AN AUTHENTIC JAPANESE DEEP POWDER EXPERIENCE
Ready for a week of non-stop powder laps? The Myoko Explorer Tour drops you into a central hub with incredible access. The Myoko area is a renowned snow magnet, consistently hammered with some of Japan’s heaviest snowfall, where waist-deep powder is the norm thanks to its proximity to the Sea of Japan. This tour also unlocks opportunities to explore other destinations throughout Nagano and Niigata.
Surrounding our base in Myoko is a stacked lineup of resorts within a convenient 10- to 60-minute drive, including Seki Onsen, Lotte Arai, Mt Kosha, Togakushi, Cupid Valley, Madarao, Tangram, Suginohara, Akakura Onsen, and Kanko. Our mission for this tour is simple: ride powder every single day. Our expert guides are on it. With their deep understanding of the area and sharp weather analysis, they’ll position you for the best possible conditions. Expect to sample a range of resorts, always chasing the best snow. A major perk is that we ride exclusively on weekdays, guaranteeing fewer crowds and more fresh tracks. Plus, night riding at our local hill keeps the shred sessions going.
This tour delivers a week of incredible snowboarding in Japan without any of the planning stress. We’ve handled the details and included nearly everything, leaving you to focus on the deep stuff. You’ll ride with a small crew (maximum 6) and stay in your own private Single Room at our onsen hotel. Sleep soundly and enjoy daily buffet breakfasts and dinners featuring fresh local ingredients. A dedicated guide will track the storms and lead you to the best snow each day, with private transport on hand and lift tickets covered. We’ll even take care of transfers from the train station on arrival and departure day. Just bring your stoke and enjoy the ride.
2026 Dates
8 Days / 7 Nights
JAN 4–10
JAN 11–18
JAN 18–25
JAN 25–FEB 1
FEB 1–8
FEB 8–15
15 - 22 FEB
22 FEB - 1 MAR
Price
USD $3,490 single room
USD $3,190 twin room
Ability Level
Intermediate to Advanced
Terrain
Resort off-piste, powder & 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. You'll be led by our qualified local and international guides who are authorized to work in Japan.
Myoko Explorer Tour
Get in touch for more info
Experience the Real Japan: Basecamp Myoko
You'll stay in Akakura Onsen, the main village that sits at the foot of the impressive Mt. Myoko. This place has a real buzz to it. It's a lively little onsen town with a proper traditional Japanese feel, so wandering around after a day of waist-deep powder is a treat in itself. You'll find cool little shops, steaming onsen baths tucked away, and a vibe that's way more authentic and less hectic than somewhere like Hakuba. It's the perfect spot to soak up the culture or to enjoy après after a day of shredding.
Unrivaled Riding Variety: Chase the Best Snow Daily
Our Myoko-based lodge puts you in prime position to access an incredible array of resorts – all within an easy 10-60 minute drive. Think Seki Onsen, Lotte Arai, Mt Kosha, Togakushi, Cupid Valley, Madarao, Tangram, Myoko Suginohara, Akakura Onsen, and Kanko, just to scratch the surface. Our mission is pure and simple: endless powder, every single day, guided by our expert snow-chasing team.
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.
All Inclusive: Your Stress-Free Powder Mission
We've handled the details and included nearly everything so you can focus on the deep stuff. Enjoy your own private room at our onsen hotel (sleep soundly!), plus daily buffet breakfasts and dinners featuring fresh local ingredients. A dedicated guide will track the storms and lead you to the best snow daily, with private transport on-hand. All lift tickets are covered, and we'll even take care of transfers from the train station on arrival and departure day.
Deep Powder Paradise: Snow & Conditions in Myoko
The season stretches from late December to mid-March. January and February are the sweet spot for deep snow – the kind you dream about. The one thing you won't have to worry about is lack of snow. Myoko's consistent snowfall, fueled by reliable storms, typically guarantees incredible powder riding all season long.
Get Stoked: We've Got Your Back Before You Even Pack!
