The Aizu Explorer Tour offers a unique locals perspective on one of Japan's last 'secret' spots
Join the Aizu Explorer Tour for a week exploring the regions ‘under-the-radar’ resorts which have deep powder, great tree riding, zero crowds and very little western influence.
This is a powder hunter tour with no set itinerary. Your guide will monitor weather and snowfall to find you the best conditions each day. Each day your guides will drive you to a different ski area. Drive times can range from 10 – 30 minutes. You can expect to ride a range of resorts throughout the week, and your guides will ensure that you’re in the right place, at the right time, to score the best snow. Another bonus is that you’ll only ride on weekdays which means you’ll avoid the weekend day-trippers.
Nearly everything is included in this tour to make it a stress free trip. You’ll stay at a remote lake-side onsen hotel that is close to the resorts. You’ve got a dedicated powder guide to monitor the storms and find you the best snow. All lift tickets are included for the trip. Private transport is on-hand to drive you to and from the resorts each day. Extensive buffet breakfasts and dinners are included, and you’re guides will pick you up and drop you off from the train station on arrival and departure day.
As Aizu is truly ‘off the beaten track’, you will also experience local cuisine, hospitality and knowledge from not only your Mint hosts, but also from the local community of Aizu. You’ll visit an award-winning sake brewery, visit a local soba restaurant that harvest their own buckwheat and hand-make their noodles and no tour to Aizu is complete without a visit to the historic Tsuruga Castle, the last stronghold of the samurai.
Dates
18 - 24 January, 2026
25 - 31 January, 2026
1 - 7 February, 2026
8 - 14 February, 2026
15 - 21 February, 2026
22 - 28 February, 2026
Price
Price per person:
Twin Room - USD $2,790
Single Room - USD $2,990
Group Size
Maximum 6 people
ABILITY LEVEL
Intermediate to Advanced
Why Travel With Mint
When you book with Mint, you're booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. Mint Tours is a registered travel agent, a member of AFTA and IATA, and operating under the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. Our registered Japanese company ensures full compliance, providing a secure and protected travel experience. You'll be led by our qualified local and international guides who are authorized to work in Japan. Your safety is proactively managed through constant conditions assessment and our guides are rigorously trained and hold qualifications, active certifications and maintain ongoing professional development.
Aizu Explorer Tour
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
ABOUT AIZU
Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo, and in just over 3 hours you will be transported to Aizu, a region with deep powder snow, unique traditions, food and culture, natural onsen and pristine wilderness. The lack of crowds and very little western influence makes it one of our favourite places to ride in Japan. Our base for this tour is a small lakeside village where we can access the 12 surrounding ski resorts including; Nekoma, Minowa, Gran Deco and Alts Bandai.
ALL-INCLUSIVE TOUR
Nearly everything is included to make this a stress-free trip. You'll stay in a lake-side onsen hotel close to the resorts, buffet breakfasts and dinners are included and prepared with local produce, a dedicated powder guide to monitor the storms and find you the best snow daily, private transport on-hand to take you to the best resorts each day, all lift tickets for the trip and your guides will pick you up and drop you off from the train station on arrival and departure day.
SNOW & CONDITIONS
Late January and February is the best time of year to experience skiing and snowboarding in Aizu. Average temperatures range from 0 to -10°C / 32 to 14°F. Most days you can expect to ride new snow that’s anywhere from ankle to knee deep. Even if there's no fresh snow overnight, your guides local knowledge will ensure you’ll ride the best snow conditions on that day.
ACCOMMODATION
Your hotel is centrally located to many of the ski areas we visit. The hotel has modern, western-style rooms, restaurants, bar, onsen and convenience store. Single and twin rooms are available which have great heating, private ensuite bathroom, TV, and free WiFi. Each day you’ve got buffet breakfast and dinners to enjoy in the restaurant and each night you’ve got access to the in-house bar which has icy cold beers on tap as well as a pool table, darts and golf to keep you entertained.
POWDER HUNTER TOUR FORMAT
You'll chase the snow and ride at different resorts each day. The centrally located hotel in Aizu is the perfect base to explore the nearby resorts - Nekoma, Alts Bandai, Minowa, Grandeco and a couple of our secret spots. Mint guides have years of experience skiing & snowboarding this region and will monitor storm cycles daily to ensure you’re scoring these zones in the best conditions.
