure the booking (bookings are held for 10 days once quotes have been issued)
• balance is due 60 days from the travel date. (If a customer fails to pay the balance by the due date and cannot provide reason and reassurance of full payment being made in the near future, they will forfeit their deposit and the booking will be cancelled)

Payment methods

Payments can be made using Paypal which includes credit card payments accepted by PayPal.

Cancellation by customer

Greater than 90 days from travel date = loss of deposit 
60 to 90 days = 50% of total trip cost
30 to 60 days = 75% of total trip cost
less than 30 days = 100% of the trip cist

It is highly recommended that you get travel insurance to cover you for loss incurred in case of cancellation.

Cancellation by Pow Pow Japan

As Kobayashi is the only main operator for our tours, in the event of an injury that prevents him from working; or a family death during the time of a booking: If it past a time he cannot recover costs from hotels and other reservations he will a provide an 80% refund of deposit. If he can recover costs, they will receive a full refund of the full amount of the deposit.