After you're officially part of the crew, keep an eye out for our pre-trip emails hitting your screen with all the intel you need: the tour lowdown, arrival and departure day plans, where you're headed, what to cram in your bag, and other cool stuff to get you ready to roll. Got a question that's bugging you? Our tour managers are just a phone call away for a quick chat. And because we're travel experts, we can also handle the boring bits like insurance, stopovers, and any pre or post-tour escapades you're planning.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Included
✔ 7 nights accommodation, Single Room with ensuite (1 person per room)
✔ 5 days of resort guiding with qualified guides
✔ 5 day lift ticket
✔ Fully-escorted tour, guide on hand throughout the tour
✔ Scheduled transfers from Joetsu Myoko Staton to hotel (arrival and departure day)
✔ 5 days of private transfers to and from resorts
✔ 7 buffet breakfasts at the hotel
✔ 7 dinners at the hotel
✔ Complimentary use of hotel onsen
✔ Pre tour support from Japan Tour Manager
Not Included
✘ Flights
✘ Travel insurance
✘ All lunches – expect to pay USD $6 – $15 per meal
✘ Onsen entry fee outside the hotel – expect to pay between USD $3 – $7 per visit
✘ Any meals, drinks, snacks not listed
Dates
Week 1 – 11 – 18 January, 2026
Week 2 – 18 – 25 January, 2026
Week 3 – 25 January – 1 February, 2026
Week 4 – 1 – 8 February, 2026
Week 5 – 8 – 15 February, 2026
Week 6 – 15 – 22 February, 2026
Week 7– 22 February – 1 March, 2026
Price
Single Room – USD $3,490 per person (for solo travelers)
Twin Room – USD $3,190 (for 2 people traveling together)
Multi-Tour Booking Discount
If 7 nights isn’t enough, book a multi-tour combo. Finish the Myoko Explorer Tour and start a new tour in a different destination the same 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.
Day 1 – Arrival Day (Sunday)
Welcome to Japan. Make your way to the meeting point at JoetsuMyoko Station by 3:00 PM where your guide will meet you. You will be transferred by bus to your hotel in Myoko. The drive takes about 30 minutes. After check-in, we encourage you to settle into your room, unpack, and set up your equipment for the adventure ahead. At 6:00 PM, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for an information session. Your guide will explain what’s in store for the week, the current weather, run through equipment, and answer any questions you have. After the information session, join your guide for dinner at the hotel. It’s a great opportunity to get to know the other guests and your guide.
Day 2 to 6 – Guided Days (Monday to Friday)
You’ll spend the next five days riding in Myoko and the surrounding resorts. The tour itinerary is flexible so you can ride at the best resort on the day. Your guide will monitor storm cycles to ensure you’re scoring the best conditions, as weather and snowfall affect each resort differently. There are plenty of resorts to choose from, and driving times can range from 10 to 60 minutes depending on weather, snowfall, and the group’s appetite for adventure. Each day will follow a similar format:
Mornings – The breakfast buffet is open early, and you’re encouraged to enjoy breakfast at your leisure. Your guide will advise the departure time the evening before, but expect to depart around 7:45 to 8:15 AM each morning. Times might vary throughout the week for several factors, but rest assured your guide has the group’s best interests in mind. Each morning your guide will send a WhatsApp message with details on the weather, snow conditions, and information about where you’ll be riding. Please be ready to depart on time with all your equipment, and don’t forget to bring cash for lunch.
Throughout the day – Once at the resort, the aim is to spend a full day on-mountain. Your guide will take the guesswork out of it and give you a local’s perspective from day one. Be the first into the trees and hit the secret powder stashes. They also know the best places for lunch and have all the photo spots dialed.
Afternoons – After riding, your guide will make plans according to time, the group’s interests, and energy levels. You could find yourself at an onsen, stopping off at a sushi train, grabbing snacks at a 7-Eleven, or checking out another local spot before returning to the hotel.
Evenings – On return to the hotel, you’ve got free time. Head to the onsen to relax, grab a drink with the crew at one of the nearby après bars, or explore the village. Each night you’ll regroup for dinner at the hotel to share stories about the day’s turns.
