Deep powder, great tree riding and zero crowds
If you’re looking for dry, Hokkaido-like powder, playful tree riding, and zero crowds — put the Morioka Explorer Tour at the top of your list. You’ll spend a week road-tripping to little-known, stash-laden resorts just outside a regional city.
Morioka is the capital of Iwate Prefecture — officially designated a ‘Heavy Snowfall Region’ — and it’s home to over 15 ski areas. These range from quirky, old-school hills to larger, more modern resorts. There’s even an active volcano that you can ride, with views that resemble Mt Fuji. To the northwest is Appi, the region’s most established resort, known for reliable snowfall and some of the best lift-accessed tree zones in Honshu. To the southwest, Geto Kogen is a deep-snow gem, pulling in some of the highest totals in Japan. Between them lie Iwate’s true secret spots — places we won’t name until you’re on the ground with us.
This is a powder hunter tour with no set itinerary. Each day, your guides assess the conditions and take you to the resort with the best snow. Expect daily drives of 30 to 70 minutes out of the city — each one worth it. You’ll ride a mix of resorts across the week, and by sticking to weekdays, we steer clear of the weekend crowds.
You’ll also experience the real Japan by staying in a vibrant regional city instead of a resort town. After riding, unwind in local onsen and dig into Morioka’s incredible food scene. Each night your guide will take you to some of the city’s best local restaurants and bars.
Dates
4 - 10 January, 2026
11 - 17 January, 2026
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
USD $2,990 per person, single room
Ability Level
Strong Intermediate to Advanced
Terrain
Resort off-piste, powder and trees
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.
Morioka Explorer Tour
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
Simple and All-Inclusive
We keep it simple and all-inclusive — everything’s taken care of so you can focus on riding. The Morioka Explorer Tour includes a private single room at a comfortable 3-star hotel, daily breakfasts and dinners, lift tickets, and private transport in a 4WD vehicle. You’ll be guided by a local expert who monitors storms and snowfall to find the best conditions each day, and knows exactly where to go for the deepest turns and quietest zones. All you need to do is show up — we’ll handle the rest.
Morioka: Your Base for Powder and Culture
Skip the resort bubble — this tour is about more than just riding. We base ourselves in Morioka, the lively capital of Iwate Prefecture, just a two-hour Shinkansen ride from Tokyo. After a day chasing powder, you’re not retreating to a quiet ski resort — you’re stepping out into a real Japanese city. Morioka is packed with local spots: ramen joints, izakaya, craft beer bars, and late-night hangouts. Your guide will lead the way each night, giving you a proper taste of the culture most riders miss. Each day, we hit the road and chase the best conditions. Drive times range from 30 to 70 minutes, depending on where the snow’s falling and how adventurous your crew is feeling. It’s the perfect mix of deep days and real Japan, on and off the mountain.
Onsen + Local Culture
No matter where we ride, the day usually ends the same way — soaking in a local onsen. These natural hot springs are a big part of Japanese culture, and after a day chasing powder, there’s no better way to unwind. The mineral-rich, geothermal waters help ease tired muscles and reset your body for another full day on the mountain. It’s a daily ritual that adds something special to the trip. Depending on the conditions and timing, there’s also the chance to explore more of Morioka’s local culture — from sake tastings at a small brewery to dinners at long-standing soba restaurants. But the onsen? That’s always on the list.
Morioka Snow & Conditions
Iwate is one of the most consistent regions in Japan for snowfall, making it a go-to for riders chasing reliable conditions. The ideal window runs from early January to late February — peak winter, when the storms roll in regularly and the snow stacks up deep. You can expect light, dry powder throughout the trip — the kind of snow that makes tree runs and mellow terrain feel next-level. Iwate is known for its consistency, so snow coverage is rarely a concern. When the storms roll in — and they do often — it’s game on.
Small Groups & Good Vibes
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.
No Sharing: Your Own Private Room Guaranteed!
Forget shared rooms — every guest on this tour gets their own private single room with an ensuite. It’s your space to unwind, sort your gear, and get a solid night’s sleep without compromise. Whether you're a solo traveler or just value privacy, having your own room makes a big difference after a full day on the mountain. You’ll be staying in a great 3-star city hotel — clean, comfortable, and perfectly located. It’s the ideal base for exploring Morioka by night and hitting the slopes by day. Traveling with a partner? No problem — we can arrange a double room on request.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Included
✔ 6 nights accommodation at Art Hotel Morioka, Standard Queen Room with ensuite (1 person per room)
✔ 5 days of guiding
✔ 5 day lift ticket
✔ 5 days of private transfers to and from resorts
✔ 6 buffet breakfasts
✔ 6 dinners in Morioka
✔ Fully-escorted tour, guide on hand throughout the tour
✔ Scheduled transfers from Morioka Station to hotel (arrival and departure day)
✔ Pre tour support from Japan Tour Manager
Not Included
✘ Flights and travel to Morioka
✘ Travel insurance
✘ All lunches – expect to pay USD $6 – $15 per meal
✘ Onsen entry fee – expect to pay between USD $3 – $7 per visit
✘ Any meals, drinks, snacks not listed
✘ Guide gratuities
Dates & Price
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. Rates are based on accommodation seasonality.
