Price

Twin Room – USD $2,490 per person
Single Room – USD $2,690 per person

Room Options

Twin Room – 2 people sharing, 2 single beds. Perfect if you’re booking with a friend, family member, or partner.
Single Room – Your own private space, 1 person per room. Ideal if you want extra comfort and downtime.

Both rooming options come with an ensuite and full access to the hotel’s facilities.

Dates

All of tours run from Sunday to Saturday. You’ll ride every resort during the week (Monday – Friday) to avoid the weekend day-trippers and maximize your time on-snow.

Week 1 – 18 – 24 January, 2026  SOLD OUT
Week 2 – 25 – 31 January, 2026  AVAILABLE
Week 3 – 1 – 7 February, 2026  AVAILABLE
Week 4 – 8 – 14 February, 2026  SOLD OUT
Week 5 – 15 – 21 February, 2026  AVAILABLE
Week 6 – 22 – 28 February, 2026  SOLD OUT

Multi-Tour Booking Discount

If 6 nights isn’t enough, book a multi-tour combo. Finish the Aizu Explorer Tour and start a new tour in a different destination the following day. Multi-tour booking discounts will be applied as follows at time of booking – Book 2 tours, get $100 off, book 3 tours, get $200 off.

Ride Japan with a Tour Operator You Can Trust

When it comes to riding in Japan, who you book with matters. Mint Tours is a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of experience. We operate as a registered Japanese company, with strong local partnerships that ensure every tour meets the highest standards—so you can focus on the snow, not the logistics. We’re also a registered travel agent, a member of AFTA and IATA, and operate under the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct.

Know Who You’re Booking With

Not every operator in Japan follows the rules—but we do. Mint Tours is fully authorized to run guided tours across the regions we operate in. We’ve built our reputation on doing things properly—with the right permits, trusted local partners, and a focus on safety and experience. In a country with strict regulations around guiding, it pays to know who you’re booking with.

Travel Worry-Free

Our tours are led by experienced professionals—both local and international—who are authorized to guide in Japan. From storm tracking to terrain selection, everything is handled by a team that knows how to deliver a safe, seamless experience.

Real Credentials. Real Experience.

We know Japan. From deep resort days to quieter zones, we use local knowledge and decades of experience to find the best conditions. Our crew includes respected names in the snow world—guides who ride hard, know the terrain, and genuinely care about your trip.

Safety First, Always

Every day on snow starts with a detailed weather and snowpack assessment. Our terrain choices are backed by planning, not guesswork. Our backcountry guides hold current certifications with a focus on avalanche safety, emergency response, and ongoing professional development—ensuring every decision is backed by training and experience.

Full-Service Support

We don’t just run great tours—we make your whole trip easier. From pre-departure advice to help with stopovers and extra nights, we’re here to support you before, during, and after your tour. You get expert guidance from the moment you book to the moment you head home.

During the tour, expect to ride plenty of powder and trees. This is Japan in winter — storm cycles are frequent, and the snow stacks up fast. January is the heart of the storm season, with consistent snowfall, cold temps, and day-after-day of fresh tracks in the trees. It’s the perfect time for riding deep powder in sheltered zones, and you’ll often spend multiple days exploring gladed terrain as visibility comes and goes.

As we move into February, the storms keep rolling through, but the weather begins to settle slightly, offering more chances to access open terrain. Your guides will assess conditions each day to find the best possible riding — whether that’s storm-day tree runs or scoring untouched snow in more exposed zones once the skies clear.

Temperatures stay well below freezing throughout both January and February, which means the snow stays light and dry — often riding just as well two or three days after a storm. While the exact weather is always unpredictable, what you can count on is a variety of terrain, reliable conditions, and the kind of snow that makes Japan famous. Just come ready to ride it all.

Day 1 – Sunday ‘Arrival Day’

Welcome to Aizu! Your Japanese powder adventure begins at Koriyama Station, where your guide will greet you and take you on a scenic drive to our hotel. After checking in and getting settled, take some time to unpack and dial in your gear for the epic week ahead. In the evening, swing by the hotel bar to meet your guides and fellow riders for an info-packed welcome session. We’ll cover the week’s plan, the current snow forecast, do a quick gear check, and answer any burning questions you might have. Afterwards, join us for dinner at the hotel – it’s the perfect chance to connect with everyone on the tour, especially since many of our guests are solo travelers ready to shred!

