Deep powder and great tree riding

If you’re chasing dry, Hokkaido-style powder, playful terrain, and a road trip through one of Japan’s most underrated snow regions, put the Morioka Explorer Tour at the top of your list. This is a flexible, storm-chasing week built around local knowledge, good timing, and finding the best conditions each day.

Based in the regional capital of Morioka, you’ll have access to a surprisingly stacked mix of ski hills, from quirky retro spots to bigger modern mountains, including an active volcano with Mt Fuji-style views. This entire region is officially designated a “Heavy Snowfall Area,” and it delivers all season long. To the northwest sits Appi, the best-known resort in the region, with long runs and lift-accessed tree zones that hold deep snow well after a storm. Southwest is Geto Kogen, a storm magnet known for some of the deepest snowfall totals in Honshu. And in between? That’s where the real magic happens. We won’t name names, but our crew has a hit list of lesser-known spots you’re unlikely to find in guidebooks or all over social media.

There’s no fixed itinerary, just storm chasing, local intel, and the goal of scoring the best turns each day. Drives range from 30 to 70 minutes, but every one is worth it. We also focus on weekday riding to make the most of quieter mountains and fresh conditions. Off the mountain, you’ll stay in the lively city of Morioka rather than a resort village. After riding, soak in a local onsen, then head out for dinner with your guide. Nightly dinners are curated by your guide, giving you a taste of Morioka’s food scene, from handmade soba to sizzling yakiniku and local izakaya.

If your ideal Japan trip is about deep snow, local culture, and exploring beyond the usual resort circuit, this one’s for you.

Dates

Jan 31–Feb 6 / Feb 7–13 / Feb 14–20

Price

$3,490 – Single Room

Ability and Fitness

Comfortable in powder and trees, with a more relaxed pace than our Freeride Tours.

Enquire
Call

Group Size

Max 6 people

Why Travel With Mint

With more than 20 years operating in Japan, Mint Tours is a fully licensed Japanese company delivering professionally guided, small-group snow tours across the country’s quietest, snowiest regions. Our highly qualified guides hold recognized certifications and legal work rights in Japan, ensuring every tour meets the highest local safety and compliance standards. As an accredited AFTA, ATAS, and IATA travel provider, we offer the security and reliability of a globally recognized operator. With Mint, you travel with a team deeply embedded in Japan, fully compliant, professionally trained, and committed to providing a safe, well-managed, and genuinely local experience.

Enquire
Call

Tour Highlights

Ride with a local

Explore Iwate’s powder zones with local guide Kei, whose deep knowledge of the region comes from years spent riding and working in the area. Each day is built around conditions, giving you the best chance of finding good snow, fun terrain, and memorable days on the mountain.

Highlights

Morioka City Stay

Food is a huge part of the experience on this trip. Kei curates the nightly dinners, taking the group to his favorite local spots for everything from handmade soba and yakiniku to traditional izakaya and regional specialties.

Tour Highlights

The Location

Step off the beaten path and into one of Japan’s best-kept secrets. Iwate is a designated ‘Deep Snowfall Region’ with over 15 ski areas — from quiet, old-school hills to powder-filled gems. It’s packed with stashes, tree runs, and terrain most riders overlook.

Tour Highlights

Built around snow quality

This trip runs on one priority. Finding the best snow each day. You’re not locked into one mountain. There's multiple zones within reach of Morioka, so your guide can adjust based on snowfall.

Highlights

Your Own Space to Recharge - Single Rooms

Unlike typical tours with shared accommodation, every guest enjoys the luxury of their private single room. Revel in the space and privacy to spread out your gear, unwind after an epic day, and get a restful night's sleep in a comfortable bed, complete with your own ensuite bathroom.