Week 1 – 4 – 10 January, 2026 – USD $2,990 per person, single room
Week 2 – 11 – 17 January, 2026 – USD $2,990 per person, single room
Week 3 – 18 – 24 January, 2026 – USD $2,990 per person, single room
Week 4 – 25 – 31 January, 2026 – USD $2,990 per person, single room
Week 5 – 1 – 7 February, 2026 – USD $2,990 per person, single room
Week 6 – 8 – 14 February, 2026 – USD $2,990 per person, single room
Week 7 – 15 – 21 February, 2026 – USD $2,990 per person, single room
Multi-Tour Booking Discount
If 6 nights isn’t enough, book a multi-tour combo. Finish the Morioka 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
Day 1 – Sunday ‘Arrival Day’
Welcome to Japan. Make your way to Morioka Station, where your guide will be waiting to meet you for the short transfer to the hotel. After check-in, you’ll have some free time to settle into your room, unpack, and get your gear dialed for the week ahead. In the evening, meet up with your guides and group for a welcome session. We’ll walk you through the plan for the week, current weather and snow conditions, equipment checks, and answer any questions you’ve got. After that, head out with the crew for dinner at one of our favorite local izakaya — a great way to get to know your fellow riders. Most guests are traveling solo, so it’s a relaxed, easy start to the week.
Day 2 to 6 – Monday to Friday ‘On-Snow Guided Days’
You’ll spend the next five days riding a mix of surrounding resorts. There’s no fixed itinerary — we keep things flexible so you can ride where the conditions are best. Your guide will monitor the storm cycles and make daily calls based on weather, snowfall, and what each zone is offering. Every resort responds differently to snow, so we stay nimble and go where it’s good. We have access to over half a dozen resorts, each with its own character and terrain. Drive times range from 30 to 70 minutes, depending on the destination and the group’s appetite for adventure. Each day will follow a familiar rhythm: ride the best snow, reset in the onsen, and enjoy the local scene.
Mornings
Start your day with the hotel breakfast buffet. Departure times are usually around 7:45 am — your guide will confirm the plan the night before. Each morning begins with a quick weather and snow briefing before loading up the van and heading to the day’s resort.
On-Mountain
Each day on-mountain is all about finding the best snow and making the most of it. Your guide will take you well beyond the groomers — into the powder stashes, tree runs, and untouched in-bounds terrain that most people miss. With a flexible itinerary and small group size, we keep things nimble and responsive to conditions. You’ll ride with expert guides who know the resorts inside out — the sneaky traverses, the wind-loaded bowls, and the zones that stay fresh days after a storm. They’ll lead the way at a steady, enjoyable pace, giving you time to take it all in and ride at your rhythm. Whether it’s your first day in Japan or your fifth trip back, this is the kind of terrain and experience you only get when you’re riding with the right crew. Expect fun, flowy days with plenty of variety — and enough powder to keep you grinning long after the lifts stop spinning.
Afternoons
After a full day of riding, the afternoons are your time to unwind — and in Japan, there’s no better way to do that than with a soak in an onsen. These traditional hot springs are part of daily life here, and a huge part of the experience. Most days, your guide will lead the group to one of the local onsens tucked away in the hills or hidden near the base of the resort. Each one is a little different — some are rustic and open-air with views of the snow-covered forest, others are sleek and modern with multiple pools, saunas, and cold plunges. What they all have in common are mineral-rich, geothermal waters that melt away fatigue and reset your body for the next day. It’s a ritual we rarely skip — and once you’ve done it, you’ll understand why. Depending on the day, there’s also time to explore a bit of the local culture. Maybe it’s a quick stop at a 7-Eleven (trust us, it’s a thing), a sushi train session, or a visit to a local sake brewery for a casual tasting. Your guide will read the group and energy levels, and dial things accordingly. Then it’s back to the hotel with time to reset before dinner.
Evenings
Evenings are all about relaxing, refueling, and soaking up the local scene. After some downtime at the hotel, your guide will lead the group to one of Morioka’s best local restaurants where dinners are included each night. We skip the tourist traps and chain spots — instead, you’ll eat where the locals eat. Each night brings something new: one evening might be spent in a bustling izakaya serving up cold beer and plates of grilled skewers; another could be a quiet soba house that’s been making handmade noodles for generations. There’s sushi, yakiniku, regional specialties, and plenty of hidden gems tucked into alleyways you’d never find on your own. These dinners aren’t just about food — they’re about connection. You’ll get to know your fellow riders, share stories from the day, and get a real taste of Japan’s hospitality and food culture. All restaurants are within walking distance from the hotel, and your guide handles the reservations and orders — so all you have to do is show up, eat well, and enjoy the night. Whether it’s your first trip to Japan or your fifth, this part of the experience often becomes a highlight of the tour.
Day 7 – Saturday ‘Departure Day’
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before checking out. After an unforgettable week riding deep Japanese powder, it’s time to say goodbye. Your guide will transfer you back to Morioka Station for your onward journey. Until next time.
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.
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?
Explorer Tours take you beyond the groomers and into the good stuff — powder stashes, tree runs, and untouched in-bounds terrain. You’ll ride with a small group (maximum 6) and expert guides who know the local zones inside out. With a flexible itinerary, you’ll chase fresh snow across multiple resorts, discovering hidden lines and new terrain each day.
The riding on these tours is at a moderate pace — fast enough to keep things fun, but relaxed enough that you won’t feel rushed. There’s time to take it all in, catch your breath, and enjoy every run. Whether you’re chasing lines through the trees or soaking in the views from the lift, it’s all about keeping the vibe enjoyable and steady.
Join our Explorer Tours to ride with a like-minded crew that shares your passion for adventure. Bring a solid foundation, an open mind, and a readiness to go beyond the groomers. Whether it’s deep trees, hidden stashes, or storm-day surprises — we embrace whatever the mountain throws our way.
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
- Onsen entry fee – expect to pay between USD $3 – $7 per visit
- Karaoke session – expect to pay USD $10
How Far In Advance Do I Need To Book?
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 Morioka 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 Appi and Geto Kogen, 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 Morioka?
When you book, you’ll be provided with a guide which contains all the info on how to get to Morioka – 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