What is your perfect idea of a ski trip to Japan this coming season? Well, read on we may have the perfect solution for you.

“To learn the true meaning of skiing or snowboarding is to be able to live in the NOW. That feeling when your mind and ego are at peace while riding down that pristine slope, and you are totally in the present moment can have life changing repercussions for all aspects of your life. True realisation of ongoing enlightenment happens in the NOW and this is the hope we have for all our guests when they leave us at Japan Powder Culture Tours.” Jase (Owner)

Alastair Camerone 25 (Advanced Skier) – New Zealand – Jan 2024 – Nagano Guided Days

Our group of 7 of kiwis (all experienced skiers / one snowboarder from New Zealand in our early 20s) went on a three week ski trip to Japan, covering 4 different ski regions. To finish off the trip, we stayed three nights in Yudanaka and organized two days guided skiing with George at Japan Powder Culture Tours. Having just scored some epic powder up in Hokkaido, we had high expectations going into this final leg of our trip. Having not snowed for 5 days, we were worried we would be skunked and left disappointed with our time in this region. But that was far from the case. George took us through untouched tree lines all day for the two days we were with him, scoring insanely dry, deep pow, and finding some epic lines. We were stoked. Everywhere we went we felt we were the only people on the mountain, with an insane amount of terrain to access. The mountain we skied both days (from different sides) was overwhelmingly large, and the best way to experience it at its best is definitely with a guide. We were all left extremely stoked and couldn't recommend Jase and JPCC higher for those keen on skiing (or boarding) some good pow and epic terrain. Jase knows the region inside and out and will get you to the best conditions each day, and drive you in his bus to fun cultural events in the evening. Our time in Yudanaka was definitely a highlight of our trip and we all cant wait to come back!

Daily guiding and lessons

Japan Powder Culture Tours is a New Zealand based ski and snowboard tour business that runs tours in the Nagano area of Japan.  Based in Yudanaka, our all inclusive tours include: Guiding and Instruction, lift passes, equipment rental, AVI gear rental, mountain transportation, accommodation, meals and cultural activities. 

Pre-packaged tours start at 4 day up to 14 day tours and we also tailor make packages to suit.  Our guests visit from all parts of the globe and we cater for people from age 3 to 70+ years, and ability levels from beginner to expert.  Our experienced guides and instructors are also available for single day and multi days, and offer a range of one on one, mixed and private group guiding and instructing.

Beginner Lessons

Our beginner ski and snowboard lessons are conducted by our fully qualified English speaking instructors.  The prices include pickup and drop off from your accommodation in Yudanaka, and equipment hire and lift passes are extra. 

We visit Shiga Kogen with a 25 minute drive from Yudanaka or our instructors can also meet you at your accommodation if you are staying on mountain at Shiga Kogen. Depending on conditions there is also the possibility to visit other resorts such as Madarao, Tangram, Nozawa Onsen and Togakushi. (Please note price does not include lift pass or rental equipment). 

Private one on one lesson                                                          Full Day ¥70,000 pp

Group Lesson (minimum of 2 people and maximum of 6)           Full Day ¥80,000 for group

Equipment and Lift Prices:  1 day regular ski/boots/pole or snowboard/boots and clothing hire: Adult ¥5000pp Child ¥3000pp.  Lift passes: Adult ¥75000pp, Senior ¥7000pp and Child ¥45000pp (clothing and other equipment also available).  Ask about our cheaper multi day rates and group discounts.

Guided days

Our Intermediate and Advanced ski and snowboard fully guided (with instruction for the intermediates) days are conducted by our qualified guide/instructors and include the resorts of Shiga Kogen, Madarao, Tangram, Nozawa Onsen, nd Togakushi, from our base in Yudanaka based on where the best snow is on any given day. The pickup time is 7.40am from your Yudanaka accommodation and we travel to where the best snow is on any given day. 

The price includes transport to and from the mountain and full Avalanche equipment (beacon, shovel, probe and backpack) which is compulsory for advanced skiers and boarders.  The price does not include ski equipment hire or lift passes.  The mixed groups are based on a maximum of 1:6 guide to guest ratio, and guests are grouped with our existing tours according to their ability level, unless a private group is booked.  Only full day options are available and please ask for our multi-day rates.

Private One on one guided day (including AVI gear rental)        Full Day ¥70,000

Private Guided day (minimum of 2 people and maximum of 6 including AVI gear rental)                                                                                                         Full day ¥80,000 for group

Single person with existing group (including AVI gear rental) Full day ¥22,000 per person

Equipment and Lift Prices: 1 day demo ski/boots/pole or snowboard/boots and clothing hire Adult ¥10000pp.  Lift passes cost between ¥7000 and ¥7500 pp for adults.  Ask about our cheaper multi day rates and group discounts.   

Reviews

Japan this year in Jan 2020 has had lower than normal snow amounts which has made finding fresh powder a bit of a mission. In saying that it's all still there if you know where to look.
My mates and I have just finished riding Habuka, Myoko and ShigaKogen.
We decided to book a guided tour with Jason at Japan Powder Culture tours for our Shiga Kogen leg.
We are advanced boarders and have over 20 years of riding, with multiple seasons spent travelling looking for snow.
Jason is the first guide that has been able to really understand what it is you a looking for in a guided tour, he took the thinking out of finding lines and freshies which made our day magic. He is very knowledgeable of the area and history of the place. The whole operational was a well-oiled machine and provided a professional service at a reasonable price.
Our guide although on skis ripped and we were very happy at the skill and pace he operated at, he was safe and had good gear to hire.
I would and will be recommending these guys to our friends as on Shiga Kogen it is a huge and confusing area a guide is worth it to increase your fun days.

Cheers Powder culture.

David McIntyre 45 (Advanced Snowboarder) – New Zealand – January 2020 – Nagano Group Guided Day

Jase and his team at Japan Powder Cultural Tours will always be my first choice for guiding services when visiting Shiga Kogen and neighbouring ski areas in the region. Having skied with Jase on two visits to Japan in recent years; I would attest that his knowledge of both inbound and side country terrain around Shiga Kogen is exceptional and guarantees you will always find those untouched lines away from the crowds. You always feel confident skiing with Jase given his enduring 'safety first' approach coupled with the duty of care that he and his team show toward their clients. The experience skiing with Japan Powder Cultural Tours is topped off with some insightful tuition to improve your skiing technique coupled with some great cultural insights and anecdotes about local region. All in all, thanks again to Jase and his team for a great experience, I will be back no doubt.

Nick Misko 45 (Advanced skier) –Australia– January 2020 – Daily Group Guiding

Japan 2020 from a guest perspective

single and multiday guiding and instruction

Beginner to Expert Skiers and Snowboarders

Tour Dates

Guided and lesson days can be booked from the 15th Dec 2022 until the 20th April 2023

Please ask for a full pdf pack which includes tour details, FAQ's, pre trip information, reviews, terms and conditions and customer information spreadsheet.

Old Faithful POW Day

From a guest perspective