Morioka Explorer Tour

Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info

Request itinerary

WHY VISIT MORIOKA

Morioka isn’t a resort town. It’s a Japanese city, low-key, and full of places that feel genuinely local. The food alone is a reason to visit, from small noodle shops to late-night yakiniku spots. Then there are the places you wouldn’t find without local knowledge, underground skate bowls, tiny bars hidden up five flights of stairs, and sake breweries that have been operating for hundreds of years, along with local onsen that are part of everyday life here. It’s not built around tourism, which is what gives it a different feel to most snow trips.

FLEXIBLE ITINERARY

Instead of staying in one resort, this trip is built around accessing multiple zones. You’ll ride a different area each day, with the plan shaped by the conditions. Snowfall can vary significantly, which is where having an experienced guide tracking weather and making the call each day becomes key. That flexibility gives you the best chance of finding good snow, rather than being stuck riding the same place because it’s easy to access. Getting to the better spots often means going a bit further or putting in extra effort, but that’s where the good days come from.

SKI AREAS IN MORIOKA

Ski areas in this region are smaller than those in North America and Europe, with fewer lifts and shorter runs. But that’s not really the point. You’re here for the the trees and the pow. Being a designated Heavy Snowfall Area, you’ll find powder most days, plenty to fun terrain, and lifts that let you keep lapping without much downtime. Some spots might look low-key at first, but once you start riding, there’s far more there than you expect. The days at these smaller spots often end up being the standout days of the trip.

TERRAIN

This tour is built around riding powder, trees, and fun natural terrain at a more relaxed pace than our Freeride Tours. Led by local guide Kei, each day is shaped around conditions, weather, and local knowledge to find the best riding across Morioka’s mix of resorts and lesser-known mountains. Expect ungroomed runs, playful tree zones, and plenty of powder, all accessed by lifts within the resort boundaries. Riders should be comfortable riding powder and trees, but there’s no hiking or lift-accessed backcountry involved.

DRIVING RANGE AND ACCESS

This tour is based in Morioka for the full tour, with all ski areas within a 40 to 90 minute drive. That range is what gives us options, rather than being locked into one mountain. Your guide makes the call based on what’s riding best, not a set itinerary. We use large, comfortable 10-seat vans with only six guests, so there’s plenty of space and a more comfortable ride between zones.

ACCOMMODATION AND INCLUSIONS

You’ll stay in your own private Queen ensuite room in central Morioka, with a modern setup and plenty of space to manage your gear and reset between days. Everything else is taken care of across the week, with accommodation, lift passes, guiding, and daily transport all included. Buffet breakfast and nightly dinners are included, with dinners curated by local guide Kei, a serious foodie and certified sake master, giving you a taste of Morioka’s local food culture through his favorite restaurants. You’ll also receive full pre-trip support to help you prepare and plan your travel.

Meet your expert team

LOCAL GUIDES & PARTNERSHIPS

Mint opens doors around the globe. Our long-standing relationships with local guides, local legends, professional athletes, local businesses and resorts allow us special access to places and people. Travelling with us, you go behind the scenes to get a close-up view of each destination. You’re enriched by the knowledge of our experts and local guides.

Meet your expert team

Kei Ishiuchi

Kei is a true veteran of the Japanese snowboard scene, with over 20 years of experience. His background includes time as a test rider for Burton, editor for major Japanese snowboard magazines, and head coach at multiple ski schools across the country. He knows the terrain, culture, and snow inside out. Spend a day riding with Kei and it’s easy to see why so many of our guests return just to ride with him — season after season.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Tour Inclusions

INCLUDED

✔ 6 nights accommodation, Queen Room with ensuite (1 person per room)
✔ 5 days of guided riding
✔ Small group guiding, 6 guests
✔ 5-day lift ticket
✔ 5 days of private transfers to and from resorts
✔ Scheduled transfers on arrival and departure day, Morioka Station
✔ 6 buffet breakfasts
✔ 6 dinners (curated by your guide, highlighting local specialties)
✔ Pre-tour support from our Japan Tour Manager

NOT INCLUDED

✘ Flights and travel to Morioka
✘ Travel insurance
✘ All lunches (allow USD $6 to $15 per meal)
✘ Onsen fee (allow USD $7 to $10 per visit)
✘ Personal incidentals and hotel extras
✘ Guide gratuities (discretionary)

Dates, Price & Availability

DATES AND PRICE

All tours run Sunday to Saturday with five full days of guided riding Monday to Friday.