Day 2 to 6 – Monday to Friday ‘On-Snow Guided Days’

Get ready for five epic days shredding the best snow Japan’s Aizu region has to offer! We’re keeping our itinerary flexible, meaning we’ll chase the freshest conditions and ride whichever of the half-dozen nearby resorts is firing that day. Your guide will be on constant storm watch, ensuring we’re always in the prime zone as weather and snowfall vary across the area. With resorts just a quick 10-30 minute van ride away (depending on conditions and how stoked we are!), each day will follow a similar formula for maximizing pow time:

Mornings – Fuel up for the day with a leisurely breakfast buffet. Your guide will let you know the departure time the night before (typically around 8:15 am), and each morning will kick off with a rundown of the day’s weather and snow conditions, plus the plan for which resort we’ll be hitting for the best riding. With tons of options nearby, our guides are constantly monitoring the snow to get you on the freshest stashes. Van’s loaded – let’s go score some Japan pow!

Throughout the day – Get ready for a full day shred mission! Your guide will be dialed into the overnight snowfall and conditions, taking the guesswork out of where to find the absolute best riding each day. Expect insider knowledge that gets you straight to the goods – think fresh tracks in the trees, secret powder stashes, and even some fun laps through the terrain park if the vibe is right. Plus, they know all the best spots for lunch and photo ops.

Afternoons – After crushing the slopes, the adventure continues! Depending on the group’s vibe and energy, your guide will tailor the afternoon. Imagine soaking your muscles in a traditional local onsen, sampling regional brews at a sake brewery, exploring the historic Tsuruga Castle, or simply grabbing some local snacks and drinks at a 7-Eleven before heading back to the hotel to chill. It’s all about experiencing the authentic flavors of Aizu!

Evenings – After epic days exploring Aizu’s slopes, the evenings are yours to unwind. Head to our lake-front hotel’s indoor or outdoor onsen for ultimate relaxation. Grab a beer with the crew in the bar, challenge someone to a game of pool or table tennis, or simply kick back before dinner. Delicious dinners are included throughout the week, providing the perfect opportunity for the group to share stories of the day’s best turns and enjoy great food together.

Day 7  – Saturday ‘Departure Day’

Enjoy one last delicious breakfast at the hotel before checking out. After an incredible week of riding that legendary deep Japanese powder, it’s time to say farewell. Your guide will provide a smooth transfer back to Koriyama Station, leaving you with epic memories of your Aizu adventure. Safe travels!

When you are ready to book, you’ll be asked to self-evaluate if this tour is a match for your ability. We want you to have an unforgettable experience, and your ability plays a central role in your enjoyment and safety. When self-evaluating, please be realistic about your current ability, experience, pace and fitness. If you can’t decide if this is the right tour for you, call our team for a chat. They are always happy to provide further insights or recommend other tours.

Ability Requirements

To join this tour, you must be able to ride at an intermediate to advanced ability level. 

✔ You ride at a moderate and continuous pace
✔ You frequently ride off-piste (un-groomed terrain) at a resort
✔ You can ride in most conditions from powder, hard pack, crusty or tracked snow
✔ You can safely navigate around hazards, i.e. trees, open creeks, tree wells, holes etc.

Pace

You ride at a moderate and continuous pace, allowing for rest breaks. You may slow down when faced with more challenging snow conditions or when riding in trees, but mostly maintain a fluid pace.

Fitness

We’re not looking for you to be an Olympic athlete, but you do need some fitness endurance to comfortably ride for the duration of the trip. You’ll spend five, full and consecutive days on-snow. 

What Is an Explorer Tour?

Designed for intermediate to advanced riders, our Explorer Tours take you across multiple resorts, exploring varied terrain and hidden spots with the insider knowledge of our experienced guides. Be ready to ride off-piste (ungroomed) terrain, powder, and trees throughout the trip. Ride alongside a crew who shares your passion for adventure, and embrace whatever the mountain throws your way. Bring a solid foundation, a sense of curiosity, and a readiness to push beyond the groomed.

Are Lift Tickets Included?