SMALL GROUPS
Less stopping, more dropping – that's the small group promise. Get ready to ride with a small crew (max 6 guests) who ride like you do. Explore more of the mountain, reach those secret stashes quicker, and share the stoke with your new riding buddies. We pair you with similar abilities so you can keep the stoke high, nail more lines, and high-five your way through an epic day.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Included
✔ 6 nights accommodation in a 3-star onsen hotel (single or twin rooms available)
✔ 5 days of on-snow guiding in a small group of 6 people
✔ 5 day lift ticket
✔ 6 buffet breakfasts
✔ 6 buffet dinners
✔ Scheduled transfers from Koriyama Station to hotel (arrival and departure day)
✔ 5 days of private transport in 4WD vehicles
✔ Fully-escorted tour, guide on hand throughout the tour
✔ Pre tour support from Japan Tour Manager
Not Included
✘ Flights to Japan
✘ Train to Koriyama Station
✘ Travel insurance
✘ All lunches – expect to pay USD $5 – $10 per meal
✘ Any meals, drinks, snacks not listed
✘ Guide gratuities
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
Week 2 – 25 – 31 January, 2026
Week 3 – 1 – 7 February, 2026
Week 4 – 8 – 14 February, 2026
Week 5 – 15 – 21 February, 2026
Week 6 – 22 – 28 February, 2026
Price
Twin Room – USD $2,790 per person (2 people traveling together, 2 single beds)
Single Room USD $2,990 per person (1 person per room)
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.
Book Your Group
If you have a group, large or small, get in touch to discuss your travel plans – [email protected] or +1 503 994 1919
When it comes to your travel experience, choosing a knowledgeable and reliable partner matters. At Mint Tours, we bring over 20 years of dedicated expertise in Japan to the table, ensuring you’re in capable hands. Here are a few reasons why you can confidently entrust your journey to us:
Travel Worry-Free: Choose a Japan Tour Operator That plays by the rules
When you book with Mint, know that you are booking with a Japan tour operator that strictly adheres to all local rules and laws. Our registered Japanese company ensures full compliance, providing a secure and protected travel experience. You’ll be led by our qualified local and international guides, authorized to work in Japan, with your safety proactively managed through constant conditions assessment and guides expertly trained in all aspects of backcountry safety and emergency response. Rest assured, you’re booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise, a registered travel agent, and a member of AFTA and IATA, operating under the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct.
Our Team: Your key to an unforgettable Japan trip
We leverage our deep local knowledge to guide you to the quieter ski areas and even some of our closely guarded secret stashes. This means fewer people vying for the goods and a much higher probability of you scoring those coveted, untouched powder runs, guaranteed.
Safety is Our Priority: Expertly guided for a secure Japan journey
Guest safety is our top priority. Our daily operations are guided by continuous weather and snowpack monitoring, informing all decisions. A specific safety plan is also in place for each guiding area. Your guide is rigorously trained and holds qualifications along with ongoing professional development and active certifications.
Book with Confidence: Your qualified & registered travel partner for Japan
Your Japan journey, simplified and tailored by experts. Mint Tours is a full-service travel agent ready to handle not only your tour, but all the extras – from insurance and stopovers to pre- and post-tour plans. Backed by years of focused expertise in Japan, our credentials speak for themselves: we have partnerships with Japanese resorts and destinations, we’re AFTA and ATAS accredited, and members of IATA and ATTA, allowing us to craft truly expert arrangements for your trip.
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 maintain a continuous pace riding in trees
✔ You maintain a continuous pace on traverses and flat sections
✔ You are confident riding in low visibility conditions (snow or fog)
✔ 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. At times short hikes (5-10 minutes) may be necessary.
What Is an Explorer Tour?
Designed for strong 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.
How To Book
To reserve your spot, email [email protected] with your preferred dates and one of our travel managers will send you a quote, availability and further information for the tour.
Deposits and Payments
A 50% deposit is payable to secure your booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to tour departure.
Terms and Conditions
View our terms and conditions HERE