Week 1 – January 31 to February 6 – USD $3,490 per person – Single Room (1 person per room)
Week 2 – February 7 to 13 – USD $3,490 per person – Single Room (1 person per room)
Week 3 – February 14 to 20 – USD $3,490 per person – Single Room (1 person per room)

DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT

A 50% deposit is required to secure your spot.
The final balance is due 90 days before your tour start date.

AVAILABILITY

Each tour runs with a maximum of 6 guests. Spots are not held and are available on a first come, first served basis. Your place is only confirmed once your deposit has been received. Peak weeks fill quickly, so if you have a preferred date in mind it’s worth securing it early.

Ability, Pace and Fitness

ABILITY, PACE AND FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

Getting the ability match right is important to us, for your experience, for the group, and for your safety on the mountain.

Ability
This tour is for confident and capable snowboarders who can ride the whole mountain, including tree runs, traverses, and natural ungroomed terrain with flow and control. If you mainly ride groomed runs or have limited experience in powder and trees, our Progression Tours are a better fit.

Pace
You should be comfortable riding powder and trees at a moderate pace, without needing to stop, rest, and reset frequently. The focus on this tour is on finding good snow and enjoying the terrain — there’s no pressure to push hard. If you’re still building confidence in this type of terrain, our Progression Tours are a better fit.

Conditions
You should be comfortable riding in a variety of snow and weather conditions — tracked snow, chop, heavy or crusted snow, flat light, and low visibility. Your guide will always alter the pace to match the conditions, but you should be able to adapt and keep moving safely when the snow isn’t at its best.

Fitness
A good level of cardio fitness is required across five consecutive days on snow. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should arrive in good shape. Fatigue builds quickly across the week, even for experienced riders. No hiking is required on this tour.

NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE RIGHT TOUR FOR YOU?

If you’re not sure if this tour is a fit for you, get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction. We have tour options at different levels and we’re always happy to help you find the right one.

Itinerary

DAY 1 – SUNDAY ‘ARRIVAL DAY’

Welcome to Japan. Make your way to Morioka Station, where local Guide Kei will meet you for the short transfer to the hotel. After check-in, you’ll have time to settle in, unpack, and get your gear sorted for the week ahead. That evening, meet Kei and the crew for a welcome session. We’ll run through the plan for the week, check current weather and snow conditions, and go over equipment. After that, we head out for a hosted welcome dinner with the group, included as part of your tour, and a relaxed way to kick things off and meet the crew.

DAY 2 TO 6 – MONDAY TO FRIDAY ‘GUIDED DAYS’

Five full days on snow, exploring a mix of mountains across the Morioka region. Each day follows a similar rhythm, with local Guide Kei leading the way and shaping the plan around the best riding and overall experience for the group.

Mornings – Start the day with the hotel breakfast, then gear up for departure. Kei will outline the plan based on current weather and snowfall before heading out to the selected resort.

On-Mountain – On arrival at the resort, Kei will handle lift ticket purchases and distribute them to the group before heading out. This tour is all about enjoying great snow, fun tree riding, and exploring a variety of mountains across the Morioka region. Expect a mix of ungroomed terrain, playful natural features, and powder-filled tree zones, all accessed within the resort boundaries. The pace is more relaxed than our Freeride Tours, with time to enjoy the riding, take in the surroundings, and make the most of each mountain throughout the day. Riders should be comfortable riding powder and trees, with Kei leading the group through a mix of fun terrain, tree zones, and powder stashes throughout the week.