Yes, all lift tickets are included for this tour. Please note that none of the resorts that we visit on this tour are on the Ikon or Epic Pass.

Budgeting For The Tour

Here’s an indication of what you can expect to pay for meals and activities:

• 6 x Lunches – expect to pay USD $10 – $15 per meal
• 1 – 2 times Onsen entry fee when using an onsen outside the hotel – expect to pay between USD $3 – $7 per visit
• Optional Karaoke session – expect to pay USD $10
• Optional Sushi Train visit – expect to pay USD $10

How Far In Advance Do I Need To Book?

The Aizu Explorer Tour is our most sought-after Japan trip, and availability can be limited. While we can’t guarantee how quickly it will fill, we advise booking early to secure your desired travel dates. Historically, tours tend to reach full capacity by the end of June, significantly before our final booking cut-off of 90 days prior to departure. Book now to avoid missing your chance.

What Happens On Arrival and Departure Day?

Arrival and departure days are your travel days to and from the tour – no snowboarding is planned for these days. Upon booking, you’ll receive our comprehensive tour guide. This essential resource provides a step-by-step breakdown of the arrival and departure process, along with crucial information on flights, meeting points, your gear list, recommended travel times, visa requirements, and transportation logistics.

What If I’m Traveling Solo?

If you’re traveling solo, you’ll have your own private single room – guaranteed. About 99% of our guests are solo travelers just like you. It’s a fantastic way to connect with others who share your passion for snowboarding and exploring Japan.

How Many People In My Group?

Your tour group will have a maximum of 6 guests, and 1 guide.

Which Resorts Will We Visit?

The Aizu Explorer Tour has a flexible itinerary so you can ride at the best resort on the day. Each day your guide will make the decision on which resort to ride based on a number of factors including weather, snowfall, group ability and interest. The better known locations are Nekoma and Alts Bandai, then there’s the local secret spots that you’ll get to discover when you join us on tour.

Are Flights Included?

No, flights are not included, but Mint can provide you with a list of the best flights to book to match up with your tour and arrival or departure times.

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is mandatory. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, snowsports and emergency repatriation. We also strongly recommend it covers trip cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. For US citizens, we recommend Spot Insurance https://www.getspot.com/trip-affiliates/mint-tours.

What Happens Once I’ve Booked?

Once you sign up for a tour, you’ve got a dedicated tour manager as your point of contact. They can assist with any pre-trip questions about flights, transfers, insurance or what gear to bring. Your tour manager can also arrange pre or post tour travel to other resorts or cities.

90 days before the tour starts – you will receive a Pre Departure Guide which contains important information to help you prepare for your trip. You will need to complete a digital waiver, participant information form, ability questionnaire and advise your arrival and departure flight details.

On arrival day – your guide will add you to a WhatsApp group which will be used for tour communication throughout the week.

How Do I Check My Ability Level?

The best way to check if a tour is suited to your ability is by speaking with one of our tour managers. They will be able to determine if the tour you have selected is a good fit for your ability, as well as suggesting other tour options.

How Do I Get To Aizu?

When you book, you’ll be provided with a guide which contains all the info on how to get to Aizu – by flight and train.

How Do I Check Availability?

Speak with one of our tour managers for the most up to date availability. As this is a small group tour with limited availability, it’s best to get in touch early to avoid disappointment.

Can I Rent Equipment?

Quality rental equipment is not available. Please bring everything you need with you.

What Equipment Should I Bring?

Guests will need to bring their own equipment for the tour. Powder specific equipment is recommended. When you book, you’ll be provided with a gear list of what to pack. 

Gratuities

We’re committed to making your Mint Tours experience incredible! Gratuities for guides are not included in the tour cost and are never mandatory. However, if you’d like to recognize their exceptional service, a tip of 10-20% of the total trip cost is a typical and much-appreciated gesture. Gratuities can be given directly to your guide at the end of your tour.

Questions or Ready to Book?

We’re here to help. If you’ve got questions or need more info, just get in touch and we’ll talk you through the details. Ready to lock in your spot? Give us a call or send us an email.

📧  [email protected]
📞 +1 503 994 1919

Deposits and Payments

A 50% deposit is required to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due 90 days before your tour begins.

Terms & Conditions

Click HERE to view our full terms and conditions.