Day 7 – Free Day (Saturday)
Saturday is unguided and completely up to you. Want to spend another day riding at the local resorts? Go for it. Prefer to take a break and explore more of Japan? Head out on your own adventure, like visiting the famous Snow Monkeys or soaking in a local onsen town. No set plans, no group schedule—just a full day to do whatever you’re feeling.
Day 8 – Departure Day (Sunday)
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out. All good things must come to an end, and after a big week of riding, your guide will transfer you back to the train station and say goodbye.
Before you book, we’ll ask you to self-assess whether this tour matches your ability. We want you to have the best time possible—and your skill level plays a big part in that. Being realistic about your current riding ability, experience, pace, and fitness will help ensure you’re set up for success. Not totally sure if it’s the right fit? No worries—just reach out. Our team is always happy to chat and help you find the tour that suits you best.
Ability Requirements
To join this tour, you should be riding at an intermediate to advanced level. That means:
✔ Your comfortable riding off-piste
✔ You can ride at a moderate pace in trees
✔ You are confident in most conditions
✔ You can safely navigate around hazards, i.e. trees, obstacles
Pace
We ride at a steady, continuous pace with regular breaks. You don’t need to be fast—just confident and consistent. If the conditions get spicy or the trees tighten up, you might slow down a bit, and that’s totally fine. Need to sit out a lap or take a breather? No worries. It’s about keeping the flow, not racing to the bottom.
Fitness
No need to be a machine—but some endurance is important. You’ll be on snow for five consecutive days, so you’ll need enough fitness to keep up and enjoy every lap.
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?
A 5 day lift ticket is included for this tour.
Who Is The Guide?
You’ll be led by a genuinely stoked guide to make your trip legendary – think shredding secret stashes with a new best friend who also happens to have the expert skills to keep you safe and the good times rolling.
Budgeting For The Tour
An estimate of spending money for the week is around USD $300 – $400 to cover lunches, dinners, snacks and incidentals. Here’s an indication of what you can expect to pay for meals and activities:
- 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
- Lift ticket if you opt to ride on the 6th day – expect to pay USD $60
How Far In Advance Do I Need To Book?
This is a small group tour with limited availability. 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.
What Is The Terrain Like?
On this tour you will ride a mix of in-bounds terrain. There’s a range of terrain from playful or challenging tree runs, some with features such as pillows and drops. Expect deep snow, soft landings and lots of fun features. Generally speaking, Japan doesn’t have steep terrain, but be prepared for riding in the trees and deep snow.
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?
The accommodation for this tour is Single Rooms i.e. you have your own private room for the tour. About 99% of our guests are traveling solo, so you’ll be in good company. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snowboarding and an eagerness to explore all that Japan has to offer.
How Many People On My Tour?
Your tour group will have a maximum of 6 guests, and 1 guide.
Which Resorts Will We Visit?
The Myoko 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 Seki Onsen, Lotte Arai, Mt Kosha, Togakushi, Cupid Valley, Madarao, Tangram, Myoko Suginohara, Akakura Onsen, and Kanko to name a few.
Can I Arrive Early or Stay On After The Tour?
Yes, pre or post tour accommodation can be arranged. For guests flying from the US or Europe, we recommend arriving a day before your tour starts to help with jetlag. We can tailor the trip to suit your travel plans. Speak with one of our tour specialists when you are booking and they will be more than happy to assist.
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 required. 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 The Meeting Point On Arrival Day?
Once you’ve booked, you’ll be provided with a guide which contains all the info on how to get to Myoko, either by train or bus.
How Do I Check Availability?
Speak with one of our tour managers. As this is a small group tour with limited availability, it’s best to get in touch early to avoid disappointment.
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.
Who Will Be On My Tour?
Your group will be made up of travelers from diverse backgrounds and will be varied in age. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snowboarding and an eagerness to explore all that Japan has to offer.
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
Ready to lock it in?
Shoot us an email at [email protected]
or give us a call +1 503 994 1919
Deposits & Payments
To secure your spot, a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 90 days before your tour kicks off.
Terms & Conditions
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