Afternoons – After riding, we reset with an onsen stop on the way home. It’s part of the daily routine and a good way to recover before the next day. Depending on the day, there may also be stops for snacks, local lunch spots, or small detours along the way.

Evenings – Evenings are a huge part of the experience on this tour. Dinner is included each night and curated by local Guide Kei, a serious foodie with deep knowledge of Morioka’s food and sake scene. From tucked-away izakaya and handmade soba spots to local yakiniku joints and regional specialties, each dinner gives the group a different taste of the region. After a full day on snow, it’s a chance to slow things down, share stories from the mountain, and experience a side of Japan most visitors never see.

DAY 7 – SATURDAY ‘DEPARTURE DAY’

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then pack up and check out. After a full week on snow, local food, and time with the crew, Kei will transfer you back to Morioka Station for your onward journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS AN EXPLORER TOUR?

Explorer Tours are built around good snow, fun tree riding, and exploring Japan’s lesser-known mountains at a more relaxed pace than our Freeride Tours. You’ll ride with a small group (maximum 6) and local Guide Kei, who knows the Morioka region inside out. With a flexible itinerary, each day is shaped around the best conditions, giving you access to powder stashes, tree runs, and varied in-bounds terrain across multiple resorts.

The pace on these tours is relaxed but steady. There’s time to enjoy the riding, take in the surroundings, stop for lunch, soak in onsen, and experience the region beyond the mountain. While the pace is less intense than our Freeride Tours, riders still need to be confident riding powder and trees in a range of conditions.

Join our Explorer Tours to ride with a like-minded crew that enjoys good snow, local culture, and exploring beyond the usual resort circuit. Expect fun terrain, good food, and a week that flows naturally both on and off the mountain.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT JOINING A GROUP TOUR?

Our tours are run as genuine group experiences. You’ll be joining other riders who are there for the same thing: good snow, fun terrain, and a week that flows well for everyone. Your Guide manages the day for the whole group. That means route selection, terrain choices, pace, and timing are all made with the group in mind, not the individual. The best weeks happen when everyone buys into that, and in our experience, they almost always do. A few things worth knowing before you arrive:

This isn’t a private tour. Requests for personal filming sessions, individual terrain choices, or one-on-one guiding or coaching aren’t part of the product. If that’s what you’re looking for, we offer private guiding and would love to talk you through those options.

The group dynamic matters. The riders who get the most out of a Mint tour are the ones who show up ready to ride with a group, not just alongside one. If you’re not sure whether a group tour is the right fit, reach out and we’ll help you figure it out.

ARE LIFT TICKETS INCLUDED?

Yes. All lift tickets are included for every resort we visit throughout the week. Your Guide handles purchase and distribution each day. Some resorts may be covered by Ikon or Epic passes, but no refunds or discounts are available if you hold a valid pass. Resort selection is based on conditions, so specific locations are not guaranteed. If riding particular Ikon or Epic resorts is a priority, a private tour is a better fit.

WHAT IS THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE?

Every guest stays in a private Queen Room with ensuite at a 3-star modern hotel in central Morioka. All rooms are single occupancy i.e. one person per room. If you’re traveling with a partner, the Queen Room can be booked for twin occupancy i.e. two people per room.

WHAT SKI AREAS DO WE VISIT?

We ride a mix of well-known resorts and smaller local areas across the Morioka region, selected daily based on conditions. You can expect to ride places like Appi and Geto Kogen, along with smaller zones that often deliver some of the best days of the trip. Not every location we visit is listed. Part of the experience is being taken to places you wouldn’t find on your own.

IS THIS A BACKCOUNTRY TOUR?

No. This is a resort-based tour focused entirely on riding within resort boundaries. That doesn’t mean groomers — the focus is still powder, tree runs, and natural terrain. Japan’s in-bounds riding can be incredibly good, especially around the Morioka region, where deep snow, playful terrain, and powder-filled trees are all easily accessed from the lifts. Some of the best days on tour are spent lapping fresh in-bounds powder and weaving through tree zones without ever needing to leave the resort. If you’re looking for backcountry access, hiking, or more technical terrain, our Freeride Tours would be a better fit.

WHAT TERRAIN WILL WE RIDE?

Riding is centered around trees, ungroomed terrain, and natural features, all within resort boundaries. Expect a mix of powder-filled tree runs, playful terrain, and varied snow conditions across a range of different mountains throughout the week.

WHAT DAYS DO WE RIDE?

Five consecutive days, Monday to Friday. We ride weekdays when the resorts are quieter. This structure also makes back-to-back tours easy. You can finish one tour on Saturday and start another on Sunday with time to travel between destinations.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN THE GROUP?

A maximum of 6 guests and 1 Guide. Small groups keep things moving and allow better access to terrain throughout the day.

WHAT IF I’M TRAVELING SOLO?

Most guests travel solo. You’ll have your own private room for the full duration of the trip.

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?

A moderate level of fitness is recommended. You’ll be riding five consecutive days in powder and tree terrain, so you should feel comfortable spending full days on snow and recovering well overnight.

ARE DINNERS INCLUDED?

Yes, 6 dinners are included throughout the week and hosted each night by local Guide Kei. A serious foodie with deep knowledge of Morioka’s food and sake scene, Kei curates the dinner experience around his favorite local restaurants, izakaya, and regional specialties.

Dinners are shared as a group and are a big part of the overall tour experience. Drinks are not included and are paid individually each night. If you have strict dietary requirements or highly specific food preferences, this tour may not be the best fit, as group dining in regional Japan can make some requests difficult to accommodate.

WHAT HAPPENS ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAYS?

No riding is scheduled on arrival or departure days. Your Guide will meet you at Morioka Station on arrival and arrange your return transfer at the end of the trip.

IS THIS TOUR OPEN TO SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS?

This tour is open to snowboarders. Our Guides are snowboarders, and terrain choices are built around snowboard-specific riding. Experience has shown us that mixed groups don’t serve either discipline well. If you’re a skier, we offer private guiding options. Get in touch and we’ll help you find the right fit.

ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?

Flights are not included. Our tour managers can recommend flight options to help with your planning.

DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Yes. We recommend a comprehensive snow-specific policy that covers trip cancellation. This should be arranged once your booking is confirmed.

HOW DO I BOOK AND WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Get in touch via the website, email, or phone and we’ll send you a quote. When you’re ready, accept the quote online and pay your deposit to secure your spot. You’ll then complete a Guest Registration Form and Waiver, after which you’ll receive your Pre Departure Guide covering everything you need to prepare for the trip. Thirty days before departure we’ll collect your arrival details for transfer planning.

CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?

No. Quality rental equipment is not available in Morioka. You’ll need to bring your own gear. Powder-specific equipment is recommended and a full gear list is included in your Pre Departure Guide.

HOW DO I GET TO MORIOKA?

Full transport and logistics guidance is included in your Pre Departure Guide, sent after booking.

HOW DO I CHECK AVAILABILITY?

Get in touch with our team. With only 6 spots per tour, weeks fill quickly. It’s worth reaching out early if you have preferred dates in mind.

Questions or Ready to Book?

QUESTIONS OR READY TO BOOK

If you’ve got questions or want to check availability, get in touch with our team and we’ll walk you through the details.

Ready to book? Reach out and we’ll get your spot secured.

🌐 Send a request HERE
📧 Email [email protected]
📞 Call +1 503 994 1919

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

View our terms and conditions here

FEATURED DEPARTURES

BALDFACE VALHALLA TOUR

CANADA

ASAHIKAWA FREERIDE

JAPAN

OTARU FREERIDE

JAPAN

ARCTIC LAPLAND TOUR

FINNISH LAPLAND

INNSBRUCK FREERIDE

AUSTRIA

MINT WOMEN ITALY

EUROPE
EXPLORE
Enquire